Newton Nash Clements

Who was Newton Nash Clements?

Newton Nash Clements was a U.S. Representative from Alabama.

Born in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, Clements was graduated from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa in 1858. During his time at the University, he became the first pledge member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He entered Harvard University in 1859. He studied law but never practiced. During the Civil War entered the Confederate States Army as a captain in the Twenty-sixth Alabama Regiment, afterward the Fiftieth Alabama Regiment. Successively promoted to major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel. He served as member of the State house of representatives 1870-1872 and 1874–1878, serving as speaker in 1876, 1877, and 1878.

Clements was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-sixth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Burwell B. Lewis and served from December 8, 1880, to March 3, 1881. He was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1880. Largely interested in planting and cotton manufactures. He died in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, February 20, 1900. He was interred in Evergreen Cemetery.