John Hay

Date of Birth: October 8, 1838

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: July 1, 1905

Biography

John Hay was an influential American writer, diplomat, and public official, born on October 8, 1838, in Salem, Indiana. He is best known for his literary works and his significant contributions to U.S. foreign policy during his tenure as Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. Hay graduated from Brown University in 1858 and began his career in law before moving into politics and literature. He served as a private secretary and assistant to Abraham Lincoln, an experience that profoundly shaped his later works. His notable literary contributions include poetry, essays, and historical writings. One of his most famous works is the ten-volume “Abraham Lincoln: A History,” co-authored with John G. Nicolay. Hay’s diplomatic career is highlighted by the Open Door Policy in China and the negotiation of the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty, which facilitated the construction of the Panama Canal. John Hay passed away on July 1, 1905, in Newbury, New Hampshire.

5 Interesting Facts about John Hay

1. John Hay served as a private secretary to President Abraham Lincoln.

2. He co-authored the ten-volume “Abraham Lincoln: A History” with John G. Nicolay.

3. Hay played a crucial role in the negotiation of the Open Door Policy in China.

4. He was instrumental in the signing of the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty, which led to the construction of the Panama Canal.

5. Hay was also a noted poet and essayist, with several published works to his name.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Hay

1. “True luck consists not in holding the best cards at the table; luckiest is he who knows just when to rise and go home.”

2. “All the great captains have performed vast achievements by conforming with the rules of art—by adjusting efforts to obstacles.”

3. “The evils of tyranny are rarely seen but by him who resists it.”

4. “There are occasions in life when a man must be somewhat of a hero to himself.”

5. “The appetite for power is old and irrepressible in human nature.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Hay’s highest estimated net worth was approximately $20 million (adjusted for inflation).

Children

John Hay had four children with his wife, Clara Louise Stone: Helen Hay Whitney, Adelbert Stone Hay, Alice Evelyn Hay, and Clarence Leonard Hay. Helen became a noted poet and philanthropist, Adelbert served as a diplomat, Alice married James Wolcott Wadsworth Jr., and Clarence was an archaeologist.