William E. English
From "Men of Progress of Indiana" 1899
ENGLISH, WILLIAM E., was born at Lexington, Scott county, Indiana, November 3, 1854, and is the only son of the late Hon. William H. English, ex-member of congress, Democratic candidate for vice-president in 1880, author of "The Conquest of the Northwest,'' and "History of Indiana," and on of the ablest men Indiana has produced. His grandfather, Hon. Elisha G. English, was also long a prominent citizen of Indiana, and was appointed by President Buchanan, United States marshal for that state and was for some twenty years a member of the Indiana legislature, serving in both house and senate. Through his father on the maternal side Mr. English is directly descended from the celebrated Jost Hite, who brought the first colony to Virginia that settled west of the Blue Ridge mountains, locating on a grant of land of over 100,000 acres, made to him by King George II of England. Mr. English's great grandfather Lieut. Philip Eastin, was an officer in the Fourth Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line and served during the entire revolutionary war. His great-great grandfather, Capt. Charles Smith, was an officer under Col. George Washington in the French-English colonial war, and was wounded at the battle of Great Meadows, and his great-great-great grandfather, Col. John Hite, was a colonial officer and a member of the first board of justices of Frederick county, Virginia, after independence was declared. Mr. English removed with his parents to Indianapolis at an early age and received his rudimentary education in that city. Having decided to take up the law as a profession he entered the law department of the Northwestern Christian university, and upon graduating therefrom formed a partnership with Hon. John R. Wilson, under the firm title of English & Wilson. After five years thus spent, he retired from the firm in order to devote particular attention to the magnificent structure known as English's Opera house, of which he was proprietor and manager. At the end of six years he leased the opera House and arranging his business affairs, traveled abroad for some three years, visiting every country in Europe, from Norway to Greece, and various portions of Asia, Africa, Mexico, Cuba and South America. During his tour he wrote a series of letters which appeared in the Indianapolis Sentinel, and attracted general attention, evidencing marked literary ability. His letters from the Holy Land, North Africa, Turkey and Egypt, were widely and favorably commented upon. Mr. English is one of the prominent members of the Masonic fraternity in Indiana, and his "History of Early Masonry" in that state, published in 1895, was highly endorsed by his Masonic brethren. He has taken a total of forty-two Masonic degrees of various kinds and is the president of the Masonic Relief Board of Indianapolis, representative of the Grand Lodge of New York for Indiana, grand lecturer of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Indiana, worshipful master of Center Lodge No. 23, F. and A. Masons, king of Indianapolis chapter No. 5, Royal Arch Masons, conductor of Indianapolis council No. 2, Royal and Select Masters, sir knight of Raper Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar, noble of Murat temple of the Mystic Shrine and 32d degree member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Mr. English is also connected with various other societies and organizations and is past grand ruler of the Benevolent Order of Elks for the United States, president of the Indianapolis Commercial club, president of the Indianapolis board of park commissioners, president of the Indiana society, Sons of the American Revolution, vice-president Indiana Historical society, vice-president Indiana Humane society, besides being a member of the Western Writers' association, Indianapolis Board of Trade, Indianapolis University club, Indianapolis Country club, Indianapolis Hendricks club, New York Lambs club, New York Knickerbocker Athletic club, etc.
Mr. English is a gentleman of fine appearance and of great personal popularity, a quick and ready debater, a forcible speaker and an excellent presiding officer, and when occasion requires and he is called to preside over or administer public meetings or conventions his capacity is made manifest and his abilities show to their best advantage.
Mr. English has for years been one of the leaders of the Indianapolis Democracy and has repeatedly represented them in a delegate capacity in municipal, township, county, state and national conventions. He began active participation in politics some years previous to his majority, and has been an officer in every organization of the young democracy of Indianapolis since that time. He was treasurer of the Greeley club in 1872, president of the Tilden Campaign club of 1876, president of the Hendricks club in 1876-77, and president of the Young Men’s Democratic club in 1878. In 1875 he was the Democratic nominee for council in the Eleventh ward of Indianapolis, but declined. In 1882 he was chairman of the Indianapolis City Democratic convention. In 1885 and 1891 he was chairman of the Marion County Democratic convention. At the national convention of Democratic clubs held in New York, October 4, 1892, Mr. English was elected vice-president of the organization and a member of the national committee for the state of Indiana for the ensuing four years.
