Clayton, Joseph

Clayton, Joseph, an English Baptist minister, was born at Gamlingiay, Cambridgeshire, Feb. 3, 1710. His parents were, in his early days, connected with the Established Church, but subsequently his mother became a member of a dissenting society. Upon the decease of his father Joseph was placed in the care of an uncle, and brought up in the occupation of husbandry. He was bigotedly attached to the Established Church, although notoriously wicked. He was converted, however, and united with a Baptist Church, and in 1735 was licensed to preach. - He was ordained pastor of the Church at Steventon, June 5, 1751, and, after a useful and cheerful ministry, died Sept. 10, 1790- See Ripon Register, i, 491-493. (J. C. S.)