Cecil Clay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cecil Clay
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Cecil Clay
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| Born | February 13, 1842 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | September 23, 1903 (aged 61) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army District of Columbia National Guard |
| Years of service | 1861–1866 (Army) 1887–1897 (National Guard) |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel Brevet Brigadier General Colonel (National Guard) |
| Unit |  58th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Relations | Joseph Clay (grandfather) John Randolph Clay (uncle) |
| Other work | Lumber merchant; chief clerk, United States Department of Justice |
Cecil Clay (February 13, 1842 – September 23, 1903) was a brave soldier during the American Civil War. He was a captain in the Union Army. He served in the 58th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Clay showed great courage even after being wounded. He earned the Medal of Honor for his actions. This happened during a battle to capture Fort Harrison in Virginia. This fort was part of the Confederate defenses around Richmond, Virginia. Later in his life, he worked for the United States Department of Justice.
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Early Life of Cecil Clay
Cecil Clay was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 13, 1842. He went to college at the University of Pennsylvania.
Serving in the Civil War
Cecil Clay joined the army on September 1, 1861. He started as a first lieutenant. By January 1, 1862, he became a captain. He was part of Company K in the 58th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
He continued to rise through the ranks. On September 30, 1864, he became a Major. Then, on November 19, 1864, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
Medal of Honor Action
Clay earned the Medal of Honor on September 29, 1864. This was during the battle at Fort Harrison, Virginia. He was leading a charge, even carrying the flag of another regiment. During this brave act, he was badly wounded. He lost his right arm and his left arm was also severely hurt.
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for military bravery. Cecil Clay received his medal on April 19, 1892.
After the War
Cecil Clay left the volunteer army on January 24, 1866. Soon after, President Andrew Johnson honored him. Clay was given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general. This special rank was given to him on March 13, 1865. The United States Senate confirmed this honor on April 10, 1866.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Cecil Clay started a new career. He became a lumber merchant. He was also the president of a company called St. Lawrence Boom and Manufacturing Company in 1870.
From 1883 to 1903, he worked for the United States Department of Justice. He was the chief clerk and general agent there. He also served as a colonel in the D.C. National Guard from 1887 to 1897. For a time, he was also the president of the Board of Reform School in Washington, D.C.
Death
Cecil Clay passed away on September 23, 1903. He died in Washington, D.C. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
