Biography:

Born in Albany, Abraham Oakey Hall lost his father to yellow fever at the age of three and entered the public school system. He excelled in journalism from an early age, and his earnings from contributions to various periodicals helped him pay for his education at the University of the City of New York. By 1844 Oakey had received a B. A. and an M. A., followed by a semester of study at Harvard Law School. His studies at Harvard were cut short, possibly due to a lack of money, and he went to work at Charles W. Sanford’s New York City law office. He quickly left this position and moved to New Orleans where he worked as a reporter. Here, again, Hall moved away from the path he had chosen. His time as a reporter ended quickly after he decided to resume his legal studies. He was accepted into the New Orleans Bar Association and, in 1851, he returned to New York City and received permission to practice law there.
Soon after his return to New York, Hall began delving into politics, where he carved out a "political career which if not outstanding was at least notorious." From 1851-1868, he held positions as an Assistant District Attorney and as a District Attorney.
In 1864, he left behind his associations with Whigs and Republicans in favor of the power of Tammany Hall. This shift in alliances proved to be beneficial and, in 1868, he succeeded John T. Hoffman as Mayor of New York City. Hall’s years as Mayor were filled with shady dealings. He was implicated along with William M. "Boss" Tweed in the corruption scandal of Tammany Hall, but he denounced the charges and, acting as his own defense, won an acquittal in the 1872 trial.
A New York Times article published in March of 1877, speculating about the cause of Hall’s “mysterious disappearance” from the City, describes his irregular habits and evidence for mental derangement. The article also refers to his financial troubles and his passionate yet unsuccessful defense of convicted murderer James Rice. Hall returned to the city the following November, declaring that he took a needed six month’s rest. In 1879 Hall became the city editor for the New York World. He left the World in 1882 and traveled to London to work as a correspondent for the New York Herald. He also became editor in chief of the Leader after John Clancy’s death.
Throughout his life, Hall maintained a love of literature and an enjoyment of writing. He was both an author and a playwright.