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English (WILLIAM HAYDEN an American)

WILLIAM HAYDEN, an American capitalist; born in Lexington, Ind., Aug. 27, 1822; received a college education and became a lawyer; was elected to Congress in 1852 and served there through four consecutive terms.

As a member of the Committee on Territories, in opposition to his own party, he worked against the admission of Kansas to the Union. He reported from the Committee of Conference what was known as the "English bill," in which it was urged that the question of admission be referred back to the people of Kansas according to the provision of the Lecompton constitution. This bill was adopted and the people voted against admission. He strongly opposed secession. In 1861 he retired to private life; was president of the First National bank of Indianapolis, in 1863-1877, and was also interested in railroads. In 1880 he was the Democratic nominee for Vice- President on the ticket with General Hancock. He published a historical and biographical work on the constitution and lawmakers of his State. He died in Indianapolis, Ind., Feb. 7, 1896.