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Family
Marriage: Children:
  1. Ceriel Conrad Clayton: Birth: 26 Feb 1895 in Morgan County, Alabama. Death: 13 Aug 1959 in Florence, Pinal County, Arizona

  2. Andrew Cooper Clayton: Birth: 30 Jan 1897 in Morgan County, Alabama. Death: 16 May 1986 in Memphis, Tennessee

  3. Eugene H. Clayton: Birth: 27 Sep 1901 in Morgan County, Alabama. Death: 13 Feb 1911 in Limestone County, Alabama

  4. Ila Frances Gladys Clayton: Birth: 23 Jun 1906 in Hartselle, Morgan County, Alabama. Death: 9 Oct 1981 in Athens, Limestone County, Alabama

  5. Alcy Byrd Clayton: Birth: 15 Dec 1908 in Morgan County, Alabama. Death: 20 Dec 1993 in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama

  6. George Thomas Clayton: Birth: 3 Apr 1913 in Hartselle, Morgan County, Alabama. Death: 1954 in Hillman Hospital, Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama

  7. Sue Ellen Clayton: Birth: 6 Sep 1916 in Hartselle, Morgan County, Alabama. Death: 8 Oct 1999 in Sardis, Mississippi


Notes
a. Note:   MARRIAGE: "MORGAN COUNTY, ALABAMA MARRIAGES", Book F, pg. 180 The State of Alabama Morgan County To any Licensed Minister of the Gospel in regular communion with the Christian Church or Society of which he is a member, or Judge of the Supreme Court, or Chancellor within the State, of Justice of the Peace of said County - Greeting: You are hereby authorized to solemnize Marriage, between Mr. G. W. Clayton and Miss L. M. Ball and to join them together in matrimony and certify the same in writing to this office, as required by law. Given under my hand, this 11 day of March, 1894. Jas. E. Peck, Justice of the Peace This is to certify that I have solemnized marriage between G. W. Clayton and L. M. Ball according to law, at Lawrence Cove on the 11th day of March 1894. D. D. Ford, Justice of the Peace MARRIAGE BOND The State of Alabama Morgan County Know all men by these present, that we G. W. Clayton and L. M. Ball are held and firmly bound unto the State of Alabama, in the sum of Two Hundred Dollars, lawful money of the United States of America, to the payment of which, well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, jointly and severally, firmly by these present. The condition of the above establishment is such, that whereas, a license to solemnize marriage between Mr. G. W. Clayton and Miss L. M. Ball has this day been issued by the Judge of said County, at our request, now therefore, if there is no lawful cause why such marriage should not be celebrated, then this obligation is to be void, otherwise it is ti remain in full force. Witness our hands and seals, this 28th day of February, 1894. G. W. Clayton L. M. Ball Approved: February 28, 1894 Jas. E. Peck, Justice of the Peace DEATH: "CERTIFICATE of DEATH" State of Alabama - Bureau of Vital Statistics State Board of Health Place of Death - Limestone County Beat # - 2 Usual Residence - Limestone County, Alabama Name - Geor. W. Clayton Sex - Male Color - White Social Security # - None Date of Birth - July 23, 1867 Age - 76 years Birthplace - Franklin, Tennessee Occupation - Farmer Father - Unknown Mother - Blank Date of Death - September 24, 1943 Cause of Death - Heart Failure Dates of Illness - September 16, 1843/September 24, 1843 Attendant- T. W. Guyton, M. D. Burial - Bethel Cemetary Funeral Home - Spry Funeral Home, Athens, Alabama
  DEATH: "ALABAMA DEATH INDEX 1908 - 1959" Name: George W Clayton Death Date: 24 Sep 1943 Death County: Limestone Volumn: 40 Certificate #: 19903 Role : 4
  DEATH: "OBITUARY"; Unknown Newspaper; Athens, Limestone County, Alabama George W. Clayton George W. Clayton, age 74, died Friday morning at 8:00 at his home Athens, Route 3, following a long illness. Funeral services was conducted Saturday afternoon at 2:00 by J. A. Terry, at the home. Burial was made in Bethel Cemetery, Spry directed. He is survivied by his widow, Mrs. George W. Clayton, three sons, C. C. , California, A. C., Decatur, Alabama, Thomas, U. S. Army. Three daughters, Mrs. Payton Lovell, Route 3, Mrs. Claude Beeler, Oxford, Mississippi, Mrs. W. D. Curnutt, and fourteen grandchildren.
