John Hay

John Milton Hay (October 8, 1838 – July 1, 1905) was an American statesman and official. His job in the government lasted almost half a century. He started as a private secretary and assistant to Abraham Lincoln. Hay's highest office was United States Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. Hay was also an author and biographer. He wrote poetry and other literature throughout much of his life.

John Hay
Portrait, 1897
37th United States Secretary of State
In office September 30, 1898 – July 1, 1905
President	William McKinley Theodore Roosevelt
Preceded by	William R. Day
Succeeded by	Elihu Root
United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom
In office May 3, 1897 – September 12, 1898
President	William McKinley
Preceded by	Thomas F. Bayard
Succeeded by	Joseph Hodges Choate
12th United States Assistant Secretary of State
In office November 1, 1879 – May 3, 1881
President	Rutherford B. Hayes James A. Garfield
Preceded by	Frederick W. Seward
Succeeded by	Robert R. Hitt
Personal details
Born	John Milton Hay (1838-10-08)October 8, 1838 Salem, Indiana, U.S.
Died	July 1, 1905(1905-07-01) (aged 66) Newbury, New Hampshire, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Clara Stone ​ (m. 1874⁠–⁠1905)​
Children	4; including Helen and Adelbert
Education	Brown University (BA, MA)
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	United States  • Union
Branch/service	United States Army  • Union Army
Rank	Brevet Colonel
Battles/wars	American Civil War

He was born in Salem, Indiana. He and his family moved to Warsaw, Illinois when he was young. His family was very abolitionist. He went to Brown University. Hay graduated in 1858.