Biography

From Find-a-grave

New York City Mayor. Hone became wealthy in the auction business and in 1825 and 1826 was the first President of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. He ran for Mayor as a Whig in 1826 and won, serving a single one year year term. Known nationwide for his elegant Broadway mansion, located across the street from City Hall, Hone became New York City's unofficial goodwill ambassador, with his hospitality sought out by virtually all prominent vistors to the city. His experience as a world traveler, wealth, sophisitication and social status enabled him to develop friendships with almost all of America's prominent political leaders, artists and scientists. He was a lifelong friend of Washington Irving, and his other friendships included John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, Samuel Morse, Daniel Webster, and John Jacob Astor. During the Taylor administration he served as Naval Officer of the Port of New York. Hone kept an extensive, minute diary that recorded his impressions of the major events of the first half of the nineteenth century. This diary is referred to by historians as the most extensive and detailed first hand account of America in the early to mid 1800s. It is still in print and continues to be used as a primary resource and reference. Honesdale, Pennsylvania, was named for him. (bio by: Bill McKern)