Middletown transcript., 1896-01-18
nRNnY CLAYTON.

q
night and cast shadow o'er the town ant
community. carrying desolation ane
mourning notonly to his own hearthstone
but to all who knew him, for he was mai
universally loved and honored because o
his many sterling qualities of heart and
mind.
Mr.. Clayton left home OH Tuesday after
noon of last week, in fine health and
spirits, anticipating the pleasure of visi
with his nieces and nephews in Baltimore
| Only the day before he referred to his ex
cellent health, and said for several months
he had felt as well and vigorous as ever in
his life, and his apparent complete restora'
tion to health alter several years of suffer
ing, was observed by his friends with much
pleasure and there was every indication OF
his having many years yet of usefulness
and happiness. On Wednesday,, accom-
panied by his brother-in-law, Richard
Lockwood, of Baltimore. he went to An
napolis to witness the Inaugural of Gov,
Lowndes, and there he had the first indi-
cation of heart trouble and was seized with
severe attack of heart-failure, superin-
duced, it was thought, by over-exertion in
walking from the wharf to the scene OF
the Inaugural ceremonies and the general
excitement of the occasion. But he re-
covered from this attack SO readily and
was so soon himself again that he gave
little or no thought to the matters and when
he returned to Baltimore. entered into the
various pleasures planned for his enjoy
ment with heartiness most gratifying to
his friends. On Friday, while walking
along the street, he had second attack of
heart-failure, which, however was
very slight. and soon passed off. On Satur-
day evening he went out for walk with
his nephew, john M. Naudain, and when
opposite the Academy of Music, he had the
fatalattack which ended his life in a few
minutes. He stopped in the lobby of the
Music hall, hoping to regain his strength;
medical aid was summoned and he was
removed across the street to the Office of
DR.. De Leon Avery, dentist, and there, at
quarter after eight, he passed away, just
half hour after leaving the house of his
friends in his usual health.
His remains were brought to his home
here on the midnight train Sunday night,
accompanied by his niece and nephew,
Capt. and Mrs. w. g. Eliason, and also
Mrs. Andrew Jones of Wilmington.
Henry Clayton was the second son of the
late Col. Joshua Clayton for many years
one of the most prominent and best known
men of this county. He was born OH Bo-
hemia Manor, Jan .3rd, 1889, After receiving
the best educational advantages of this
locality he completed his education at PEN
nington Seminary, N. J. In 1860 he was
married to Miss Margaret Lockwood,
youngest daughter of the late Richard
Lockwood, her oldest sister. Martha, having
become the second wife of Mr.. Clayton S
father, Col. Clayton. He settled on beau
tiful farm, adjoining the old.homestead,sur-
rounded by his brothers. and then, for over
twenty years he followed the pursuits of a
high-grade farmer, and lived the ideal life
of well-to-do country gentleman. He
drew about him circle of friends, young
and old, who found his home a centre of
radiance from which emanated the best
and purest influences. and the pleasant
memories of those happy days will linger
long in the minds of the many who shared
the hospitality of that happy home.
Mr.. Clayton was man of sound judg-
ment and rare business sagacity, and in
recognition of his ability and other qualifi-
cations he was elected President of the Citi-
zens' National Bank of this town in 1874
which position he held at the time of his
death. In 1882 he moved from the country
and took up his residence in Middletown,
having become interested in canning en-
terprise, which, however, was soon aban-
doned. He became identified with every
progressive movement Of the town and was
a useful and valued citizen, and always
found on the right side of every question
pertaining to the moral and social welfare
of the community. Heserved the town as
Commissioner and also as a member of the
Board of Education. but never held any
political Office. He belieYed in the princi-
Piles of the Democratic party, but was
always very conservative in his politi-
cal views. During the pastorate of Rev. G.
F. Sheppard at Bethel NJ. E, Church he
was conve rted and united with that church
and upon coming to Middletown he identi-
fled himself with the Bethesda Church, of
which he became staunch and liberal sup
porter, always ready to render financial
aid, or to give needed counsel, and i'll his
daily walk lived an exemplary christian
life. He was one upon whom the church
could always rely and in his own quiet, Jun
ostentatious way, he was felt as great
power for good. He was a devoted Bible
student. and all along the margin of the
pages of his Bible are marks which note the
passages he cherished the most.
His home was ever the dearest spot on
earth to him. and the companionship of
his devoted wife his all in all. The early
years of their life together flowed on
as smoothly as a summer sea, with scarce
but their love and devotion shone forth as
sweetly in later years when, amid sickness,
sorrow, losses and disappointments the
tempests of life beat about them. Mr..
Clayton was a man of unresting energy,
and his lie was one of toll. He was care
full and considerate of the comfort of others,
and at all times and in all places was a
courteous, christian gentleman. His death
at the earlyage of 81, in the full vigor oil ma
ture manhood, is one of the deep mysteries
that battle the undiscerning eye of morta
man. The loss is all ours. The bereaved
ones have the comforting assurance that
he is in the land of never ending rest, and
there they will NEE. him where sorrows
are all forgotten, wounded hearts forever
healed and never tender tie be broken.
His wife and two sons, Thomas R. and DR..
Harry L. survive him.
The funeral from his late residence on
Cass Street, took place on Wednesday
nornino and was LARGELY attended. His