William Clayton first heard the Gospel preached in England by Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde. With his wife, Ruth Moon Clayton, whom he married in England, October 9, 1836, he listened to the teachings of these missionaries, but he was not easy to convert. His wife received the Gospel first, and many evenings had to be spent before William Clayton became a believer in "Mormonism." He was ordained a Priest December 25, 1837, and a High Priest, April 1, 1838, at which time he was appointed with Willard Richards, Counselor to Joseph Fielding who presided over the Church in Europe.
September 8, 1840, he left England in the packet ship North America, arriving in New York, October 11, 1840, and in Nauvoo, November 24, 1840. In this city, he became a trusted friend of the founders of the Church, so much so that on February 10, 1842, he was appointed secretary to Joseph Smith the Prophet. October 7, 1842, he became Temple Recorder and Recorder of Revelations. In 1842, he became Treasurer of the City of Nauvoo. These appointments are indicative of the zeal with which William Clayton served the Church throughout his life.
What of the personal characteristics of our subject? As will appear from his portrait on the frontispiece, William Clayton did not tend to frivolity or mirth but rather to seriousness and earnestness. Yet he was witty and had a keen sense of humor. In the home he was not demonstrative; although he had great love for his home and family and provided well for their comfort. He was methodical, always sitting in his own arm chair, having a certain place at the table and otherwise showing his love for order, which he believed the first law of heaven. His person was clean and tidy; his hands small and dimpled. He wore very little jewelry but what little he had was the best money could buy. He would not carry a watch that was not accurate, and his clothing was made from the best material. His children remember him best in black velvet coat and grey trousers and, in cold weather, a broad-cloth cloak in place of overcoat.
The man-timber in William Clayton came from sturdy trees. His character was above all littleness. He believed that what was good for him was good for all men, and that the measurement of our lives was based upon our daily conduct towards each other. To him that was God's standard. He believed in perfect equity in the adjustment of the affairs of life. Had he loved money, he could probably have had it because of his education and executive ability. But he cared little for material gain, centering his zeal in the pursuit of honor and right.
William Clayton was honest and nothing to him could justify an untruth. He deplored waste or extravagance, yet he never withheld from a neighbor in distress, or from the widow or orphan. Many are those who knew his generosity. When his harvest was gathered, bushels of grain and fruit found place among those of scanty store. And many pairs of shoes and much warm clothing were given to comfort the needy. Nor was the homeless forgotten, but the orphan was given a home and joy by his own fireside.
His religion was deeply rooted and nurtured by association with and testimony of an eye witness to the living God. His love for Joseph Smith was love seldom shown in man for man. Few men possessed stronger faith and courage. These qualities alone could inspire a man under heart-rending circumstances, to write such hymns of faith and comfort as "Come, come, ye Saints," and "The Resurrection Day."
The record of William Clayton in Utah kept pace with that of previous years. His home was open always to his friends who loved to gather there for social hours. Civic welfare always interested him. He was a musician and played in the pioneer orchestra and that of the Salt Lake Theatre. He was a lover of community features and took part in dramatic functions.
He was treasurer of Zion's Cooperative Mercantile Institution, Recorder of Marks and Brands, Receiver of Weights and Measures, and was Territorial Auditor. His love for education prompted many sacrifices and he tried hard to give his children the essentials of good schooling.
He had a strong will, although a tender conscience. Cowardice had no place in him. Truly he could say, "My heart is fixed. I know in whom I trust." Joseph Smith believed that they should meet and associate in the Celestial Kingdom of God as they had here.
William Clayton died December 4, 1879, in Salt Lake City. Services were held in the Seventeenth Ward Chapel at which his own funeral hymn was sung. He left a large posterity.
Victoria C. McCune
Salt Lake City, Utah, June, 1921
Editor's Note
The descendants of William Clayton have in recent years formed themselves into an organization known as the Clayton Family Association. This book is offered to the public by the Association with the thought that a document of such faithful description and fine spirit would be welcomed by all people who might be interested either in the Pioneer Period of Western History or more particularly in the exodus of the Mormon people from Missouri to the valley of the Great Salt Lake. It is difficult to understand why the Journal was not published years ago and it seems to require somewhat of an apology that this interesting record should have remained so long unknown and be now brought out with considerable haste. In the effort to have it ready for distribution to the members of the Clayton Family Association on the anniversary of the birth of their forefather on July 17th, there has been a sacrifice of care and deliberation in the preparation of this first edition which is hoped the reader will overlook upon consideration of the facts. This lack of time and care will show itself more in the text than in any other particular. Much of the proof reading was done by the undersigned on board train between Salt Lake and California. To say the least, such surroundings are not conducive to the most finished work. It is hoped that this circumstance will also make the reader more tolerant when encountering mistakes in the text, obviously the result of hasty proof reading. At a later date a second edition will do better justice to the author of the Journal and will show more consideration for the fine taste of the reader.
Lawrence Clayton
Salt Lake City, Utah, June, 1921
February 1846
Nauvoo, Illinois
Sunday, February 8
At the office all day packing public goods, evening at Farr's writing out a letter of instruction to trustees.
Monday, February 9
At the office packing. At 3:30 the temple was seen on fire. Women carrying water.
Tuesday, February 10
At the temple packing, also Wednesday 11th.
Thursday, February 12