Thomas J. Clayton

Thomas Jefferson Clayton (July 20, 1826 – January 30, 1900)

Clayton studied law under Daniel M. Bates, the Chancellor of the Delaware Court of Chancery and under Edward Darlington who became a U.S. Congressman for Pennsylvania's 4th Congressional district. He was admitted to the Delaware County bar in 1851 and to the Philadelphia bar in 1852.

Career Clayton practiced law mainly in Philadelphia but lived in Delaware County in Thurlow which is now a part of the city of Chester. He was a skilled politician who never held office until being elected judge and built up a strong political machine in Delaware County.

In 1856, Clayton was appointed by Pennsylvania Governor James Pollock as a member of his personal staff with the rank of Colonel.

Pennsylvania amended the state constitution in 1852 changing the position of President Judge from an appointed one to an elected position.