Person Page - 120

     Lina Marion ABNEY, daughter of Zachariah ABNEY III and Nell Frances Chandler, was born on 10 September 1943 in Prattville, Alabama. She graduated on 5 June 1965 at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, at age 21. She was an elementary education major and a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.

Lina Marion ABNEY died on 2 June 2018 in Prattville, Autauga County, Alabama, at age 74.

Her obituary appeared 5 June 2018 in the Opelika-Auburn News, published in Opelika, Alabama. Lina Marion Abney Waldrop died on June 2nd. She was born September 10th, 1943 to the deceased Nell Frances Chandler Abney and Zachary Abney, III. She and all of her family were born and raised in Prattville, Alabama. Lina attended Autauga County High School. Lina graduated June 5th, 1965 from Auburn University with a degree in Elementary Education. It was in Auburn she met her husband-to-be, George Waldrop. They were married on June 7th, 1964. They started their careers together as she followed him in the role of a Secret Service wife. She taught elementary students in many schools starting at North Roebuck Elementary School in Birmingham, Alabama 1965-1970. They moved to Springfield, Virginia where she taught in the Lorton Elementary School from 1970-1972. From 1972-1982 Atlanta, Georgia was their home where she devoted time to raising their only son. Later, they moved to Albany, Georgia where she resumed teaching at Kindlelore Preschool 1982-1986 to Saint Theresa Elemenary School 1987-2017. She loved her job. She loved her colleagues. And, most of all, she loved her students! Her son, Matthew Abney Waldrop and daughter-in-law, Shannon Waldrop blessed her and George with three grandchildren, George Truitt Waldrop, Liam and Addison Becker. Other members of her family include on brother, Samuel Abney, and her sister-in-law, Mary Lou Abney, and one sisterr, Ann Weldon, and her deceased brother-in-law, Fred Weldon, plus numerous nieces and nephews. Lina was a member of the Zeta Tau Sorority at Auburn University. She played the clarinet in the Auburn University Concert Band in 1965. She was a member of the Auburn United Methodist Church. She was a member of the "Dottie Girl" Domino Group in Auburn and a member of the Auburn "Transplant" Club (you know who you are). She was a member of the Auburn Women's Club. She had many, many friends whom she loved and cherished. She wanted each of you to know that she felt so blessed to have known you to have shared experiences and memories. Funeral service for Lina will be Wednesday, June 6th, at the Auburn United Methodist Church chapel. Visitation will begin at 10 am. A small graveside service will be held at Town Creek Cemetery for family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Behany House at 1171 Gatewood Drive, Building 100, Auburn, Alabama. She was buried on 6 June 2018 in Town Creek Cemetery, Auburn, Lee County, Alabama.

     Jane Carroll BROWN, daughter of John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen, was born circa 1857 in San Saba County, Texas.¹

Jane Carroll BROWN died before 1860 in San Saba County, Texas.¹

     Ava BROWN, daughter of James Madison BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer, was born on 24 September 1865 in Texas.¹

Ava BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 21 September 1870, in the household of her parents James Madison BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer in Evergreen, Washington County, Texas. She was four years old.²

Ava BROWN died on 6 December 1878 at age 13.^1,3 She was buried in Giddings City Cemetery, Giddings, Lee County, Texas.

     Rebecca Jane BROWN, daughter of John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen, was born in 1862 in San Saba County, Texas.¹ She was also known as Becky.

Rebecca Jane BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 2 July 1870, in the household of John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen in San Saba, San Saba County, Texas.¹

Rebecca married Andrew Smart circa 1880 in San Saba County, Texas. Andrew was later killed by his wife's brother, Asa R. Brown. Reported in The Daily Banner of Brenham, Washington County, on August 11, 1883. "At San Saba on the 30th ult., A. R. Brown shot and killed Andrew Smart, his brother-in-law. Both were reputable citizens and the affair is said to be much regretted. An old feud had existed between them."

Rebecca married William Horace Golden on 22 December 1885.²

Rebecca Jane BROWN died on 4 February 1895 in Shawnee, Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma.

     Andrew Smart was born on 8 October 1850.

