William Carlos (WC) CLAY
August 29, 1891 – February 17, 1964
Niece: Carolyn Clay Hudspeth
Married July 20, 1935
EDDIE SMITH CLAY
January 7, 1898 – February 13, 1999
Nieces: Virginia White Hale, Margaret White Nelson and Mary Ann White Brett (Eddie)
Eddie, as everyone knew her, was born in Wilson County and lived here for 101 years. She graduated from Oakland Elementary, Lebanon High, and Cumberland University Preparatory School. In 1917 she was a member of the first 4-H Canning Club. They were individually required to plant ½ acre of tomatoes, tend, harvest, and then can the produce. In 1918 she went to work for Union Bank and Trust where she continued until 1935. Eddie was a lady of many talents. She was a farmer, artist, designer and author. She received a degree from the Norman Rockwell School of Art in 1965 and published her book "Memories of Yesteryear" in 1992. Many of her paintings of historical buildings in Wilson County are proudly displayed in various businesses throughout the county. She was a familiar figure painting from the bed of her pickup truck. She was a member of the Town and Country Garden Club and won many awards for her floral designs.
WC Clay was born to parents, William B. Clay and Prudence Warren Clay. The Clay family came to Tennessee from Prince Edward County, Virginia in 1830. When he was young, there were no schools in the county so his father hired a tutor, Rubye Smith, to teach WC and his sister. Later he came to Lebanon public schools and graduated eighth grade. He then graduated from Jennings Business College in 1909. At 19 WC and his father travelled collecting for the Wrought Iron Range Co. He then was a teller for American National Bank and entered the United States Army in 1918 where he quickly became company clerk due to his accounting abilities. When he returned he built and opened Lebanon’s first gas station in 1920 on the corner of North Cumberland and West Market Streets. Through the years the name changed to WC Clay Oil Company/Pure Oil where he retired in 1956.
Together Eddie and WC raised sheep on their farm. They were instrumental in organizing a wool pool and on June 6, 1941 the first Lamb Festival. WC was the program chairman and served a Grand Marshall of the Lamb Festival Parade. The Clays were huge supporters of the 4-H program, particularly the steer and heifer shows. For many years Eddie presented the WC Clay Memorial trophy at the local show, which is still given every spring. The Clays were also the first farmers to sow KY 31 Fescue, harvest the seed and sell it in Wilson County. WC and Eddie were active members of the Wilson County Farm Bureau. In 1963, WC loaned the Wilson County Farm Bureau the money to buy the Nath Robertson Pony and Carriage Barn on Gay Street, which had been converted into a residence. At Clay’s death, the loan was paid in full. WC was also President of the Wilson County Chamber of Commerce in 1942.
The Clays will long be remembered for their kind and generous contributions not only to the agricultural community but to all of Wilson County.
