The first edition of this paper was issued on Thursday, November 14, 1872, by Messrs. J. R. Beden and Wm. D. Clark, under the firm name of Clark & Beden. January 2, 1873, Mr. Beden retired and R. F. Clark entered the concern. The publication of the paper was continued by Clark & Clark up to October 1, 1874, when the latter retired, and the former remained alone until he sold out to Wm. H. Rees, October 7, 1875. Mr. Rees continued the publication until March 9, 1876, when the present publisher, W. W. Ames, purchased the office. The original size of the paper was 36 by 40, but during the proprietorship of Mr. Rees, it was changed to 24 by 36, and restored to its former and present size by Mr. Ames in March 1876. The Independent is an ably edited and live family weekly, and enjoys, as it deserves, a liberal patronage. As its title implies, it is independent in all things.

This institution was established by A. F. Barker and R. P. Grant, October 1, 1876; the former gentleman occupies the position of president, the latter that of cashier. It is a bank of deposit and discount, and does a gen4ral banking business. It sells drafts on New York and Watertown, and is noted for the promptitude with which it makes collections. Financially, the concern is sound, being good for on hundred cents on the dollar every time.

This excellent musical organization was formed in August; 1874, under the able instruction of H. M. Lewis, of Watertown. The first officers elected were, Thomas B. Bell, president; S. H. Johnson, secretary and treasurer; Ernest Walt, leader; James couch, H. E. Gates, and C. a. Ellis, fiancee committee; W. O. Bennett, M. Vandewalker, and J. B. Flynn, executive committee. The amount of $249 was subscribed by the citizens, which, with a small amount advanced by the band, bought the first set of instruments.

In 1875 the members equipped themselves with a neat and tasty uniform at he cost of $500. In 1876 they purchased an entire set of new instruments, made by the Boston Musical Institute Manufactory, which cost about $600. They have expended about $2000 since their organization, al of which they have paid with their own earnings, and without financial assistance from the citizens. The band room is located in the hall of the Potter block, which they have leased for five years, and they one of the finest practicing rooms in the county.

The Clayton Band is an institution of which the citizens are justly proud. The members have manifested a commendable desire to become proficient in their respective parts, and by unusual diligence and persevering energy have acquired an enviable reputation among the bet bands in the State. To the strange reader this may seem peculiarly the language of eulogy, but, having heard them both practice and play, we speak whereof we know.

The Clayton Rural Cemetery Association was formed in 1855, for purposes explained in the subjoined extract from the records, and by those whose names are appended thereto:

The first trustees were James F. Angel, Henry Esselstyn, V. A. Benjamin, Luther Eddy, A. R. Calvin, Thomas Rees, John Cary, A. M. Brush, and John W. Fowler. James F. angel was chosen president; A. R. Calvin, vice-president; Henry Esselstyn, treasurer; and V. A, Benjamin, secretary. The present trustees are R. M. Esselstyn, Thomas Rees, Dr. Amos Ellis, James Johnston, Luther Eddy, S. G. Johnston, R. G. Angel, A. F. Barker, and Dr. A. Bain. D. C. Porter is secretary and warden. The total number of interments up to September 26, 1877, was 402. The grounds are neatly laid out and very tastefully kept.

The lodge has worked continuously since its organization, and now has a membership of 90. The present officers are: H. E. Morse, W.M.; Wm. H. Rees, S.W.; D. L. Larkins, J.W.; Perry Caswell, Treasurer; T. G. Rees, Secretary.

The Temperance Reform Club of Clayton was organized April 18, 1877. Its first officers were Dr. H. A. McIlmoyl, president; R. M. Esselstyn, First Vice-President; Albert Brooker, Second Vice-President; C. E. Gillett, Third Vice-President; W. P. Hawes, Secretary; C. H. Esselstyn, Assistant Secretary; W. W. Ames, Treasurer; and Rev. A. W. Cady, Chaplain. The present officers are R. M. Esselstyn, President; A. H. McIlmoyl, First Vice-President; H. Elliott, Second Vice-President; P. Caswell, Third Vice-President; John F. Ames, Secretary; W. W. Ames, Treasurer; Rev. A. W. Cady, Chaplain. The club now has a membership of 175. Its operations have been attended with very gratifying results, and much future usefulness may be reasonably anticipated. (Jefferson County History, by L. H. Everts, 1878)