Maj. H.H. Clay, civil war vetern and an old settler of Knox Co. died suddenly at his farm home west of town on the Monmouth Rd. at 10:30 this morning. He was taken ill at 3 o'clock this morning when he got up to start a fire and complained to his wife of a pain in his heart. Mrs. Clay went for Dr. J.F. Corbin. After the arrival of the Dr., Major Clay seemed to rest easier and improved. Although his condition appeared serious Dr. Corbin returned to Galesburg but was called to the farm home to attend to the sick man again at 10:30 the morning of Jan. 11, 1917. Before he was able to reach his bedside, Major Clay had passed away.The death was due to Angina Pectoris or Neuralgia of the Heart. Mr. Clay was outdoors yesterday and did some carpenter work about the house. He was in the best of spirits, therefore his death came as a shock to family and to this vicinity where he has been highly esteemed.
Highland Henry Clay was born Jan. 3rd, 1838 in Chester Vermont and came to Illinois with his parents, John & Louise M. Clay in 1840. In the spring of 1841 he settled on the farm on the northeast quarter of section 29,Galesburg township. With a party of young men, he helped fit out an oxen team and started for Pikes Peak for the newly discovered Gold Mines in the Rocky Mts. They did not get o the Peak,but spent 2 mo. looking over what was then Nebr. and Kansas territories. He inlisted in August 7th, 1863. The Co. was known as Co. D, 102nd Ill. Vol. In March 1864 they marced to Chattanooga, Tenn. Here they reorganized and became known as 1st Brigade, 3rd division, 20th Army Corp. While in Svanna, Georgia in 1867 he was promoted to rank of Major. His Co. was mustered out June 6th 1867. He returned to the farm in Galesburg Township. He was married Oct. 14,1878 at Gaysville, Vermont to Jennie E. Clay. Nine children were born to the union.