Jim, I too am trying to find out about Clay Hill. I have a few leads. My gggggrandfather moved to Mississippi about 1830. He wouldn't have been living there in 1853 but his relatives would. I will be glad to share anything I can find with you. I plan to visit Virginia in several years to gather more information. I will email you also. There is something called the Randolph diaries & letters at the Virginia Historical Society I think they cover the period you are referring to and he did live there at that time. Margie