Record Summary
Evidence Category:
Published Source
Record Type:
Newsletter
Date:
Jul 2013
Individuals Mentioned:
Phyllis Alexander, Carol Abbott Andrews, Sallie Ball, Cecil Carter Biven Jr., James Washington Biven, Lutie F. Biven, Marian (Birdie) Biven, Julia Brock, Julia McDowell Brock, Eric Brooks, John Cardinal, Mary Carlton, William Carlton, Agnes G. [Clay], Amilison (Epps) Clay, Ann [Clay], Bill Clay, Cassius M. Clay, Charles Clay, Christine [Clay?], Christine Clay, David Clay, Daniel [possibly David] Clay, Dr. Henry Clay, Fredrick Lord Clay, Gill Clay, Henry Clay, James Clay, James William Clay, John Clay, John Mitchell Clay, Julian C. Clay, Laura Clay, Lucius D. Clay, Margaret Clay, Mary [Clay], Mary Mitchell Clay, Matthew Clay, Mitchell Clay, Patricia [Clay], Rachel Clay, Robert Clay, Robert Young Clay, Sarah [Clay], William Clay, William Henry Clay, William Mitchell Clay, William S. Clay, John Thomas Claye, S. Douglas Cline, Vivian Cline, Connie Collins, Thomas Connally, Gynger Cook, Nancy Cook, Louise Copenhaver, Adam Darling, Bob Deans, Pat Dunford, James B. Edmunds, W. Faithorne, Nancy Hampton, Patricia Law Hatcher FASG FGSP, Janis Hendrick, Charles Herrick, James W. Herrick, Michael Clay Herrick, Virginia V. Herrick, Augustin Herrman, Marcia Hovenden, Kenneth Lee Hunt, Elizabeth Innes, Hannah James, Rev. Elise Lawrence Moore Johnstone, Eleanor Jordon, Joan Clay Kavanaugh, Charles Knighton, William (Bill) LaBach, Sallie Clay Lanham, Jim Lehmkulher, Alex Lesueur, Alex Lesueur Jr., Robert Todd Lincoln, Martha McCartney, Aaron L. Mellows, Julia Mortenson, David Myers, Dwain Verne Myers, Karen [Myers], Loren Verne Myers, Marjory Ruth Clay Myers, Samuel Myers, Sarah Ann Myers, Thomas Verne Myers, Timothy Myers, Edith L. Offord, Grayson Carney Offord, Helen Cornelia Offord, John Offord, Leontine Clay Peck, Linda Pittano, Mary Richardson, John D. Rockefeller Jr., Robert Revell, Elsie Stein, Mark Summers, Mary E. Sutherland, F. Clay Thompson, James [Thompson], Kathleen [Thompson], Katie [Thompson], Lavina Walker, John Wall, Mary Jane Warfield, Shirley Wilcox, Hannah Wilson, John Wilson, Joseph Wilson, Linda Woods
Repository:
Clay Family Society Digital Archives
Archive Reference:
older: 01_Pieces_of_Clay/2007-2025
Summary
Focused on Places that Call Us Back to Our Roots, Utilizing DNA for Genealogy, Clay Family Event at Ashland, 2014 Gathering – Charles Herrick President
Clay Line: Board
Asset
Source Citation
Pieces of Clay, Clay Family Society, (Summer 2013): 6 pages; CFS Archive ID POC-2013-03.
Historical Context
Key genealogical findings from the Clay Family Society’s recent activities and research include:
1. Jamestown Origins and Early Clay Ancestors
The Society highlights John Clay(e), who arrived in Jamestown in 1613, as a common ancestor for many members. Ongoing archaeological discoveries at Jamestown continue to refine understanding of the settlement and the Clay family’s early presence in America.
2. DNA Testing for Genealogy
DNA analysis, particularly Y-DNA (paternal line) and mtDNA (maternal line), is increasingly used to confirm family connections and trace lineages. The Society encourages members to participate in DNA projects, noting that while some have found matches and expanded their family trees, others have not yet found connections, emphasizing the need for persistence and follow-up.
The Family Finder autosomal DNA test now allows both men and women to trace ancestors on both sides up to 5-6 generations, aiding in identifying maiden names and previously unknown relatives.
3. Lineage Clarifications and Ongoing Questions
The Society continues to investigate and clarify disputed or unproven lineages, such as the parentage of John Clay(e) and connections to other families (e.g., the Innes and James families). Members are encouraged to contribute evidence or research to resolve these questions.
4. Family Gatherings and Collaboration
Regular gatherings, such as the 2013 event at Ashland (home of Senator Henry Clay), foster collaboration, share research, and celebrate family heritage. These events also serve as opportunities to discuss preservation of family cemeteries and historical sites.
