Doctor Bristow Day

On August 23, 1953, Clinton County Judge Jesse Pierce and Albany Mayor J. A. Allen issued a joint proclamatian naming October 10th as "Doctor Bristow Day," to honor Dr. Samuel W. Bristow, in recognition of his long career of service to the people of Clinton and surrounding counties. The proclamation stated that Dr. Bristow, who was about to turn 80, was one of Clinton County's most useful and respected citizens and was worthy to be celebrated for his many achievements.

About 1,500 persons assembled on the Courthouse square at 11am on that special day. The Master of ceremonies was State Senator Ed P. Warinner. Burcie Stephenson, wife of the late Dr. Samuel Fulton Stephenson, who had passed away three years earlier, was one of the speakers. Judge Pierce gave a wonderful tribute and Mayor Allen spoke before introducing Dr. Bristow.

The Lee's Chapel Quartet and the Farmer Quartet sang and Rev. Shields led the audience in a song. The reverends James Walker from Albany United Methodist Church, Tom Nix from Albany First Baptist Church and George Reynolds from Burkesville Christian Church had a part in the service, and to everyone's delight, the famous Parish triplets, Ronnie, Donnie and Connie, who were delivered by Dr. Bristow in 1949, were introduced to the crowd. Many of the more than 2,000 babies he had delivered during his career were also there.

Afterwards, Dr. Bristow said the tribute to him from so many splendid friends was a great comfort and consolation for his remaining years. He passed away seven months later on May 12, 1954. Dr. Bristow had been elected to the office of Coroner in November of 1953 and a special election was held to fill his unexpired term. Sherman Appleby won.

Samuel William Bristow and his wife, Mary Ellen Bruton Bristow, who died in 1958, are buried at Gap Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Wayne County.2 May 1954.