-
Henry Clay is born.
Henry Clay is born April 12, 1777. He is the son of Reverend John Clay and Elizabeth Hudson Clay. He was the seventh of nine children. He was born in Hanover County, Virginia. -
Henry Clay's House is Raided
Henry's father died this year he was only around four. This is the same year British loyalists soldiers raided the area in which he lived. His house was part of this raid. -
Secretary to Wythe
During this time Henry Clay was a secretary to George Wythe. He was chancellor of the High Court of Chancery. Clay had little education, but read in Wythe's library. He learned to make the most of little information. -
Clay Moves to Lexington
Clay moved to Lexington, Kentucky, as he was an ambitious lawyer. During this time he liked to drink and gamble. He also developed a love for horses. (Picture is of Lexington). -
Slavery
Clay did not approve of slavery as an institution. When he died he owned around 50 slaves. He never reconciled to slavery as a principle, he was sort of like Lincoln in this way. -
Clay Marries
Clay marries Lucretia Hart, she was the daughter of a Lexington businessman. They were married for over fifty years. The two had eleven children together. -
Ashland
In 1804 Henry bought plantation land and called in Ashland. Clay and his family began a life of growing hemp and tobacco. He lived at Ashland until his death. -
Defending Burr
Clay was an attorney and one client he defended was Aaron Burr. he defended Burr as he tried to go into Spanish territory and create a new empire. He believed Burr was innocent, until it was revealed Burr was really guilty. -
Duels of Henry Clay
Clay fought in two duels in his life. He fought one in 1809 and again in 1826. He dueled congressmen John Randolph, neither were hurt. This did not cause him problems in the political arena. -
Nominated by the Whig Party
Clay was nominated by the Whig party and this election was centered around the annexation of Texas. He lost the election but said that admitting Texas would reunite the argument between pro-slavery and anti-slavery states and could cause war with Mexico. He was right. -
Henry Clay dies.
Henry Clay dies June 29, 1852 from tuberculosis. Following his death funeral ceremonies were held in many cities. He was the first every person to be laid in Capitol Rotunda. -
Lincoln's Letter to John Clay
Lincoln kept a quote of Henry Clay's at his side while writing his first inaugural speech. Lincoln wrote to Henry's son John about his father. He said, "I recognize his voice, speaking as it ever spoke, for the Union, the Constitution, and the freedom of mankind."
