An American Family History

Mitchell Clay

Mitchell Clay was born about 1739 in Henrico County (now Chesterfield), Virginia. His father was William Clay.

He married Phoebe Belcher.

Mitchell and Phoebe's children included:

Tabitha Clay (1763),
Rebecca Clay Pearis (1764, married George Pearis),
Bartley Clay (1765),
Obedience Clay (1766, married John French),
Ezekial Clay (1767),
Patience Clay Chapman (1768, married George Chapman),
David Clay (1769),
John Clay (1771),
Mary Clay (1772, married Ralph Stewart),
Mitchell Clay (1772, married Judith Clay),
Naomie Clay (1773, married Joseph Hare),
Charles Clay (1774),
William Clay (1777, married Rebecca Cecil),
Henry Clay (1781, married Sarah Stewart),
Sarah Clay Peters (1783, married John Peters) and
Polly Clay Stewart (1789).

In April, 1774, Mitchell applied for, and was granted land in the short-lived Fincastle County, Virginia for serving in the French and Indian War. He received 800 acres on Bluestone Creek in Clover Bottom.

On May 29, 1774 "John Umphries, Mitchel Clay, [and] others, were on a report to Col. William Preston by Michael Woods, proving their service in Dunmore's War." (from Virginia's Colonial Soldiers, Bockstuck, p. 150)

On June 2, 1774, Mitchell was listed as a private in Captain Daniel Smith's militia company in Fincastle County, Virginia. He participated in the Battle of Point Pleasant during Lord Dunmore's War along with his sons David and Zekiel, John Chapman, and John Peck.

Rich Creek 15th September 1774 
Sir...

I have sent you an Acct. of their time Likewise finding their Provisions for the time

Mitchel Clay 51 days on Duty found his own Provisions
Zekil Clay 51 days found his Provisions
David Clay 51 days found Do
Richd. Blankenship 44 days Do...

James Robertson
from Historic Sullivan by Oliver Taylor

On October 13, 1777, Mitchel, David, and Zekil Clay swore their allegiance to the state in Fincastle County, Virginia. (from Virginia Military Records)

In August, 1783 the family was attacked by a party of Shawnee men and Bartley and Tabitha died and Ezekiel was captured. A party of men led by Captain Matthew Farle pursued the Native Americans.

After the attack, the family moved near Pearisburg in Giles County, Virginia.

On June 1, 1790, Mitchell and Phoebe sold 203 acres in Clover Bottom to their son-in-law, George Pearis, for 300£. They also sold him one acre on the east side of New River for 10£ and 109 acres on Black Lick Creek for 50£.

On June 6, 1792, Mitchell Clay was recommended for captain of the 2nd Battalion, 86th Regt., Charles Clay was recommended as lieutnant, and William Clay was recommended as an ensign.

On April 3, 1797, Mitchell Clay sold Reuben Roberts 100 acres on the New River for 180£.

Mitchell Clay died in April, 1811 on New River. On April 24, 1811 his last will and testament was proved by the oaths of Andrew Johnston, John Brown, and Henry Dillon.

Mitchell and his family were buried in Pearisburg, Giles County, Virginia.