John Clayton

John Clayton (5 October 1754 – 23 September 1843) was an English Independent minister. He became known for his conservative social views, after the Priestley Riots.

Early life Clayton was born at Wood End Farm, Clayton, near Chorley, Lancashire, 5 October 1764, the only son of George Clayton, a bleacher; he had nine elder sisters. He was educated at Leyland grammar school, and was apprenticed to his brother-in-law, Boultbee, an apothecary in Manchester. At the end of four years he ran off, and made his way to the house of a married sister in London.

Clayton was taken to hear the Rev. William Romaine preach, and a religious conversion followed. He died at Bath, Somerset 3 October 1865, aged 85. He published sermons and a treatise on The Choice of Books, 1811. The great Mercies of the Lord bestowed upon Britain, London, 1802. The Antidote of Fear; a Sermon, London, 1804. A Counter Statement relative to a late Withdrawment from a Dissenting Independent Church, London, 1804. This referred to one of his flock who had a taste for the theatre, and sometimes travelled on Sunday. The Rev. Richard Cecil is reported to have said: "Clayton, I have long respected you, but I have never before envied you. I own I do now envy you, because I hear that you have applied the discipline of the church to a man that rides in his coach."

Recognition The Clayton Congregational Church, now Clayton Wesley Uniting Church, a prominent building in prosperous Beulah Park, South Australia, was named for him.