Bertram T. Clayton

Bertram Tracy Clayton (October 19, 1862 – May 30, 1918) was an American soldier and politician who served as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1899 to 1901.

Bertram T. Clayton
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 4th district
In office March 4, 1899 – March 3, 1901
Preceded by	Israel F. Fischer
Succeeded by	Harry A. Hanbury
Personal details
Born	Bertram Tracy Clayton (1862-10-19)October 19, 1862 Clayton, Alabama, US
Died	May 30, 1918(1918-05-30) (aged 55) Noyer, France
Cause of death	Killed in action
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Mary Elizabeth D'Aubert Clayton
Alma mater	United States Military Academy
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1886–1888 1898 1901-1918
Rank	Second lieutenant Captain Colonel
Battles/wars	Spanish–American War World War I

Biography

Born on the Clayton estate near Clayton, Alabama, he went on to attend the United States Military Academy, graduating in 1886 with John J. Pershing. He was then appointed a second lieutenant in the Eleventh Regiment, United States Infantry and served until April 30, 1888, when he resigned to go into business as a civil engineer. On May 20, 1898, he went on to serve with Troop C, New York Volunteer Cavalry (Brooklyn's Own) during the Spanish–American War in Puerto Rico, winning distinction.

Tenure in Congress

After the war, Clayton served in the House of Representatives from 1899 until 1901, representing New York's fourth district. After an unsuccessful reelection bid, he was appointed as a captain in the Regular Army.

World War I

He stayed on active duty and was promoted several times up to the rank of colonel, serving in the Quartermaster Corps until World War I.

While serving in France as quartermaster of the 1st Infantry Division, Clayton was killed during a German air raid on American trenches. He was the highest-ranking West Point graduate killed in action during the war. Clayton is buried at Arlington National Cemetery with his wife, Mary Elizabeth D'Aubert Clayton.

Family

His brother, Henry De Lamar Clayton, Jr., also served as a Member of Congress from their home state, Alabama. Their father, Henry DeLamar Clayton, Sr., was a prominent judge and major general in the Confederate army during the American Civil War and president of the University of Alabama.

References

• United States Congress. "Bertram T. Clayton (id: C000492)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• Arlington National Cemetery Archived 2020-02-01 at the Wayback Machine
• Who's Who in America