Public

POC-2013-01 – POC, 2013 Qtr 1, Vol. XI Issue 1

Document

Record Summary

Evidence Category:

Published Source

Record Type:

Newsletter

Date:

Jan 2013

Individuals Mentioned:

Phyllis Alexander, Ronald Boykin, Philip Alexander Bruce, George Carder, Margaret Clay Carder, Susan Chilton/Shelton, Winston Churchill, James Hill Clarke, Alexander S. Clay, Alice Clay, America Clay, Ann [Clay?], Brutus Clay, Cassius M. Clay, Catesby Clay Jr., Charles Clay, Cleveland Clay, David Clay, Elizabeth [Clay?], F. Clay, Frank R. Clay, Francis Clay, Fredrick Lord Clay, Henry Clay, Isaac Clay, James Clay, James Nelson Clay III, Jerome F. Clay, John Clay(e), Laura Clay, Lucius D. Clay, Margaret Clay, Mary [Clay?], Matthew Clay, Mitchell Clay, Penny Clay, Rachel (Povall) Clay, Robert Clay, Senator Henry Clay, William Clay, William B. Clay, William E. Clay, William S. Clay, S. Douglas Cline, Vivian Cline, Connie Collins, Thomas Connally, Nancy Cook, Louise Copenhaver, Mike Davis, Mary Ann (Clay) Dawson, Carol Lovelady Dehan, Pat Dunford, Robert Dunville, James B. Edmunds, Angela F. Leshak, Robert Todd Lincoln, Sallie Clay Lanham, George Jones, Laura Jones, Mary R. Jones, Eleanor Jordon, Charles Knighton, Perry Moore, Menica Musick, Linda Pittano, Mary Richardson, Robert Revell, Alvin Rucker, Rev. Stephen O. Southall, Polly Ann Spradling, Mary E. Sutherland, Thomas P. Dawson, Forrest [surname unintelligible], Mary Hopkins, Marcia Hovenden, Patricia Law Hatcher FASG FGSP, Charles Herrick, James W. Herrick, Michael Clay Herrick, Virginia V. Herrick, Elise Lawrence Moore Johnstone, Ellen Waddell, Lavina Walker, John Wall, Mary Jane Warfield, Shirley Wilcox, Joseph Wilson

Repository:

Clay Family Society Digital Archives

Archive Reference:

Folder: 01_Pieces_of_Clay/2007-2025

Summary

Focused on Honoring Lucius D. Clay “St. Francis in a General’s Uniform” Laura Clay Receives Award, The City of London Livery Companies Clay Houses of Distinction Professional Photographer records Clay Family Cemetery – Charles Herrick President

Clay Line: Board

Asset

View Public Asset

Source Citation

Pieces of Clay, Clay Family Society, (Winter 2013): 6 pages; CFS Archive ID POC-2013-01.

Historical Context

Key genealogical findings from the Clay Family Society newsletter highlight the following:

1. Early English Origins:
The Clay family has documented roots in Derbyshire, England, with references dating back to 1327. Notable residences include “The Hill” at Tupton and “Clay House” in Greetland, Yorkshire, both associated with the family for centuries.

John Clay is recorded as a member of the Company of Clothmakers in London in 1598, suggesting early professional and social standing.

2. Migration to America:
John Claye arrived in Virginia in 1612 and patented 1,200 acres in Charles City by 1635. He is recognized as a key ancestor for many American Clays, with records indicating multiple marriages (Ann and Elizabeth).

By 1789-90, at least 47 Clays were paying taxes in Virginia, indicating significant family presence and expansion.

3. Notable Descendants and Achievements:
General Lucius D. Clay, son of Senator Alexander S. Clay of Georgia, played a pivotal role in post-WWII Germany, notably leading the Berlin Airlift. He is not descended from the “John 1613” line but is recognized for his historical significance.

Laura Clay, daughter of Cassius M. Clay, was posthumously honored for her leadership in human rights and women’s advocacy. Her legacy is commemorated at White Hall Historic Site in Kentucky.

4. Family Properties and Legacy:
Historic Clay residences, such as Hagg Hill Hall and The Elms, remain standing and are recognized for their architectural and genealogical importance.

The Clay Family Cemetery in Georgia has been documented, preserving the memory of family members like Cleveland Clay (1836–1909).

5. Ongoing Research and Queries:
The Society continues to investigate unresolved genealogical questions, such as the lineage of Frank R. Clay of Kentucky and Virginia, encouraging member participation and information sharing.