Henry Wikoff

Who was Henry Wikoff?

Henry Wikoff was an American traveler and writer.

Wikoff was born around 1811, the illegitimate son of a doctor. Nonetheless, he inherited a sizable fortune, which enabled him to travel extensively in Europe. He attended the College of New Jersey and was admitted to the bar in Pennsylvania in 1834.

Wikoff then went to Europe, where he acted as a diplomatic agent for the United States, Britain, and France at different times, and even spent some time in prison in Italy. Upon returning to America, he was responsible for the successful tour by famous dancer Fanny Elssler in 1840. Wikoff became a close friend of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of the President, which created some scandalous gossip.

He was friendly with the Bonaparte royal family in France, and was awarded the honor of Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic, by the King of Spain in 1871, which gave him the title of "Chevalier". He acted as an undercover reporter for the New York Herald, making use of his presence in government circles.