Clay, Eleazer

Clay, Eleazer, a Baptist minister, was born in Virginia, May 2, 1744. He was baptized in August, 1771, and ordained pastor at Chesterfield in 1775. Possessing a competent estate, he was able to assist his ministerial brethren who were suffering from persecution, and send relief to the families of those who had been thrown into prison. Within the limits of his own county he labored most faithfully as a minister of Christ, but was finally laid aside from the active duties of his vocation. He died May 2, 1836. He exerted a great influence among the churches in Chesterfield County, and for many years occupied the moderator's chair in the Middle District Association. See Lives of Virginia Baptist Ministers, p. 178. (J. C.S.)