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Abraham Lincoln's law office was next door to the law office of Milton Hay, John's uncle, and Lincoln thus became acquainted with John Hay.

When Lincoln won election as president, his secretary, John G. Nicolay, recommended John Hay to Lincoln as assistant private secretary.

Thus, at age 22 he began a lifelong career in government, except for a stint in journalism from 1870-78.

Though technically a clerk in the Interior Department, he served as Lincoln's secretary until 1864.

He lived in the northeast corner bedroom on the second floor of the White House, which he shared with his fellow secretary and Pittsfield Academy schoolmate, Nicolay.