Litchfield enquirer., 1831-08-25
From tks J0ckp0rs Baiance. HERMIT OF NIAGARAsFALL

[rhe following particulars of the habits and death ofFraDcs Abbott, who for the asttwo years has lived in secluded and unhappy manner, on and near the Islands at the Fas of Nagara were furnished us by the pcliieness Ofa gentleman residing at that place.
 In the afternoon of the 18th of June, 1929, a tall, well built and handsome man, dressed in long loose gown or cloak. oi achocolate color, was seen passing through the principal street of the village of Niaga- ra Falls, on the American side. He had under his arm roll of blankets, flute, a port folio, and large book in his right hand he carried small stick. He adyan- ced towards the Eagle Hotel, attracting the gaze of the visitors and others about the Hotel, by his eccentric appearance. < With elastic step and animated motion he pas- scd tho Hotel, needed not the inquiring gaze of the idle multitude, but erect hc proudly bent his course to the small and lowly inn of Ebenezer O'Kelly. He ut once entered into stipulations with his host, that the room he occupied should Dc sole- ly his own; that he should have his table to himself. and only certain parts of his cooking should be done by Mrs. O'Ke:ly. He made the usual inquiries as to the To- calities of the Falls, and wished to know if there was Library or reading room in the village. On being informed that there was library, hc immediately repaired to the individual by whom it was kept, depos- ited three dollars and took outa book pur- chased U violin, borrowed music books, in- formed the librarian that his name was Francis Abb0tt, that hs should remain a few days atthe Falls. He con versed with him on various subjects, and his language was delivered with great case and ability. The next day he returned to the same per- son; expatiatGd largely upon the beautiful scenery of tho Falls the grand views of tho cascades and cataracts, and of that most sublime spectacle, the Falls themselves. In all his travels, lie said, he had never met with any thing that would compare with it, for sublimity, except Mt. Etna during an eruption. He said he should remain at least week observing that as we'll might traveller 10 two days examine in detail the various niuseunis and curiosities of Par- is, as to become acquainted with the splcn- did scenery of Niagara in tho same space of time. He was informed that the visit CTS at the Falls frequently remained but a day or two, and he expressed his astonish- .ment that they should De so little interested in the grand and beautiful works of nature. as to spend only 50 short n period.
 Ina few days he called again, and again expatiated upon the beauties of the Falls. and said he had concluded to remain a month at least, and perhaps six months. In a short time after this, ne determined 10 fix his abode upon Cont or Iris Island, and was desirous of erecting rustic hut, for the purpose of abstracting himself from all society, and becoming solitary hermit. The proprietor of tho island did not think proper t0 grant him the privilege of erect ing building for such use, but permitted him to occupy a small room in the only house on the islands In the house there lived family. who furnished him occasion- ally with bread and milk. But he gene- rally dispensed with these, providing him- self with other articles, and always doine his own cooking. This was his permanent residence for about twenty months. Last winter the family removed. and to shose few persons with whom he hold any com munieation, he expressed lsis great satisfac- ton of having it in his power l0 i've hlone. For some months hs seemed tO enjoy hin- selfvery much, until another family cnler- cd the house. He then concluded lo erect q cottage of his own, and as lio could no, build it on the Island he determined to