William Hayden English was born in 1822 in Lexington, Indiana, to Elisha and Mahala English. Both his parents were active members of the Democratic Party. William also grew into politics and played an integral part in Indiana’s political power. Elected in 1852 to Indiana’s second district in Congress, English made substantial strides for the Indiana people. Opening the First National Bank in Indianapolis, in 1877, as its president, made English a successful, rich, and powerful man. English also served as president for the Indiana Historical Society and before the end of his lifetime, he authored a two-volume set on the early Northwest Territory, Conquest of the Country Northwest of the River Ohio, 1778-1783, and Life of Gen. George Rogers Clark, Vol. 1&2.

In these books, English is recounting first person experiences from a man who traveled with Gen. George Rogers Clark throughout his expeditions, Reverend David Jones. Taken mainly from Jones’ journal recorded on the road with Clark, English brings real life experiences to the reader. Written primarily for the historical content, English makes many notable historical references throughout the two volumes, to remind the reader of the time period (early American Independence):

…the result is of great importance to the American cause. This little naval campaign on the Wabash was in fact the last act in transferring the Wabash country from British to American rule…(358).

Taking place at the time of newly independent America, the book mentions many occurrences and sightings of Indians still living on the land. The magnificent landscape is also reflected upon as the company canoes up the Wabash River:

Here, surrounded by gigantic trees, never before vexed by the ax of the woodman; cane brakes, wild flowers, vines and vegetation, almost tropical in luxuriance; within hearing of the waters of a mighty river flowing on either side, and voicing, never-ending tones, its roar of displeasure that the impediment of the falls should attempt to retard its flow to the sea. (Excerpt from Jones’ diary) (157-58)

Noting the land around Gen. Clark and his men, English describes everything from thick forests to “low, swampy ground” (315). He comments on some of the rivers and landscapes they see as they travel from Fort Vincennes (268) to the Wabash River. Jones writes in his diary that the company witnessed the overflowing of the Wabash and it was then that they fully realized the extent to which the countryside was covered with water. He stated that it didn’t at all compare to the rest of the country at this time, which was dry. (301-02)

Covering a long period of Clark’s journey, English also finds it necessary to relate the great change in the Indiana weather patterns during the Clark expedition. Jones relates in his journal a typical change of season from fall to winter:

The most of the weather that we had on this march was moist and warm, for the season. This was the coldest night we had. The ice, in the morning was from one-half to three-quarters of an inch thick, near the shores, and in still water. (304-305)

William Hayden English not only writes great historical documentation in his two-volume set on the Conquest of the Northwest Territory, but he does an excellent job in referencing his home state’s natural wonders as well. Taken from such an early period, English’s writings give us a true look at what Indiana must have been like in its original setting.

Sources:

English, William Hayden. Conquest of the Country Northwest of the River Ohio 1778-1783 and Life of Gen. George Rogers Clark (Volume I). Indianapolis, IN: the Bowen-Merrill Company, 1895.

HarpWeek (2005). Biographies: William Hayden English. Retrieved September 21, 2005 from , Caesar Chaves Design Web site: http://elections.harpweek.com/1880/bio-1880-Full.asp?UniqueID=4&year=1880

Links: William Hayden English Biography