Introduction
Robert Hoe (1784–1833), born in Leicestershire, England, was a master carpenter and machinist in the United States, to which he emigrated in 1803. In 1823 he became sole proprietor of the R. Hoe & Company, retiring in 1832. A skilled mechanic, he constructed and introduced the original Hoe press and was, it is thought, the earliest American machinist to utilize steam as a motive power in his plant.
Family
He was the father of Peter Smith Hoe, Richard March Hoe (1812-1886) and Robert Hoe (1815-1884). Richard Hoe became an inventor, developing the rotary printing press, which revolutionized newspaper publishing. Robert II (19 July 1815 New York City - 13 September 1884 Tarrytown, New York) was associated with his father and elder brother Richard in business. He was one of the founders of the National Academy of Design, and a patron of young artists. His son Robert Hoe III became a bibliophile. His art collection was sold by the American Art Association in 1911.