From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (PIONEERS & PATRIOTS: Anderson County Military Servicemen, Revolutionary War - WWI)
Clay, Grant
(born: c. 1839) Clay was born a slave in Anderson County about 1839. He remained a slave into adulthood; President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in states openly hostile toward the Union. Late in the war, however, the government called for the enlistment of colored regiments, and all who answered the call were granted immediate freedom.Grant Clay was among those who volunteered for service, enlisting at Evansville, Indiana on August 8, 1864 as a private in Company G of the 28th Regiment, U.S. Colored Infantry.
Since his enlistment took place in a northern state, it can be assumed but not verified that he might have been a runaway. He gave oath at the time of enlistment that he was born about 1839 in Anderson County, and since his enlistment took place in a northern state, it can be assumed but certainly not verified, that he might have previously been a runaway slave.
In late spring 1864, the regiment was assigned to duty around Washington D.C. and moved in support of General Sheridan's Cavalry through Chickahominy Swamp, where they engaged in several skirmishes.
From July 1864 - April 1865 the regiment was involved in siege activities around Petersburg, Virginia and was in the trenches around that city during the mine explosion incident in the Battle of the Crater on July 30, 1864. The regiment was later engaged in a major battle at the Weldon Railroad August 18-21, 1864 and later at Boydton Plank Road in October.
After the Fall of Petersburg and Richmond, the 28th Colored Infantry was detailed as prisoner guards from April 6-May 12, 1865. On June 1, 1865, Grant Clay was promoted to the rank of corporal, and soon after, the 28th was transferred to duty in Texas, where it served until November 8, 1865, when it was mustered from service at Corpus Christi, Texas.