Thomas E. Abbott
In the magnificent state of Iowa are many men who through their own indefatigable industry have won deserved recognition as progressive and substantial citizens. Of this number is Thomas E. Abbott, who owns a highly improved farm of two hundred acres in Jackson township, Crawford county.
He is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born in November, 1851, a son of Thomas Abbott, who was also born in Lincolnshire. The mother before her marriage was Ann Clement, a sister of Thomas B. Clement, who is well known in Crawford county as one of its leading stockmen. The father and mother both died at their old home in England, the former passing away at the age of sixty-eight years. He devoted his attention to farming and was one of the substantial citizens of the community. In religious faith he was an Episcopalian.
Thomas E. Abbott grew to manhood under the paternal roof and received his education in the common schools, assisting when not busy with his books in work upon the home farm. He thus became well acquainted with the details pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. In 1871, being ambitious to take advantage of the best opportunities. that could be found anywhere, he crossed the ocean to America and spent a few days in Chicago, Illinois, taking observations on American life and manners just before the great fire.
Coming to Clinton county, Iowa, he engaged in farm work for six years and in 1878 came to Jackson township, Crawford county, later removing to the western part of the county. In 1886, having acquired the necessary capital, he purchased two hundred acres in Jackson township from his uncle, Thomas Clement, upon which he established his home. He has engaged during the years that have since passed in general farming and stock-raising. As he has a thorough understanding of his business and uses good judgment, he has met with a marked degree of success and his farm is one of the most attractive places in the township.
In February, 1879, in Clinton county, Mr. Abbott was united in marriage to Miss Ambrosia Wickware and five children were born of this union. namely, Anna A., James Edward, Robert D., Pearl May and Fay. Pearl May died at the age of seventeen years and nine months. Fay is now eleven years of age. The mother of these children having died, Mr. Abbott was married December 1, 1899, to Mary Voss.
As is indicated in this review, Mr. Abbott has been the architect and builder of his own fortune and he has now attained a position of comparative ease. He is genial and accommodating in disposition and is highly popular in the section in which he has made his home for many years, being esteemed as one of its best farmers. Politically he gives his allegiance to the democratic party. He has held most of the minor township offices and in the discharge of his duties displayed a fairness and efficiency that met the general approbation of the people.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.