In the 1851 Census, "Joseph Clayton" is listed as being 4 years old (born about 1847), born in Romiley, Cheshire, and residing with his parents, George Clayton (age 42) and Jane (age 42), and two siblings, at: Green Lane, Romiley, Cheshire, England.
History of Joseph Clayton and Grethe Jorgine (Margaret) Tollefsdatter (Olsen). Extracted from the book "George Clayton, 1810-1861, Roots and Shoots". by Gloria H. Jensen, 1983.
Joseph Clayton was born in Greenlane, Romily, Stockport, Cheshire, England, on 5 October 1847 to George and Jane Bingham Clayton. His parents had heard the restored Gospel taught in England and were baptized in 1842. Joseph’s father, George, left his family in England and came to Utah to help cut stone for the Salt Lake Temple. Joseph stayed with his Mother, sister Martha, and brother Edward until their father had established a home for them in Utah and saved enough money for them to come.
Joseph left England with his family in 1855. They sailed on the Charles Buck which arrived in New Orleans after six weeks at sea. They continued on to Atchison and there were outfitted for the trip across the plains. Jane and the children were in the Fourth Co. under Captain Richard Ballantyne. Joseph was only seven years old when he walked the long distance across the plains. They arrived in Salt Lake 25 September 1855. After one very hard winter in Salt Lake City the family moved to Lehi to homestead. Here Joseph was baptized 1 April 1857.
Margaret Olsen was born in Tronum, Norway 5 January 1853. She came to Utah with her parents, Toalf Hellikson and Laura Ann Olsen and her three brothers and one sister ub 1863. Their ship, the Atlanta, took eight weeks to cross the ocean and because of the long time the water became tank and food scarce. This caused much sickness and black canker. Just three days before they landed in America, Margaret’s only sister became ill and died. Her parent had such a dread of casting the little body into the sea that they asked the captain for permission to keep the child’s body until they landed and he agreed to let them.
Margaret was only nine and her girl friend, Julie Peterson, eleven when they walked across the plains a distance of one thousand miles. They walked most of the way barefooted because their shoes soon wore out or became too small. By evening most of the little children would have sore, bleeding feet. There were cows in this wagon train and so Margaret’s mother would take sweet cream from the milk and rub it onto the children’s sore feet. Margaret later recalled, “How it did smart, but it healed them up.”
One of the chores that Margaret and the other children had as they crossed the plains was to gather buffalo chips to keep the fires burning. One day as Margaret gathered chips, she strayed away from the other children and away from camp. Before she knew it, she was completely surrounded by buffalo! She couldn’t think of anything to do but she knew she didn’t want to see as the buffalo came to gore her so she picked up her apron and threw it over her head. That scared the buffalo and they turned and ran.
The Olsen family settled in Lehi where they lived for three years farming and working for other people. The Clayton family also lived in Lehi at this time and this is where Joseph Clayton and Margaret Olsen first met as children. One of the chores that Joseph Clayton had as a small boy was to herd the cattle. He would drive them up through Lehi’s main street every morning on the way to pasture. Margaret Olsen used to watch him and later told their children, “what an ugly little red-headed, freckled-face kid he was.” Both the Olsen and Clayton families joined the Saints who were homesteading in Franklin, Idaho. When they first arrived in Franklin they found that the Indians were hostile and troublesome to the Saints.
The first season that the Olsen’s were in Franklin their crops were looking very good when the grasshoppers came. They destroyed almost all the crops that the Saints had. A fast meeting was held and it was at this meeting that a sister spoke in tongues. One of the brethren arose and interpreted and said that the grasshoppers would leave. After the meeting the grasshoppers did begin to leave, flying so thick in the air that they were blessed to raise enough of their crops to get them through the winter.
Margaret’s mother was sick most of the time after they arrived in America which left most of the care of the family to Margaret as her father and brothers had to work to support the family. Margaret worked most of the time at home but also spent time working and spinning for other people. She braided straw and made hats. She made her own dyes in different colors, dyed the yarn, and had it woven into cloth for making her own dresses.
When Margaret was eighteen years old she was married to Joseph Clayton in the Endowment House on 17 October 1870. After their marriage they lived in Franklin for four years and then moved to Preston Flat in 1875. Preston at that time was a very lonely looking place with nothing but waving grass and rabbit brush for miles and miles. It wasn’t a very inviting place to live at that time. There were plenty of wild Texas cattle and nothing to hear but howling of coyotes, coo-coo birds and mourning doves.
There were three families that went to Preston with Joseph and Margaret Clayton: David Jensen, Charles Spongberg, and the Lundgreens. There was no water to cultivate the land and so to make a living the families took cattle to herd through the summer months. At times the herding took them through the summer months. At times the herding took them some distance from home and this would leave the women to look after the cows, pigs, and chickens at home. As there was not water on the flat, the cattle had to be taken to Bear River for water. While Margaret was out hunting the cows between her home and Bear River one day, she saw a great number of cattle and as they drew nearer they commenced to form in a circle, and completely surrounded her. She thought that she would surely be killed for there seemed to be no chance to escape. All at once she was prompted to take her apron and throw it over her head. This she did and the cattle became frightened and stampeded in ever direction. She then sent up a thankful prayer to God for sparing her life so that she could return home safely to her three small children whom she had left home alone.* (*This story has been told in two versions, both are presented here. Submitted by Linda S. Leavitt, 903 W. 1020 S., Provo, Utah, 84601, 30 October 1977.)
