James Bainter is considered the first Euro settler in Clay County, in 1864, operating a ranch, stage station and pony express staion near present day Spring Ranch. There was a log house built earlier about 1857 at Pawnee Ranch in Spring Ranch Township. Clay County was organized in September 1871 as settlers began to return to the area, following the Indian Raids of 1864. By 1869 the Native Americans had been driven from their lands. The county was named for Henry CLAY, the distinguished Kentucky statesman. Clay County was first attached to the west end of Pierce County, bordering the Missouri River. In the territorial laws approved February 15, 1864, the north half of Clay County was attached to Lancaster County and the south half to Gage County. By an act of the Legislature of the Territory of Nebraska February 16, 1867, Clay County, was located in its present location. The County Seat is Clay Center.






VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!! We are looking for materials to be added and we encourage your submissions.  Types of materials we are looking for include:  family histories, biographies, photos, obituaries, etc.  Because of copyright laws, only materials dated before 1923 or written by the submitter will be accepted.  Contributions would be greatly appreciated.  For more information on how you can help check the NEGenWeb Project Help Wanted page.
If you own or have access any books or other reference resources for Clay County, and are willing to do lookups for researchers, please contact the Clay County Coordinators:David Gochenour

Also, Clay County needs a new coordinator. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the State Coordinator. or Assistant State Coordinator.
History of Clay County

  Clay County Communities - Clay County Newspapers - Clay County Cemeteries - Who's Who in Clay County - 1940

1890 Gazateer  -  Clay County Biographies - Clay County Obituaries

Churches In Clay County (off-site)
Resources and Volunteers to do Lookups

Neighboring Counties

Hamilton north

Fillmore east

Nuckolls south

Adams west