John Clay was one of many Scots who came to the West and were involved in the range cattle industry. A good biography has been written about him.

John Clay, Jr.: Commission Man, Banker and Rancher (Western Frontiersmen Series) by Lawrence M. Woods. (2001)

He was also author of a number of books and pamphlets regarding his experiences. “Clay represents a banker’s view of the range cattle industry better than any other writer. A Scot, he traveled widely in the American West and Canada, observing closely and accurately. He played an important part in financing several large companies and was instrumental in the reorganization of the failed Swan Land and Cattle Co. … He wrote several other books [in addition to My Life on the Range] about his ranching experiences, the scarcest of which is New World Notes (1875).” – Reese. “Clay, an educated Scot … managed some of the largest British-owned ranches in North America. … Clay was a fine gentleman, in addition to being a canny businessman in the realm of cattle and land. He appreciated the beautiful and had a sense of style.” – Dobie, Life and Literature, p. 91. Ones in my collection include the following:

My Life on the Range. Chicago: Privately printed. 1924.

My Recollections of Ontario. Chicago: Privately printed. 1918.

New World Notes. Being an Account of Journeyings and Sojournings in America and Canada. Kelso, Scotland: J. & J. H. Rutherford. 1875.

The Plough and the Book. An Address by John Clay of Clay, Robinson & Co. Upon the Subject of Agricultural Journalism Before the Agricultural Students of the Iowa State College. N.p.(Ames, Iowa?): Privately printed. N.d. (Ca. 1905).

Old Days Recalled. N.p.: Chicago. 1915.

Review of the First International Live Stock Exposition Held at Union Stock Yard Chicago, December 1st to 8th 1900. Chicago: Union Stock Yard and Transit Co.  1901.

Jeanie, the Belle of the Raw. Chicago: privately printed for Clay, Robinson & Company by the James H. Rock Co. N.d. (Circa 1920).

How to Handle Sheep for Profit and A Word About Scotch Sheep Feeding. N.p: Clay Robinson & Company. 1913

The Cry of the Hounds. N.p.: Privately printed. 1933.

Rip Van Winkle Returns to the Range and Confessions of a Sheep Salesman. Chicago: Clay Robinson & Company. N.d. (Circa 1915)

The Romance of a Tea Caddy. N.p.: Privately printed. N.d. (Ca.1930’s).

John Clay A Scottish Farmer Written by his Eldest Son. Chicago: Privately printed. 1906.

The Sheepherder’s Grave. A Story of the Range. Chicago.: Traders Printing Co. (Ca. 1930?)

The Tragedy of Squaw Mountain. N.d.: N.p. (Ca. 1910.)

Work of the Breeder in Improving Live Stock. Washington: Government Printing Office. 1900. (U.S. Department of Agriculture Yearbook, 1899.)

There are also some pieces relating to the Commission Company he co-founded.

“Well Bought is Half Sold.” N.p.: Privately Printed. N.d. (Circa 1900.)

The Story of a Carload. Chicago: James H. Rook Co. N.d. (Circa 1915.)

After Twenty Five Years. A Story of Success. Our Silver Anniversary Souvenir. Chicago: Privately Printed. 1911.

Take A Look Through Our New Offices at South Omaha. N.p.: Privately Printed. N.d. (Circa 1911.)

45 Years In the Sheep Pens. N.p.: (Chicago?) N.d. (Circa 1927-28).

There are also a number of advertising pieces for Clay, Robinson & Co., including calendars. I have the ones for 1893, 1894, 1896, 1899, 1900 and 1906. The company also published The Live Stock Report, many issues having articles by Clay. I have a long run of these issues as well.