Born in Prince George County, Maryland, August 30, 1815. He received a liberal education at Bladensburg Academy, studied law, was admitted to the bar and entered upon the practice of his profession. He served two terms in the House of the Maryland Legislature as a Whig. In 1850 he removed to Iowa, locating at Keokuk, where he practiced law and became editor of the Keokuk Constitution. When the Whig party disappeared Mr. Clagett united with the Democrats and in 1857 was elected judge of the First District. In 1859 he was elected to the House of the Eighth General Assembly and at once became one of the leading members. He served in the extra session of May, 1861, called to organize the military forces of the State for the Civil War. Judge Clagett took a deep interest in fine stock and general farming and was one of the founders of the Lee County Agricultural Society and in 1853 he also helped to organize the State Agricultural Society and was its president for four years. He was a man of generous impulses and fine social qualities. Judge Clagett died in Keokuk on the 15th of April, 1876.