Alexander Adam Clingan, served as the first sheriff of Bradley county from 1837 to 1838. His daughter Martha Jane married Cyrus Norman.

"Alex" died at his home in 1864 after journeying through the Union lines to visit his son, Captain Judge K. Clingan, at Knoxville, where he contracted smallpox.

Alexander's wife, Martha [Blythe], died in 1868 from a spider bite and blood poisoning.