History of Westford, (Middlesex County) Massachusetts United States of America

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Biographies:

Joel Abbot, naval officer, was born in Westford, Mass., Jan. 18, 1793; son of Joel and Lydia (Cummings) Abbot. He was midshipman under Macdonough and for gallantry was promoted to a lieutenancy and presented by Congress with a sword in 1814. He was made a commander in 1838, and held command of the navy yard at Boston from 1839-1842. In 1852 he was made commander of the "Macedonian," and distinguished himself by his zeal and efficiency in the Japanese expedition. He died at Hong Kong, China, Dec. 14, 1855.

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

Willard Hall, representative, was born in Westford, Mass., Dec. 24, 1780; son of Willis and Mehitabel (Poole) Hall; grandson of the Rev. Willard and Abigail (Cotton) Hall, and of Deacon William and Hannah (Nichols) Poole; great grandson of Stephen and Grace (Willis) Hall, and great2 grandson of Stephen Hall, who came from Coventry, England, to Cambridge, Mass., about 1653, and was a brother of John Hall of Medford. He was graduated at Harvard, A.B., 1799: A.M., 1814; was admitted to the bar in 1803, and practised in Dover, Del., 1803-23. He was married to Junia, daughter of Chancellor William Killcu. She died in 1824, and he was married in 1826 to Harriet Hilliard. He was secretary of the state of Delaware, 1811-14, and 1821; a representative in the 15th and 16th congresses, 1817-21; a state senator, 1822; and U.S. district judge for Delaware, under appointment by President Monroe, 1823-71. He revised the state laws in 1829, and suggested the plan for the public school system adopted by the legislature. He was president of the Delaware Bible society, 1840-70, and was a delegate to the state constitutional convention of 1831. He published Laws of Delaware to 1829 inclusive (1829). He died in Wilmington, May 10, 1875.

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