Andrew married Rebecca Jane BROWN, daughter of John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen, circa 1880 in San Saba County, Texas. Andrew was later killed by his wife's brother, Asa R. Brown. Reported in The Daily Banner of Brenham, Washington County, on August 11, 1883. "At San Saba on the 30th ult., A. R. Brown shot and killed Andrew Smart, his brother-in-law. Both were reputable citizens and the affair is said to be much regretted. An old feud had existed between them."

Andrew Smart died on 30 July 1883 in San Saba County, Texas, at age 32. He was buried in Brown Family Cemetery, Six Mile, Bibb County, Alabama.

     Robert G. Binion was born in 1841 in Arkansas.

Robert married Amanda C. BROWN, daughter of John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen, on 12 November 1863 in Burnet, Burnet County, Texas.¹

Robert G. Binion and Amanda C. BROWN appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 17 June 1880 in San Saba County, Texas. The household was listed as Robert Binnion, 39-year-old farmer; his 34-year-old wife, Amanda; daughter Lavina 14; daughter Ollie 12; daughter Lorah, 9; daughter Tenia, 6; and son 9 months old, born in September.

Robert G. Binion died in 1885. He was buried in the "Shorty" Brown Cemetery, San Saba, Texas.

     Gaston Monroe Dixon was born on 17 December 1908 in Boothton, Shelby County, Alabama.¹ He was also known as Jack.

Gaston married Nettie M. BROWN, daughter of Anderson Lee BROWN and Lomar HAYES, on 20 October 1933 in Shelby County, Alabama. Jack was described as 26 years old, 5' 8" tall, 135 pounds and from Underwood. He was the son of Charlie and Lexie Horton Dixon or Dickson. Nettie was 20 years old, 5' 6", 120 pounds and living in Montevallo.²

Gaston was registered for the draft during World War II on 16 October 1940 while living in Underwood, Shelby County, Alabama. He was employed by the Little Gem Coal Company. He was discribed as 5' 9", 139 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair and a ruddy complexion. His next of kin was his mother Lexie Dixon.

Gaston Monroe Dixon died on 9 September 1941 in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, at age 32. He died as a result of an auto accident near Montevallo on September 1st. His occupation was coal miner.³ He was buried on 10 September 1941 in Generys Gap Methodist Church Cemetery, aka Southcrest Baptist Church Cemetery, Bamford, Shelby County, Alabama.⁴

     Edgar E. Dixon, son of Gaston Monroe Dixon and Nettie M. BROWN, was born on 20 September 1934 in Chilton County, Alabama.¹

Edgar E. Dixon died on 29 June 1984 in Chilton County, Alabama, at age 49.¹ He was buried in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.

     William MAYS, son of Mattox MAYS and Dorcas ABNEY, was born in 1761 in Virginia.

William MAYS died on 11 September 1801 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. He was buried in Old Mays Cemetery, Edgefield County, South Carolina.

     Sarah "Sally" MAYS, daughter of Mattox MAYS and Dorcas ABNEY, was born circa 1760 in Virginia.

     Samuel MAYS, son of Mattox MAYS and Dorcas ABNEY, was born on 23 July 1762 in Halifax County, Virginia.

Samuel and his brother Abney MAYS fought in the Revolutonary War as privates in the 2nd Spartan Regiment, formerly known as the Upper Saluda District Militia. They were at Hanging Rock, Musgrove Mill, and Black Stocks under Gen. Thomas Sumter, the "Gamecock." After the British Garrison was defeated at Ninety-Six Samuel Mays was one of twenty men thanked by Congress for bravery and was offered a commission as was his brother, Abney.¹

The website "The American Revolution in South Carolina" lists the following service for "Samuel Mayes"": From Williamsburg District. Sep. 1779, served under Capt. Robert Faris, Capt. Hugh Means, Col. Thomas Brandon. Apr. 1780, served under Col. Thomas Brandon again, unit unknown. Captured by "Bloody Bill" Cunningham and held six weeks. Then, held four weeks by Col. Banastre Tarleton. Escaped. Served under Capt. James Crawford from 5/5/1781 to 10/25/1782. He fought in the following engagements: Musgrove's Mill, Kings Mountain, Blackstocks, Cowpens.²

During the War of 1812, Samuel MAYS was one of the most prominent men in the Saluda section of Old Edgefield. He was a major general of militia and took an active role in the war.³

Samuel MAYS died on 25 January 1816 in Greenwood, Greenwood County, South Carolina, at age 53.⁴

He married Nancy Grigsby. Children:1) Sally, 2) William Anderson., 3)James Butler, 4)Rhydon Grigsby, 5) Samuel Watson, 6) Thomas Sumpter, 7) Richard Johnson ,8) Dannett Hill, 9) Caroline Elizabeth, 10 )Enoch Grigsby.

