Battell, Robbins, 1819-1895

Robbins Battell was born into a wealthy and prominent family in Norfolk, Connecticut on April 19, 1819. He graduated from Yale in 1839, and like several other members of his family, he became an important benefactor of music at Yale; their contributions were largely responsible for establishing the music department, and the former Battell estate in Norfolk is now the home of Yale's summer music festival. Although Robbins Battell was not a professional musician, he was respected as a composer of sacred music. He devoted most of his time to managing the family fortune; he was also a member of the state legislature and served as a judge of probate and as state comptroller. In 1849 he married Ellen R. Mills, who died two years later; they had one daughter. Robbins Battell died on January 26, 1895.

Connecticut composer, philanthropist, and politician.