Mr. English has served as a member of the Democratic state executive committee, has been a member of the Democratic county committee of Marion county for over twenty years continuously; was four years a member of the Democratic city committee of Indianapolis, and in 1878 was elected chairman of the city committee. In that capacity he so satisfactorily conducted the affairs of the campaign at the spring election of 1878 that in recognition of his ability as a political organizer and manager, he shortly after was also unanimously chosen to the position of chairman of the Marion county committee, and given the general management there during the exciting state campaign of 1878. It was while holding these two important positions that he was unanimously nominated by the Democrats of Marion and Shelby counties as their candidate for joint representative, notwithstanding there were several worthy and talented competitors for the nomination.
His canvass for this office attracted general attention throughout the state, and although the district was carried by the Republican party two years before, by a majority of nearly 700, and at this election on the general ticket by over 200, Mr. English was elected, leading his ticket nearly five hundred votes. He had the honor of being the youngest member of the house of representatives, although representing the then largest district in the state, and of being the third of his immediate family to hold a seat in that body, his father and grandfather both having previously been members of the house of representatives.
He served with distinction during both the regular and extra sessions, and was a recognized leader of his party. He was considered one of the best parliamentarians in the body, and Speaker Cauthorne frequently called upon him to preside over the deliberations of the house. The speaker appointed him to the chairmanship of the standing committee to reapportion the state for congressional and legislative purposes.
His bill upon congressional apportionment – "House bill No. 468" – passed both houses and became the law after one of the most bitter partisan struggles ever witnessed in the state legislature. Mr. English was also author of the popular law limiting the indebtedness of Marion county, and various other bills and resolutions of like importance were proposed by him. Among them were the first bill introduced providing for a reduction of official fees and salaries, the bill abolishing the unnecessary offices of city treasurer and assessor, the bill providing for a re-appraisement of real estate and the reduction of taxation thereon and the original bill providing for a metropolitan police system in Indianapolis.
Mr. English was prominently spoken of as a candidate for congress at the expiration of his legislative term in 1880, but declined to allow the use of his name before the convention of that year. However, at the succeeding election two years later, there was a general desire among his party friends that he should become the Democratic candidate of his district, and, although several prominent and able gentlemen were candidates for the position, Mr. English was unanimously nominated at the convention held at Shelbyville, May 8, 1882. The Republican candidate against him had the advantage of being a candidate for re-election, having been elected two years before by nearly one thousand majority. But in the face of this large majority to overcome, Mr. English entered upon a vigorous campaign, making a thorough personal canvass, besides speaking in every township in the district. His ability as a canvasser being well-known, his nomination alarmed the opposition, notwithstanding their previous majorities in the district, and every effort was made to insure his defeat. The extreme prohibitionists were particularly aroused against him because of his position on the proposed constitutional amendment, and while, as before, he received a number of Republican votes among the younger men, he was largely scratched by the ultra-prohibition element and lost some votes thereby that were otherwise given to his party ticket. He, however, was ahead of his party vote upon the local county tickets, and, notwithstanding the majority to overcome and the exceptional fight made against him, he carried the district and was elected after one of the hottest political campaigns ever known in the state.
In the words of the Washington Chronicle, "Mr. English made a useful, capable and attentive representative, always in attendance upon the sessions of the house and ever watchful of the interests of his constituents." Among other important bills introduced by him were those providing for an international copyright law, the issuance of silver certificates of small denominations and the increase in pensions of crippled soldiers and sailors. His comprehensive report on the proposed alcoholic liquor traffic commission from the committee of which he was chairman, was adopted by the house and attracted much favorable comment. At the close of his official term it was the general desire of his Democratic constituents that he accept a re-nomination, but influenced by personal considerations, he positively declined to be a candidate. His declination was received by the Democracy with regret and the congressional convention upon assembling at Indianapolis, August 31, 1884, to nominate his successor, unanimously adopted the following in reference thereto: "Resolved, That we hear with regret of Mr. English’s wish and determination not to be a candidate for re-election, and we unqualifiedly express our confidence in him as a Democrat and a faithful representative."
Mr. English was not only thus warmly approved by his Democratic friends, but his course in congress received endorsement from many of his Republican constituents as well. One of the leading Republican papers of the state at the time, the Indianapolis Daily Times, said: "He is fair and liberal toward his political opponents and always ready to do a favor. He won the reputation of being a hard-working and successful member of the Indiana legislature and we are glad to find him on the same line in congress." The able Republican organ of Hancock county, the Greenfield Republican, said: "He makes a faithful and efficient representative, and in his official duties does not discriminate against those who differ from him politically. As a business representative he is now, far above the average and entitled to the confidence of his constituents."
Thus Mr. English left official position with kindly words from both political friend and foe, after never having suffered defeat in convention or at the polls. In the language of the Washington Free Press, at the close of the congressional session, "Mr. English came into the house of representatives the youngest member of that body, going out with the good will and respect of the entire house and with as many personal friends as the most popular members." Although frequently spoken of in that connection, Mr. English has declined to be a candidate for election to any office since that time, but has continued an active, zealous worker in the ranks of the Democratic party.
