Green Clay

Born August 14, 1757 - Died October 31, 1828

Green Clay was an American politician and soldier.

Clay was born on August 14th, 1757 in Powhatan County, Virginia. He served as a member of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. After the war he headed west into what became Kentucky. There he became a surveyor. With his work as a surveyor he was able to determine where there were lands ready for cultivation and development. In central Kentucky he found land where he was able to establish distilleries. He also was responsible for development around the Lexington area.

In 1789, Clay was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, Kentucky was part of Virginia at the time. Later he was elected to serve in the Kentucky General Assembly.

When the War of 1812 started, Clay was commissioned as a general in the Kentucky militia. In the spring of 1813 he was sent to aid General, and future President, William Henry Harrison at besieged Fort Meigs in Ohio. Clay fought his way into the fort and lost several man who were captured by the Native American leader Tecumseh. Eventually the siege ended with Clay helping Harrison to hold the fort. Clay was left in command of the fort. Later the same year the British returned to the fort and Tecumseh tried to lure Clay and his men out by faking a battle where it looked like American reinforcements were being attacked. Clay did not fall for the trick and the British were forced to retreat again.

After the war Clay returned to his plantation. At the time of his passing he was believed to have been the wealthiest man in Kentucky.

Clay passed away on October 31st, 1828.

Clay was a member of Lexington Lodge No. 1 in Lexington, Kentucky.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.