My Genealogy Hound

John M. Clayton, who was prominent among the men of Jefferson County that have passed away, was born near Chester, Penn., on October 13,1840, and was a son of John and Ann (Glover) Clayton. He was reared and remained on a farm until attaining his maturity, obtaining in the meantime a good education at the common schools and academies of his birthplace. When the Civil War commenced, although yet in his youth, he gallantly enlisted, and served in the Army of the Potomac, participating in nearly all of the important engagements. Shortly after the war was over, he removed to Jefferson County, Ark., with his young wife, and located on the farm of his brother, Gen. Powell Clayton, who had preceded him here several years, and who took an active part in the Rebellion. Gen. Clayton became one of the most prominent men of Arkansas, having been elected to the highest office in the State—Governor, and also United States Senator. John M. Clayton remained on the farm for several years, and was very successful as a planter. He held his first office in the township of Richland, being elected justice of the peace, and subsequently was elected to the State Senate, holding the speaker’s chair for a short time pro tem. In 1876 he was elected sheriff of Jefferson County, and held that office for ten years, being re-elected at the expiration of each term. In the fall of 1888 he became a candidate for Congress, his opponent being Hon. Mr. Breckenridge. The contest was very close, with Mr. Breckenridge receiving the certificate. It was, however, decided to contest the validity of the election, and while doing so, on January 19, 1889, Mr. Clayton was foully assassinated, being shot while sitting near a window. This cowardly deed aroused the indignation of the press and people throughout the country, but up to the present writing his murderers have never been brought to justice. Mr. Clayton is buried at Pine Bluff, by the side of his devoted wife, who died several years previous. Mr. Clayton was a law-abiding and upright citizen. He had a host of friends in Jefferson County, and especially in Pine Bluff, and his loss was deeply felt throughout the community. Politically, he was a Republican, and in secret societies a Mason, and also held the office of Deputy Grand Master of the Knights Templar at the time of his assassination. He left six children to mourn him, the eldest being Miss Emma Clayton, the present postmistress at Pine Bluff, who received her appointment in July, 1889.