Abbott, Lyman (1835–1922)

New York-based Congregational clergyman and editor. Noted for his intelligence and tolerant attitudes, Abbott was active in Christian publishing as well as in his own parish. He became editor of Christian Union – which he renamed Outlook – in 1881.

Abbott was born in Massachusetts but relocated to New York City after the Civil War. A lawyer before he became a clergyman, he worked with the American Union Commission. He became editor of a new periodical, The Illustrated Christian Weekly (1870–76), then joined Henry Ward Beecher at theChristian Union. He replaced Beecher as editor in 1881 and the magazine's name was changed in 1893. When Beecher died in 1890, Abbott took over his Brooklyn parish. Abbott retired in 1899 to devote his final years to editing, writing, and guest preaching and speaking.