CLINTON, H. Clay: Died 1879

CLINTON

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 6/2/2026 at 00:02:42

Birmingham Enterprise
Thu, Nov 13, 1879 · Page 3

DIED—At his residence, in Birmingham, Sunday morning, Nov. 9th, 1879, of General Debility, H. CLAY CLINTON, aged 65 years, 3 months and 9 days.

The deceased was born in Baltimore, Maryland, July 31st, 1814. Was married to his now bereaved widow in the city of Philadelphia, in 1850. Shortly after marriage he moved to Wheeling, Va., where he resided a short time, moving to Iowa in 1854, settling at Vernon, in this county, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession. He took up his his residence in Birmingham 19 years ago next spring. During his residence in Van Buren county Mr. Clinton filled several positions of honor and trust. At one time he was Deputy Clerk, and was appointed to fill an unexpired term as county Superintendent. During President Johnson’s administration, he was post master at this place, and many is the time we have heard the remark that Birmingham never had a better qualified man in the office. In 1878 he was elected Secretary of the school board and has filled the office acceptable ever since. In fact our Board will find it a hard matter to fill his place. He has also been Mayor of the city and councilman several times.

During his life he was an energetic, enterprising citizen, giving liberally of his time and limited means toward any and every measure that would benefit or improve the place; and many are the improvements that now beautify and adorn the town, that locate their origin with him. One that now comes to our mind is our beautiful park. Himself, with a few others, conceived the idea of fencing it and setting out shade trees, and he never let up until it was accomplished, giving time and money, and now we boast of as beautiful a Park as any inland town in the State.

No man in the town took a greater interest in educational matters than H. Clay Clinton, visiting the schools and by his presence and advice cheering teachers and pupils to renewed energy.

During his illness which extended over a period of over three years, nearly all of which time he was confined to the house, he suffered greatly; but, he bore it all meekly, never complaining of his lot, nor finding fault with his physician or nurse, trusting that he was receiving the best of care and attention. He leaves a wife and six children to mourn his loss, and it is the duty of every citizen to remember his good deeds, watch over this now bereaved family and to whisper good counsel in their ears. His funeral took place in the Presbyterian church, Rev. Hunter officiating, and was according to the rites of the Episcopal church. A large concourse of citizens were present to assist in administering the last sad rites and follow the remains to their last resting place in the beautiful cemetery east of town.