Joseph and Margaret struggled along as best they could and finally water was brought from Cub River onto the flat and from then on Preston began to look brighter. They then began to raise wheat, hay and all kinds of food.
Joseph and Margaret Olsen Clayton were the parents of then children all born in Preston, Franklin Co., Idaho.
• Anna Maria, born: 12 Mar 1872
• George Joseph, born: 23 Nov 1874
• Martha Jane, born: 18 Oct 1876
• Myron, born: 15 Jan 1877
• Marinda, born: 31 Aug 1878
• Francis, born: 30 Sep 1880
• Mahala, born: 10 Jan 1885
• Nessie, born: 1 Jan 1888
• Arvilla, born: 11 Sep 1890
• Lila, born: 11 Sep 1898
Besides caring for her own family, Margaret was busy helping with the sick in the neighborhood. She was an excellent hand in sickness. At the time of the diphtheria epidemic, Margaret was very busy. She was a practical nurse and a midwife. There were hardly any and babies born around the whole valley that she didn’t help deliver. Whenever anyone was in need of help for the sick, Grandmother was always sent for. Because of this, she was gone from home many hours. Grandmother’s home was always open to travelers who needed a place to spend the night before continuing on their way. As many as 20 people at a time would surround their table. Grandmother was a great friend to the poor and needy and could comfort those in distress. She worked in Relief Society all of her married life.
Margaret’s real name was Grethe Jorgine Helliksen. When her family came to America they took their mother’s maiden name, Olsen, and Margaret also changed her given name as she didn’t like Grethe Jorgine. Whenever Joseph wanted to tease Grandmother or make her angry, he would call her Grethe Jorgine.
Joseph was a happy man. He always looked on the cheerful side of every situation. He loved to build things for his children and take them on camping trips. He loved to play jokes and pranks on his children. He also enjoyed teasing other. Once he had been away working for several months and came home unannounced. He disguised himself as a tramp and knocked on his sister’s door asking for a meal. He was able to fool her for quite a while before she discovered who he was.
Joseph did much toward helping Saints immigrate. He also helped find homes for those who came to Utah during hard times. Margaret and Joseph Clayton were always ready to help in building churches and other public buildings. Joseph donated land in Preston for a school and also for the first chapel built there. He also helped in the building of both Salt Lake and Logan Temples.
Margaret was only forty-six when she passed away shortly after her tenth child was born. She was called to rest 21 April 1899. In 1901 Joseph remarried but he was never happy after Margaret died and he was only fifty-seven when he passed away 5 October 1904. Both Joseph and Margaret are buried in Preston, Franklin Co., Idaho.
The 1836 marriage of "George Clayton" and "Jane Bingham" is listed in FamilySearch (FHL Film # 1655429), which states that they were married by Banns on 26 December 1836 in Cheadle, Cheshire, England. The marriage was witnessed by Geo. Smith and Ann Clayton.
In the 1841 Census, "George Clayton" is listed as being 25 years old (born about 1812-1816), not born in Cheshire, working as a "Labourer", and residing with his apparent wife, Jane Clayton (age 30), and their two apparent children, Martha (age 4) and Edward (age 1), at: Green Lane, Stockport, Cheshire, England.
In the 1851 Census, "George Clayton " is listed as being 42 years old (born about 1809), born in Buxton, Derbyshire, married and working as an "Ag[riculture] Labourer", and residing with his wife, Jane (age 42), and their three children (Martha--age 14, Edward--age 12, and Joseph--age 4), at: Green Lane, Romiley, Cheshire, England.
History of George Clayton
History of George Clayton and Jane Bingham. Extracted from the book "George Clayton, 1810-1861, Roots and Shoots", by Gloria H. Jensen, 1983.
In 25 Sept. 1810, Edward Clayton’s wife, Elizabeth (Betty) gave birth to their fifth child. This was their second son and he was given the name of George. He was born in Fairfield township, in the Parish of Hope, in the county of Derbyshire, which is located in the North Midlands of England.
At this particular time, the nineteenth century, George III was on the throne of England. The industrial revolution (1760-1830) was in full swing. This movement had it’s beginnings in the cotton industry of the neighboring county of Lancashire. This area was also the “hot-pot” of the non-conformists (groups of religious sects that sprang up in opposition to the Church of England). At this time the population was able to move about more rapidly, there were adjustments in employment and great unemployment, and much misery among the working people.
Not much is known of George’s childhood years, but we do know that he also had three younger sisters and a younger brother, which made a total of nine children in the family of Edward Clayton. We can only draw on the events of local and national history to determine the influences and economic struggles that affected this Fairfield family.
