Faith and Fortune

This captivating, extensively
researched book…

places 19th century Essex and the Connecticut River Valley
at the center of America's early economic story.

The main narrative is the personal journey of Amelia and Henry Champlin, whose deep faith, love of family, and commercial determination guided them through the opportunities and uncertainties of a rapidly changing world.

Purchase the Book

Faith and Fortune book cover: Henry and Amelia Champlin and America's Maritime Ascendancy, by Geoffrey Paul and Steven Ujifusa

As the new nation found its place in the global economy, the extraordinary rise of New York as America's biggest port created new avenues for trade, commerce, and prosperity. Through the Champlin’s experiences, readers will discover how seafaring families in Essex and throughout the Connecticut River Valley were connected to a vast maritime trade network stretching from New England to New York, the nation’s Southern ports, Great Britain, France, and beyond. Henry and Amelia's story highlights their ambition and enterprise, as well as the devotion and resilience that sustained them while building a future together.

By weaving an intimate family narrative…

into larger historical events and the forces of economic change, the book illuminates a largely forgotten chapter of American history. Faith and Fortune is both a compelling personal story and a vivid account of the family ties, beliefs and community traditions that helped connect a young nation to an expanding world of commerce and opportunity.

Faith and Fortune is a compelling, moving story of the young United States that appeals to anyone interested in American cultural and economic history.

— Chris Szepessy, WindCheck Magazine

Meet the Authors

GEOFFREY PAUL is a native of Essex, Connecticut, whose lifelong passion for local history has inspired decades of research into the people, places, and events that shaped the Connecticut River Valley. His discoveries of long-forgotten archives and historically significant artifacts have expanded the understanding of Connecticut’s maritime past, with pieces from his collection now housed in leading museums. Geoffrey lives in the former home of Captain Henry and Amelia Champlin, where his ongoing research continues to uncover new chapters of American history.

STEVEN UJIFUSA is an award-winning historian and author whose work explores America’s maritime, business, and social history. His acclaimed books have been recognized by The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and National Public Radio. A recipient of the Washington Irving Award for Literary Excellence, the Athenaeum of Philadelphia’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction, and a MacDowell artist residency, Steven is a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Pennsylvania and lives with his family in Philadelphia.

About Geoffrey Story Behind the Book About Steven