Person Page - 165

     John Brown died in 1758 in Edgecombe County, North Carolina.

John left a will dated 13 March 1758 in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. Names wife, Paitence.To his son Nathan he left land, still and cider hogsheads. Also names son Hardy and daughters, Patience Pope, Elizabeth Edwards, Priscilla Brown, Henrietta Brownl, and Olive Brown. Grandson Bural Shelton. Executors Nathan Brown, Samuel Edwards, Lodamon Shelton. Witnesses John Pope, George Crudop and Nicholas Dixon. Proven June court 1759 in Halifax county.¹

     Michael ABNEY was baptised on 2 January 1592 at St. Peter's Church in Elford, Staffordshire, England, son of George ABNEY and Margery Lowe.^1,2,3 He was buried in Tatenhill, Staffordshire, England.

Michael ABNEY died in 1593.

Michael was educated in 1619 at Emmanuel College in Cambridge, England.¹

     Nathaniell ABNEY, son of George ABNEY and Margery Lowe, was born in 1605 in Tatenhill, Staffordshire, England.

Nathaniell ABNEY was baptised on 21 April 1605 at St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church in Tatenhill, Staffordshire, England, son of George ABNEY and Margery Lowe.^2,3

     Thomas ABNEY, son of George ABNEY and Margery Lowe, was born circa 1606.

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.²

     Sarah ABNEY, daughter of George ABNEY and Margery Lowe, was born circa 1610.

     George ABNEY, son of George ABNEY and Anne Staples, was born circa 1613 in Willesley, Derbyshire, England.¹

George was educated in 1631 at St. Catherine's College in Cambridge, England.¹

George ABNEY died in Ireland.¹

     Mary ABNEY, daughter of George ABNEY and Anne Staples, was born circa 1615 in Willesley, Derbyshire (now Leicestershire), England.²

Mary married Thomas May on 4 March 1640. They had one child, Thomas May, Jr., in 1645.³

As of 1645, Mary ABNEY was living. She and her husband were among the heirs in her father's will.

On 19 September 1650 Mary died in Sutton Cheney, Leicestershire, England, leaving Thomas a widower.³

     Elizabeth ABNEY, daughter of George ABNEY and Margery Lowe, was born circa 1601.² She never married.¹

As of 1645, Elizabeth ABNEY was living. She was one of the heirs in her father's will.

     Ann ABNEY was baptised on 16 January 1630 at St. Mary de Castro Church in Leicester, Leicestershire, England, daughter of Dannett ABNEY and Anne Gladwin.^1,2,3 She was buried on 25 July 1728 in St. Margaret's Churchyard, Leicester, England.⁴

     Anna ABNEY was baptised on 8 September 1627 at St. Mary de Castro Church in Leicester, England, daughter of Dannett ABNEY and Anne Gladwin.^1,2

Anna ABNEY died on 9 September 1627 in Leicester, England.^1,3 She was buried in St. Mary de Castro Churchyard, Leicester, England.

     William ABNEY was baptised on 24 October 1624 at St. Mary de Castro Church in Leicester, Leicestershire, England, son of Dannett ABNEY and Anne Gladwin.^2,3

William ABNEY died on 7 November 1624 in Leicester, England.^1,4 He was buried in St. Mary de Castro Churchyard, Leicester, England.

     Francis Marion ABNEY, son of Joshua ABNEY and Sarah Ann Stone, was born on 1 December 1839 in Gallatin, Saline County, Illinois.²

Francis Marion ABNEY appeared on a census, enumerated 3 October 1850, in the household of his parents Joshua ABNEY and Sarah Ann ABNEY in Saline, Saline County, Illinois. He was 12-years-old.

During the War Between the States, Francis Marion ABNEY enlisted in Company E, 101st Illinois Infantry (Union).

