From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

A self-taught artist, Theodore Clayton worked with scrap metal such as spikes, machine parts, horseshoes, and nails. He lived about four miles outside of Cave City. Born in Hart County, KY, he was the son of Herbert and Vernie Mae Rhodes Clayton.

Thoedore Clayton is buried in the Clayton Cemetery in Rocky Hill, KY. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

For more see Kentucky Minority Artists Directory, 1982; and Mervin Aubespin, "Sculptor gets down to nuts and bolts to interpret history," The Courier-Journal, 7/20/1975, front page & p. B1. See also photographs of Clayton and his works (Folder 78: Theodore Clayton (junk metal sculptor) with sculptures photographed by Aubespin, c. 1975) in Mervin Aubespin's photographic collection at The Filson Historical Society in Louisville.