Inscription on Samuel May's' tombstone, "Sacred to the memory of General Samuel Mays who was born on the 23rd July 1762 and departed this unsullied life on the 25th January 1816. He was a man of frugal habits, of persevering industry, of incorruptible integrity. The events of his life formed an interesting commentary upon the formation of our free institutions. Without any advantage of firth or fortune, he acquired a reputable independence, and, enjoyed for many years the honor of a seat as a member for this district as the Senator of this State. The born justice of his heart and the kindness of his manner deservedly endeared him to his surviving wife and children who have caused this monument to be erected."⁴ He was buried in Old Mays Cemetery, Edgefield County, South Carolina.

     Tabitha MAYS, daughter of Mattox MAYS and Dorcas ABNEY, was born in 1768 in Halifax County, Virginia.

Tabitha married Joshua Dean, son of Edward DEAN Sr. and Rebecca ABNEY, on 28 December 1785 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Tabitha MAYS died on 4 April 1844 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

     George ABNEY, son of Lord James ABNEY and Mary Milward, was born in 1550 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England.² He was Lord of Willesley circa 1560. He inherited the estate from his father.³

George ABNEY was admitted in 1584 in St. John's College, Cambridge, England.⁴

George married first Margery Lowe circa 1591 in Derbyshire, England. She was the daughter of Michael Lowe of Tymore who died 1593. He was the son of Humphrey and Joan Lowe of Lichfield. Michael's will in July 1593 and proved 13 Feb 1594 refers to two son-in-laws, George Abney and Edward Bromley, and three daughters, Margery, Margaret and Katherine. Margery married George Abney and Margaret married Edward Bromley. Katherine was unmarried at the time of the will. Large numbers of relatives are mentioned in the will.^1,5,6,7

George was a barrister who was admitted to the Inner Temple in April 1591. The Inner Temple is one of four Inns of Court (professional associations for barristers and judges) in London. To be called to the Barand practice as a barrister in England and Wales, a person must belong to one of these Inns.

Members of the Lowe family were prominent in the law and it was through their connections in the profession that the marriages of Edward Bromley and Margaret Lowe, as well as that of George Abney and Margery Lowe were arranged. George joined Michael Lowe and his nephews Humphrey Lowe and Edward Bromley in their chambers in the Inner Temple. They repaired the buttery (cellar) of the Inner Temple for their use a study.⁷

George ABNEY and Anne ABNEY, his wife (late the wife of Humphry Whitwick), were plaintiffs in a lawsuit in Court of Chancery against John Farmor regarding his accounts between 1603 and 1624 in Derbyshire, England.⁸

George married second Anne Staples in 1611 in Norton juxta Twicrosse, Derbyshire, England. She was the daughter of George Staples and the widow of Humphrey Wightwicke of Coventre.^9,10

George ABNEY died in May 1645 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England.⁴ He was buried in St. Helen's Churchyard, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, England.

His estate was probated on 19 June 1646 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England. His will is very difficult to read and I was only able to decipher bits and pieces. "In the name of God Amen. I George Abney of Willesley in the county of Darby esquire..." He asked to be buried in the Willesley churchyard and asked that a gravestone be bought. He provided a lease or trust to his daughter Elizabeth for 21 years. It mentioned lands in Willesley belonging to his brother Alexander Charles. Something "to be kept in trust for the benefit of my younger children." He left Willesley to his son James "at the time of his marriage with Mr. Maynwaring's daughter." If his daughter Elizabeth should die before the loan should expire then the remainder should go to his daughter Bromskill [daughter Sarah Bromskill. Some have misread this to include a daughter named Bronthil]. He mentions son John Abney, grandson George Abney the son of James Abney, and to my "good sister" Ladia or Lady(?) Bromley "my Bible." This refers to his sister-in-law Margaret Bromley. He mentions "brother Maynwaring" who I assume was a brother in law. He left his grandchildren 20 shillings apiece. He mentions "son May and his wife" who I believe is his son in law Thomas May who married his daughter Mary. Also his "son Brumskill" who is Oliver Brumskill/Bromskill the husband of Sarah Abney. There is a mention of Anne Stanley(?) "the daughter of Alexander Charles of Nottingham." She is apparently a niece. And finally there is a mention of Anne Staples, his second wife. He names his son James as executor, and it was James who proved the will.¹¹

