Josephine Russell Clay
Josephine Russell Erwin Clay (December 7, 1835 – March 29, 1920) was one of the first significant woman thoroughbred horse breeders in America and a writer. She was also known as Josephine Deborah Russell, Mrs. Eugene Erwin, Josephine Erwin, Mrs. John M. Clay, and Josephine Clay.
Life as Mrs. Erwin
Born in
Prior to the
Racing and breeding thoroughbreds
The
Josephine and John were married in 1866. They had no children, but poured their time and energy into training and racing horses for about twenty years. John Clay traveled the racing circuit throughout the East, South, and Midwest. Josephine ran Ashland Stud. Their famous race horses included
Focus on breeding
Following her husband's death in 1887, Josephine Clay focused on breeding and selling yearlings. She inherited from John Clay twelve brood mares, all descendants of
In 1903, Josephine Clay dispersed her stock due to her failing eyesight and new laws in New York and other states prohibiting betting on horses.
She died at her home and is interred at Lexington Cemetery.
Writings
Josephine Clay was the author of several novels and short stories, including:
- John Logan
- Some Little of the Angel Still Left
- Uncle Phil
- The Sport of Kings
References
- Squib on Josephine Clay
- Horse Park Biography
- The Josephine Clay Papers at the University of Kentucky
- Discussion about the thoroughbred Vic
External links
- Guide to the Josephine Russell Erwin Clay family papers, 1823-1901 housed at the University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections Research Center
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