American Statesman,

             Henry Clay

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"I had rather be right than be President."

                                                                                                -Henry Clay

 

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Henry Clay was born in Hanover County, Virginia, on April 12, 1777.  He moved to Lexington, Kentucky in 1797 at the age of 20.

Clay was a lawyer, but he spent most of his life as a statesman.   He served Kentucky as a United States senator for several terms, 1806-1807, 1810-1811, 1831-1842, and 1849-1852.  He, also, served as a representative for 1811-1814, 1815-1821, and 1823-1825. 

Clay ran for the presidency several times but was defeated in 1824, 1832, and 1844.  He was named Secretary of State by President John Quincy Adams. 

Clay was called "The Great Compromisor" because of his ability to bring others to agree.

 

 

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