Dr. Albert Gallatin Clopton, M. D. Sixth President State Medical Association of Texas

Handbook of Texas Online - CLOPTON, ALBERT GALLATIN

He was born near Eaton, Georgia, In 1828, and was the son of Dr. Alford Clopton. He was a direct descendant of the Cloptons who owned and lived at the birthplace of Shakespeare, at Stratford- on-Avon In the seventeenth century and who were among the first immigrants to the Virginia Colony. His father was born near Richmond, Va., about the close of the Revolutionary War; in early manhood he moved to Eaton, Ga.. where he practiced medicine until 1832, when he removed to Macon, and became president of the Commercial National Bank. Dr. A. G. Clopton resided with his parents until his maturity, and was for several years under the immediate instruction of the famous educator Marvin M. Mason. At 17 he became imbued with romantic ideas about the city of Mexico, and the "Halls of the Montezumas," and left school without warning to enlist in Capt. R. E. Ligon's Company of volunteers, organized under the call of General Gaines, for active service in Mexico. The company embarked from Mobile to Brazos Santiago, where It remained until disbanded, the same year, 1846, by General Taylor. At the age of 20 he studied law for one year, and then abandoned law for medicine, graduating from the University Louisiana, in 1851, and settled in Arkansas. Before beginning the practice of medicine, moved again by the spirit of adventure, he visited Texas, traveled alone on its frontier, and enlisted for six months in Shapley P. Ross' command of Texas Rangers. He practiced medicine at Camden, Arkansas, for three years, then located in Cass County, Texas, in 1854. In November of the same year, he married Miss Anna Henderson. In that county he combined farming with his profession, did a large practice for six years, then moved to Jefferson. He advocated secession in public speeches, was a member of the secession convention, voted in favor of it, and organized in Cass County and commanded the second infantry company, which entered the Confederate service from Texas. The company was incorporated in the First Texas Regiment in General Hood's brigade. After a few engagements with the enemy, he was promoted to major of his regiment, and commanded it in the first charge, which resulted victoriously, saving the transportation train of the Army of Virginia. At the reorganization of the Army of Virginia, he declined to continue with the Army, though he received from General Hood a written commendation for gallantry in battle. He attached himself to the medical staff, where he remained until the surrender. He returned to Jefferson at the close of the war, and again became active In his profession. He was elected the sixth President of the Texas State Medical Association at its Dallas meeting in April, 1874. He also took a lively interest in all political matters affecting the welfare of the country. He always advocated that political leadership should be on a higher plane and that sectionalism should be abandoned to work for the good of the whole country. In 1876, he entered the race for Congress, but withdrew in favor of his fellow townsman and friend, David B. Culberson. He possessed a scholarly education and was recognized as an impressive orator. In 1886, he delivered before the State University at Austin, a eulogy upon the life and character of Dr. Ashbel Smith, which was regarded by all who heard It as a masterly delineation of that learned and eccentric, yet lovable physician.

Dr. Albert Gallatin Clopton, after a short illness died at Texarkana, June 21st. The double funeral of Dr. Clopton and his wife, who died June 22nd, was conducted in Jefferson from the Methodist Church by their pastor and by the Masonic Lodge. Dr. and Mrs. Clopton were honored and beloved by all who knew them. They are survived by a daughter, Mrs. George Helme of Texarkana. They are buried in the Oakwood Cemetery.

Texas State Journal of Medicine‎ - Page 343

by Texas Medical Association - 1917

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