     Margery married George ABNEY, son of Lord James ABNEY and Mary Milward, circa 1591 in Derbyshire, England. She was the daughter of Michael Lowe of Tymore who died 1593. He was the son of Humphrey and Joan Lowe of Lichfield. Michael's will in July 1593 and proved 13 Feb 1594 refers to two son-in-laws, George Abney and Edward Bromley, and three daughters, Margery, Margaret and Katherine. Margery married George Abney and Margaret married Edward Bromley. Katherine was unmarried at the time of the will. Large numbers of relatives are mentioned in the will.^1,2,3,4

     James ABNEY, son of George ABNEY and Margery Lowe, was born on 6 January 1599 in Tatenhill, Staffordshire, England.¹

James ABNEY was baptised on 14 February 1599 at St. Michael & All Angels Churchyard in Tatenhill, Staffordshire, England, son of George ABNEY and Margery Lowe.^2,3,4,5

James ABNEY was educated in 1616 at Emmanuel College in Cambridge, England. He studied law and became a member of the Inner Temple. The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, commonly known as the Inner Temple, is one of the four Inns of Court (professional associations for barristers and judges) in London. To be called to the Bar and practise as a barrister in England and Wales, an individual must belong to one of these Inns.⁶ He was Lord of Willesley in1645, a lawyer, Member of Parliament, and High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 1656.

A house existed on the site of Willesley for over 500 years until the hall was demolished in 1953. Some of the most significant enlargements and improvements to the estate were undertaken by James Abney. The house was further enlarged by his son, Sir Edward Abney, early in the 18th Century and later in the same century the park was laid out and a 24 acre lake was created submerging, it is thought, the village of Willesley. The Abney family's ownership of the Manor of Willesley lasted from 1424 until the death of Thomas Abney in 1791. Many family members are buried in the adjacent Church of St. Thomas Willesley or the Church of St. Mary de Castro in Leicester.^7,8

James married first Jane Mainwaring on 8 August 1625 in St. Mary & All Saints, Whitmore, Staffordshire, England. She was the daughter of Edward Mainwaring of Whitmore in Staffordshire.^2,9,10,11

During the English Civil Wars (1642-1651) fought between the supporters of the king, known as the Cavaliers, and the supporters of the Parliament, James participated in the royalist defence of Ashby-De-La-Zouch Castle in 1645 and 1646 when after a yearlong siege of the castle by the Parliamentarian Army the Royalists surrendered.

Henry Hastings, Lord Loughborough, the second son of the fifth Earl of Huntingdon was the main champion of the Royalist cause in Leicestershire, and the regional commander. Shortly after the battle of Edgehill, Hastings occupied Ashby-de-la-Zouch Castle and placed the garrison on a war footing. For over three years it was the center of operations for most of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire, becoming a critical lynch-pin of Royalist operations in the Midlands, and strengthened their hold on the port of Chester. This, together with the fact that cavalry from the garrison were involved in many actions in the Welsh Marches in 1645-46, including attempts to disrupt Parliament's siege of Newark, earned Hastings the nickname of 'Rob Carrier' amongst the Parliamentarians.

By the end of 1644, Parliamentary forces were gaining the upper hand in the county, the town being occupied and the castle closely besieged. For a year the fortunes of the opposing forces fluctuated, but after the battle of Naseby the situation became desperate for the Royalists. Although the castle proved too strong to be taken by storm, an outbreak of plague and dwindling food supplies took their toll of the garrison, which was finally compelled to surrender on 28 February 1646.

