1927 – 1933
Abbott P. Smith was born on a local farm in Westport, Massachusetts. Abbott’s father, Henry, was deeply integrated in the whaling industry and taught his son the same practices. After Henry’s passing, Abbott at age twenty inherited his father’s obligations and began to sail on supply ships far and wide, delivering provisions for whaling vessels already out at sea. Some of the unique locations Abbott traveled to included Madeira, Malta, Egypt, Palestine, Constantinople, Russia, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and more. Eventually Abbott transitioned his line of work from the whaling industry to businesses more inland.
By age twenty-seven, Abbott focused on real estate as he led the construction of a multitude of houses and stores in New Bedford. Then by 1898, Abbott installed railways in New Bedford, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Westport, Middleboro, and Brockton! Locals were overjoyed with the results, allowing much easier means of transportation. As his reputation grew and profits rose, Abbott didn’t stop there. Wanting to make the most of the local land, Abbott also helped with the building of many mills that still stand to this day including the Kilburn Mill. Later on in his retired years, Abbott eventually joined the New Bedford Port Society as a member and soon after became our president in 1927. Even now, we still feel Abbotts contributions and are grateful for his extensive efforts in shaping our church and community.
