Henry Clay, Sr. (1777–1852) was a nineteenth-century American statesman and orator who served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. He was a major supporter of the American System, fighting for an increase in tariffs to foster industry in the United States, the use of federal funding to build and maintain infrastructure, and a strong national bank. He was known as the "Great Compromiser".
United States Senator from Kentucky March 4, 1849–June 29, 1852
Succeeded by David Meriwether
Preceded by Joseph B. Varnum
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives November 4, 1811–March 4, 1813; May 24, 1813–January 19, 1814
Succeeded by Langdon Cheves
Preceded by Langdon Cheves
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives December 4, 1815–March 4, 1817; December 1, 1817–March 4, 1819; December 6, 1819–October 28, 1820
Succeeded by John W. Taylor
Preceded by Philip P. Barbour
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives December 1, 1823–March 4, 1825