John Haven (1766 - 1845)

Born 8 Apr 1766 in Portsmouth, Rockingham County, Province of New Hampshire

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Descendants

Died 23 Oct 1845 at age 79 in Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States

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Biography

John resided at Portsmouth where he was a merchant with his brother Nathaniel. They were so closely related in business affairs that it was practically impossible to separate their interests. They began their activities in 1792 and for 38 years were among Portsmouth's leaders in commercial circles. They conducted more extensive mercantile operations than anyone else in New Hampshire. In 1806 they imported 506,000 pounds of sugar; 26,000 gallons of rum; 597,000 pounds of coffee. After the War of 1812, they changed from produce of the West Indies, to articles from England. They owned 37 ships, six of which were lost at sea and two were wrecked.

John was indebted for his eminent success in business to an enterprise at once generous and judicious; to clear and sound judgment, to indefatigable industry; to rigid punctuality and method in his habits and dealings and to uniform probity and integrity. He never made enemies. The rights of others were as sacred to him, as his own. He prospered by the industrious use of his native talents and his own self-acquired experience. He was endowed with a mind of great activity. His judgments had the quickness of intuitions and yet were always based on processes of reasoning. He readily embraced new improvements, uniting to a remarkable degree a mild conservatism with the true spirit of progress. He maintained through life perfect simplicity of address and manner and a uniform courtesy and urbanity was extended toward persons of humble condition. For many years he was a communicant in the church where his father was pastor.

Sources

• findagrave