CLAYTON, George W. 1848-1935

CLAYTON, SMITH, MUSSETTER

Posted By: Betty Hootman-Volunteer
Date: 8/24/2014 at 15:54:03

George W. Clayton

George W. Clayton, son of Amos and Grace Smith Clayton, was born Feb. 16, 1848 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He passed away at his home after an illness of only a few hours duration on November 11, 1935, at the age of 87 years, 8 months and 24 days.

When he was seven years of age he came to Van Buren county, Iowa, by steamboat to Alexandria, from there by wagon to Chequest township, taking up temporary residence within two miles of the Clayton homestead, where, except for a few months in California and Nevada, he spent the rest of his life.

His schooldays were spent first at Pollick’s school in Chequest township, and later at Troy Academy under the tutelage Professor Field, Ellison and George Cullison. Five years were spent in teaching schools in the vicinity of his home.

On March 30, 1880 he was united in marriage to Minnie Mussetter. To this union were born three children, Lula May, Walter Clarence and Walter Amos. Of these, two, Lula May and Walter Amos passed away in 1908.

In faith he was a Universalist, in practice, he was a man of unfailing generosity and integrity in all dealings.

As a result of his gift for inventing, there are three patents recorded to his credit in the patent office in Washington, D.C.

He is the last of his family, his two brothers having preceded him in death by a number of years.

He is survived by his wife, one son, Clarence, one grandchild, one nephew, Harry Clayton of Los Angeles, California.

Funeral services were held at the home Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock. Rev. Charles Orcutt, of Leando, officiating.

A quartet composed of Mr. and Mrs. Clair Muir, Mrs. Paul Brown, and La Rue Wilson, of Lebanon sang, “There’s No Disappointment in Heaven”; and “Going Down the Valley; Mrs. Theodore Lentz, of St. Louis, Mo., softly tapped “Rock of Ages” on a glass harmonica, which has been in the Clayton family for more than 80 years. Jay Zieter, Peter Brooks, Charles Black, Henry Fischer, Paul Winsell, and Robert Groves acted as pall-bearers. Interment was in the Lebanon cemetery.

*Note: Handwritten on the top is “Keo. Rep. 5 Dec. 1935”

Source: Van Buren County Genealogical Society Obituary Book D, Page 66, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA