author
William Clayton
1814–1879
An early Latter-day Saint pioneer, diarist, and hymn writer, he left behind vivid firsthand records of the movement's most important years. He is especially remembered for keeping detailed journals and for writing the hymn "Come, Come, Ye Saints."
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About the author
Born in Lancashire, England, on July 17, 1814, William Clayton joined the early Latter-day Saint movement in 1837 and soon became a trusted clerk and record keeper. After emigrating to the United States, he worked closely with Joseph Smith and later with Brigham Young, serving in roles that put him near the center of major events in early church history.
Clayton is best known today for his journals, which historians value as rich firsthand accounts of Nauvoo, the westward migration, and the settlement of Utah. He also traveled with the 1847 pioneer company to the Salt Lake Valley as its clerk and historian, carefully documenting the journey.
Beyond his record keeping, he is remembered as a hymn writer and musician. He wrote the text of "Come, Come, Ye Saints," a song that became one of the best-known hymns associated with the Mormon pioneer experience. He died in Salt Lake City on December 4, 1879.