In the presidential campaign of 1892 he was a prominent participant both before and after the presidential nomination. In the heated preliminary contest within the Democratic ranks between the friends of the various aspirants for the presidency, Mr. English was one of the leaders in Indiana of the Cleveland following, and as a result thereof was selected by his fellow Democrats of the Indianapolis district as a delegate to the National Democratic convention at Chicago over several well-known and active competitors. He was one of the most prominent members of that body, having been chosen in the organization as chairman of the important committee on rules and order of business for the government of the convention, and having been later unanimously selected by the Indiana delegation to make the speech to the convention on behalf of the state of Indiana seconding the nomination of Grover Cleveland for the office of the president of the United States. In the performance of this distinguished duty he acquitted himself with great credit and honor, his speech being generally pronounced by press and public to be, in the language of the Daily News, "one of the best oratorical efforts" delivered before that magnificent assemblage. The Associated Press declared it "eloquently" rendered and the Indianapolis Sentinel’s telegraphic special from Chicago voiced the general verdict in the statement "that it was generally conceded the Mr. English made the best seconding speech of the convention."
Mr. English was again elected unanimously a delegate from the Indianapolis district to the Democratic National convention held in Chicago in 1896, where he was one of the managers of the campaign of Indiana’s candidate, Gov. Claude Matthews, for nomination as the Democratic candidate for president of the United States.
Upon the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, William E. English, notwithstanding his immense business interests and prominent social position, was among the first to place his services at the disposal of the United States government. He was soon after tendered an appointment by President McKinley, through Gov. Mount of Indiana, as paymaster, with the rank of major, but declined it on the ground that he desired active service, and was later appointed to the rank of captain of United States volunteers and was at his own request immediately assigned to duty as an aide upon the staff of Maj.-Gen. Wheeler, better known as "Fighting Joe" Wheeler, and served in that capacity until honorably mustered out of the service at the close of the war. He accompanied the army of Gen. Shafter in the invasion of Cuba and had the honor of being the only Indiana volunteer that participated in the Santiago campaign. In the bombardment of El Paso Hill during the engagement of July 1st before Santiago, known as the battle of Juan, he was disabled and dangerously injured by his frightened horse rearing and falling backward with and upon him, as a result of a Spanish shrapnel shell exploding close to him, which slightly grazed his horse upon the shoulder and killed two men of Grimes’ United States Battery, besides wounding several others, among them Mason Mitchell, the well-known actor-lecturer, and Sergeant Devore of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. Col. Roosevelt in his "History of the Rough Riders," states that he himself received a slight scratch on the back of the hand from a piece of the same deadly missile. Capt. English was crushed beneath the falling horse, and upon removal was found to be dangerously injured internally and while still disabled and confined from these injuries, was attacked by virulent dysentery, accompanied with malaria, until his condition from these various complications became so alarming that after consultation the surgeons in charge ordered his immediate removal from the climate of Cuba and return to the United States as the only hope of saving his life. He was therefore ordered transferred to the hospital at Siboney by Maj. L. M. Crampton, chief surgeon in charge, and thence together with many other sick and wounded soldiers on board the transport Seneca, for removal to the United States. The transport sailed from Cuba the day the surrender of Santiago was agreed upon by the Spanish and American commanders and it became known through the newspapers as the "Horror Ship Seneca," because of the privations and hardships endured on the homeward voyage.
It was first ordered to Tampa, but the restrictions of the health authorities there caused its destination to be changed to Fortress Monroe, where it was again refused a landing on account of yellow fever being reported on board and, after very vexatious delays, it was eventually permitted to land in New York harbor. Mrs. English, who had unsuccessfully but persistently and courageously followed her husband to each of these ports, finally secured his release from the quarantine in which he was held in New York. After the necessary rest and recuperation in that city, Capt. English returned to his home in Indianapolis, where his friends received him with congratulations and rejoicings, his death having been bulletined by the newspapers but a short time before. Shortly after his arrival his enthusiastic friends of the G. A. R. veterans marched in a body to his residence to tender him their fraternal welcome on his return, which was followed a few days later by a public reception given by the Columbia club, the leading club organization of the city, and still later on his brethren of the Masonic fraternity at a public assemblage presented him a beautifully jeweled officer’s sword, with the words, "As a token of his service to his country," handsomely engraved upon it. A most striking and touching evidence of kindliness and good feeling and the laying aside of all partisan considerations where the soldiers of the country were concerned, was exhibited by the Indiana Republican state convention which, being then in session, invited Capt. English to a seat near the presiding officer, and when he appeared before them, bronzed and emaciated from his Cuban experiences, gave him three rousing cheers and patriotic ovation such as has seldom been witnessed in a political convention. It was a rare occasion, gracious, kindly and creditable to all concerned, and Capt. English and all his friends were deeply affected by this generous and considerate action on the part of his political opponents.
