Rushden Echo, 13th July 1923, transcribed by Kay Collins
Mr. and Mrs. William Clayton
The Golden Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. William Clayton, of 66 Harborough-road, Rushden, was celebrated at their home on Saturday, when about 40 guests (two of whom had been bridesmaids at the wedding 50 years ago) were entertained to tea. The evening was spent enjoyably by the whole party. The late Rev. Canon Barker officiated at the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Clayton at St. Mary’s Church, Rushden, on July 6th, 1873. Mr. Clayton, who comes of an old Rushden family, started work at the age of seven. For 32 years he was employed, mostly on hand-sewn work, at Messrs. William Claridge and Sons’ factory, and for the last 16 years he has worked at Mr. G. Selwood’s factory. Mrs. Clayton had worked at hand-stabbing (uppers) for 40 years. At Red Cross fetes in Rushden and Higham during the war the couple won first prizes in hand-sewn work and hand-stabbing. Mr. Clayton is one of the original members of the Rushden W.M.C. The four daughters of the marriage are living, one in America. There are also 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mr. and Mrs. Clayton, respectively 71 and 70, enjoy good health and the friendship of a wide circle of acquaintances.