  Sources: "HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COVE BAPTIST CHURCH" Members 1881-1996 (Members as of September 1884) Taken from old minutes of the Church # 36 - George Clayton # 53 - E. Clayton
  Sources: "Handwritten List of Names By George Washington Clayton" This list was found in his wallet after he died. It is handwritten by him and lists his Mother's parents, siblings and their spouses, his Grandfather and Uncles. This list was not discovered until the summer of 2000. It was in the possession of family members. List: Thomas B. Clayton married Priscilla Weathers, dau. of Stephen and Elizabeth Weathers Stephen A. Clayton married Betsy Fields T. J. Clayton married Sophronia Nelson Jack Clayton married Emily Coe John Clayton married Caroline Coe Martha Clayton married Thomas Williams Jane Clayton married Riley Willoughby, son of Solomon Willoughby Margaret Clayton married Jim Swearengin Mary Clayton married Jason Coe written by a grandson G. W. Clayton (This tells me that Thomas B. was the father of Telitha Ellen Clayton and the Grandfather of George Washington Clayton.) Robert Clayton & Sons Jack Clayton Cash Clayton Wiley Clayton Jarred Clayton John Clayton Isaac Clayton William Clayton Thomas B. Clayton written by a greatgrandson G. W. Clayton (This means that Robert Clayton was the father of Thomas B. Clayton and that all of these men were also his sons. Robert was the Great-grandfather of George Washington Clayton, and that Thomas B.'s brothers were his Great-Uncles.)
  Sources: "POSTCARD", Written by George Clayton to his Mother-in-law, Susan Ann Qualls Ball on Aug. 26, 1909 (In possession of William D. Curnutt,Jr., left by his mother, Alcy Byrd Clayton Curnutt) From: George W. Clayton New Decatur, Alabama To: Mrs. S. A. Ball R. R. # 3, Box 70 Hartselle, Alabama Postage: 1 cent (Written on front of card) 'There are no flowers grown in the vale Kiss'd by the dew, woo'd by the gale. None by the dew of twilight wet, So sweet as the deep-blue Violet.' Maud has been right sick for a day or so, but seems better this morning. The rest of us are common. Will let you know if she gets worse. Have not seen Emet or heard from them in some time. Let us know how you are getting along. George
  Sources: "TRAVEL ITENERY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON CLAYTON - 1890" George Washington Clayton left Hartselle, Alabama and went to Missouri and Arkansas. He kept a written diary of his travels, with the exception of the people he visited while he was there. Research has revealed that his mother had family living in the town he mentioned. I am guessing that he went west to visit his mother's relatives. November, 3, 1890 - Bought a ticket from Decatur, Alabama to Poplar Bluff, Arkansas, cost $9.40. Changed cars at Memphis, Tennessee and figure to get to Poplar Bluff in a ... Bought a ticket to Donophin, Missouri. Changed cars at Wellsville, Missouri to Doniphan, Missouri, November 4, 1890. Went to Warm Springs, Arkansas. Left Warm Springs December 26, 1890, went to Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. Left Walnut Ridge March 1, 1891. Went to Gurdon, Arkansas. Left Gurdon March 4, 1891. Went to Lilie, Arkansas. Left Lilie, went to Kingsland June 10, 1891 Went to Decatur, Alabama. Changed cars at Memphis, Tennessee. Arrived June 11, 1891. Bought Ticket at West Hartselle, Alabama. ( Research has shown that he had family, his mother, Telitha Ellen Clayton's siblings and nieces and nephews, who lived in the areas he visited. Mary Elizabeth Coe Looney, daughter of Jason and Mary Ann Clayton Coe, lived in Doniphan, Ripley County, Missouri. She is buried there. John M. Clayton and Mary Ann Clayton Coe, siblings of Telitha Ellen, lived in Warm Springs, Randolph County, Arkansas, along with various cousins of George's.
