[1] John Clopton was born in St. Peter's Parish, near Tunstall, New Kent County in the Colony of Virginia on February 7, 1756.

[3] Upon returning to Virginia, Clopton served in the New Kent County militia with many of his relatives, and his father furnished them with supplies and clothing.

[5] New Kent County voters elected Clopton as one of their representatives in the Virginia House of Delegates in 1789 and re-elected him twice, so he served until 1791, first alongside veteran legislator Burwell Bassett, then John Hockaday and finally William Chamberlayne.

A leading proponent of strict constructionist views in the House, Clopton was one of the few representatives who opposed the Second Bank of the United States on constitutional grounds.

Future President John Tyler was elected to fill the vacancy caused by Clopton's death.