John hay lincoln biography

Throughout the American Civil War, Hay was close to Lincoln and stood by his deathbed after the President was shot. In addition to his other literary works, Hay co-authored, with John George Nicolay, Lincoln's other private secretary, a ten-volume biography of Lincoln that helped shape the assassinated president's historical image. Hay studied law in Springfield, Illinois, where he met the future president Abraham Lincoln. He served as President Lincoln’s private secretary from to , and under succeeding Republican administrations he held various diplomatic posts in Europe. Early years First steps Professional growth Public recognition Peak period Later years Public interest Professional activity Media attention
John Hay was an American diplomat who, as a young man, came to prominence serving as a private secretary to President Abraham Lincoln. Besides his work in government, Hay also made his mark as a writer, co-authoring an extensive biography of Lincoln and also writing fiction and poetry.