Editor's Note: This new monthly history column will explore information from the New London County Historical Society archives.

Henry P. Haven, the half brother of famed local historian Frances Manwaring Caulkins, was born to Fanny Caulkins and her second husband Philomen in Norwichtown on Feb. 11, 1815. Henry lost his father at age 4, leaving his rearing solely in the hands of his mother.

A devout woman, Fanny impressed upon her young son strong religious ideals as he grew. Henry and his family moved to New London when he was 15, where Haven was indentured for three years to Maj. Thomas W. Williams. Williams was a prominent ship owner and maritime merchant, who was largely responsible for reintroducing the whaling industry to southeastern Connecticut.

During his indenture, Haven was paid a $90 annual salary. In 2020 dollars, his salary was approximately $2,500. His indenture agreement called for a raise in subsequent years, to $150 annually. Out of his meager earnings he was expected to pay for his board and living expenses.

Haven began working as a clerk for Williams, and after approximately two years lobbied Williams for the bookkeeping position, which had become vacant. Initially against the idea of giving a young man such a great responsibility, the major finally relented to a persistent Haven. He allowed the young clerk a trial period as the bookkeeper for Williams and Company. Haven demonstrated a superb ability with accounts, and he secured the position for the remainder of his apprenticeship. Haven kept meticulous books. So good were his accounts that his final yearly salary was increased from to $400.

At the end of Haven’s apprenticeship, Williams hired him as confidential clerk, drawing a salary of $500 annually. After two years he proved himself adept at business, and Williams made Haven a full partner in the now Williams, Haven, and Company.

Beyond his business interests, Haven was an active member in the Second Congregational Church of New London, religion being an important part of his life. At age 15, Haven taught Sunday school. When he was older, Haven felt the need to do mission work. After consulting his pastor, he established a Sunday school in Waterford. So successful was his plan to create the Sunday school that it became a model for the region.

He continued to work in both the New London and Waterford Sunday schools as the superintendent.

At age 25, Haven married Elizabeth Lucas Douglas of Waterford. He and his wife lived with his mother and two half sisters, the Misses Caulkins. Elizabeth and Henry had four children.

His prowess in business was acclaimed by his peers, and his civic mindedness was demonstrated throughout his life. The Williams and Haven firm was the longest operating whaling firm in the city of New London. He also created the Phoenix Guano company, which shipped in bat guano to be used as fertilizer.

In addition, Haven served as president of the New London Northern Railroad Company.

His own academic achievements modest, he was a staunch supporter of education. In addition to creating Sunday schools, he founded evening schools for those students unable to attend day schools.

Henry P. Haven was also active in politics. He served as mayor of New London from 1853 to 1856. Two years later he served as an Elector for Connecticut in the Grant/Greeley presidential race. Other political accomplishments include a gubernatorial nomination by the Republican party in 1873.

Both 1869 and 1870 were difficult years for Haven. His half sister Frances Manwaring Caulkins died in 1869, and a year later his son Thomas died. The death of his sister had a significant effect on Haven. He contributed to a biography of Frances Manwaring Caulkins which was published in 1869, and founded the New London County Historical Society in 1870 with the goal of preserving the history of southeastern Connecticut.

The journals and collections of Frances Manwaring Caulkins remain at the heart of the NLCHS collection.

Haven rose to become the president of the American College and Education Society in 1875, and a year later he passed away on April 30.

Haven arranged for his wealth to be divided among his children. However, because his oldest son Thomas had predeceased him, a portion of the inheritance was put into trust. That money was to be used for a charitable and civic purpose. The money was used to build the New London Public Library in 1889.

Steve Manuel is the executive director of the New London County Historical Society in New London. He can be reached at info@nlchs.org.