Delaware gazette and state journal., 1896-07-09
DK. CLAYTON DEAD.
Attacked with Heart Failure and Drowned
in the Lake Near Middietown.

in the Lake Near Middietown.
Special Correspondent Of Gazette and Journal
Middletown. July 7.-Dr. Henry L.
Clayton, a prominent young physician
Of this town, was drowned at Silver
Lake, one mile south of town, yesterday
afternoon about o'clock, while fish
ing, Tho circumstances of the cad
affair, which has cast gloom over the
entire community, as told by his com
panion, z. McD. Roberts. was to the
effect that, accompanied by Mr..
Roberts. DIR. Clayton loft homo about
l O'Clock and drove to the residence of
M. M. Willis, where they obtained
fishing tackle. They at once repaired
which the doctor was particularly fond.
some distance, Mr.. Roberts occupying
the centre and the doctor the stern of
the boat. The tackle was adjusted and
the extra exertions coupled with the
extreme heat of the day so qverheated
the gentlemen that they removed their,
coats and hats. The doctor remarked
that he never felt better in his life and
was going to indulge in smoke
Suiting the action to the word, he
drew forth package OF cigars and
selecting one bit it, passing the re-
| mainder to his companion. He resumed
his seat. In few minutes Mr.
Roberts, who was busily engage with
the fishing apparatus, had his atten-
tion attracted by splash, and looking
| up beheld tho doctor's feet disappear
ing over the back of the boat. Know
ing Clayton TO be an expert diver and
swimmer. Roberts thought he was
being made the victim of practical
| Joke, of which the doctor was especially
| fond of playing upon his friends.
| He rushed TO the stern, saying for
heavens 8 sake. Doc, don't play tricks
on me" and looking over could plainly
| distinguish the body slowly settling to
the bottom, but strange to say, retain
| ing the position he had assumed before
| leaving the boat. Roberts endeavored
| to reach it with an oar, but finding
| that impossible be quickly rowed ashore
and ran TO Clothier's mills to secure
assistance, and meeting f. III. Clothier
and Mr.. Davis, the gentlemen fastened
| to the spot, and with the aid of pole,
which they had secured, succeeded in
raising the body and conveying it to
his home here.
The supposition lie that the doctor,
| who was subject to attacks of heart
| failure, was seized with one of the
attacks and falling overheard was
drowned, as during the time Mr.
Roberts stood watching the descent of
the body, unable to render any assist
ance, there was not single struggle
or effort made TO show that life was not
extinct. ..-..
DIR. Clayton was graduate Of the
Medico- Chirurgical College, and after
wards became the resident physician,
which position he held for two years.
He was considered one of the brightest
and most learned physicians on the
staff. He resigned to engage in bust
ness at Odessa. He embarked in the
new enterprise in the spring of 1894.
He married Miss Louise Downs OF
Philadelphia. He was son of the
late Henry l.. Clayton, president oil
the Citizens National Bank, of this
town, and whose unfortunate death oc,
Cured in January of the same atfilctior
at Baltimore, where he was on visit
to his niece, Mrs. Caroline Eliason.
DIR. Clayton's widow, who is visiting
in Philadelphia; his mother, who il
at present in Baltimore, and brother
survive him. He was grand nephew
of the late Hon. John M. Clayton.