Document text
Hodges, Carrie L.
9, 11, 36. cl 580 words.
PIONEERS OF NEW MEXICO
Dr. Newton E. Charlton.
One of the most honored and respected citizens, as well
as a highly distinguished member of the medical profession,was
Dr. N. E. Charlton of Clayton, New Mexico, who practiced his
profession at this place for a period of thirty-three years.
He was born on a farm near VevaysIndiana in November 1851,
where he was reared. In 1866, at the age of fifteen years, the
Charlton family moved to the town of Vevay, where he attended
the public schools. He also attended Hanover College, after
which he followed the profession of instructor of schools for
two years. He then began the study of medicine under direction
of Dr. Holland at Bennington, Indiana, but completing the course
in the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, graduating in 1876.
He practiced for several years at Forest Hill, Indiana, when the
allure of the West fascinated him and he wended his way westward
to Trinidad, Colorado, where, for about twelve years he practic-
ed his profession. In July 1898 he located at Clayton, New Mex-
ico, and at that time was preceded by only one other physician.
At this place he actively engaged in the practice of medicine and
surgery and was always interested in civic welfare.
At an early date, he homesteaded 160 acres on the outskirts
of Clayton on which he lived and received a Patent from the Unit-
ed States Government. After a few years, as the village grew,
this property was included in the corporate limits. Dr.
Charlton, always of a generous nature, gave liberally to all
enterprises of a worthy nature. When Clayton was struggling
to build a hospital, it was this generous man who came for-
ward with a donation of land on which to erect the building.
Then again, when the town of Clayton by this time, had become
an incorporated town, was in need of a highway through its cen-
ter, it was Dr. Charlton who furnished a generous share of land
for same, and today, one travels for approximately one-half
mile on paved highway g7, as it enters the town from the South,
on a portion of the former homestead of this progressive pioneer.
He had the destination of being elected the first Mayor of
Clayton, serving in this capacity from April, 1910 to Apri1,1914,
and during the litigation which resulted in the dissolution of the
corporation.
Later the town was again incorporated, and again Dr. Charlton
was elected Mayor, serving from April,1918 to April, 1920. It was
during his term of office that the municipal light and water
plants were installed, and in many other ways, the town was bene-
fited by his wise leadership.
During the World War he was examining physician for the loc-
al selectors service board, and since coming to Clayton, has own,
ed and had financial interest in several drug stores and was a
stockholder in two of its banks, and held the position of direct-
torin.
He was an honored member of the Masonic lodge, joining when
only twenty-one years of age.
Dr. N. E. Charlton was married to Miss Susan McGregor
in Falmouth, Indiana, January, 1878 and to this union were
born three children, Madge, now Mrs. Ur). Messenger, Alice
and Dale, all living in Clayton, New Mexico.
Dr. Charlton passed to the Great Beyond September 5,
1931, and though only a few years have elapsed since his
Passing, Clayton yet feels the great loss of his guiding
hand professionally, Civically and Individually.
BIBLIOGRAPHY.
1 Data furnished through courtesy City Light and Water
Office, Clayton, New Mexico, September 1, 1936.
2 Same as No. 1.
All other data furnished by Miss Alice Charlton,
Clayton, New Mexico, daughter of Dr. Charlton, Septem-
ber 1, 1936.