The terms of surrender were remarkably generous, suggesting that the Parliamentarians were relieved at the removal of a great thorn in their side. As was usual, terms included provision for "slighting" of the castle; one complete wall of each building being destroyed by undermining and gunpowder.⁷

Margaret Bromley née Lowe was a noted English Puritan of Staffordshire origins. She married Sir Edward Bromley, a noted lawyer and judge of the period. She was the sister of Margery Lowe, the wife of George Abney. Margaret Bromley died in 1657 and was buried at Loughborough on 23 March. In her will she asked for no solemnity of any kind, specifically prohibiting the use of bells, and asked that no relative be sent for, apart from her nephew Abney: she left small bequests to both James and Thomas Abney but it was James who was appointed executor, along with Sarah Bromskill.¹²

The Restoration in 1660, when Charles II restored the monarchy, left the Abney family in an uncertain position. During the Wars James had served in the Royalist army. But after 1649, he seems to have maintained his authority locally through the Derbyshire commission of the peace and also to bolster the family estate at Willesley Hall by being one of the first Derbyshire commissioners for the sequestration of royalist estates. He was also Sheriff of Derby in 1656. During the flux of the 1640s and 1650s, James Abney it seems played it both ways. With Charles II's government moving to punish the regicides and their families it must have been a nervous time for James.¹³

James ABNEY, living in Willesley, Leicestershire, England, entered his pedigree in the Visitaition of Derbyshire on 18 March 1662. That same year on October 8th, James Abney, Esq. was assessed for a hearth tax on 16 hearths. A hearth tax was an early property tax in certain countries, levied on each hearth or family unit. It was calculated based on the number of hearths, or fireplaces, within a municipal area.

In England, hearth tax, also known as hearth money, chimney tax, or chimney money, was a tax imposed by Parliament in 1662, to support the Royal Household of King Charles II. Following the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Parliament calculated that the Royal Household needed an annual income of £1,200,000.] The hearth tax was a supplemental tax to make up the shortfall. It was considered easier to establish the number of hearths than the number of heads, hearths forming a more stationary measure than people. This form of taxation was new to England, but had precedents abroad. It generated considerable debate, but was supported by the economist Sir William Petty. The bill received Royal Assent on 19 May 1662, with the first payment due on 29 September 1662, Michaelmas.

One shilling was liable to be paid for every firehearth or stove, in all dwellings, houses, edifices or lodgings, and was payable at Michaelmas, 29 September and on Lady Day, 25 March. The tax thus amounted to two shillings per hearth or stove per year. If that was the case, James Abney's tax would have amounted to 32 shillings.¹⁴

James ABNEY died in 1693 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England.⁶ He was buried on 1 June 1693 in St. Helen's Churchyard, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, England.¹⁵

     Jane married James ABNEY, son of George ABNEY and Margery Lowe, on 8 August 1625 in St. Mary & All Saints, Whitmore, Staffordshire, England. She was the daughter of Edward Mainwaring of Whitmore in Staffordshire.^1,2,3,4

     Sir Edward ABNEY LL.D., son of James ABNEY and Jane Mainwaring, was born on 6 February 1631 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England.^1,2

Sir Edward ABNEY LL.D. was educated in 1649 in Christ's College, Cambridge, England. While under the wing of the master of the college, Ralph Cudworth, Edward met and became quite taken with Ralph Cudworth’s stepdaughter Damaris, and marriage was considered. One difficulty for the Abney family was the political stance of Damaris' grandfather, Thomas Andrews. A London linen-draper and devout Puritan, Andrews had risen to become a prosperous merchant and moneylender. He became Alderman in February 1642 and was one of the principal financiers to Parliament during the first English Civil War. On the other hand, James Abney had supported Charles I in his war with Parliament. Andrews was one of judges appointed to try the King at Westminster and he attended most of the trial sessions in January 1649 and was present at Charles I's execution. A few days later, he unseated the royalist incumbent to become the first Lord Mayor of London under the republic. He died in 1659.

Edward Abney in letters to his father comes across as earnest and expansive. He is bold and often direct on “this business, which has caused the greatest trouble and perplexity of mind to me”. Earnestness turns to despair as his father seems to dither over the question of consent for the marriage to Damaris. Parental authority remained paramount in this period, both out of custom and for inheritance purposes. Edward uses all means he can to persuade his father, in whose hands his future effectively lay. He emphasises the social and intellectual qualities of his proposed bride, “a very comely and descreet person neither hath she any of the too common defects of lameness or crookedness” and “who has been piously educated”. The relationship with the eminent and influential Ralph Cudworth was important.