Francis married Sarah Ann Summers on 29 March 1863 in Saline County, Illinois. Their children were: William Anderson Abney; John Wesley Abney; Mary Ann Abney; Sarah Isabell Abney; Jessie M. Abney; Mildred Elvinia Abney; Jane Abney; Willie May Abney; Emily Abney; Thomas Abney; Eunice S. Abney; Marion Homer Abney; and Mattie Ethal Abney.¹

Francis Marion ABNEY moved from Saline County, Illinois to Kaufman County, Texas, in 1873. Arriving in the fall of that year, their wagon train consisted of 13 wagons and was made up of Francis Marion Abney and Sarah Ann "Sally" (Summers) Abney family, Melinda Jane Abney Gordon family (She is a first cousin to Francis. Their mothers were sisters.), Frank Summers(a brother of Sarah Ann Summers) family, and William M. and Elizabeth Jane (sister to Francis M. Abney) Glenn families. These families were all related by blood or marriage. The Glenn family wanted to move to Texas and their loved ones decided to move with them. My grandmother, Sarah Isabell Abney, was 3 years old when she traveled on this wagon to Texas.

The children were taught during the long trip. One of the children learned to count on the trip, as her mother had her count the wagons every day as they were circled at camp time. The wagons were put into a circle every night with the livestock inside an inner circle so the Indians couldn't take them. Although there was a constant watch for Indians, there was no trouble.

Francis Marion ABNEY died on 25 December 1892 in Kaufman, Kaufman County, Texas, at age 53.² He was buried in College Mound Cemetery.¹

     Sarah Ann Summers was born on 16 June 1844 in Saline County, Illinois.² She was also known as Sallie.

Sarah married Francis Marion ABNEY, son of Joshua ABNEY and Sarah Ann Stone, on 29 March 1863 in Saline County, Illinois. Their children were: William Anderson Abney; John Wesley Abney; Mary Ann Abney; Sarah Isabell Abney; Jessie M. Abney; Mildred Elvinia Abney; Jane Abney; Willie May Abney; Emily Abney; Thomas Abney; Eunice S. Abney; Marion Homer Abney; and Mattie Ethal Abney.¹

Sarah Ann Summers died on 16 May 1901 in Van Zandt County, Texas, at age 56.² She was buried in New Hope Cemetery, Van Zandt County, Texas.

     Jesse Mercier ABNEY, son of Francis Marion ABNEY and Sarah Ann Summers, was born on 15 May 1872 in Saline County, Illinois.¹

Jesse married Sallie Annie Eskue on 11 December 1895 in Wills Point, Van Zandt County, Texas.¹

Jesse Mercier ABNEY died on 9 August 1949 in Dallas, Texas, at age 77.¹ He was buried in Dunbar Cemetery, Emory, Rains County, Texas.

     Willie F. ABNEY, son of Jesse Mercier ABNEY and Sallie Annie Eskue, was born on 31 October 1901 in Emory, Rains County, Texas.

Willie married Myrtle Orphelia Northcutt on 28 June 1921 in Emory, Rains County, Texas.¹

Willie F. ABNEY died on 17 April 1985 in Emory, Rains County, Texas, at age 83.¹ He was buried in Smyrna Church Cemetery.

     Samuel Bruce ABNEY, son of Willie F. ABNEY and Myrtle Orphelia Northcutt, was born on 16 September 1925 in Emory, Rains County, Texas.¹

During World War II, Samuel Bruce ABNEY enlisted in Company F, 411th Infantry Regiment, 103rd Infantry Division, U. S. Army. On 2 Jan 1945 in Behren, France, about six miles east of Saarbrucken, Germany, PFC Samuel Abney was given the mission of furnishing protection for a group of tank destroyers. While advancing toward the enemy lines, the entire task force was subjected to intense enemy fire, pinning them to the ground and necessitating their withdrawal. It is believed that Samuel was wounded and unable to withdraw when the order was given. As this action took place in enemy territory, a search for Samuel could not be made. A few days later, this territory was taken by our troops, but Samuel could not be found.

Samuel Bruce ABNEY died on 2 January 1945 in Behren, France, at age 19. He was buried in Smyrna Church Cemetery, Emory, Rains County, Texas.

     Mary Ann Stone was born in 1844.

Mary married William Azariah ABNEY, son of Hardy ABNEY and Martha ROAN, circa 1861 in Choctaw County, Alabama.

Mary Ann Stone and William Azariah ABNEY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 13 July 1870 in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama. The household was listed as A. Abney, a 33-year-old farmer, and Mary Abney, age 23, keeping house. Azariah had real estate valued $4500 and personal property valued $2000. With them were their children, Robert, age 7, attended school; Ellen, age 4; and Cora, age 1. All of these were born in Alabama. Also in the household Azariah's mother, Martha Abney, age 52, born in Georgia; Henrietta Moody, white, age 19, born Alabama, connection unknown; Lucy Abney, black, age 44, domestic servant, born Virginia; and Alice Taylor, white, age 16, domestic servant, born Alabama. Lucy could neither read or write. Alice could read, but not write.

