Abial Folger

http://www.nha.org/history/hn/HNwinter2007-clayton.htm

Abiel Folger’s diary, written between December 1806 and March 1811, has provided the most illuminating record of whaling activities in Milford to date. She often comments on the sailing or arrival of ships, whether from the fishery or America:“27th June 1807 Baxter sailed, got all on board” and “9th June 1809 the ship Arora [Aurora] got to the kay.” Abiel and Timothy Folger regularly invited the ships’ masters to dine: “14th October 1810 we have had Gwinn [captain of the Ann] and Dunamon [captain of the New Zealander] to dine.” Timothy was an expert candlemaker, and he either continued this business from Milford or imported Nantucket candles to sell in London. His wife wrote: “18th April 1810 I have cleand and wipd three boxes candles.” He was also directly involved in the industry as well as the provisioning; Abiel writes “my H cutting bone but makes a poor ham.”