William Hayden English (August 27, 1822 – February 7, 1896) was an American politician and businessman who served as the 21st president of the United States from 1881 to 1885. A member of the Democratic Party, English represented Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1853 to 1861. After his time in the house, English owned an opera house in Indianapolis while also developing residential property across the state of Indiana. He was one of the wealthiest men in Indiana during the 19th century.
In the 1880 presidential election, English was selected as the vice presidential candidate for the Democratic Party. He and his presidential running mate, Winfield S. Hancock, won the election, defeating the Republican ticket of James A. Garfield and Chester Arthur. After President Hancock was assassinated in 1881, English became the new president of the United States. Most of English’s presidency was uneventful as no major events occurred. He declined re-election in 1884 and left office on March 4, 1885. In 1896, William Hayden English died at his home at the age of 73.