Dr. John Fielding Clopton of Virginia

A direct descendant of the first William Clopton, Gentleman, and his wife, Ann (Booth) Dennett Clopton, Dr. John Fielding Clopton was born January 16, 1831. He was the son of William Edmund Clopton and Mary Apperson Clopton. He married Wilhelmenna Sommerville Piggott. He died July 23, 1891. His wife, who was born November 9, 1850, died June 22, 1890. They had five children: John Fielding Clopton, Jr., William Edmund Clopton, Martha Amanda Clopton Call, Mary Elizabeth Clopton Watt, and George Izzard Clopton.

Dr. Clopton was a physician at Easton Hospital for the Insane in Williamsburg, Virginia. He also was a surgeon in the Confederate Army of Virginia throughout the Civil War.

An undated letter was written by Dr. Clopton to a Mrs. Shackleford. One assumes the "Willie," would be Wilhelmenna, whom he married at the age of 44 in 1875.

My Dear Madam,

Miss Willie was writing you a letter today and I have asked permission to enclose a little note in order to acknowledge your letter of the 3rd instant and to thank you for its kindness. I would have done so much sooner if I had not been absent when your letter came.

You suggest reflection. Need I tell you that I had thought earnestly and prayerfully on the subject before I dared mention it to Miss Willie, and I assure you that time and better acquaintance with Miss Willie only increases my admiration and esteem for her if that were possible. My own unworthiness is the only thing I dread, but with God's help I will try to be worthy of her and to make her happy. I shall try to get to see you some time this (illegible) and ask you to persuade her that too long engagements are not good for the soul. I will not only deign to call you my Dear Sister but will see you as my greatest benefactor.

My kindest regards to Miss Maggie if she is with you and many thanks to yourself.

I am

Very sincerely yours,

John Clopton

[#396]

Based on Information Supplied by William Clopton (Tappahannock, Virginia),
Gayle Newton, and Margaret Watkins
Originally Appearing in the Clopton Newsletter August 1992 Issue