Name Bertram Clayton Role American Politician | Died May 30, 1918, France | |
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Education United States Military Academy | ||
Bertram Tracy Clayton (October 19, 1862 – May 30, 1918) was an American soldier and politician.
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 resigned in 1888, intending to work as a civil engineer, but went on to serve with Troop C, New York Volunteer Cavalry (Brooklyn's Own) during the Spanish–American War in Puerto Rico, winning distinction.
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. 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.
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.