A biography copied from the microfilm of the Thirty-ninth Quorum of Seventies, briefly tells some of the events in his life:
[George Clayton] Was born in the parish of Hope in the township of Fairfield, Derbyshire, England, Sept 25th 1810. Fathers name Edward, mother’s Betty. Lived in his father’s house until April 12th 1833, then went to live with Mr. Bennet of Chapel-en-le-Frith in the same county. Lived with him one year, they went to live at Apenshaw, near Manchester at Mr. John Hammond, Inn Keeper. Wished to serve the Lord and obey his commandments, thought he could no do so and live at an Inn, consequently left there on the 28th May 1834. Then went to Bredbury near Stockport, Cheshire, and resolved not to go to service again but work by the day. Went to live with his brother-in-law, Joseph Barlow and engaged to work for John Jewit in the coal pits. [Work in the coal pits was miserable job, working twelve hour shifts with nothing but candle light and without a breath of fresh air. The tunnels were usually only about three feet high so that the workers were in a crouched position for long shifts.] Worked for him about three years and during that time got married to Jane Bingham who was servant to the same man. Was married on the 26th December 1836. Wife was born in the year 1808 in the Parish of Bradway, Derbyshire. [Jane Bingham was the daughter of Thomas Bingham and Martha Dent. She was born 13 Nov 1808 at Gleadless, Handsworth, Yorkshire, England and was christened 4 Dec 1808 in Handsworth] Removed to Romily, Cheshire December 21st 1839. Did not believe in any religious persuasion. In 1840 heard the Gospel preached by Adam Lee, Henry Royle and Thomas Pollit. Was baptized by William Potts, CrossMoor, Cheshire, June 6th 1842, ordained a priest 11 June 1843 by Elder Chas. Miller, Pres. of Manchester conference. Ordained an Elder by Milton Holmes, Nov 16th 1845. Was sent out to preach after performing my weekly labor and was the means of established a branch of eleven members at Marple Bridge. Establishing a branch at Mellor and was placed President over it in 1851. Left a wife and three children behind him. Set sail from Liverpool on the 13th of April and arrived in the valley 16th Oct 1853.
From the Minute Book of the Thirty-ninth Quorum of Seventy, organized 1854, Genealogies of Presidents and members, George Clayton was listed as No. 18 with one addition item of information present address-15th Ward. In the second section of the same book (no date given) he was No. 42 with his present address- Lehi and a note in the remarks column- “dead”.
George Clayton left England 13 April 1853 from Liverpool on the ship Camillus at 12:45 p.m.. He did not have enough money to bring his wife, Jane and their three children (Martha-b 16 July 1837 at Bredbury, Stockport; Edward-b 14 May 1840 at Greenlane, Romily, Stockport and Joseph-b 5 Oct 1847, also at Greenlane, Romily, Stockport and Joseph-b 5 Oct 1847, also at Greenlane, Romily, Stockport, Cheshire), at this time. His wife and children emigrated in 1855 through the Perpetual Emigration Fund Co.
The ship Camillus sailed with 228 persons under leadership of Curtis E. Bolton and arrived at the Port of New Orleans on 7 June 1853. The passenger from this ship traveled with the John Brown Co., which left Keokuk, Iowa on 1 July 1853 with about 303 persons and arrived in Salt Lake 17 Oct., 1853.
On his journey across the plains, he took care of the Church cattle. He milked 40 cows night and morning. While taking care of the animals an ox hooked him on the lip with its horn. He arrived in Salt Lake 17 Oct 1853. The corner stone for the Salt Lake Temple had been laid in Apr. of the same year, and he went to work helping to build the Temple. He also started to build a home for his family and save enough money for him to bring them from England.
Martha and Edward worked long, hard hours in the cotton factories in England to help support the family in their father’s absence, and to save for their trip to America. All the family had been baptized into the Church before their father left. Jane was baptized into the Church before their father left. Jane was baptized 5 Aug 1843 by William Potts and confirmed 11 Aug 1843 by Frederick Thornton; Martha was baptized 23 Mar 1850 by Joshua Dakin and confirmed 24 March 1850 by Joshua Dakin; Edward was baptized 2 Sept 1849 by William Hulme and confirmed by same. These baptisms are recorded in the CrossMoor, Cheshire branch records. They remained faithful to the Church while he was away and always attended their meetings on Sunday. They would take a lunch and walk six miles to the nearest chapel with their mother. Finally after two years they bade goodbye to their native England and boarded the ship Charles Buck, for America. They left Liverpool on 17 Jan 1855, under the leadership of Richard Ballantyne. They arrived in New Orleans on 15th Mar., 1855. They traveled with the Ballantyne Co. to Salt City and arrived in Salt Lake 25 Sept. 1855
It was a happy reunion when they arrived in Salt Lake. George had built a home for his wife and family there. At last the family was together again, and it was a real luxury for them to have a home of their own in which to resume their lives together in this new country.
