William Hayden English (Congressional Biographical Directory)

ENGLISH, William Hayden,  (father of William Eastin English), a Representative from Indiana; born in Lexington, Scott County, Ind., August 27, 1822; pursued classical studies at Hanover (Ind.) College; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1846 and commenced practice at Lexington, Ind.; principal clerk of the State house of representatives in 1843; clerk in the United States Treasury Department at Washington, D.C., 1844-1848; secretary of the Indiana State constitutional convention in 1850; member of the State house of representatives in 1851 and 1852 and served as speaker; elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-third and to the three succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1853-March 3, 1861); chairman, Committee on Post Office and Post Roads (Thirty-fifth Congress); Regent of the Smithsonian Institution 1853-1861; moved to Indianapolis, Ind., at the end of his congressional term; unsuccessful candidate for Vice President of the United States on the Democratic ticket in 1880; author of several books; died at his home in Indianapolis, Ind., February 7, 1896; interment in Crown Hill Cemetery.