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Henry Clay: A Featured Biography

Henry Clay by Allyn Cox

Henry Clay of Kentucky (1777-1852), closely associated with the "Golden Era" of the Senate, was one member of a "Great Triumvirate" that made an indelible mark on Senate history--along with Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun. As Senator, Speaker of the House, and Secretary of State, Clay enjoyed a distinguished political career, even though he never attained his greatest desire--the presidency. Clay's leadership guided a fragile Union through several critical impasses before the breakdown of such compromises resulted in Civil War. Although Clay earned  titles such as "The Great Compromiser" and "The Great Pacificator," he was also a shrewd and ambitious politician with some powerful enemies, notably President Andrew Jackson. In 1833, Clay orchestrated Jackson's censure . When Clay died in 1852, a great Senate voice was silenced and an era ended. Clay became the first person honored by a funeral ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda.


 

 
  

Historical information provided by the Senate Historical Office.


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