from The History of Hendricks County (Indianapolis: B.F. Bowen & Co., 1914)--pages 714-716
One of the most distinguished families which has come to the United States from Scotland is the Clay family. Their descendants are now found scattered throughout the United States. Among the most distinguished members of this family may be mentioned Henry and Cassius M. Clay, of Kentucky, men who were leaders in national life when they were in the height of their career. One of the members of this family who was born in Hendricks County, Indiana, and has brought honor on the county of his birth is Joseph Fleece Clay, who was formerly a sheriff of Marion County, but now a resident of Putnam County, Indiana.
Joseph F. Clay, the son of James Henry and Susan (Fleece) Clay, was born in Hendricks County, September 1, 1865. His father was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, January 20, 1819, the son of Littleberry and Arabella (McCoun) Clay. James H. Clay and Susan Fleece were married July 29, 1841, their marriage taking place shortly after his parents arrived in this county. Littleberry Clay and his family came to this county in 1840 and purchased a section of land in Eel River Township. After living in this county a few years, Littleberry Clay and part of his family went to Missouri, but James H. remained in this county the remainder of his days. Susan Fleece was born in Boyle County, Kentucky, near Danville, and came to Hamilton County when her parents, Charles Fleece and wife, in the early history of the county. Her parents entered land west of North Salem, near Eel River.
James H. Clay followed the vocation of a farmer all his life. During the forty years of his residence in this county he wa one of the prominent and influential citizens. At one time he owned nearly a section of land, but before his death he divided it among his children, nine of whom grew to maturity: Mrs. Arabella Waters; Mrs. Mary Catherine Rose; Samuel C.; Mrs. Sallie Rogers, of Amo; James A., of Indianapolis; J.C., whose history is found elsewhere in this volume; Nicholas, deceased; Arthur E., of Indianapolis; Joseph F., whose history is here recorded, and one daughter, Lillie, who died in infancy.
Joseph F. Clay was educated in the common schools of Eel River Township and later attended the graded school at North Salem. Early in life he decided to follow the vocation which had brought such pronounced success to his father. After his marriage he began to farm and at the same time devote a great deal of attention to the raising of stock. In fact, he soon found that there was more money in the raising of stock than in the raising of grain, and within a few years left the farm and moved to Indianapolis , where he engaged in the live stock business in connection with Messrs. Stockton & Gillespie, the firm being known as Stockton, Gillespie, Clay & Company. He was connected with this company for the next thirteen years, and left it to take the office of sheriff of Marion County, to which he was elected in the fall of 1906. He served one term and then returned to his farm in Jackson Township, Putnam County, where he is the owner of four hundred and seventy acres of fine farming land. He is now engaged in farming and stock breeding, paying most of his attention to stock.
Mr. Clay was married February 15, 1888, to Olive Thomas, daughter of John H. and Mary (Davidson) Thomas. John H. Thomas was a life-long farmer of Putnam County, this state, dying in that county at the age of seventy-three in 1903. To Mr. and Mrs. Clay has been born one daughter, Eula, the wife of Armin Krutzsh, who is now living on the farm of Mr. Clay. Mrs. Clay died March 11, 1911.
Mr. Clay has been an active Republican in politics and has been influential in the councils of his party. His worth as a citizen and his ability as a man is shown by the fact that he was nominated by the Republicans of Marion County for the responsible position of county sheriff and subsequently elected to that important position. In the discharge of his duties he was fearless and honest and won the esteem of all with whom he was associated while in the management of his office. He is a member of the Third Christian Church at Indianapolis. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to Oriental Lodge at Indianapolis. He is also a member of Raper Commandery, Knights Templar, Keystone Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and the Mystic Shrine at Indianapolis. He also holds his membership in the Columbia Club and Marion Club, two of the most influential clubs of the capital city. Mr. Clay has been remarkably successful in life, and in everything he has done he has commanded the respect and confidence of all those with whom he has been brought into contact. His life amply demonstrates what may be accomplished by a man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work, his success being the result of his well directed efforts, his capable management of his business interests and his sound judgment.