Abbott, Edwin J. (1841-1919)

ABBOTT

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/14/2019 at 22:50:12

Edwin J. Abbott
Sep 27, 1841 - Jan 6, 1919

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.3, Council Bluffs)
Edwin J.Abbott, Justice of the Peace, Council Bluffs,was born in London, Eng., May 27, 1841, and came to this country with his parents, who located at Cleveland, Ohio. He reeived his education in the preparatory schools of London, Eng., and the public schools of Cleveland, Ohio. In his early days he followed railroading in Ohio and the South. He was married, in Elyria, Ohio, in 1861, to Sarah A. Packer, sister of Mrs. John Hammer, and by this union they have been blessed with four children, two of whom are deceased. During the late war, he served as a private in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and, after the close of the war, became a member of the Cleveland police force, and, while serving in that capacity received a wound which produced lockjaw. He arrived in Council Bluffs April 7. 1870, where he was elected Constable, and was afterward Dcputy Recorder of this county for three years. Ho then became book-keeper and manager for John Hammer, contractor and builder, which position he held six years, and, during that time, was three times elected Township Clerk of Kane Township, on the Republican ticket. After leaving Mr. Hammer, he was appointed Census Enumerator of the First Ward Council Bluffs in 1880, and in the fall of that year, was elected Justice of the Peace on the Republican ticket, and still holds that office. During the years 1880 and 1881, he was City Finance Clerk. He is the only charter member now belonging to the order of the original lodge of Knights of Pythias for a number of years; he was a member of the grand lodge of Knights of Pythias. He became a member of the I. O. O. F. at twenty-one years of age.

[From the 1891 Biographical History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p.529]
EDWIN J. ABBOTT, Assistant Clerk and Treasurer of Council Bluffs, has been serving this city in various capacities at least eight or nine years. He was born in London, England, September 27, 1841, the son of Joseph and Mary (Bamford) Abbott. At the age of twelve years, he came to America, locating at Cleveland, Ohio, where he received his education, and remained until his fourteenth year, when he commenced work for himself. He was variously employed until he entered the service of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern (Northern Indiana) Railroad. In 1861 he enlisted in the hundred-day service, after which he did hospital duty for some time. Mr. Abbott then enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged September 1864, at Camp Chase, Ohio. After the war Mr. Abbott returned to Cleveland and connected himself with the Metropolitan Police force, in which capacity he served until 1871. In that year lie came to Council Bluffs, where he has since remained. He has served as Deputy Recorder and Township Clerk for several years, and since that time he has been twice elected as Justice of the Peace and in the employ of the city as Finance Clerk. He has been a faithful friend to the public, and has been untiring in his duties. He is a member of the G. A. R., Abe Lincoln Post, No. 29, of which he is a charter member, and Past judge Advocate and Assistant Adjutant General of' the Department of Iowa, G. A. R. He has organized fifteen posts in the locality. He is also a charter member and Post Commander St. Albans Lodge, K. of P., No. 17, and also a member of the I. O. O. F. Politically he affiliates with the Republican Party.
Mr. Abbott was married October 27, 1861 to Sarah E. Packer, of Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio, who died December 26, 1888, leaving the following children: Mrs. James H. Craigmile, of Council Bluffs; Mrs. James R. Barrett, also of Council Bluffs, and two deceased. Mr. Abbott was again married, January 1890, to Mrs. Mary H. Dougherty, a native of Rome, New York. They are both members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.