Henry Clay

Henry Clay was a leading American statesman for nearly 50 years (Remini 02). Clay became known as the Great Compromiser because he repeatedly helped settle bitter disputes over slavery between the Northern and Southern states. His compromises did much to hold the nation together during the first half of the 1800’s. Clay’s charm, generosity, and eloquent speeches made him one of the most idolized figures of his time (Remini 04).
He served as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, a U.S. senator, and a U.S. secretary of state. He campaigned for President unsuccessfully five times. Through the years, Clay showed great devotion to principle. Once, after taking a controversial stand on slavery he told an associate, “I had rather be right than be President” (Eaton 56).
Henry Clay, the son of a Baptists minister, was born on April 12, 1777, in Hanover County, Virginia. He received little formal schooling, but he had a sharp mind and liked to read. He studied law and, at the a...