“The Recorder being about to start east on a journey, I committed the Law of the Lord to William Clayton to continue this journal, etc. in his absence.” — Willard Richards¹

William Clayton was born in Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England in 1814. He became a prominent figure in early Latter-day Saint history after joining the Church in 1837.² He served as a counselor to the British Mission presidency from 1838-1840. He immigrated to Nauvoo in 1840, where he served as Joseph Smith's clerk and scribe.² As Joseph’s scribe and secretary, Clayton was very close to the prophet and recorded many of his most significant sermons and revelations.³ On July 12, 1843, Clayton recorded the revelation on eternal marriage and plural marriage as dictated by Joseph Smith, now found in Doctrine and Covenants 132.⁴ His meticulous record-keeping provided invaluable documentation of the church's early history and Joseph Smith's teachings.⁵ He is also known for writing the hymn, "Come, Come Ye Saints" during the exodus west.⁶

1. Journal, December 1841–December 1842, 126, josephsmithpapers.org

2. “Clayton, William,” josephsmithpapers.org;

3. ”’Our Hearts Rejoiced to Hear Him Speak,’” Revelations in Context, churchofjesuschrist.org

4. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 41, 502-504; Historical Introduction, Revelation, 12 July 1843 [D&C 132], josephsmithpapers.org

5. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 40, 486-487; James B. Allen, “William Clayton and the Records of Church History,” Preserving the History of the Latter-day Saints, rsc.byu.edu

6. Hanna Seariac, “The pioneer anthem: the compelling story behind ‘Come, Come, Ye Saints,’” deseret.com