Obituary of Sam Dyke

S. C. DYKE PASSES THURSDAY EVENING

Retired Manufacturer Died of Paralytic Stroke at Home Here Was Known As Pottery Manufacturer   Made First Marble In U.S.

Samuel Comley Dyke, retired manufacturer, died at his home here at 6:40 o’clock Thursday evening following a brief illness. Death was caused by paralysis but came unexpectedly and as a great shock to members of Mr. Dyke's family and his hundreds of local friends.

The deceased was widely known as a manufacturer of pottery and until about two years ago was connected with the General Porcelain Co. of this city. His career had carried him to all parts of the United States and during President McKinley's administration he represented the United States government in research work in several foreign countries.

Mr. Dyke was nationally known as the manufacturer of the first marble ever made in the United States and he evinced deep interest in the marble tournaments conducted in Parkersburg by The Sentinel and in the national tournaments held at Atlantic City.

Mr. Dyke was an interesting conversationalist and several months ago related the story of his life to a Sentinel reporter who called at his home to ask his co operation in the city wide tournament conducted in April by The Sentinel. His home is filled with interesting remembrances of his many journeys and of his career as a manufacturer and the reporter who call on him was entertained for almost two hours by the story of his travels and business successes.

Mr. Dyke was born near Garrettsville, Ohio, and at the time of his death was 67 years old. In his youth he traveled to the west, worked as a mail carrier on the prairies and in various other occupations. He returned to the east on a boat and the story of his experiences as a cabin boy during that voyage is itself an interesting tale of adventure that would hold the attention of the travel inclined youth of today.

While a young man Mr. Dyke became interested in the pottery business and was very successful in a business way. During one of the Cleveland for president campaigns he manufactured hundreds of campaign emblems and when the election had been held and this business ended he turned his attention to the manufacture of marbles, an entirely new industry in this country. His firm manufactured marbles of all kinds, from the rather cheap pottery toy to the costly agates.

He was deeply interested in boys and this interest was reflected by the attention given the marble tournaments. At Atlantic City in 1923 he officially opened the national tournament and derived much pleasure from associations with the youthful marble players who were assembled there from all parts of the country.

The Sentinel was given his hearty co operation in staging the 1924 Parkersburg tournament and Mr. Dyke personally presented the prizes to the school and city champions at a meeting of boys held in the Lincoln theater two weeks ago. Mr. Dyke had planned to attend the 1924 national tournament at Atlantic City and had hoped to be able to assist a Parkersburg boy in winning the national championship.

Mr. Dyke's manufacturing enterprises at Akron and East Liverpool, Ohio, and in other cities were very successful and in 1913 he came to Parkersburg with the General Porcelain Co. which had purchased the Electric Porcelain Co. operated by him in East Liverpool.

He had in his possession many pottery formulae of great value and because of his wide experience in that business he carried with him a wealth of information on pottery manufacture.

Mr. Dyke's knowledge of his business was recognized by President William McKinley, who prevailed upon him to go to Europe to study pottery manufacture in Europe and Asia and a possession which he prized highly is a letter written by President McKinley calling upon all American consuls to assist him whenever possible and calling their attention to his character and standing in pottery manufacturing circles.

Two years ago Mr. Dyke sold his interest in the General Porcelain Co. to his business associates and since then has retired, residing at his residence on Lynn street. In 1916 he was married to Miss Bess Sams of this city, who died November 17, 1923. Since the death of his wife Mr. Dyke has resided alone, with the exception of a housekeeper who spent several hours at his home each day.

Thursday he complained of a pain in his right arm and during the afternoon the pain was relieved somewhat massage treatments administered by the housekeeper. He was apparently recovering when death occurred.

Mr. Dyke was a member of Parkersburg lodge No. 198 B.P.O. Elks and for many years had been a member of that order here and elsewhere. He attended several national meetings of the Elks lodge and among his possessions are souvenirs of such trips.

Mr. Dyke is survived by three daughters and one son. Mrs. Maude Breitenstein, Willis and Ethel Dyke, of Akron, Ohio and Mrs. Grace Hays, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Three brothers also survive. Relatives were expected to arrive here today to complete arrangements for the funeral.