Abbott, JACOB, a native of the United States, was born at Hallowell, Maine, in 1803, was professor of mathematics in Amherst College from 1825 till 1829, and was subsequently a Congregational pastor. In 1838 he began writing those simple and popular works, mainly for the young, by which his name was so widely known. His most popular work is The Young Christian, the 'memorial edition' of which contains a life by his son. He published over 200 volumes, amongst which are The Franeonia Stories, 10 vols.; Histories for the Young, 19 vols.; Marco Paul's Adventures, 6 vols.; Harper's Story Books, 36 vols.; The Rollo Books, 36 vols.; Science for the Young, 4 vols.; American Histories for Youth, 8 vols. He died October 31, 1879.
LYMAN ABBOTT, D.D., his son, was born at Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1835; studied law, but subsequently became a Congregational minister. He has edited more than one religious journal, and is the author of several theological works, including a Religious Dictionary and a New Testament Commentary.