ENGLISH, William Hayden, American capitalist: b. Lexington, Ind., 27 Aug. 1822; d. Indianapolis, Ind., 7 Feb. 1896. He was edu cated at Hanover College, Indiana, and ad mitted to the bar in 1840. However, he soon became interested in politics, gave up the prac tice of law, and successively held various local, State and Federal positions. In 1851 he was elected to the Indiana State legislature where he served as speaker. He was elected to Con gress in 1852 and served there through four consecutive terms. As a member of the Com mittee on Territories in opposition to his own party, he worked against the admission of Kan sas to the Union. He reported from the Com mittee of Conference what was known as the "English bill,' in which it was urged that the question of admission be referred badc to the people of Kansas according to the provision of the Lecompton constitution. This was adopted and the people voted against admission. He strongly opposed secession, and warned South ern Congressmen that the North would never countenance such a policy. He also served as
regent of the Smithsonian Institution for eight years. He finally refused the offer for a re nomination for a fifth term in Congress and in 1863 removed to Indianapolis where he founded the First National Bank and soon made a repu tation for himself as a banker. Though not taking an active part in the Civil War, he was an ardent supporter of the Union. He continued his interest in politics, and, in 1880, was unani mously nominated by the Democratic party for the office of Vice-President on the unsuccessful ticket with General Hancock against Garfield and Arthur. He was president of the Indiana Historical Society, a number of whose publica tions were financed by him. He also published of the Country Northwest of the River Ohio, 1778-83, and Life of General G. R. Clark' (2 vols., Indianapolis 1896). Consult Forney, J. W., and Military Career of W. S. Hancock, etc.' (Philadelphia 1880) ; Keyser, C. S., Life of W. H. English' (Philadelphia 1880).