On Tuesday 21st December 1909 a large company gathered at the Exchange Hotel for a presentation by the Everton Football Club to William R Clayton, marking his 21 years as a director. The Liverpool Daily Post [22.12.1909] reported that tributes were paid by his fellow directors and, in the presence of the players of the first, second and third teams, Chairman Daniel Kirkwood presented him with a handsome rose bowl”.
William R Clayton was one of a small band of politically Liberal churchgoers who were dominant in the administration of Everton F.C. in its early days. He played a significant role during its momentous move from Anfield to Goodison Park.
At the time of the 1891 census he was living with his wife, Emily, and their family at 74 Dacy Road L4, his occupation ‘bookkeeper’. He subsequently became a ship broker, presumably with some success, as he moved to a substantial house in Formby. In 1922 his son, Harold Ewart Clayton, was killed in a traffic accident in Church Road, Formby. A motorist had stopped to ask Harold directions and, having advised the driver, he stepped away from the car and was hit by another vehicle.
William Clayton died in Liverpool in 1941.
William Clayton's home at the time of the 1891 census
There is no particular source of reference for William Clayton
© Liverpool Footprints