The winter of 1855 was very severe, with heavy snow and extreme cold. Food was scarce because during the summer of 1855, the grass hoppers did serious damage to crops, destroying nearly everything green in many parts of Utah. The loss and suffering were aggravated by the drought. The combined evils caused a great failure in the crops. It was necessary to eat Sego bulbs, thistle roots, and pig weed “greens” to survive. Many times Martha went to Heber C. Kimball’s home for potato peelings which they washed and cooked for food. They were very grateful to sister Kimball for saving the peelings for them.
According to family tradition the family stayed in Salt Lake only one year and then moved to Lehi, to homestead and farm. (Until 1869 the saints did not hold title to land and were merely squatters on the public domain.) (The Homestead Act came in 1862.) The family first appears in the Lehi ward records when Joseph is baptized and George and Jane are both rebaptized- 1 April 1857, at Lehi.
Following the famine of 1856, when all the settlers in Utah were fighting starvation and domestic animals were dying and there was scarcely any grain in the country, a general reformation took place throughout the Church, most of the saints renewing their covenants of baptism. It was a movement to awaken or re-awaken the people to their spiritual responsibility as members of the L.D.S. Church. It wasn’t a change in religion, but a challenge to the saints to change their practices and arouse them from the lethargy into which many had fallen. The movement began in the autumn of 1856 and continued until the close of 1857. Jedidah N. Grant, said, “Purify yourselves, your house, lots, farms and everything around you on the right and on the left, then the spirit of the Lord can dwell with you”.
The harvest of 1857 was the best Utah had ever had up to that time, but a new threat was on the horizon. The U.S. Government was sending an army to Utah. Utah citizens were organized for self-defense. Brigham Young directed all the people North of Utah Co. to leave their homes and proceed Southward. At the same time, measures were taken whereby sufficient men were left behind to set fire to all the houses and chop down all the trees upon the first sign of disorder by the invaders. Thus began the famous “Move” in which George Clayton and all the families in Lehi were destined to play so prominent a part.
The spring of 1858 found 30,000 people migrating Southward. Day after day the citizens of Lehi saw them pass through their borders, a continuous stream, from daylight till dark…covered wagons laden with all manner of household goods; handcarts; men and women mounted on horses or mules; far more of them walking, often barefoot; cattle, sheep and pigs, singly and in herds; all manner of freak conveyances; no end of confusion; and not a little suffering and sorrow. Added to all the rest was almost incessant rain which fell during that spring.
The people of Lehi responded… furnished teams and wagons to help… Every home in the little city was thrown open and each room filled to its capacity; even the Meeting House was placed at the disposal of the refugees. Twenty families stayed in the Meeting House. When all available room had been occupied, the men built cabins against the fort wall, and even made dugouts on the vacant lots in the city… Foodstuffs from the previous crops were brought into requisition, and upon the advice of Bishop Evans, many of the people raised vegetables.
From a letter dated 26 June 1858, the following account is given: Arrived at Lehi, 32 miles South of Salt Lake City… Lehi is a little town of about 1,200 inhabitants, built of sun dried adobe bricks, and like all the other towns in the valley, having its streets laid at right angles to each other. The buildings are small, sparsely located, having large gardens between them. The town is surrounded by a mud wall eight or ten feet high and four or five feet thick, so access to an exit from it can only be obtained through a gate on one principal street at each side of the wall. The wall was built to protect the inhabitants from Indian depredations.
Several meetings between Brigham Young and federal officials took place. After the meeting in Provo, they came to Lehi on June 17th. They called an open-air mass meeting near Bishop Evans’ residence, and addressed the gathering in hope on conciliating them. They affirmed that full amnesty had been granted by the President of the United States. General Johnston’s troops assumed permanent quarters at Camp Floyd in Cedar Valley, eighteen miles west of Lehi.
The shrewd farmers of Lehi immediately started up a brisk trade with the soldiers in grains, vegetables, eggs, dairy products, squash pies, and fodder. The camp was also profitable to Lehi because it furnished employment for many of its laborers. This included cutting and hauling firewood. Carpenters were in demand to build new quarters. Adobe-making also proved to be a profitable occupation. People received articles such as horses, mules, harnesses, wagons and other equipment and implements in return. This trade between Lehi and Camp Floyd continued until it was abandoned in July 1861.
The Clayton family no doubt was affected by the things that took place in the settlement of Lehi, but exactly what their contributions were, we have no record. The character of George leaves little doubt that he did a good share, and perhaps more than he was required, to assist those who had been forced from their homes.
Family tradition says that he worked on the Salt Lake Temple, as a stone mason. After moving to Lehi, he continued to work on the Temple until the time of this death. He would walk to Salk Lake on Monday morning and work all week and walk home on Friday to be with his family and to work on his farm.
