Clayton, James E.

CLAYTON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/28/2021 at 23:33:28

History of Warren County, Iowa from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, by Rev. W. C. Martin, Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1908, p.382

JAMES E. CLAYTON
J. E. Clayton, filling the position of cashier in the Bank of Milo, is classed with the representative residents of Warren County, possessing a spirit of de­termination and enterprise that enables him to push his way upward in spite of the obstacles and difficulties that are continually arising in the business world. He was born May 15, 1867 in Rush County, Indiana, his parents being Thomas B. and Rebecca (Berry) Clayton, natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively. In 1868 they removed to Jasper County, Illinois, where both died in the fall of 1882, within a few months of each other.
J. E. Clayton there pursued his education in the common schools, while later he attended the Highland Park College at Des Moines, pursuing a course in the business department, which he completed by graduation with the class of 1892. Coming to Milo, he was employed by Eickenberry & Company, lum­ber and grain merchants, being associated with that firm until he accepted the position of bookkeeper with the Citizens Bank of Milo, where he continued until 1899, when he was made cashier of the Bank of Milo and has since served in that capacity. This bank was organized in 1883 by Schee Brothers & Com­pany and has had a prosperous existence, the efforts of Mr. Clayton con­tributing to the substantial reputation which it has always borne. He is thoroughly conversant with the banking business in every department, is watchful of the interests of the institution and is always courteous and obliging in his treatment of the patrons of the bank.
Mr. Clayton was married March 4, 1897, to Miss Lily Farlow; a daughter of Rev. Samuel Farlow, who was a pioneer minister of southwestern Iowa. He devoted his entire life to the work of the gospel and died in October 1906, leaving the impress of his individuality and his teachings for good upon the lives of many with whom he was brought in contact. His widow still sur­vives and now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Clayton, who are the par­ents of two children, Blythe and Margaret.
Mr. Clayton is a member of Milo Camp, No. 617, M. W. A., and for ten years has been clerk of that order. He also belongs to Milo Lodge, No. 413, I. O. O. F., and to Milo Lodge, No. 160, K. of P [Knights of Pythias]. He is loyal to the teachings of all these organizations and to the beneficent spirit upon which they are founded. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Church, while his political allegiance is given to the Republican Party, which numbers him among its stalwart supporters He has served as township com­mitteeman for three years and was secretary of the school board for over ten years. In all matters relating to Milo and its upbuilding he takes an active and helpful interest. He is a most progressive man, forming his plans readily and carrying them forward to successful completion.