Edward's early education was at Ashby-De-La-Zouch under Mr. Porter and in Measham with Mr. Houlton. He received at bachelor of arts from Christ's College in 1653, his masters in 1656, and doctorate of law (LLD) in 1661. He received a fellowship from 1655-1670 and pursued the academic life.^3,4

Edward married first Damaris Andrews on 20 July 1661 in London, England. Their wedding announcement read: "Edward Abney uf Wilsley, Co. Derby, gent, bach' aged 29 second son of James Abney of the same. Esq., and Damaris Andrewes Spin', about 18, dau. of Thomas Audrewes the younger, late of St Margaret's, New Fish Street, London, dec'd, with consent of her mother Damaris Cudworth, alias Andrewes, now wife of Dr. Ralph Cudworth, Master of Christ's College, Cambridge, to be married at St Gregory's or St Dionys Backchurch London."^5,6 Edward left Cambridge in 1670 when he obtained a highly lucrative position as one of six clerks in Chancery. Sir Edward was knighted at Whitehall by King Charles II on 2 Aug 1673. His arms were recorded as "Or on a Chief Gules a Lyon issuant Arg. being the proper coat of Ingwardbly whose daughter& heir was married to this family about the time of King Henry the sixth."

In 1685 he stood for Leicestershire but was defeated. Sir Edward Abney was appointed a judge in the court of King's Bench and subsequently elected as a Whig to the House of Commons for Leicester in 1690 at the age of nearly 60 and served until 1698. As the oldest surviving son he inherited Willesley Hall from his father in 1693 and died there aged 96 in 1728, having been blind for the last 20 years of his life.^1,3,5,4

Edward married second Judith Barre on 18 December 1688 in London, England. She was the daughter of Peter Barre, merchant of London.^4,7,6

Edward left a will dated 1718 in Willesley, Leicestershire, England. In drawing up his will he excluded his eldest surviving, but mentally unfit son [James], leaving his estates in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire to his youngest son, Thomas.⁴

Sir Edward ABNEY LL.D. died on 3 January 1728 in Willesley, Leicestershire, England, at age 96. He was blind the last twenty years of his life.^2,6 He was buried in St. Helen's Churchyard, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, England.

     Sir Thomas ABNEY was born in January 1640 at Willesley Hall in Derbyshire, England, son of James ABNEY and Jane Mainwaring.³

Sir Thomas' mother died during his infancy, and he was sent to school at Loughborough Grammar, in Leicestershire, in order that he might be under the observation and control of Lady Bromley, the widow of Sir Edward Bromley, knight; one of the barons of the exchequer in the reigns of James I and Charles I.

As the youngest son he moved to London to establish himself in trade, and quickly enjoyed a considerable increase in fortune. He was apprenticed to William Thorogood, a London Fishmonger 1 Feb 1657/8 and became a freeman in 1668.

Members of Livery Companies or trade guilds generally fell into two categories: freemen and liverymen. One might become a freeman, or acquire "the freedom of the company", upon fulfilling the company's criteria: traditionally you could be admitted by patrimony, if either parent was a liveryman of the company; or by servitude if one has served as an apprentice in the trade for the requisite number of years; or by redemption, if one paid a fee. Freemen generally advance to become liverymen by the vote of the company.

From early times the Aldermen have been members of one of the craft guilds represented in the later centuries by the Livery Companies. From the time of Edward II to the end of the 14th century, the Aldermen, with rare exceptions, have belonged to one of the seven great Companies: Mercers, Grocers, Drapers, Fishmongers, Goldsmiths, Skinners and Vintners. Thomas Abney was elected a member of the Fishmonger Company in 1666.^3,4

Thomas first married Sarah Caryl on 24 August 1668 in London, England. She was the youngest daughter of Rev. Joseph Caryl of Bury Street, London. This union lasted a very happy and comfortable period of thirty years. They had seven children, all dead by 1704.^3,5

Sir Thomas ABNEY was elected alderman on 5 December 1692 in Vintry ward, London, England. Only seven months later he was chosen sheriff in an uncontested poll, and while serving in that office he was knighted by King William III on 2 Nov 1693 at Whitehall. His standing in the City was further attested when he was appointed in June 1694 as one of the commissioners to take subscriptions for the Bank of England. He was elected one of its founding directors, and served intermittently in that capacity for the rest of his life. He was president and benefactor of St. Thomas' Hospital. On Michaelmas Day 29 Sep 1700 he was elected Lord Mayor of London. He was elected to the House of Commons in 1701, but served only one term. He was politically active for many years afterwards in the the Whig party.

