Frances Watson
Liberty University Research Week
15 February 2020
Title – Charles Clay: Patriot and Pastor
Presentation Type – PowerPoint
Mentor(s) and Mentor Email – Dr. Samuel Smith (scsmith4@liberty.edu)
Student name(s) and email(s) – Frances Watson (fwatson8@liberty.edu)
Category – Textual
Abstract:
Charles Clay was an Episcopalian minister, delegate to the Virginia Constitutional
Ratification Convention, ancestor of the renowned statesman Henry Clay, patriot, and friend to
Thomas Jefferson. Yet, almost no one knows anything about him. His unique grave has been
virtually forgotten and now sits at the edge of a golf course. Who is the man that lies buried
beneath a massive pile of stones and why is his name ignored in relationship to Jefferson’s
religious affiliations? Using Clay’s own sermons, Thomas Jefferson’s letters to Clay, church
records from St. Anne’s Parish, and information regarding the Calvinistical Reformed Church
that Jefferson helped Clay finance, this research concentrates on the ties between Thomas
Jefferson and Clay’s evangelical ministry. By investigating Clay’s life, ministry, and friendship
with Jefferson, this research hopes to revive his memory and bring his gravesite the honor it
deserves.