Capt. English continued in such bad health as a result of the effects of the injury received and the illness contracted in Cuba, that he was granted an extended sick leave by the war department and the war having in the meantime ended, he was finally at his own request honorably discharged from the army of the United States, Dec. 3, 1898. On that evening at a dinner in celebration of the event, the following highly flattering and complimentary letters were read from his old commander, Gen. Wheeler, and from Gov. Mount and United States Senators Fairbanks and Turpie of Indiana, who were most largely responsible for his appointment the army by the president of the United States:
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C., Dec. 8, 1898.
Dear Capt. English: I am very glad to hear that friends of your
city are to tender you a manifestation of their esteem and
respect. I was very glad, indeed, to have you on my staff in
Cuba, and it was with regret that your being disabled in front of
Santiago on July 1st and you subsequent illness
deprived me of the continuance of your service with me. It is
with regret that I made in compliance with repeated dispatches
from headquarters, I failed to mention all the member of my staff
who should have been mentioned in the report, yourself included.
Wishing you many years of happiness and trusting that your state
and country may have the continued benefit of your services
believe me truly your friend.
Joseph Wheeler
Executive Department,
State of Indiana,
Indianapolis, Dec. 18, 1898
My Dear Captain: I desire to express to you through this
communication that which I have stated publicly, viz.: my
appreciation of the promptness with which you tendered your
services in the war with Spain. You were one of the first in the
state to pledge your support and offer your services to the
government. It gave me pleasure to promptly recommend you for the
position of paymaster, with the rank of major. It was a truly
chivalrous spirit which you manifested when you declined this and
asked for "active service in the front." You were
commissioned a captain and assigned to the staff of fighting Gen.
Joseph Wheeler. In front of Santiago de Cuba you found what you
sought – "active service at the front." In this
severe battle you were disabled, and by subsequent sickness
compelled to return home. You did your duty promptly and
faithfully. I trust God will give to you many years in which to
enjoy the privileges and blessings of the country, to the defense
of which you so promptly responded.
Sincerely your friend,
James A. Mount, Governor.
United States Senate,
Washington, D. C., Dec. 30, 1898
Dear Capt. English: I am in receipt of your favor of recent date,
advising me that you are to retire from service in the army on
the 31st inst. Permit me this opportunity to
congratulate you upon the fact of your early tender of services
during the recent war and upon the excellent record made by you
while in the army. I am gratified to have been of some little
service to you in securing the commission which you desired. You
have splendidly vindicated all I promised on your behalf. Wishing
you health and happiness. I remain,
Very sincerely,
Charles W. Fairbanks.
United States Senate,
Washington, D. C., Dec. 9, 1898.
Hon. W. E. English, Indianapolis, Ind.: Having learned from the
war department that your resignation from the army had been
accepted, to take effect from the date of Dec. 31, next, allow me
to congratulate you upon this highly honorable conclusion of your
military service. Your very early tender of service, to the
government in the late war with Spain, your voluntary and earnest
declination of non-active duties and your urgent request to be
assigned to the field at the front, your gallant participation in
the victorious campaign against Santiago, until you were disabled
in action in the face of the enemy, have amply justified the
expectation of your friends, and the sound judgment of the heroic
Wheeler in selecting you as a member of his military staff and
household. You may thus now retire and return again to civil life
with a consciousness of having rendered the state and to your
country the bravest and truest service in a perilous time
destined to be memorable in our history.
Yours very truly,
David Turpie.
On the day following his retirement from the United States army, Gov. Mount in recognition of his services honored Capt. English still further by appointing him to a position on the governor’s staff with the rank of colonel. Capt. English is also a prominent member of the Military Order of Foreign Wars, made up of officers of the United States army who have served in war on foreign soil, and the Society of the Army of Santiago de Cuba, composed solely of officers who served honorably in the Santiago campaign.
Capt. English is now largely devoting his attention to his extensive interests in Indianapolis, and his new block just completed in that city fronting on Monument place, in which is located English’s hotel and English’s Opera house, is conceded everywhere to be one of the finest buildings in the United States. Capt. English, however, never permits his private interests to cause him to neglect public affairs, and his activity in all that affects the welfare of his fellow citizens is shown by the fact that he is at present serving as president of the board of park commissioners of the city of Indianapolis, and at the same time is filling the important position of president of the Commercial club, the leading and representative organization of business men in that progressive and growing city.
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