Edmond Clayton was born 05 April 1602 in Gleaston, Lancashire, England. He was

the son of Henry Clayton and Esther Townson. His wife was named Margaret. Their

son Richard was born in 1625, Ann 1628 and our ancestor John in 1631.

Daughter Ann was a servant at Swarthmoor Hall. Swarthmoor was built by George

Fell. George’s son Thomas inherited the house from his father and had brought his

wife Margaret Askew Fell to live at the Hall. Thomas Fell supported Cromwell yet

managed to retain a position as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. George Fox,

founder of of the Quaker movement, arrived at Swarthmoor Hall in June 1652 as he

traveled around England. He had already been in jail 12 months for illegal preaching.

When he arrived the Fell’s were not at home. The Parish priest, William Lampitt from

St. Mary’s Ulverston a few miles away confronted Fox then departed quit mad. The

children told Margaret when she returned. If Ann was a servant in the household

she too would have heard of the confrontation.

Margaret invited Fox to Lampitt’s church where he was able to preach and over the

next three weeks convinced the family, local inhabitants and staff of his believes.

When Thomas Fell returned he did not convert but did allow Fox the use of

Swarthmoor as a meeting place for worship. They continued to use the Hall until

1691 when they moved into a Meeting house 400 yards away from Swarthmoor Hall.

George Fox married Margaret Askew Fell 11 years after Thomas Fell died in 1658. He

traveled extensively sharing his faith even in America.

In 1657, just months prior to Thomas Fell’s death, Edmond Clayton died. His death

the 5^th month 1657 [our calendar August]was recorded in the Lancashire Quaker

records. Edmond’s son Richard and daughter Ann became advocates for the

Quaker faith and appear in America in 1658. Ann is said to have preached in

Barbados prior to her arrival in America. She did not marry until she was much

older. In 1671 she married Nicholas Easton, who would become the Governor of

Rhode Island, in Newport. Brother John was in Rhode Island just prior to Anne’s

marriage.

Edmond Clayton’s wife Margaret died the 12^th month 1662 translating to our calendar

is 20 February 1663.