John Abel, son of Squire Jacob Abel, was a riverman, who for several years was engaged in running Durham boats on the Delaware, until the opening of the canal, after which he ran regularly between Easton and Philadelphia. Later, and for several years, he engaged in business as a grocer in Easton. On July 7, 1825, he was appointed by Governor Shulze a member of the commission to take measures for the improvement of navigation on the Delaware River. The act under which he was appointed bore date of March 26, 1821, the first board consisting of Lewis S. Coryell, John Kirkbride and Jacob Shouse. In 1825 the last named commissioner resigned, Mr. Abel succeeding him. For more than three years he served on the commission, accomplishing a great deal in the way of river improvement. He married Catherine Bleckley, and they were the parents of a large family. John Abel owned and cultivated a farm in Plainfield township, and there his son, Abraham Abel, was born.