History of Fair Haven, (New Haven County) Connecticut United States of America

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Local History Notes:

FAIR HAVEN, a flourishing post-village of New Haven county, Connecticut, is situated on the New Haven and New London railroad, and on both sides of the Quinnepiac river, which forms the dividing line between the townships of New Haven and East Haven, 2 miles E. from the public square of the former. The passage of the river for ordinary travel is by a wooden bridge, about 300 yards in length, and for the railroad cars by a massive frame structure, supported by piers and braces, at an elevation of about 40 feet above the surface of the water. Most of that part of the village on the right bank of the Quinnepiac is built on a beautiful plain, which extends to West river, beyond New Haven. The streets are regularly laid out, intersecting each other at right angles, and the dwellings are usually surrounded with highly ornamented grounds. The left bank rises gradually to an elevation of 100 or 150 feet, affording delightful sites for residences. The view of the river and bay, with the shipping, New Haven, and the bold outline of hills towards the N., commanded from this eminence, is of surpassing beauty. About 40 vessels are owned in Fair Haven. It is stated that 800,000 kegs of oysters are annually exported to different parts of the United States. They are taken in the Delaware and Chesapeake bays, and brought here during the winter season to be opened. The village contains 5 churches, one a beautiful edifice, completed about a year since, 2 hotels, and several stores. A large church (Congregational) is now in process of erection. Population in 1853, estimated by a correspondent at 3000.

Biographies:

John Stephens Cabot Abbott, author, was born at Brunswick, Me., Sept. 18, 1805, son of Jacob and brother of Jacob Abbott. He was graduated from Bowdoin college and from Andover theological seminary, and in 1830 was ordained a Congregational minister. As such he began his work at Worcester, after which he served in Roxbury and Nantucket, and in Fairhaven, Conn., preaching till near the time of his death. He attained eminence as an author, his first essay in that direction being the publication of a series of papers entitled "Mother at Home." Contrary to the expectations of his publishers, who were with difficulty induced to undertake the convoy of the book through the press, the work had an enormous circulation, both in this country and in England; it was translated into several European languages, and ultimately found its way to Africa and India, being printed in the native tongues, and ran into several editions. The unmistakable success of this first venture practically determined Mr. Abbott's career. His field was chiefly that of history, and prominent among his works of this class may be noted his "Life of Napoleon." He was the author of a volume on "Practical Christianity," and wrote voluminously for the best periodicals of the day, notably for the "Christian Union." The amount of work accomplished daily by Mr. Abbott was marvellous, and was wholly due to his habit of methodically planning his day's work. He rose very early in the morning, and breakfast only interrupted his writing until noon. His parish calls were made in the afternoon, and were about the only diversion he allowed himself. In the evening he either read or spent a social hour with his family. It was only by strictly adhering to this plan that he could accomplish what he did?preaching twice on Sunday, lecturing at least once a week, writing many magazine articles, and not less than two books a year. He was a wise reader, selecting the most helpful books and portions of books, and retaining the essential parts. His mind was extremely clear and active, and he could leave the subject in hand for something entirely different, and then resume his former work without the slightest inconvenience. He was fortunate in having an efficient amanuensis in his wife, who took from him nearly all the dull drudgery of the work. She assumed charge of his correspondence, looked up his authorities, and corrected his proofs. Mr. Abbott was blessed with a singularly even temperament. By his personal goodness, as well as by his books, he had a great influence on the world. He continued active in work nearly to the time of his death, to which he looked forward with joy rather than resignation. He died at Fair Haven, Conn., June 17, 1877.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Henry Leavitt Ellsworth, lawyer, was born in Windsor, Conn., Nov. 10, 1791; son of Oliver and Abigail (Wolcott) Ellsworth. He was graduated at Yale A.B., 1810, A.M., 1813. He studied law at Litchfield, Conn., and settled in Windsor as a lawyer, removing to Hartford, where he practised for several years. He was Indian agent in the southwest by appointment of President Jackson, serving 1828-36, and U.S. commissioner of patents by appointment of President Van Buren, 1836-48. He was land agent in Lafayette, Ind., till 1857, when he returned to Connecticut. He published: Digests of Patents, 1770-1839 (1940). He died at Fair Haven, Conn., Dec. 27, 1858.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

George Wharton Edwards, artist and author, was born in Fair Haven, Conn., in March, 1859; son of William A. and Margaret (Malcolmson) Edwards; grandson of William A. Edwards, of Waterford and Liverpool, and a descendant of the Eddwardes family of Wales. He was educated in the public schools and received his training in art at Antwerp and Paris, where he exhibited paintings, especially at the salon in Paris. He received bronze and silver medals in Boston, 1884 and 1890 for exhibits. In 1898 he became director of the art department of Collier's Weekly in New York city. He was made a member of the American water color society, of the National art society; of the National sculpture society; of the New York water color club; of the Authors club, of the Grolier club; of the Ex Libris society of London, and of the Society "Amsterdamsch" of Netherlands. He became well known as an illustrator and as a writer, and is the author of: Thumbnail Sketches (1893); P'tit Matinic Monotones (1894); The Rivalries of Long and Short Codiac (1895); Break o' Day (1896); Tjalk No. 27 (1896); Old Carolus, and many others.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor