Education
Born in Henderson, Kentucky, Clay attended public and private schools at Henderson. He graduated from Georgetown College, Kentucky, in June 1860. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1862, commencing practice in Henderson.
United States representative politician
Born in Henderson, Kentucky, Clay attended public and private schools at Henderson. He graduated from Georgetown College, Kentucky, in June 1860. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1862, commencing practice in Henderson.
Clay was elected as a Democrat to the 48th Congress and served March 4, 1883 – March 3, 1885. He was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1884 and resumed law practice in Henderson. He served as city attorney and as attorney for the Saint Louis & Southern Railroad and the Ohio Valley Railway Company
He died in Henderson, Kentucky, on August 17, 1921 and was interred in Fernwood Cemetery.
He served as member of the State senate in 1870.