When Harry Wilford Layton was eight years old, his family moved to Arizona. Harry was the sixth child born to Christopher Layton and Hannah Maria Septima Sims, born 7 October 1876 in Kaysville, Davis, Utah. The family first settled in Eden for several years then moved back to Utah. After the death of his mother when he was sixteen years old, Harry returned to Arizona and made his home in Thatcher with his oldest sister, Amy Fuller Layton. His duties included tending the baby and churning the butter. Harry was happy when he was finally able to get a job. He started driving stage from Bowie to Fort Thomas for his father who operated the freight and mail stage line. During this job, Harry's characteristics of promptness and responsibility became prominent.

15 November 1898 he married Emily (Emma) Reay at the home of her parents in Thatcher, Arizona. Emma was born 22 March 1879 at Kanosh, Millard, Utah to Miles Reay and Emily Abraham. She had nine brothers and sisters. When Emma was five years old the family left Utah for Arizona, first settling in Solomonville for a short time, then Thatcher. Being the oldest girl in the family, Emma learned to help many ways in the home. She was a good seamstress and made most of the clothes for the family.

Following their marriage, Harry and Emma made their home in Thatcher for two years and their first child, Merlin was born. They bought some farmland in Central and had a two-room red brick house built on it.They moved into their new home on Thanksgiving Day 1900. In 1916 they made additions. This house still stands.

Harry continued to work for his father for several years, operating an ice plant in Thatcher. He also farmed in Central. When he quit working at the ice plant, he devoted his full time to farming. During the years he acquired more farmland and farmed until he retired because of ill health. Harry served in many capacities in the Central Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was Sunday School superintendent and counselor in the bishopric for 8 years. 26 December 1926 he was called to be the Bishop of the Central Ward and served until 1930. He was called to serve in the High Council of the St. Joseph Stake for 18 years. Harry also served as a trustee of the Central School and a truant officer.

Harry passed away 9 March 1955 and Emma followed him in death 7 weeks later, 4 May 1955.
(Life Sketch from "A Century in Central 1883-1983", pages 162-163.)