Philip Hone served as mayor of New York City briefly in the 1820s, but his true accomplishment was in keeping a diary for decades in which he recorded events in the growing metropolis. Though Hone's writing was simply for his own enjoyment, and he seemed to have no intention of ever publishing his thoughts, he created a vibrant record of city life.

Hone had essentially retired from business while middle-aged, but he maintained a very active social life.

And his involvement in various charitable and civic causes put him in contact with many of the most prominent Americans of his day. Reading his diary can be entertaining as he will casually mention having dinner with luminaries including Washington Irving, Henry Clay, or Daniel Webster.

Many of the names mentioned by Hone will ring a bell for New Yorkers as some of his friends, being prominent in the city in the early 1800s, later had streets and parks named for them.

Hone began keeping his diary in 1828 and updated it regularly, generally late at night, until his death in 1851. The 28 handwritten volumes came into the possession of the New York Historical Society, and edited versions have been published over the years.

Life of Philip Hone

Born in New York City on October 25, 1780, Hone grew up in a city that was growing rapidly and becoming a center of trade. His father was a carpenter, but young Hone and an older brother went into the auction business. They were very successful, and by the time Philip Hone was 40 years old he was able to retire from business.

In the early 1820s Hone built a house for himself, his wife, and their six children, adjacent to New York's City Hall Park. He was known for his extensive library and art collection and for being a great conversationalist. 

In the mid-1820s Hone was elected mayor, but only served a brief one-year term. He was not particularly interested in running for office again, but became extremely involved in politics and was an early and enthusiastic supporter of the Whig Party.

Hone's Opinions

Hone's involvement with the Whigs, and his deep dislike of President Andrew Jackson, is reflected in the pages of his diary. Hone, like many sophisticated northerners, despised Jackson, and considered him a dictator who routinely violated the spirit and letter of the Constitution.

As Jackson's presidency was nearly at its end, in early 1837, Hone referred to him as "This terrible old man." On the day Jackson left office, Hone rejoiced. "This is the end of General Jackson's administration," he wrote. "The most disastrous in the annals of the country..."

Despite the strident nature of some of Hone's political observations, he always seemed motivated by a sincere concern for the welfare of the young nation, and especially of his beloved New York City. Many of his diary entries detail travels about the city and his frequent visits to the theater. He was also fascinated by new technology, and would describe innovations he had witnessed.

During the financial panic of 1837 Hone lost a considerable portion of his estate. He recovered somewhat by taking various government jobs. And despite his problems, he continued to record his observations of city life.

In 1847 Hone traveled to the West, and visited Henry Clay at his Kentucky estate, Ashland. Hone also visited Chicago and Detroit, and was able to see some of the western prairies. As always, he described his activities in his diary.

The western trip seemed to have damaged his health, and after returning to New York City he struggled with various illnesses. By April 1851 he knew he was dying, and in his final diary entries he mentions he is "feeble beyond description."

Of his diary, he wrote, "Volume 29 lies ready on my desk. Shall it go on?"

He died less than a week later, on May 5, 1851.

His diary was obtained by the New York Historical Society, and the value of it was apparent fairly soon. Writing in 1858, John Wakefield Francis, a historian who had been a friend of Hone's, said, "There can be little doubt that his private diary, embracing the records of his life and associations for a long number of years, will prove an historical document of permanent value."

Francis was correct, as Hone's diary has been published in several editions and has been considered a very valuable resource for historians.