  Sources: "RENT RECIEPT"; Dated September 7, 1905; Copy of Original on File Hartselle, Alabama Recieved G. W. Clayton Five Dollars Rent for August 1905. $5.00 Signature Unreadable
  Sources: " RECEIPT FOR JURY DUTY"; Copy of Original on File County Court, March Term, 1902 To G. W. Clayton - Beat 9 Sir: You are hereby summoned to appear in the Court House in Decatur, in said County, on Monday, the 17 day of March, 1902 by 9 o'clock of said day, to serve as a Petit Juror for one week of said Term. Signature: James H. Wiggins, Sheriff of Morgan County
  Sources: "RECIEPT"; Copy of Original on File Hartselle, Alabama 10/2/1900 Recieved from Geo. W. Clayton by J. B. Clayton Nine-----------------23/100 Dollars In cash on Acct. $9.23 Signature: J. C. Hartselle & Son
  Sources: "RECEIPT"; Copy of Original on File Hartselle, Alabama 10/12/1900 Received from Geo. W. Clayton Two---------------12/100 Dollars On Note $2.12 Signature: J. C. Hartselle & Son
  Sources: "RECEIPT"; Copy of Original on File Hartselle, Alabama 9/12/1900 Received from G. W. Clayton Two----------------44/100 In Cotton on Note $2.44 Signature: J. C. Hartselle & Son
  Sources: RECEIPT"; Copy of Original on File; Not Dated Athens, Alabama Farmer's & Merchant's Bank Pay to the Order of Received of G. W. Clayton $172.55 on Account with Dollars Signature: J. A. Fortells
  Sources: "TAX RECEIPT" No. 1962 Date: 12/15/1899 Received of Geo. Clayton the sum of One & 50/100 Dollars in full of the amount of Taxes due the State of Alabama and County of Morgan, 1899. Real Estate: None Personal Property: None Poll Tax: $1.50 Total : $1.50 Signature: G. H. Hughes, Tax Collector
  Sources: "RECOMMENDATION" Mrs. L. A. Britnell Fine Stationary School Books Tobacco and Cigar Toilet Articles Dealer in Pure Fresh Drugs and Medicines, Oils, Brushes, Fine Perfumery Special Attention to the Prescription Department South side of Square Phone # 1 Hartselle, Ala. Nov. 8, 1900 To whom it may concern the Bearer of this instrument of writing is a man of Good Habits. Thouroughly Reliable in every Respect a Christian Gentleman, and a Good worker. Any favor shown him will be appreciated by the undersigned. He will do any and every thing he says he will do. Yours Respt. E. R. Britnell
  Professions: Farmer
  Professions: Postmaster "THE HERITAGE oF MORGAN COUNTY, ALABAMA",Original located Morgan County Archives, Decatur, Alabama, pg. 38-38 "Morgan County, Alabama - Post Offices" Stringer Post Office was established on land donated by Edward Stringer. The post office was moved to three different locations,, but always known as Stringer. It was located a mile south of the crossing of highways 36 and 67, was moved about a mile away to Six Mile creek and became the site of the town of "Stringer". In 1891, the post office was near the site of the old Six Mile School, in a two story building, until it was consolidated with Cotaco. Postmasters at Stringer were William Stringer in 1881, John F. Gurley in 1890, Elisha Blevins in 1892, James C. Tanner in 1893, Harrison Humphries in 1895, Thomas M. Ward in 1898, S. t. Wright in 1899, James E. Roan in 1900,*George W. Clayton in 1903*, and James C. Tanner in 1903. In 1909 the post office was discontinued and the mail routed to Sommerville. The original Stringer Post Office mail box was made of solid walnut with a hinged front to cover all the boxes. There were 24 individual boxes and two large ones and the cabinet locked.