No records have been found to indicate the he had been trained or apprenticed as a stone mason in England. The Seventy’s Quorum Biography does not mention learning this trade or working at it. The Census records of England and Utah designate this occupation as follows:
1841 Census - England, Cheshire, Macclesfield Hundred, Romily Twp.
George Clayton age 25 Labourer
Jane Clayton age 30
Martha Clayton age 4
Edward Clayton age 1
1851 Census -England, Cheshire, Macclesfield Hundred, Romily Twp.
George Clayton age 42 Agr. Laborer
Jane Clayton age 42
Martha Clayton age 14 Factory operator
Edward Clayton age 12
Joseph Clayton age 3
1860 Census - U.S. Utah, Utah Co. (Lehi)
George Clayton age 51 Farmer
Jane Clayton age 52
Edward Clayton age 20
Joseph Clayton age 13
It is possible that George developed this skill while working on the temple and no doubt helped lay the foundation stones of the temple, and continued to work on the construction of the building except for the times when work was curtailed during planting and harvesting seasons, specifically in 1856, and for other interruptions such as the period when inhabitants of Salt Lake City moved south in 1858.
The Gospel had a continuing influence in the lives of George Clayton and his wife. One indication of this is indicated in their having received patriarch blessings. George received his blessing by having Patriarch John Young, at Lehi. Jane also received a blessing on the same day, 16 Nov 1859, by Patriarch John Young, at Lehi. It is evident that he and his family endured many hardships of pioneer life and made many sacrifices for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The following excerpts are from the Diary of William F. Rigby, an early settler of Lehi: “3 Nov 1860 started from Wellsville back to Lehi…found wife and two children fine…I sold my house and lot to Brother George Clayton and my farm to William Curney. We left Lehi 5 March 1861.” William Rigby indicates that in 1856 he had built a two room adobe house and also dugout. It seems reasonable to believe that George probably lived in a dugout before he bought William Rigby’s house and lot. Unfortunately, George and his family were not allowed to share much time together under their new circumstances, as he died 1 May 1861, age 51. It is believed his death was caused by cancer which developed from the sore on his mouth that was incurred when he was hooked on the lip by an ox. The injury did not heal properly, and adequate treatment was not available. He is buried in the Lehi cemetery, Lot #21, Block #63.
On Aug 16, 1862, Edward and his mother went to the endowment house in Salt Lake. Edward was proxy for his father when the seal-ordinance was performed to seal his mother Jane, to her husband.
In 1860, the Northern most settlement in Cache Valley was established at Franklin. The soil was fertile and water abundant. It seemed like a good opportunity to secure good land. Lehi was becoming over-crowded, and several Lehi families were planning to make the move to Franklin. Sometime in about 1863, Edward, Joseph and other Lehi families moved to Franklin, Cache Co., (which is now Franklin, Idaho). It is believed that they brought their mother with them. Their sister Martha, who had married Joseph Dorton in 1858 remained in the Lehi area with her husband. They had established a home, and a barn to house the Pony Express horses. It was located on the divide about eight miles out of Lehi-between Lehi and Camp Floyd on the Fairfield Road. They also kept a small grocery store and Joseph continued his trade as a butcher.
Jane Clayton lived with her sons in Franklin and is listed as keeping house in Joseph’s household in the 1870 Census of Utah, Franklin, Cache Co.. She was a very strict English lady and demanded the very best manners. She thought children should be clean always, even when at play. Through all the struggles of pioneer life she held to her testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. On Nov 16, 1870 she was proxy in the Endowment House for several of her Bingham progenitors and relatives.
She spent sometime in Lehi, probably with her daughter, Martha. She received a Patriarchal Blessing in Lehi on 6 Feb 1881. There is also a note in the Franklin ward records which says-“received from Provo 1884”, which seems to indicate that she may have been there for sometime.
Jane Bingham Clayton, died 29 June 1889, age 81 and was buried in Franklin, Franklin Co., Idaho.
The birth and christening of "Jane Bingham" is listed in FamilySearch (FHL Film # 990889), which states that she was born on 13 November 1808 and that she was christened on 4 December 1808 in Handsworth, Yorkshire, England, and that her parents were "Thomas Bingham" and "Martha". Also, the birth and death of "Jane Bingham Clayton" is listed in FamilySearch (FHL Film # 100464636), which mentions that her obituary states that she was born on 8 November 1808 in "Gleadless Handsworth, Yorkshire, England"; that she died on 29 June 1889 in Franklin, Idaho, and that her parents were "Thomas Bingham" and "Martha Dent".
The 1836 marriage of "George Clayton" and "Jane Bingham" is listed in FamilySearch (FHL Film # 1655429), which states that they were married by Banns on 26 December 1836 in Cheadle, Cheshire, England. The marriage was witnessed by Geo. Smith and Ann Clayton.
In the 1841 Census, "Jane Clayton" is listed as being 30 years old (born about 1807-1811), not born in Cheshire, and residing with her apparent husband, George Clayton (age 25), and their two apparent children, Martha (age 4) and Edward (age 1), at: Green Lane, Stockport, Cheshire, England.
In the 1851 Census, "Jane Clayton (who some people have transcribed as "Ann") is listed as being 42 years old (born about 1809), born in Derbyshire, England, married residing with her husband, George Clayton (age 42), and their three children (Martha--age 14, Edward--age 12, and Joseph--age 4), at: Green Lane, Romiley, Cheshire, England.
