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William Clayton diaries and ledger [photocopies and digital copy]

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0055

Scope and Contents

The William Clayton diaries and ledger (1840-1842, 1852-1853 and 1865-1877) contain copies of two volumes of Clayton's diaries and a ledger.

Dates

  • 1840-1877

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Sketch

William Clayton (1814-1879) was born 17 July 1814 at Penwortham, Lancashire, England. When LDS missionaries first arrived in England in 1837, Clayton was among the first baptized. In March 1838, when Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde returned to America, Clayton became second counselor to Joseph Fielding in the British Mission, a position he held until 1940. Clayton left England for the United States in September, 1840. After a tiring trip of 5,000 miles, 11 weeks, and 10 days, Clayton and company arrived at Commerce, Illinois. On 10 February 1842, Clayton became an assistant clerk for Joseph Smith.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet (1 Box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The William Clayton diaries and ledger consist of copies of Clayton's 1840-1842 journal, ledger and his 1852-1853 diary. Clayton was prominent in the LDS movement. He was summoned to Joseph Smith's office to assist Willard Richards and subsequently became clerk to Joseph Smith. Later, he followed Brigham Young to the Great Salt Lake Valley and served missions for the his church.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Permission to digitize the ledger was provided by Robert E. Whitchurch in 2014.

Existence and Location of Originals

Originals at LDS Church Historical Department in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Original ledger remains with the donor. The Manuscripts Division was only allowed to digitize and maintain a digital copy of the original.

Processing Information

Processed by Della L. Dye in 1974.

Addendum processed by Betsey Welland in 2014.
Title
Inventory of the William Clayton diaries and ledger [photocopies and digital copy]
Author
Finding aid prepared by Della L. Dye.
Date
1974 (last modified: 2014 and 2019)
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Revision Statements

  • 2014: Finding aid revised and re-encoded by Betsey Welland to include an addendum to the collection.

Repository Details

Part of the J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections Repository

Contact:
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863