Mormon History, 1846-47

[William Clayton] In March, while camped on the plains of Iowa, he wrote the words to "Come, Come, Ye Saints." He spent the winter of at Winter Quarters, Nebraska, and was with the vanguard pioneer company that crossed the plains to Utah in 1847 and selected the site for the new Mormon gathering place in Salt Lake Valley. His published pioneer journal is the most well-known account of that expedition. He also prepared and published The Latter-day Saints' Emigrants' Guide, a meticulous description of the entire route from Winter Quarters to Salt Lake City, with suggestions for camping places. It became an invaluable guide not only for Mormon migrants, but also for thousands of pioneers bound for Oregon and California. In Utah, Clayton became a prominent and well respected citizen. He continued for a time to help keep the records of the church, and he also engaged in various public and private business activities. He became auditor for the Territory of Utah as well as recorder of marks and brands, holding both positions until his death. He also worked for a time as treasurer of the Deseret Telegraph Company and secretary of ZCMI. His private ventures included collecting debts, filing land claims, acting as an attorney, lending money, merchandising, farming, and mining speculation. He also continued to participate in cultural activities, particularly those associated with music. 1846-47

[source: Utah History Encyclopedia: William Clayton, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/c/CLAYTON%2CWILLIAM.html]