"Captain" Sidney John Clopton of Florida

Sidney Johnson Clopton was born March 2, 1910 in Brent, Florida. A direct descendant of the first William Clopton, Gentleman, and his wife, Ann (Booth) Dennett Clopton, Sidney was the son of Nathaniel Milton Clopton and Laura Herrington Clopton. On January 26, 1935, he married Agnes Elizabeth Lockwood, daughter of Charles Herbert Lockwood and Katherine Seymour. Sidney died January 25, 1978 and is buried in the Clopton Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida.

They had ten children: Chipley Arthur Clopton, Loice Benice Clopton Jackson, Sheila Mae Clare Clopton Castro Jernigan, Sidney Jeff Clopton, Johnnie Martin Clopton, Joyce Louetta Clopton Edgar, Thomas Edward Clopton, Gail Elizabeth Clopton Baglioni, David Francis Clopton, and Jerry Morris Clopton.

Although Sidney's family had farm land in Brent, Florida, near Pensacola, he decided at an early age he preferred the sea to the land. At the age of 13, he made his first fishing trip in a sailing vessel and became known to his friends as "Captain." That voyage held a fascination and a challenge. From then on he became hooked on the sea and commercial fishing. He felt fishing offered him independence he could not find on land. During his lifetime, he owned and operated eight fishing vessels. His first experiences at sea were in very primitive sailing boats and sometimes simply propelled by oars. All his sons joined him in the fishing business.

A few years before his death, he and his son, Johnny, built a ninety foot trawler which he named, Ten Kids. This trawler contained all the modern conveniences one could desire: central heat and air, television, showers, individual cabins, comfortable beds, and a complete kitchen.

"Captain" Sidney's grave is unique. Beside his tradition headstone stands a miniature lighthouse inscribed:

With this Light and the Grace of God May his Soul Rest in Peace

His headstone features a fishing boat and the inscription:

The Heart Is Bigger than the Body
Captain
Sidney J. Clopton
March 2, 1910
January 25, 1978
Anchored in a Safe Harbor

[#1109]

Contributed by :

Stella Hutoka (Richardson) Thomas
and Isabel Lancaster (Clopton) Steiner
Based on Articles Appearing in the
August 6, 1987 & April 1995 Issues of the Clopton Newsletter