Yancey, yan'sy, WILLIAM LOWNDES (1814-1863), an American publicist and orator, born in Georgia. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1834 and practiced law, at the same time editing a Unionist paper. He removed to Alabama in 1836, became prominent as a lawyer and Whig orator and entered the legislature. Elected to Congress in 1844, he espoused the Southern cause, and after his retirement two years later he became the recognized leader and orator of the radical element in the South. In the convention, which met at Montgomery, Ala., January 7, 1861, he reported the ordinance of secession. He left New York City in March, as a Confederate commissioner, to seek for recognition in Europe, but was unsuccessful, and, returning in February, 1862, he served in the Confederate Senate until his death.