Born in Huntsville, Alabama. Graduate of the University of Alabama at Tuscaluosa in 1834. Admitted to the bar in 1840. Married Virginia Tunstall February 1, 1843.

He was private secretary to his father, Clement Comer Clay, the governor of Alabama. Elected to the Alabama legislature and served 1842 to 1845. Served as judge of Madison, Alabama court 1846 to 1848. Elected to the U.S. Senate and served November 29, 1853, until January 21, 1861. He was expelled and became a member of the Confederate Senate 1861 to 1863. Arrested and imprisoned in Fortress Monroe in 1865. He died at Wildwood, Madison County, Alabama.

Clay appears on Confederate paper money:

$1 Issues of 1862, 1863 and 1864

bio: *ApCAB; BDC; DAB; *NCAB 4; **TCBDA; WWWA-H(*give year as 1819) (**gives year as 1817)