Charles Clay, son of Charles Clay and Martha Green Clay, was ordained as an Episcopal minister by the Bishop of London, in 1769. He served as Rector of St. Ann Parish, Albemarle County. "He was an earnest patriot and created much enthusiasm in behalf of American Independence. He moved from Albemarle County to Bedford County, where his Will is of record, in which he mentions his friend the Hon. Thomas Jefferson, late president of the United States."