Person:Ezekiel Clay (1)

COL. E. F. CLAY,1 farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Paris. The proprietor of Runneymede, was born on the old homestead, Dec. 1, 1841, youngest child of Brutus J. and Amelia Field Clay. He was raised upon the homestead and began a thorough education, being a student for sometime, under B. B. Sayre; also attended school at Harrisburg, with a view to graduation, when the war broke out ; he cast his lot with the 1st Kentucky Mounted Riflemen, entering the ranks as private, afterwards chosen Captain, and rose to Lieutenant Colonel, and had command of his regiment, and remained with his command until the close of the war; and in justice to Col. Clay, it can be truthfully said, that no truer or more valiant soldier entered the Confederate service than he. He was nine months prisoner on Johnson's Island. Lost his right eye in an engagement, otherwise came out unscathed. The year following the close of the war, he married Mary L. Woodford, daughter of John T. Woodford, of this precinct ; the year of his marriage located on the farm he now owns, which contains 425 acres, best known as the Garrard Place, situated on the Paris Townsend Pike. In 1867, he commenced the breeding of short-horns, which he continued until 1875. Since that time has been quite prominently engaged in the breeding of thoroughbred race-borses, having a track and stables upon the grounds upon his premises, for their use and training. Colonel Clay is fond of the chase, and with his dogs and gun, and in company with boon companions, he makes frequent trips to hunting and fishing resorts. In his business relations is attentive and looks well to his interests, and in all matters of public interest is ever ready to do his part. Has five children : Ezekiel, Woodford, Brutus J., Buckner and Amelia.

Ezekiel Field Clay was born in Bourbon County December 1, 1840, and resides at "Runnymede," his beautiful country-seat, in the midst of happiness and prosperity. He married, May 8, 1866, Mary L., the accomplished daughter of John T. Woodford and his wife, Elizabeth Buckner, the granddaughter of Colonel Henry Clay, of Bourbon County.

Colonel E. F. Clay was a student at Kentucky University when war was declared in 1861, and at once enlisted in the First Kentucky Mounted Riflemen, Confederate States Army, as a private. Later he organized a company, of which he was chosen Captain, with William Talbott, Harry Clay, and James T. Rogers, of "New Forest," as Lieutenants. Afterward was promoted Lieutenant- Colonel, and commanded his regiment until the close of the war. Colonel Clay was seriously wounded and taken prisoner at Puncheon Creek, Magoffin County, and remained at Johnson's Island for nine months. He was a brave and gallant soldier. His regiment was a part of General Humphrey Marshall's Command, Department of Southwestern Virginia and Eastern Kentucky