He was a Presbyterian and an important figure in Nonconformist circles, his piety leading his biographer to declare that "the honour and service of God were his aim and business in life."^6,7,8,5

Thomas married second Mary Gunston on 21 August 1700 in London, England. She was eldest daughter of John Gunston, Esq. Sir Thomas was already leasing a mansion on the Theobalds estate at Cheshunt in Hertfordshire, and that is where they started their married life. They had a family of four children together, including three daughters.

In 1701, following the death of her brother, Thomas Gunston, Lady Mary Abney inherited the Manor of Stoke Newington, a small farming community in the London borough of Hackney, which lay about five miles north of St. Paul's Cathedral. By the rights of marriage that applied at that time, the property formally passed to her husband for the duration of his life. The couple decided to live at both addresses, and split their lives between the villages of Cheshunt and their second home in Stoke Newington. Upon the title passing to Lady Mary and Sir Thomas Abney, she began to complete her late brother's new manor house at Abney Park; it was later known as 'Abney House.' She had it done to suit her taste and ideas.

As Abney House was closer to London than Theobalds, the Abneys frequently stayed there with their family. In the custom of the time, the couple frequently invited guests to Theobalds. The family shared Abney House with a series of well-to-do tenants, who paid for various floors and parts of the house. This kept it homely, warm, and constantly lived-in during periods when the family lived in Hertfordshire.^3,5,9

Lord and Lady Abney attended the Mark Lane Independent Chapel in London whose pastor was Dr. Isaac Watts (1674-1748), the eminent minister and hymn-writer. In 1712 Dr. Watts suffered a breakdown, from which he never fully recovered. The Abneys invited him to spend a weekend at their estate at Theobalds. Isaac accepted-- and became a permanent houseguest, living with them the next 36 years until his death. He assisted her ladyship in the design of the landscaping of Abney Park at Stoke-Newington.

Watts' became part of the family and wrote many of his well-known books, poems and hymns at Abney House, or in its parkland grounds. His famous hymns include When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, O God Our Help in Ages Past and the great Christmas carol, Joy to the World . He is known as the "Father of English hymnody."

Lady Mary granted Watts sole use of a study room, the rooftop turret also called the observatory room, from which he could survey the heavens as well as the whole of Abney Park. His view extended northward of the village, as far as Woodberry Downs.¹⁰

Sir Thomas ABNEY died on 6 February 1721 at Theobalds in London, England, at age 81.^6,5 He was buried in St. Peter upon Cornhill, London, England.

His death was widely mourned. He was praised as a wise and just magistrate. Moreover, his reputation for philanthropy "without distinction of parties" had evidently earned him much respect. St. Thomas' Hospital was his favorite charity, but two others to benefit from his support were the London Corporation of the Poor and the New England Company.

At the time of his death Sir Thomas had been one of the wealthiest men in the world, with a net worth valued at a moderns equivalent of £2.6 billion. In the absence of a male heir, his estate, fell to his widow and three maiden daughters. Elizabeth (1704-1782) the last surviving child and ultimate sole heiress of her father and mother, was "lady of the manor of Stoke-Newington," and died unmarried in August 1782 at the age of 78. By her will she directed that on her death the lease of the estate of Abney Park, together with the rest of her property in Stoke-Newington, should be sold, and the proceeds distributed amongst the poor. Since 1840 Abney Park has been a general cemetery for the city of London and Abney House was torn down in 1845. The gates to the house were preserved as a side entrance to the cemetery.³

     John ABNEY, son of George ABNEY and Margery Lowe, was born circa 1607 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England. He was a merchant in Turkey.¹

As of 1645, John ABNEY was living. He was one of the heirs in his father's will.

In 1650 John ABNEY was listed the Calandar of State Papers as treasurer in Constantinople (now Istanbul), Turkey.

     Anne ABNEY and George ABNEY, his wife (late the wife of Humphry Whitwick), were plaintiffs in a lawsuit in Court of Chancery against John Farmor regarding his accounts between 1603 and 1624 in Derbyshire, England.¹

Anne married George ABNEY, son of Lord James ABNEY and Mary Milward, in 1611 in Norton juxta Twicrosse, Derbyshire, England. She was the daughter of George Staples and the widow of Humphrey Wightwicke of Coventre.^2,3