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

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

William Clayton therefore made his way to Camp Nelson to enlist, and on September 1, 1864 was enrolled as a private in the 13th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery. 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.