Throughout his youth, Henry Clay was influenced by orators of great prominence during America's early years of independence. In time, he learned to successfully imitate their persuasive manner of speaking. When orators, such as Patrick Henry (1736–1799 see box), passed through his community, Clay was intrigued and impressed by their speeches. The following year, Henry's mother married Captain Henry Watkins, a soldier, prosperous farmer, and kind stepfather.Ĭlay's formal education was limited to about three years in rural Virginia schools, but he was bright and had a talent with the spoken word. When Henry, the seventh of eight children, was four years old, his father died. While not wealthy, John Clay, a Baptist minister, kept his family financially comfortable. His parents were John Clay and Elizabeth Hudson, and his ancestors were some of the earliest Virginia settlers. I was born a democrat-was raised and nurtured a Republican." Young HenryĬlay was born in Hanover County, Virginia, near present-day Richmond. " rocked in the cradle of the Revolution. In 1824, 1832, and 1844, Clay ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Under President John Quincy Adams (1767–1848 served 1825–29), Clay served as secretary of state from 1825 until 1829. Senate briefly from 1806 to 1807, again from 1810 to 1811, and then from 1831 until his death in 1852. House of Representatives, including ten years in an important position of leadership as Speaker of the House. Key to his success was his skill for compromising and for bringing different groups together for the common good.Ĭlay served many years in the U.S. Clay was a man of action who successfully moved important legislation through Congress. A brilliant public speaker, he also inspired the common man in his role as an elected official. Henry Clay, a Virginian by birth and a Kentuckian by choice, was a fearless fighter for the cause of liberty and for the strength of the Union.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |