Cassius Marcellus Clay (Photo Provided)

MARIETTA — A 19th century abolitionist will be the topic of a presentation meeting of the Civil War Round Table at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 320 Second St.

“Cassius Marcellus Clay: Emancipationist, 1810-1903” will be presented by Mel Hankla, a writer, collector, researcher, speaker on Kentucky heritage and an authority on the Kentucky Longrifle.

Cassius M. Clay was born to one of the wealthiest plantation and slave owners in Kentucky. He was a member of a large and influential political family that included Henry Clay, Alabama Gov. Clement Comer Clay and brother, Brutus J. Clay.

Cassius graduated from Yale University where he heard abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison speak, which inspired Clay to become an anti-slavery crusader. In 1835, he was elected to the first of four terms in the Kentucky Legislature despite his beliefs.

Two attempts were made on his life while serving in the Kentucky House.

Mel Hankla will discuss the 19th century abolitionist Cassius Marcellus Clay at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Civil War Round Table at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 320 Second St., Marietta. (Photo Provided)

In 1845, he founded the anti-slavery newspaper “The True American” and was forced to move to Cincinnati for his safety. There, he continued to advocate for the anti-slavery movement.

Clay was among the founders of the Republican Party in Kentucky and became a friend of Abraham Lincoln. After his election, Lincoln appointed Clay as an ambassador to the Russian Court at St. Petersburg where his influence there secured Russian aid for the Union war effort and discouraged British and French support for the Confederacy.

His influence was again crucial in assisting Secretary of State William Seward to secure the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.

Clay throughout his life earned a reputation as a rebel and fighter. He carried two pistols and defended his home and business with a cannon.

Hankla is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, where he earned bachelor’s and graduate degrees in administration and education. He was an historical actor for 18 years for the Kentucky Humanities Council and in 2012 was cast for the leading role in the PBS documentary, “An Audacious American: The Story of Kentucky abolitionist Cassius Marcellus Clay.”

The presentation is free. The meeting venue is accessible for those with mobility limitations, and accommodations for other disabilities will be considered upon request.

For more information, go to www.cwrtmov.org or email cwrtmov@gmail.com.