Benjamin Vaughan Abbott


Benjamin Vaughan Abbott was an American lawyer and author noted for his efforts in drawing up the New York penal code.

Early life

On June 4, 1830, Abbott was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Abbott's father was Jacob Abbott, an author of children books. Abbott's mother was Harriett Vaughan Abbott. Abbott's grandfather was also Jacob Abbott. Abbott's siblings are Edward Abbott, Austin Abbott and Lyman Abbott.

Education

Abbott graduated from New York University in 1850, and Harvard Law School in 1851.

Career

In 1852, Abbott was admitted to the bar the following year, and became a partner in the firm Abbott Bros. with his brother Anthony Abbott. He was the secretary of the New York Code Commission, which drew up the state's penal code in 1864. He also served on a commission created to revise the statutes of the United States from 1870-1872. He died in Brooklyn in 1890.
He is the author of several books, including the following novels:
His non-fiction works include:
In 1853, Abbott married Elizabeth Titcomb. Abbott had two children. On February 17, 1890, Abbott died in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Abbott is buried in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York City, New York.

Additional sources