William Clayton Russon

William Clayton Russon (born 1872) was an English businessman and industrialist.

Early life Russon was born in 1872, in Birmingham to Frederick and Sarah-Ann Russon.

Career Cycle businesses in Birmingham In 1892, Russon formed Lloyd and Sons at Grove Lane, Smethwick, in partnership with William Clayton Lloyd. This company was renamed the Claremont Cycle Manufacturing Company in 1896 and was floated as a public company. It closed in 1896, and Russon and Lloyd started another cycle company, the Colossal Cycle Company. Russon created the Main Wheeleries Company, also manufacturing bicycles, in 1902.

In 1912, Sarah-Ann Russon, William's mother, founded the Ryland Manufacturing Co in Birmingham and William was employed there. The company manufactured wooden goods such as chairs, doors and car bodies. In 1916, Sarah-Ann retired and the company was taken over by William and his new business partner, Roland Morgan, and renamed Ryland (Joinery) Ltd. They leased a woodland and sawmill near Aberystwyth to secure a supply of timber. but not before he had secured ownership of Gartheiniog and signed it over to his wife. She remained the owner of the quarry, with William playing a major role in its leasing and management. They sold the quarry in 1935 to a subsidiary of S. Bowley and Son.

Their first son, also called William Clayton Russon was born on 30 June 1895. Their daughter Gertrude Irene Russon was born in 1899. Their second son, James Baron Russon, born in 1904.