The New International Encyclopædia/Abbott, Benjamin

ABBOTT, Benjamin (1732-96). A Methodist Episcopal minister, born on Long Island, N. Y. He was apprenticed to a hatter in Philadelphia, and subsequently to a farmer in New Jersey. He was converted from a dissipated life when about 40 years old, and immediately became an itinerant Methodist preacher. After sixteen years’ service in New Jersey he was assigned to the Dutchess (N. Y.) circuit in 1789. He was transferred to the Long Island circuit in 1791, to Salem, N. J., in 1792, to the Cecil circuit, Maryland, as presiding elder, in 1793, and died at Salem, N. J., in 1796. He was famous in his day, and is still remembered as a “rousing” preacher. His vehemence was such that he frequently fainted, and generally raised a commotion among his hearers.