Man of a Million Fragments: The True Story of Clay Shaw
A full-length biography of Clay Shaw by Donald H. Carpenter
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We are interested in hearing from anyone who knew Clay Shaw directly, or who knew about him through someone else. We are also interested in reviewing and collecting any documents by and about him, including correspondence to and from him, records of employment, military or other government service, and anything written by or about him.

Who Was Clay Shaw?

Clay Lavergne Shaw was the only person to ever be tried in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This web site is devoted to gathering information about Clay Lavergne Shaw and his life. Although most people have heard of Clay Shaw only through his unintentional involvement in New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison’s investigation into the Kennedy assassination, we are interested in collecting information about all aspects of Mr. Shaw’s life.

Among other things, Clay L. Shaw:

  • Was born in Kentwood, Louisiana on March 17, 1913.
  • Graduated from Warren Easton High School in New Orleans.
  • Wrote or co-wrote several plays, including Submerged, while in high school or shortly thereafter.
  • Worked for Western Union in New Orleans, and later transferred to New York and managed a group of offices there.
  • Also in New York, worked for the Lee-Keddick speakers bureau.
  • Enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, and was honorably discharged in 1946.
  • Became Managing Director of the International Trade Mart in New Orleans from 1946 until his retirement in 1965.
  • Translated at least one play from Spanish into English after his retirement.
  • Installed the first swimming pool in the French Quarter.
  • Purchased, restored and resold numerous residences in the French Quarter, helping to contribute to its chic nature even today.