The birth and death of "Jane Bingham Clayton" is listed in FamilySearch (FHL Film # 100464636), which mentions that her obituary states that she was born on 8 November 1808 in "Gleadless Handsworth, Yorkshire, England"; that she died on 29 June 1889 in Franklin, Idaho, and that her parents were "Thomas Bingham" and "Martha Dent".
History of Jane Bingham.
History of George Clayton and Jane Bingham. Extracted from the book "George Clayton, 1810-1861, Roots and Shoots", by Gloria H. Jensen, 1983.
In 25 Sept. 1810, Edward Clayton’s wife, Elizabeth (Betty) gave birth to their fifth child. This was their second son and he was given the name of George. He was born in Fairfield township, in the Parish of Hope, in the county of Derbyshire, which is located in the North Midlands of England.
At this particular time, the nineteenth century, George III was on the throne of England. The industrial revolution (1760-1830) was in full swing. This movement had it’s beginnings in the cotton industry of the neighboring county of Lancashire. This area was also the “hot-pot” of the non-conformists (groups of religious sects that sprang up in opposition to the Church of England). At this time the population was able to move about more rapidly, there were adjustments in employment and great unemployment, and much misery among the working people.
Not much is known of George’s childhood years, but we do know that he also had three younger sisters and a younger brother, which made a total of nine children in the family of Edward Clayton. We can only draw on the events of local and national history to determine the influences and economic struggles that affected this Fairfield family.
A biography copied from the microfilm of the Thirty-ninth Quorum of Seventies, briefly tells some of the events in his life:
[George Clayton] Was born in the parish of Hope in the township of Fairfield, Derbyshire, England, Sept 25th 1810. Fathers name Edward, mother’s Betty. Lived in his father’s house until April 12th 1833, then went to live with Mr. Bennet of Chapel-en-le-Frith in the same county. Lived with him one year, they went to live at Apenshaw, near Manchester at Mr. John Hammond, Inn Keeper. Wished to serve the Lord and obey his commandments, thought he could no do so and live at an Inn, consequently left there on the 28th May 1834. Then went to Bredbury near Stockport, Cheshire, and resolved not to go to service again but work by the day. Went to live with his brother-in-law, Joseph Barlow and engaged to work for John Jewit in the coal pits. [Work in the coal pits was miserable job, working twelve hour shifts with nothing but candle light and without a breath of fresh air. The tunnels were usually only about three feet high so that the workers were in a crouched position for long shifts.] Worked for him about three years and during that time got married to Jane Bingham who was servant to the same man. Was married on the 26th December 1836. Wife was born in the year 1808 in the Parish of Bradway, Derbyshire. [Jane Bingham was the daughter of Thomas Bingham and Martha Dent. She was born 13 Nov 1808 at Gleadless, Handsworth, Yorkshire, England and was christened 4 Dec 1808 in Handsworth] Removed to Romily, Cheshire December 21st 1839. Did not believe in any religious persuasion. In 1840 heard the Gospel preached by Adam Lee, Henry Royle and Thomas Pollit. Was baptized by William Potts, CrossMoor, Cheshire, June 6th 1872, ordained a priest 11 June 1843 by Elder Chas. Miller, Pres. of Manchester conference. Ordained an Elder by Milton Holmes, Nov 16th 1845. Was sent out to preach after performing my weekly labor and was the means of established a branch of eleven members at Marple Bridge. Establishing a branch at Mellor and was placed President over it in 1851. Left a wife and three children behind him. Set sail from Liverpool on the 13th of April and arrived in the valley 16th Oct 1853.
From the Minute Book of the Thirty-ninth Quorum of Seventy, organized 1854, Genealogies of Presidents and members, George Clayton was listed as No. 18 with one addition item of information present address-15th Ward. In the second section of the same book (no date given) he was No. 42 with his present address- Lehi and a note in the remarks column- “dead”.
George Clayton left England 13 April 1853 from Liverpool on the ship Camillus at 12:45 p.m.. He did not have enough money to bring his wife, Jane and their three children (Martha-b 16 July 1837 at Bredbury, Stockport; Edward-b 14 May 1840 at Greenlane, Romily, Stockport and Joseph-b 5 Oct 1847, also at Greenlane, Romily, Stockport and Joseph-b 5 Oct 1847, also at Greenlane, Romily, Stockport, Cheshire), at this time. His wife and children emigrated in 1855 through the Perpetual Emigration Fund Co.
The ship Camillus sailed with 228 persons under leadership of Curtis E. Bolton and arrived at the Port of New Orleans on 7 June 1853. The passenger from this ship traveled with the John Brown Co., which left Keokuk, Iowa on 1 July 1853 with about 303 persons and arrived in Salt Lake 17 Oct., 1853.
On his journey across the plains, he took care of the Church cattle. He milked 40 cows night and morning. While taking care of the animals an ox hooked him on the lip with its horn. He arrived in Salt Lake 17 Oct 1853. The corner stone for the Salt Lake Temple had been laid in Apr. of the same year, and he went to work helping to build the Temple. He also started to build a home for his family and save enough money for him to bring them from England.
