His father was a native of East Haddam, Conn., where for several generations the family had lived, and his mother was the daughter of Joab Houghton of New Jersey, who was active in the war of the Revolution. The son attended the College of New Jersey, 1797-99, and after teaching school he removed in 1802 to Philadelphia, Pa., where he became an instructor in an academy. A natural talent for acting led him to adopt that profession. He made his first appearance in July, 1805, at the Chestnut street theatre, Philadelphia, as Achmet in "Mahomet." At that time he was almost the only American on the stage, and he attained great popularity, playing principally in Philadelphia. His intense dislike for stage life induced him to seek other employment. He obtained a position as clerk in the office of the Baltimore American in 1812, and in 1813 purchased an interest in The Whig. He was then enabled to leave the stage and for some months published with success the Whig. He was married in 1810 to Sally Wallace of Philadelphia. In 1814 he removed to Washington, D. C., where he occupied a government position. He was licensed a Baptist minister and in 1815-16 was chaplain of the House of Representatives. He preached at Alexandria, 1817-24, and in New York city from 1824 until his death.

His granddaughter, Kate Claxton, daughter of Spencer W. Cone, became a well-known actress. He died in New York city, Aug. 28, 1855. BDNA

• Granddaughter: ¤CLAXTON, Kate [1848-1924] American actress
• Son: ¤CONE, Spencer Wallace [1819-1888] American journalist, writer, poet