Abel Edgar Leavenworth, the son of Abel and Anna (Hickok) Leavenworth, was born in Charlotte, Vermont on September 3, 1828. He studied at Hinesburgh Academy and graduated from the University of Vermont in 1856. He pursued a career as a teacher and school administrator, beginning as early as 1846. He was the principal of both Bolivar (Mo.) Academy and the Beeman Academy in New Haven (Vt.) as well as of other academies in Hinesburgh, Brattleboro and New Haven. He left the Beeman Academy in 1874 for the State Normal School at Randolph, where he served as principal until 1879. In 1881, he was appointed principal of the State Normal School at Castleton. Leavenworth Hall at Castleton State College in Vermont is named after Abel Leavenworth and his son, Philip, who succeeded him in managing the State Normal School at Castleton. Abel Leavenworth married first Mary Evelina Griggs (d. 1877) at Corning, New York on September 14, 1853. After her death, he married again to Lucy Elizabeth Wadsworth on August 12, 1889.
During the Civil War, Abel Leavenworth enlisted as a private in Company K of 9th Infantry Regiment, Vermont Volunteers. He was promoted through the ranks of sergeant and 1st lieutenant to captain, and eventually became an assistant inspector general. He also served as assistant adjutant general of the the 2nd brigade, 3rd division, 24th Army Corps, and led the skirmish line into the city of Richmond on April 3, 1865. He was mustered out of the service at Richmond on June 13, 1865.
From the description of Abel E. Leavenworth photograph album, 1863-1864. (Vermont Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 767969643
