D.A. Claiborn was born September 2, 1839 in Sumner County, Tennessee. At the
time of his death, March 16, 1931, he was 91 years, six months and 14 days old.
When he was two years old, his parents moved in an ox wagon from the place of
his birth to the state of Missouri and finally located in Camden County. There
he lived to manhood. When the cause of the Civil War arose, he enlisted with
the Union Army and served until near the close of the war, when in the Battle of
Vicksburg he received a wound in his right arm which necessitated its loss.
On the 18th day of October, 1865, he was married to Jane E. Huffman and soon
after his marriage moved to a homestead near Crocker on Bell's Creek in Pulaski
County. He and his widow have loved on the same farm for the past 65 years.
To this union were born 11 children. Two died as children and Arthur died
December 3, 1920. Surviving him are his widow, eight children: Ousley Claiborn
and Dr. E.G. Claiborn of Decaturville, Missouri; H.A. Claiborne of Wister,
Oklahoma; Dr. Drura Claiborn of Big Timber, Montana; Mrs. Belle Layman of
Collinsville, Oklahoma; W.I. Claiborn, Mrs. Fannie Salveter and Mrs. Carrie
Hamilton, all of Crocker, Missouri. He is also survived by one brother, Judge
W.F. Claiborne of Decaturville, Missouri.
Mr. Claiborn, during his years of activity, served as a member of the Pulaski
County Court for two terms. He taught one of the first schools ever taught in
Pulaski County. He made many useful contributions to the social and community
life during the time that he lived, and the power of his character will have its
influence for good on generations yet to come. His passing away is a deep loss
felt by all who knew him. Let us believe that as he passed to the other side he
felt upon his wasted brow the breath of eternal morning.