William Stormont Hackett
William Stormont Hackett | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Albany, New York, U.S. |
| Died | March 4, 1926 (aged 57) Havana, Cuba |
| Occupation(s) | Attorney, financier, entrepreneur, public official |
| Years active | 1889–1926 |
| Known for | 70th mayor of Albany, New York |
William Stormont Hackett (December 7, 1868 – March 4, 1926) was an American attorney, financier, entrepreneur, and public official. A member of the Democratic Party, he held the office of 70th mayor of Albany, New York. His election victory in 1921 ended the Republican reign led by William Barnes Jr. and initiated a period of Democratic control under figures such as Daniel P. O'Connell and Edwin Corning.
Hackett was born and brought up in Albany’s South End neighborhood. He attended Albany High School for two years before pursuing legal studies through apprenticeship with local lawyers. After gaining admission to the bar in 1889, he practiced law in Albany while also serving in the New York National Guard, where he achieved the rank of sergeant. Alongside his legal career, Hackett held leadership roles in several financial organizations, including the Albany City Savings Institution, Albany City Safe Deposit Company, and New York Mortgage and Home Building Company.
Aligned politically with local Democratic boss Daniel P. O’Connell, Hackett’s 1921 mayoral win against William Van Rensselaer Erving represented a significant political realignment in Albany. He secured reelection in both 1923 and 1925 and had intentions to run for governor in 1928. However, his plans were cut short by a fatal car accident during a vacation in Cuba in early 1926. Hackett passed away in Havana on March 4 and was interred at Albany Rural Cemetery.
Early life
Born on December 7, 1868, in Albany, Hackett was the son of John Hackett and Martha Stormont. His upbringing took place in Albany’s South End, where he received his early education. During his youth, he delivered newspapers for the Albany Evening Journal, which was owned by Republican leader William Barnes Jr. at that time.
After completing two years at Albany High School, Hackett left formal schooling to study law under the tutelage of local attorneys Amasa J. Parker Jr. and Edwin Countryman. He was admitted to practice law in 1889 and established his legal career in Albany.
From 1890 until 1899, Hackett served with Company A, 10th Battalion of the New York National Guard stationed in Albany, achieving the rank of sergeant. He later took on leadership responsibilities within the veterans’ association connected to this unit.
Remaining unmarried throughout his life, Hackett was an active lay preacher within the Baptist church. Additionally, he was deeply involved with Freemasonry; he served as Master of Albany’s Masters’ Lodge Number 5 between 1900 and 1902, as Master of the Albany Rose Croix chapter, and as Commander in Chief of the Albany Scottish Rite consistory.
His social affiliations extended to several clubs and organizations including the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Fort Orange Club, Albany Club, Albany Country Club, and Wolfert's Roost Country Club.
Business career
Complementing his legal profession, Hackett rose to prominence in banking and commerce. He held presidential positions at institutions such as the Albany City Savings Institution, Albany City Safe Deposit Company, and New York Mortgage and Home Building Company. Furthermore, he served on the boards of directors for both the Union Trust Company and Commerce Insurance Company. Hackett also presided over the Boulevard Garage Company and contributed as treasurer and board member for the Albany Chamber of Commerce.
Political career
Hackett formed a strategic partnership with Daniel P. O'Connell, who successfully rejuvenated Albany's Democratic Party following many years of Republican control under William Barnes Jr.'s leadership. In 1921, Hackett secured the Democratic nomination for mayor and defeated Republican William Van Rensselaer Erving in the general election. His victory aligned with O'Connell's approach of boosting the party's appeal by nominating wealthy, non-ethnic Protestant candidates such as Edwin Corning and Erastus Corning 2nd for key offices, thereby balancing the working-class Irish-American Catholic leadership.
Hackett was reelected in both 1923 and 1925. As he campaigned for a third term, he positioned himself as a frontrunner for the 1928 Democratic nomination for governor, anticipating that incumbent Al Smith would pursue the presidency. By late 1925 and early 1926, Hackett had publicly expressed his intention to run for governor in 1928, assuming Smith would win reelection in 1926 and then seek the presidency.
Death
While visiting Cuba in February 1926, Hackett was involved in an accident where the automobile he was riding struck an obstacle or uneven terrain, resulting in him being thrown from the vehicle and sustaining critical head trauma. He was hospitalized in Havana for approximately two weeks before passing away on March 4, 1926.
His body was transported back to Albany and interred at Albany Rural Cemetery, located in section 108, lot 80.
Political ramifications
The unexpected death of Hackett redirected the Democratic Party’s attention toward Edwin Corning as their probable gubernatorial candidate for 1928. Corning, who led the O'Connell organization and served as Lieutenant Governor at the time, declined to run due to health concerns. As a result, New York Democrats explored other notable prospects including Robert F. Wagner, George R. Lunn, and Peter G. Ten Eyck. When these attempts did not yield a candidate, the party ultimately nominated Franklin D. Roosevelt, who went on to defeat Republican Albert Ottinger in the 1928 governor’s election.
Legacy
The William S. Hackett Junior High School (currently a Middle School), constructed on Delaware Avenue in 1926, bears his name as a tribute.
Additionally, Hackett Boulevard in Albany—stretching from Holland Avenue to South Manning Boulevard and continuing to New Scotland Avenue—is named in his honor.
External links
- Official website, William S. Hackett Middle School
- William S. Hackett Middle School at City School District of Albany
- Articles with short description
- Articles with hCards
- No local image but image on Wikidata
- 1868 births
- 1926 deaths
- 20th-century mayors of places in New York (state)
- Military personnel from New York (state)
- New York (state) lawyers
- American bank presidents
- 20th-century American businesspeople
- American Freemasons
- New York (state) Democrats
- Mayors of Albany, New York
- Road incident deaths in Cuba
- Burials at Albany Rural Cemetery
- American lawyers admitted to the practice of law by reading law
- Baptists from New York (state)
- 19th-century American lawyers
- 19th-century Baptists