Representative Joseph Clay

Joseph Clay served as a Representative from Pennsylvania in the United States Congress from 1803 to 1809. A member of the Republican Party, Joseph Clay contributed to the legislative process during 3 terms in office.

Joseph Clay’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, Joseph Clay participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Joseph Clay (July 24, 1769 – August 27, 1811) was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania. Joseph Clay was born in Philadelphia in the Province of Pennsylvania. He was elected as a Democratic-Republican to the Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Congresses, and served until his resignation after March 28, 1808. He was also engaged in banking. Clay served as chairman of the United States House Committee on Ways and Means during the Ninth Congress. He was one of the impeachment managers appointed by the House of Representatives in 1804 to conduct the impeachment proceedings against John Pickering, judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire. Joseph Clay was elected as a member of the American Philosophical Society held at Philadelphia in 1799. He became cashier of the Farmers & Mechanics’ Bank of Philadelphia, and died in Philadelphia in 1811. Interment in Christ Church Burying Ground. He was the father of diplomat John Randolph Clay, and the grandfather of brevet brigadier general Cecil Clay.