Scientific American/The Death of Henry L. Ellsworth

This melancholy event took place on the 27th ult., at the residence of the deceased in Fair Haven, Ct.

He was the twin brother to the Hon. Wm. W. Ellsworth, former Governor, and now Judge of the Supreme Court of Errors of Connecticut, and the two were the youngest children of the Hon. Oliver Ellsworth, of Windsor, Ct., second Chief Justice of the United States. After graduating from Yale in 1810, and studying law with Judge Gould at Litchfield, he married the only daughter of the Hon. Elizor Goodrich, of New Haven, and settled at Windsor on the estate of his father, in the practice of his profession and the pursuits of agriculture. He was appointed by Gen. Jackson, as President Commissioner among the Indian tribes to the south and west of Arkansas. While employed in this service he made extensive circuits towards the Rocky Mountains. In one of these he was accompanied by Mr. Washington Irving, who thus obtained the materials of his remarkable work upon our western prairies. At the end of two years, Mr. Ellsworth was called to Washington, and placed at the head of the Patent Office.

At the expiration of about ten years, Mr. Ellsworth resigned his connection with the Patent Office, and established himself at Lafayette, Indiana, in the purchase and settlement of United States land.

About two years ago, Mr. Ellsworth found his constitution sinking. He therefore determined to remove to his native State. He recently visited Lafayette for the adjustment of his affairs, and, in less than a week after his return, was seized with an attack which ended his life, in the sixty-eighth year of his age.

For many years we have enjoyed the personal friendship of Mr. Ellsworth, and he seldom, if ever, came to this city without making us a sociable visit. He was also a strong friend of the inventor, and ever evinced a deep interest in the progress of legislation for the benefit of this very useful class of our citizens. He was also a warm supporter of the Scientific American, and we are indebted to him for repeated evidences of his confidence in our teachings, professions, and practices. In the death of Mr. Ellsworth, we feel that we have lost a valued friend, and our country has lost one of its most useful citizens. We shall miss his cheerful face, and intelligent conversation. Peace to his ashes!