My Genealogy Hound

L. B. Clay was born in Bourbon County, Ky., October 27, 1820, the son of George and A. (Bainbridge) Clay, natives of Kentucky, the former of Irish and the latter of German stock. The parents were married in Kentucky, and in 1821 came to Warren County, this State. The father ran a tanyard for about ten years, then went to St. Louis, and followed boating until his death, in 1858, at the age of seventy years, and some years after the death of the mother. At the age of fifteen our subject ran away to New Orleans, with the intention of becoming a sailor. The father’s vigilance brought him back, however, and he engaged in boating. He soon became an expert pilot, and was so engaged for about twenty-five years. During the winter of 1865 and 1866, he ran the “Cornelia” to New Orleans, and while at work, either as captain or pilot, was never idle. His last trip was made in 1866. He at one time knew every man, woman and child that lived on the Illinois River. When he moved to Lewis County, Mo., the bushwhackers were numerous, and he was directed, by some prominent men, to send for help, if they became troublesome; he was not bothered, however. While boating on the Mississippi he was married to Barbara Davidson, an adopted child of William Jones, of St. Louis. Six of their nine children are living: Amanda, oldest living; Oliver C., prosecuting attorney; Thomas L.; S. W.; Ella and James H. Our subject was originally a Whig, but is now a Democrat of the Union stamp. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church.