Martha and Edward worked long, hard hours in the cotton factories in England to help support the family in their father’s absence, and to save for their trip to America. All the family had been baptized into the Church before their father left. Jane was baptized into the Church before their father left. Jane was baptized 5 Aug 1843 by William Potts and confirmed 11 Aug 1843 by Frederick Thornton; Martha was baptized 23 Mar 1850 by Joshua Dakin and confirmed 24 March 1850 by Joshua Dakin; Edward was baptized 2 Sept 1849 by William Hulme and confirmed by same. These baptisms are recorded in the CrossMoor, Cheshire branch records. They remained faithful to the Church while he was away and always attended their meetings on Sunday. They would take a lunch and walk six miles to the nearest chapel with their mother. Finally after two years they bade goodbye to their native England and boarded the ship Charles Buck, for America. They left Liverpool on 17 Jan 1855, under the leadership of Richard Ballantyne. They arrived in New Orleans on 15th Mar., 1855. They traveled with the Ballantyne Co. to Salt City and arrived in Salt Lake 25 Sept. 1855
It was a happy reunion when they arrived in Salt Lake. George had built a home for his wife and family there. At last the family was together again, and it was a real luxury for them to have a home of their own in which to resume their lives together in this new country.
The winter of 1855 was very severe, with heavy snow and extreme cold. Food was scarce because during the summer of 1855, the grass hoppers did serious damage to crops, destroying nearly everything green in many parts of Utah. The loss and suffering were aggravated by the drought. The combined evils caused a great failure in the crops. It was necessary to eat Sego bulbs, thistle roots, and pig weed “greens” to survive. Many times Martha went to Heber C. Kimball’s home for potato peelings which they washed and cooked for food. They were very grateful to sister Kimball for saving the peelings for them. According to family tradition the family stayed in Salt Lake only one year and then moved to Lehi, to homestead and farm. (Until 1869 the saints did not hold title to land and were merely squatters on the public domain.) (The Homestead Act came in 1862.) The family first appears in the Lehi ward records when Joseph is baptized and George and Jane are both rebaptized- 1 April 1857, at Lehi.
Following the famine of 1856, when all the settlers in Utah were fighting starvation and domestic animals were dying and there was scarcely any grain in the country, a general reformation took place throughout the Church, most of the saints renewing their covenants of baptism. It was a movement to awaken or re-awaken the people to their spiritual responsibility as members of the L.D.S. Church. It wasn’t a change in religion, but a challenge to the saints to change their practices and arouse them from the lethargy into which many had fallen. The movement began in the autumn of 1856 and continued until the close of 1857. Jedidah N. Grant, said, “Purify yourselves, your house, lots, farms and everything around you on the right and on the left, then the spirit of the Lord can dwell with you”.
The harvest of 1857 was the best Utah had ever had up to that time, but a new threat was on the horizon. The U.S. Government was sending an army to Utah. Utah citizens were organized for self-defense. Brigham Young directed all the people North of Utah Co. to leave their homes and proceed Southward. At the same time, measures were taken whereby sufficient men were left behind to set fire to all the houses and chop down all the trees upon the first sign of disorder by the invaders. Thus began the famous “Move” in which George Clayton and all the families in Lehi were destined to play so prominent a part.
The spring of 1858 found 30,000 people migrating Southward. Day after day the citizens of Lehi saw them pass through their borders, a continuous stream, from daylight till dark…covered wagons laden with all manner of household goods; handcarts; men and women mounted on horses or mules; far more of them walking, often barefoot; cattle, sheep and pigs, singly and in herds; all manner of freak conveyances; no end of confusion; and not a little suffering and sorrow. Added to all the rest was almost incessant rain which fell during that spring.
The people of Lehi responded… furnished teams and wagons to help… Every home in the little city was thrown open and each room filled to its capacity; even the Meeting House was placed at the disposal of the refugees. Twenty families stayed in the Meeting House. When all available room had been occupied, the men built cabins against the fort wall, and even made dugouts on the vacant lots in the city… Foodstuffs from the previous crops were brought into requisition, and upon the advice of Bishop Evans, many of the people raised vegetables.
From a letter dated 26 June 1858, the following account is given: Arrived at Lehi, 32 miles South of Salt Lake City… Lehi is a little town of about 1,200 inhabitants, built of sun dried adobe bricks, and like all the other towns in the valley, having its streets laid at right angles to each other. The buildings are small, sparsely located, having large gardens between them. The town is surrounded by a mud wall eight or ten feet high and four or five feet thick, so access to an exit from it can only be obtained through a gate on one principal street at each side of the wall. The wall was built to protect the inhabitants from Indian depredations.
Several meetings between Brigham Young and federal officials took place. After the meeting in Provo, they came to Lehi on June 17th. They called an open-air mass meeting near Bishop Evans’ residence, and addressed the gathering in hope on conciliating them. They affirmed that full amnesty had been granted by the President of the United States. General Johnston’s troops assumed permanent quarters at Camp Floyd in Cedar Valley, eighteen miles west of Lehi.
