Capt. William Hyatt was born in Shelby Township, June 14th, 1821, and was the son of Shedrick and Elizabeth Hyatt, of Maryland. His parents had moved first to Kentucky, and then to Brown Township, where they both died.He received his education in public schools. In 1840 he married Emily Benham, who died in 1861, leaving six children alive and two dead. He entered the army as First Lieutenant of Company A, 37th Indiana Volunteer, and came out as Captain of the same company. In 1863 he sent in his resignation, which was accepted. He was discharged September 5th, 1863. He was in several engagements and skirmishes, including Tallahoma, Bowling and Stone River. In 1864 he married Miss Mahaley Waggoner. In the same year he was elected to the Senate by the Republican party. He had served two terms as Justice of the Peace before this. While in the Senate he was a supporter of the 14th amendment. He later made the race for Sheriff against P. McCullough but was defeated. He resided with his wife and three children on a 270 acre farm in Shellby Township. He was 67 years of age and in poor health. He contracted lung trouble and also had his hearing impaired while in the army. He had been a Mason for 30 odd years and a member of the M.E. Church for 12 years.