Descendants of Eliza Burgwin

Descendants of Eliza Burgwin Clitherall

As of May 4th, 2025, the total number of accounted individuals who can claim direct descent from Eliza Burgwin Clitherall is 120. This number comprises of all of Eliza's children up to her great-great-grandchildren, with the majority of these individuals residing in Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama throughout their lives.

Naming Patterns

The naming conventions within Eliza's descendants reveal a strong connection to her legacy and a scense of family heritage. The surname "Burgwin" or "Burgwyn" appears as a first or middle name in 4 instances among her descendants. In contrast, the surname "Clitherall" is more prevalent, appearing as a first or middle name 13 times among both male and female direct descendants.

"Eliza" or "Elizabeth" is shared by 7 individuals among her direct female descendants as a first or middle name. Additionally, 6 direct female descendants bear the name "Caroline" exclusively as a first name. Another notable trend is the occurrence of the name "Madelaine" in 8 female descendants, which can be traced back to Eliza's daughter Madelaine Mary Clitherall (1818-1885).

Government Officials and Military Positions

Eliza's male descendants have a history of serving in government positions, primarily in Alabama. During the Civil War, several male descendants served the Confederacy as either military personnel or in political offices.

One notable example is Eliza's youngest son, Alexander Baron Clitherall. He served as the temporary private secretary to Jefferson Daivs, President of the Confederate States. Alexander also carried Davis’ first message, appointing his cabinet, to the Confederate Congress. Shortly after, he was appointed Register of the Confederate Treasury Department and served until his failing health caused him to return home.

Several of Eliza's female descendants have been members of hereditary societies, reflecting their prominent social status. Some such as her eldest daughter, Eliza Clitherall Moore, participated in Ladies' Associations that contributed to the care of Confederate soldiers and the establishment of Confederate monuments within Alabama.

As the United States began to allow women into the military, several of Eliza's later female descendants found ways to serve their country. Two of her more recent descendants are Caroline Grandin Bradford and Jeanne Fitzhugh Elwood, who served in World War I and World War II respectively. Both women served as Yeoman in the United States Navy, which was an enlistment position specializing in clerical and administrative work.