The shrewd farmers of Lehi immediately started up a brisk trade with the soldiers in grains, vegetables, eggs, dairy products, squash pies, and fodder. The camp was also profitable to Lehi because it furnished employment for many of its laborers. This included cutting and hauling firewood. Carpenters were in demand to build new quarters. Adobe-making also proved to be a profitable occupation. People received articles such as horses, mules, harnesses, wagons and other equipment and implements in return. This trade between Lehi and Camp Floyd continued until it was abandoned in July 1861.
The Clayton family no doubt was affected by the things that took place in the settlement of Lehi, but exactly what their contributions were, we have no record. The character of George leaves little doubt that he did a good share, and perhaps more than he was required, to assist those who had been forced from their homes.
Family tradition says that he worked on the Salt Lake Temple, as a stone mason. After moving to Lehi, he continued to work on the Temple until the time of this death. He would walk to Salk Lake on Monday morning and work all week and walk home on Friday to be with his family and to work on his farm.
No records have been found to indicate the he had been trained or apprenticed as a stone mason in England. The Seventy’s Quorum Biography does not mention learning this trade or working at it. The Census records of England and Utah designate this occupation as follows:
1841 Census - England, Cheshire, Macclesfield Hundred, Romily Twp.
George Clayton age 25 Labourer
Jane Clayton age 30
Martha Clayton age 4
Edward Clayton age 1
1851 Census -England, Cheshire, Macclesfield Hundred, Romily Twp.
George Clayton age 42 Agr. Laborer
Jane Clayton age 42
Martha Clayton age 14 Factory operator
Edward Clayton age 12
Joseph Clayton age 3
1860 Census - U.S. Utah, Utah Co. (Lehi)
George Clayton age 51 Farmer
Jane Clayton age 52
Edward Clayton age 20
Joseph Clayton age 13
It is possible that George developed this skill while working on the temple and no doubt helped lay the foundation stones of the temple, and continued to work on the construction of the building except for the times when work was curtailed during planting and harvesting seasons, specifically in 1856, and for other interruptions such as the period when inhabitants of Salt Lake City moved south in 1858.
The Gospel had a continuing influence in the lives of George Clayton and his wife. One indication of this is indicated in their having received patriarch blessings. George received his blessing by having Patriarch John Young, at Lehi. Jane also received a blessing on the same day, 16 Nov 1859, by Patriarch John Young, at Lehi. It is evident that he and his family endured many hardships of pioneer life and made many sacrifices for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The following excerpts are from the Diary of William F. Rigby, an early settler of Lehi: “3 Nov 1860 started from Wellsville back to Lehi…found wife and two children fine…I sold my house and lot to Brother George Clayton and my farm to William Curney. We left Lehi 5 March 1861.” William Rigby indicates that in 1856 he had built a two room adobe house and also dugout. It seems reasonable to believe that George probably lived in a dugout before he bought William Rigby’s house and lot. Unfortunately, George and his family were not allowed to share much time together under their new circumstances, as he died 1 May 1861, age 51. It is believed his death was caused by cancer which developed from the sore on his mouth that was incurred when he was hooked on the lip by an ox. The injury did not heal properly, and adequate treatment was not available. He is buried in the Lehi cemetery, Lot #21, Block #63.
On Aug 16, 1862, Edward and his mother went to the endowment house in Salt Lake. Edward was proxy for his father when the seal-ordinance was performed to seal his mother Jane, to her husband.
In 1860, the Northern most settlement in Cache Valley was established at Franklin. The soil was fertile and water abundant. It seemed like a good opportunity to secure good land. Lehi was becoming over-crowded, and several Lehi families were planning to make the move to Franklin. Sometime in about 1863, Edward, Joseph and other Lehi families moved to Franklin, Cache Co., (which is now Franklin, Idaho). It is believed that they brought their mother with them. Their sister Martha, who had married Joseph Dorton in 1858 remained in the Lehi area with her husband. They had established a home, and a barn to house the Pony Express horses. It was located on the divide about eight miles out of Lehi-between Lehi and Camp Floyd on the Fairfield Road. They also kept a small grocery store and Joseph continued his trade as a butcher.
Jane Clayton lived with her sons in Franklin and is listed as keeping house in Joseph’s household in the 1870 Census of Utah, Franklin, Cache Co.. She was a very strict English lady and demanded the very best manners. She thought children should be clean always, even when at play. Through all the struggles of pioneer life she held to her testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. On Nov 16, 1870 she was proxy in the Endowment House for several of her Bingham progenitors and relatives.
She spent sometime in Lehi, probably with her daughter, Martha. She received a Patriarchal Blessing in Lehi on 6 Feb 1881. There is also a note in the Franklin ward records which says-“received from Provo 1884”, which seems to indicate that she may have been there for sometime.
Jane Bingham Clayton, died 29 June 1889, age 81 and was buried in Franklin, Franklin Co., Idaho.
Marriage Notes for George Clayton and Jane Bingham-585
The 1836 marriage of "George Clayton" and "Jane Bingham" is listed in FamilySearch (FHL Film # 1655429), which states that they were married by Banns on 26 December 1836 in Cheadle, Cheshire, England. The marriage was witnessed by Geo. Smith and Ann Clayton.