  Census: 1880 MORGAN COUNTY, ALABAMA - District # 5 - Household # 26 Ellen Clayton, Female, Laborer on Farm, GA, GA, GA Geo., Male, 10, AL, GA, GA
  Census: 1900 MORGAN COUNTY, ALABAMA - Hartselle Precinct, except Hartselle Town - Taken June 4, 1900 - Taken by Matt. K. Mahan, Enumerator - Household # 27 George W. Clayton, Male, 30, Born July 1869, Married 6 Years, TN, Rents Farm, Farms 27 Acres Maude L., Female, 22, Born April 1878, 2 of 2 Children Living, AL Cyril C., Male, 5, Born February 1895, AL Andrew C., Male, Born January 1897, AL Ellen Clayton, Mother, Female, 50, Born July 1849, 1 of 1 Children Living, GA (Living next door to his uncle, W. W. Clayton, his mother's brother)
  Census: 1910 MORGAN COUNTY, ALABAMA - Austinville, Precinct # 23 -Taken April 20, 1910 - Taken Household # 122 Geo. W. Clayton, Male, 44, Married 16 Years, TN, Laborer in Railroad Shop, Rents Property Maude, Female, 32, 5 of 5 Children Living, AL Conrad C., Male, 15, AL Cooper, Male, 13, AL Eugene, Male, 9, AL Ilda F., Female, 4, AL Byrd, Female, 1, AL Ellen, Mother, Female, 71, GA
  Census: 1920 MORGAN COUNTY, ALABAMA - Austinville Precinct - Enumerated January 15, 1920 - Supervisor's District # 8 - Enumerator's District # 179 - Sheet # 13 B - Household # 767 George W. Clanton (should be Clayton), Male, 48, Rents Property, TN, TN, GA, Farmer, General Farm, Farms 35 Acres Maud, Female, 44, AL, AL, AL Gladys, Female, 13, AL Byrd, Female, 11, AL Thomas, Male, 6, AL Sue E., Female, 3 & 3/12, AL
  Census: 1930 LIMESTONE COUNTY, ALABAMA - Precinct # 1 - Athens South of City Limit - Athens and Huntsville Pike - Enumerated April 14, 1930 - Supervisor's District # 42-6 - Enumerator's District # 2 - Sheet # 3 A - Household # 38 George W. Clayton, Rents Property, Rent $5, Owns Radio, Age 60, Age at 1st Marriage 24, TN, GA, GA, Farmer, Farms 37 Acres Maude, Female, Age 52, Age at 1st Marriage 16, AL, VA, Carolina Thomas, Male, 17, AL, TN, AL, Farm Labor Sue E., Female, 14, AL, TN, AL
  Timeline:
  BIRTH: George Washington Clayton was born out of wedlock, father unknown, July 24, 1869, probably in Tennessee (based on Census records, records of Alcy Byrd Clayton Curnutt, his Granddaughter, & Tombstone Inscription)
  BIOGRAPHY: A SIMPLE MAN, GEORGE WASHINGTON CLAYTON
  BIOGRAPHY: Born July 2,1969 to an unwed mother, George Washington Clayton probably faced more than his share of the harshness of ridicule and prejudice. People weren�t very tolerant of children born out of wedlock in the era he was born, and were undoubtedly cruel and unjust in their treatment of both him and his mother. It was probably difficult growing up, working along side his Mother to provide a living for the two of them. Time were hard for poor families in those days, with little in the way of government assistance, inadequate health care, and few jobs available for the average citizen. It is unknown for sure exactly where George was born since a census record for his mother, Telitha Ellen Clayton, has yet to be found for the year 1870. In 1860, she was living in Blount County, Alabama in the household of her widowed mother. In 1880, she was in District # 5 of Morgan County, Alabama. In 1880, her brother, William Washington Clayton was in Morgan County and another brother, John M. Clayton was in Polk County, Tennessee. Where Telitha Ellen was really living remains a mystery since Census Records contain conflicting information for George Washington Clayton�s place of birth. With some showing Alabama and others Tennessee, the only evidence we have as proof of his birthplace is his death certificate showing Tennessee and an entry in my aunts� baby book written by his daughter, my Grandmother, Alcy Byrd Clayton Curnutt showing the place of his birth as Polk County, Tennessee. We will never know his birthfather, I feel sure. Women were harshly judged in 1869, and indeed throughout history, for giving birth to children without the benefit of marriage. For whatever reason, knowledge of his sire went to the grave with him and his mother. What ever else her failings, Telitha Ellen cared for her child from his birth, keeping