Henry Clay Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Clay Jr.
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| Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives |
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| In office 1835–1837 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | April 10, 1811 Lexington, Kentucky United States |
| Died | February 23, 1847 (aged 35) Buena Vista, Coahuila, Mexico |
| Resting place | Lexington Cemetery in Lexington Kentucky |
| Spouse |
Julia Prather (1814-1840)
(m. 1832–1840) |
| Children | Henry Clay III (b. 1833) Matilda (b. 1835) Anne Brown (b. 1837) Martha Clay (b. 1838) Thomas Julian Clay (b. 1840) |
| Parent | Henry Clay & Lucretia Hart |
| Relatives | Madeline McDowell Breckinridge (granddaughter) |
| Education | Transylvania University United States Military Academy |
| Occupation | Lawyer, politician, soldier |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1831 1846–1847 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Buena Vista † |
Henry Clay Jr. (born April 10, 1811 – died February 23, 1847) was an American politician and soldier from Kentucky. He was the third son of the famous US Senator and Representative Henry Clay. Henry Clay Jr. was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1835. He served one term. He graduated from the West Point military academy. He fought in the Mexican–American War and was killed in 1847 during the Battle of Buena Vista.
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Henry Clay Jr.'s Early Life and Education
Henry Clay Jr. was born on his family's estate called Ashland. This estate was located in Lexington. He was the older brother of James Brown Clay and John Morrison Clay. These were the only sons who were still alive when their father passed away. He also had six sisters, but they all died before their father.
After finishing his studies at Transylvania University in 1828, Henry Clay Jr. got a special invitation. He was accepted into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1831, ranking second in his class. He worked as a second lieutenant in the artillery for a few months. Then, he decided to leave the military.
After leaving the army, he went back to Kentucky. There, he studied law and became a lawyer in 1833.
Henry Clay Jr.'s Family Life
In 1832, Henry Clay Jr. married Julia Prather. She was born in 1814 and passed away in 1840. Together, they had five children.
Their daughter, Anne Brown Clay (1837–1917), later married Major Henry Clay McDowell. In 1883, Anne and Henry bought her grandfather's Ashland estate. They bought it from other family members who owned parts of it.
Anne and Henry's son, Thomas Clay McDowell, became very important in Thoroughbred horse racing in Kentucky. He bred, owned, and trained racehorses. He even won the 1902 Kentucky Derby with his horse, Alan-a-Dale.
Henry Clay Jr.'s Career in Politics and Military
After becoming a lawyer, Henry Clay Jr. entered politics. In 1835, he was elected to the Kentucky State House of Representatives. He served a two-year term, ending in 1837.
Serving in the Mexican–American War
When the Mexican–American War began, Henry Clay Jr. helped create a group of soldiers. This group was called the 2nd Kentucky Volunteers. He was given the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1846, he led his soldiers to support Zachary Taylor's army.
Henry Clay Jr. was killed while fighting in the Battle of Buena Vista. This happened on February 23, 1847. He was leading a charge with his regiment when he died. His body was brought back to Kentucky. He was buried in Frankfort Cemetery in Frankfort.
Henry Clay Jr.'s Legacy and Honors
Clay County, Iowa was named in honor of Henry Clay Jr.
