Dr. Newton E. Charlton

[?]

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 Vevay, Indiana 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 
practiced his profession. In July 1898 he located at Clayton, New Mexico, 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 United States Government. After 
a few years, as the village grew, 

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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 
forward with a donation of land on which to erect the building. Then again, 
when the town of Clayton by this time, had became an incorporated town, was in 
need of a highway through its center, 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 87, as it enters the town from the South, on a 
portion of the former homestead of this progressive pioneer. [??] 

He had the destinction of being elected the first Mayor of Clayton, serving in 
this capacity from April, 1910 to April, 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 benefited by his wise leadership. 

During the World War he was examining physician for the local selectors 
service board, and since coming to Clayton, has owned and had financial 
interest in several drug stores and was a stockholder in two of its banks, and 
held the position of directorin. 

He was an honored member of the Masonic lodge, joining when  

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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. Earl 
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, September 1, 1936. 

Credit: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, WPA Federal Writers' Project 
Collection.

Union

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