Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-07-30
From The Lockport Balance.
THE HERMIT OF NIAGARA FALL


The following particulars Of the habits and
death OF Francis .db6ot, who for the last two
years has lived in a secluded and unhappy man
ner, on and near the Islands at the Falls of Ma
CARA, were furnished US by the politeness of a
gentleman residing at that place:
In the afternoon of the 18th of June, 1929, a
tall, we'll built and handsome man, dressed in a
long looss gown or cloak, of chocolate color,
was seen passing through the principal street of
the village of Niagara Falls. on the American
side. He had under his arm roll Of blankets,
a flute, port folio, and large book; in his right
hand he carried small stick. He advanced
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 passed the Hotel, needed
not the enquiring gaze of the idle multitude, but
erect he proudly bent his course to the small and
Iowly inn of Ebenezer O'Ke!Iy. He at once
entered into stpuations with his host. that the
room he occupied should be sney his own; that
he should have his table to himself, and only GER.
tain parts of his cooking should be done by Mrs.
O'Kely. He made the usual inquiries as TO the
localities Of the Falls, and wished to know If
there was library or reading room in the village.
On being informed that there was a library. he
Immediately repaired to the individual by whom
it was kept, deposited three dollars and took out
a book; purchased violin, borrowed music books,
informed the librarian that his name was Francis
Abbot, that he would remain few DAYS at the
Falls He cOnversed on various subjects, and
his language was delivered with great ease and
ability. The next day he returned to the same
person -expatiated largely upon the beautiful
scenery Of the Fals-the grand views Of the cas-
cades and cataracts. and of that most sublime
spectacle, the Falls themselves. In all his ira
wells, he said he had never met with any thing
that would compare with it, for sublimity, except
Mount Etna during an eruption. He said he
should remain at least one week; observing
that as well might traveller in two days examine
in detail the various museums and curiosites Of
Paris. as to become acquainted with the splendid
scenery of Niagara in the same space of time.
He was informed that visitors at the Falls fire.
quenty remained but day or two, and he ex-
pressed his astonishment that they should be So
little interested IN the grand and beautiful works
of nature, as to spend only SO short period.
In few DAYS he called again, and expatiated
upon the beauties Of the Falls, and said he had
concluded to remain month az least, and per-
haps six months. In short time after this. he
determined TO fix his abode upon Goat or Iris
Island. and was DESTROYS of erecting rustic
hut, for the purpose of sbstracting himself from
all society, and becoming solitary hermit The
proprietor of the island did not think proper to
grant him the privilege of erecting building for
such use; but permitted him to OCCUPY a small
room in the only house on the island. In the
house there lived family who furnished him &C.
casionalIy with bread and milk. But he gene.