The subject of this sketch was born in Hillsborough County, Florida, March 8, 1862, where his mother was temporarily residing with her parents during the absence of her husband in the confederate army, but the home of his ancestors for more than sixty years has been in the western part of Levy County, where he was brought up on a farm. He was deputy clerk of Levy County for several years under Mr. J. M. Barco and came to Ocala in 1885 to accept a similar position in this county under the late Gen. Robert Bullock, which position he held for several years. In 1888 he was appointed county tax collector and filled out the unexpired term of the late W. P Trantham, who resigned. In 1090 he took charge of the Marion County Abstract Company owned at that time by M. R. Bacon and James Cribbett and remained in charge until the office was sold to Mr. L. D. Davidson. In 1892 he was elected city clerk, which office he resigned in 1893 to become manager of the Security Abstract Company whose set of books were written up under his personal supervision and the management of this office has always been in his hands, he now being made owner and proprietor.

He was elected city tax collector in 1897 and held that office for nine years. He served as secretary of the democratic executive committee of Marion County for ten years.

On January 31, 1895, he was married to Miss Irene Brooks, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Brooks, of Martel. He  is a Mason, a charter member of Ocala Lodge No. 12, Knights of Pythias, which lodge has honored him with the highest honors it can bestow. As an all-around good citizen, Mr Clyatt is to be commended.