Biographical Sketch of Dr. Adolphus Gustavus Clyne
September 26, 1855 – October 21, 1940
Doctor Adolphus G. Clyne was born in Ontario, Canada on September 26, 1855. In the 1880 U. S. Census he was living in Lead City, Lawrence, Dakota Territory, occupation listed as physician. In 1881 he moved to Greene County, Arkansas and married Nancy M. Elliott August 3 of that same year. In 1889 he graduated with honors from The Hospital College of Medicine in Louisville, Kentucky. In the 1900 U. S. Census he and Nancy were living in Saint Francis, Greene County where his occupation was physician. In the 1906 American Medical Directory his address was Bethel, Greene County and in the 1909 AMD it was Paragould. Nancy died October 27, 1921. On December 7, 1922 he and Lucy Hale Bosworth were wed in Paragould. He was again widowed when Lucy died April 5, 1939.
“Dr. Cline was employed by the city of Paragould to treat the smallpox epidemic in 1901 and was presented with a gold medal for his devoted services. Dr. Cline held several offices in the Arkansas Medical Society. Dr. Cline was one of the most respected and professional men in Greene County during his lifetime.”1
“Dr. Clyne:-On the part of the citizens of Paragould who fully appreciate your coming as a physician, your devotion to your profession and your loyalty as a citizen of Arkansas and the beloved county of Greene, I desire to present you this medal. It is of pure gold, free from amalgamation, as is your professional honor free from taint. It is set with seven diamonds, ornamenting it as your deeds of heroism at the bedside of the afflicted, ornamenting your devotion to your profession. When disease and pestilence stalked in our town, and other physicians, fearing contagion failed to visit and treat those afflicted with a loathsome disease, you, like a hero, the friend of humanity, disregarding your own safety, your own financial interest and the welfare of your family, came like the Good Samaritan of old, healing the sick and afflicted, and bringing joy and gladness into the homes of the distressed. To you the donors of this medal pay homage, trusting that when our life work is ended the great Physician to whom all our ills and pains must be carried, will cleanse you of every affliction to which humanity is heir, and admit you to that beautiful city where we are taught that pain and suffering are no more, and that you will receive a diadem set in more brilliant gems than this simple token of our esteem.”2
Dr. A. G. Clyne died at home on October 21, 1940. His obituary states: “He was chosen third vice president of the Arkansas Medical Society in 1904, and served as a member of the United States Volunteer Medical Corps during the World war. He was a member of the American Legion, the Baptist church, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Elks.”3 He is buried in Browns Chapel Cemetery, Paragould, Arkansas.
1 Greene County, Arkansas History & Families, Vol. II, page 335
2 Paragould Daily Press, July 24, 1901
3 Arkansas Gazette, Little Rock, AR, October 22, 1940, page 6
John T. Mitchell, BBA April 15, 2023