Macon Telegraph, Georgia
4 April 1911
(Viewed online at GenealogyBank.)
COL. WILLIAM CLIFTON
The news of the sudden death at Darien of William Clifton was a shock to his many friends in this State. If ever a man deserved the title "apostle of sunshine," Col. Clifton did. Everybody knew him and became his friend as soon as his acquaintance was made. He never forgot a name or a face, and once introduced to him, a man, woman or child could always depend upon a warm greeting when meeting him again. His cheery, clear voice and strong, vise-like grip will be long remembered by those who met him. His acquaintance was not restricted to any city, town or place -- he made and retained friends everywhere.
He was a native of Tattnall county and was educated at the school of his brother-in-law, the late S. D. Bradwell, head of the Bradwell Institute, at Hinesville. In 1876 Mr. Clifton moved to Savannah and read law under Gen. P. W. Meldrim.
Always a good mixer, he took an active interest in politics. Several times he was prominently mentioned for Congress. Once he filled an unexpired term as Secretary of State. He was secretary of the State Senate. Col. Clifton was a representative in the lower house from Chatham county and represented the district composed of McIntosh, Liberty and Tattnall counties in the Senate. Later he became connected with the land and timber department of the Hilton-Dodge Lumber Company. In this capacity he was very successful.
