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John Hay (1838–1905) was an American statesman and official, whose career in government stretched over almost half a century. Beginning as a private secretary and assistant to Abraham Lincoln, Hay's highest office was United States Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. Hay was also an author and biographer, and wrote poetry and other literature through much of his life.Photograph: C. M. Gilbert; restoration: Adam Cuerden