From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (PIONEERS & PATRIOTS: Anderson County Military Servicemen, Revolutionary War - WWI)

Clayton was born a slave in Anderson County about 1849. He remained a slave into adulthood; President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in states openly hostile toward the Union. Late in the war, however, the government called for the enlistment of colored regiments, and all who answered the call were granted immediate freedom.

George Clayton therefore made his way to Louisville to enlist, and on September 1, 1864 he became a private in the 13th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery. At that time, he testified he was born in Anderson County about 1849.

The 13th Artillery saw no reported action during the war, serving primarily as garrison troops at Camp Nelson, Smithland, Lexington, and other points in Kentucky until being discharged on November 18, 1865.