Clay, Henry

Cultural  

1. A Whig political leader of the early nineteenth century known for his efforts to keep the United States one nation despite sharp controversy among Americans over slavery. Clay represented Kentucky, first in the House of Representatives and then in the Senate. He was known as the “Great Pacificator” because of his prominent role in producing the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850.

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Clay ran unsuccessfully for president three times. He once said in a speech, “I would rather be right than be president.”

Example Sentences

Outside is one of the post's main tourist attractions: Clay Henry, a beer- drinking goat whose pen abuts the shaded porch.

From Time Magazine Archive

Clay, Henry, advocates recognition of South American independence, 49-51, 82; Cuban policy of, 88; views on Isthmian Canal, 148; and Panama Congress, 292-295; applies Monroe Doctrine to Cuba and Porto Rico, 323.

From The United States and Latin America by Latane, John Holladay

Clay, Henry, 18, 22, 34, 116-120, 138, 153-155, 159; colonization proposal, 154-155; tribute to in defeat, 120.

From Lincoln, the Politician by Levy, T. Aaron

Clay, Henry, leads war party in Congress, 292, 294; expects easy conquest of Canada, 294.

From James Madison by Gay, Sydney Howard

Clay, Henry, Missouri Compromise, 48;   candidate for President 1844, 61;   Compromise of 1850, 68.

From A History of the Republican Party by Platt, George Washington