Cassius Clay was a life time resident of Kentucky, residing at White Hall, Madison County.  Clay is considered by himself, and others, to be a founder of Berea College. Clay worked with fellow abolitionist John G. Fee and provided the money to buy the land Fee used to start Berea College.

Of particular interest in the collection are writings by Cassius Clay claiming to be a founder of Berea College, a pamphlet entitled Oration of Cassius Marcellus Clay before Students and Historical Class of Berea College, and an autographed note praising Berea College.

Additional information on Clay, particularly concerning his relationship to Berea College, is located in the Berea College Archives under correspondence of President Frost and Hutchins and among John G. Fee papers.