About

Wash was born in 1811 and lived in Franklin County, Virginia. When he was an adult, he was walking to Henry County when he was arrested by authorities who thought he was a runaway slave and was taken to Martinsville and put up for auction. Still, when it started, Wash spoke up and said, "Anyone buying me is buying legal trouble," which was unusual for an enslaved person. No one bid on him. After that statement, they released him when they learned Wash was a free man and owned 700 acres in Franklin County, Virginia.

Clay was born in 1877, the son of Wash, who was born in Franklin County and, as an adult, moved to Martinsville. Clay had a wife and 12 children. In 1928, Clay was walking home when a white man who was driving drunk killed Clay. The driver was not prosecuted.

This blog honors Wash and Clay. Their story lives with their descendants.

Contact: Descendant
Southwest, Virginia