him with her, a single parent struggling against the world to care for a child on her own. From 1880 until 1890, the only documentation as to where he was living comes from the �History of Lawrence Cove Baptist Church�, where it is listed that George W. and his mother were members after 1881 in Lawrence Cove, a small community in rural Morgan County, Alabama. In November of 1890, George paid $9.40, a fortune in those days, for a train ticket from Decatur, Morgan County, Alabama and traveled to Doniphan, Ripley County, Missouri, where research has shown his mother�s relatives were living. While on this journey, he also visited Warm Springs, Arkansas, which is where his uncle, John M. Clayton was living, as well as many cousins. There was a handwritten document kept by family members when he died detailing the destinations and dates of travel. He departed from home November 3, 1890 and returned April 11, 1891, a journey of over 5 months duration. On March 11, 1894, George Washington Clayton was married to Lydia Maud Ball by D. D. Ford, Justice of the Peace, in Lawrence Cove. Lydia Maud was the daughter of George Thomas Ball and Susan Ann Qualls. By the year 1900, he and Lydia Maud were living in Hartselle, Morgan County, Alabama where they were shown on the census with two children, Cyril Conrad, and Andrew Cooper. His mother, Telitha Ellen, was shown living in his household. They were living next door to his uncle, William Washington Clayton and his family. By the year 1903, The family had moved to the Stringer community, an area no longer on modern maps, which was located near where the Six Mile School once stood. It was located about a mile south of the intersection of present day Highway # 36 and Highway # 67 are now located. He served as Postmaster for a short time during this year. Sometime before August 22, 1909, George Washington Clayton and his family moved to New Decatur, Morgan County, Alabama. Postcards with this date, still in possession of his descendants, were sent by him to family members with this return address, The 1910 census has him living in Austinville, Morgan County. . He is shown with Lydia Maud and five children, Cyril Conrad, Andrew Cooper, Eugene, Ilda Frances Gladys, and Alcy Byrd. Telitha Ellen is again living in his household. She is now 71 years old.
  George Washington Clayton by today�s standards, was a simple man. He was intelligent as shown by his papers kept and treasured by his descendants. In a time when many were illiterate and uneducated, he has proven himself to be above the average. His love of learning is exemplified by the fact that he home schooled his own children. Fifty seven years after his death, one of those papers he created was discovered. This paper has given the means of uncovering the history of his family. So now, we embark on a journey of discovery much as he did in 1890. A voyage into years gone by, trying to discover the legacy he unwittingly passed on to the future generations. The knowledge he had of his ancestors has opened new doors his descendants. A portal to the past.
  BURIAL: "FUNERAL HOME PACKAGE", Spry Funeral Home; Athens. Limestone County, Alabama; Limestone County Archives Spry Funeral Home Inv. No. 25 Full Name - George W. Clayton Age: Yrs. 74 Res. Address: Athens, Route 3 Sex: Male Color: White Date of Death: Sept. 24, 1943 Hour: 8:00 A. M. Married Occupation: Farmer Place of Service: At Home Time of Service: Sept. 25, 1943 Hr. : 2:00 P. M. Date of Burial: Sept. 24, 1943 Cemetery: Bethel Pall Bearers: David Pepper, Exum Newby, Sidney Pepper, Lewis Emerson, Lynn Faulk, I. P. Terry Organist - None Choir - None Survivors: Widow, Son, C. C. Clayton, of Calif.; A. C. Clayton, Decatur, Ala.; Thomas Clayton, U. S. Army, Battle Creek, Michigan; Daughter, Mrs. Payton Lovell, Athens Route 3; Mrs. W. D. Curnutt, Athens Route 3; Mrs. Claude Beeler, Oxford, Miss. ; fourteen grandchildren Casket: $ 15.00 Vault or Box: Box Clothing: Gray Suit: $ 45.00 Deliver Casket: At Home Date: Sept. 24, 1943 Hr.: 8 A. M. Embalmer: Curtis Campbell


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