Clay County, Kentucky
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Historical Marker #836 in Manchester commemorates the naming of Clay County for Green Clay, a War of 1812 veteran.
Born in Virginia, according to one biographer, Green Clay "moved to Madison County in the 1780s and established himself as one of the richest, most powerful men in the state." A founder of Richmond and a cousin of Henry Clay, Green was also politically active and served in the state legislature. During the War of 1812, Green became a brigadier general and saw service at Ft. Meigs.
Clay's children also left an impressive legacy. One son, Brutus Clay, was an active politician while another, Cassius Marcellus Clay, was a prominent emancipationist who became Abraham Lincoln's minister to Russia.
When Clay County was created in 1807, it was named in his honor.
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General Green Clay
Clay County, Kentucky, is named for General Green Clay, a War of 1812 veteran. Courtesy of White Hall State Historic Site.
Cassius Marcellus Clay
The son of General Green Clay, Cassius Marcellus Clay became a prominent anti-slavery advocate. Courtesy of White Hall State Historic Site.
General Cassius M. Clay
Cassius Marcellus Clay, the son of General Green Clay, was a prominent anti-slavery advocate. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln appointed him minister to Russia. Courtesy of White Hall State Historic Site.