Mary Ann Stone and William Azariah ABNEY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 10 June 1880 in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama. The household was listed as Azariah Abney, a 43-year-old general retail dealer; his 33-year-old wife, Mary A. Abney; son Robt. A. Abney, 18, clerk in store; daughter Ella M. Abney, 13, at school; daughter Mary Cora Abney, 10, at school; daughter Addie W. Abney, 8, at school; daughter Henrietta Abney, 6, at school; daughter Sadie Abney, 4, at home; and mother Martha Abney, 62, boarder, born Georgia. All of the others were born in Alabama. Azariah's father was born in South Carolina. Both of Martha Roan Abney's parents were born in Georgia.

Mary Ann Stone and Azariah ABNEY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 April 1900 in Leesburg, Lake County, Florida. The household was listed as A. Abney, 63, born July 1836; his wie Mary Abney, 53, born August 1846; and children Addie, 24, school teacher, born January 1871; Henrietta 27, born May 1873; William, 22, born August 1878; and Emma, 14, born January 1886. There was also Laura Seyton, a black, 22-year-old servant and cook, born March 1878. All were born in Alabama.

Mary Ann ABNEY was named executrix and an heir in the will of William Azariah ABNEY dated 16 November 1901 in Leesburg, Lake County, Florida.

Mary Ann Stone died in 1909.

     Robert A. ABNEY, son of William Azariah ABNEY and Mary Ann Stone, was born on 22 April 1862 in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama.

Robert A. ABNEY appeared on a census, enumerated 13 July 1870, in the household of his parents William Azariah ABNEY and Mary Ann Stone in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama. He was recorded as Robert Abney, age 7, attended school, born Alabama.

Robert A. ABNEY appeared on a census, enumerated 10 June 1880, in the household of his parents William Azariah ABNEY and Mary Ann Stone in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama. He was recorded as Robt. A. Abney, age 18 years, clerk in father's store, born in Alabama.

Robert married Annie M. Watson on 11 September 1883 in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama. They were the parents of Ernest, Lawrence P., and Robert W. Abney.¹

Robert A. ABNEY died on 1 November 1893 in Leesburg, Lake County, Florida, at age 31.² He was buried in Lone Oak Cemetery.

     Annie M. Watson was born on 19 May 1862 in Mobile, Alabama.

Annie married Robert A. ABNEY, son of William Azariah ABNEY and Mary Ann Stone, on 11 September 1883 in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama. They were the parents of Ernest, Lawrence P., and Robert W. Abney.¹

Annie M. ABNEY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1900 in City Point, Brevard County, Florida. The household was listed as Annie M. Abney, 37, head of household, born May 1863 in Alabama. Her father was born in England and her mother in North Carolina. She was a widow and her occupation was postmaster. Living with her were sons Ernest, 15, born June 1884; Lawrence, 13, born December 1886; and Robert W., 6, born October 1893. All were born in Alabama.

Annie M. Watson died on 28 January 1939 in City Point, Brevard County, Florida, at age 76.² She was buried in Lone Oak Cemetery, Leesburg, Lake County, Florida.

Her obituary appeared 2 February 1939 in the The Evening Tribune, published in Cocoa, Florida. Funeral services for Mrs. Annie M. Abney, pioneer resident of City Point, who died suddenly at her home Saturday morning, were held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church at 1 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Wm. L. Hargrave, the pastor. The body was taken to Leesburg where internment was held that afternoon by the side of her husband, the late Robert M. Abney, who preceded her in death many years ago...

Mrs. Abney's death followed a period of ill health for several months, but came unexpectedly. Her death was due to a heart attack. She was 75 years of age.

Mrs. Abney was a native of Mobile, Alabama, and came to City Point fifty years ago. In the early days of her residence here she was appointed postmistress at City Point, which position she held for several years, and more recently has been identified with her son, Mr. L. P. Abney, in the firm of Abney & Abney, well known general merchandise store at City Point. Her son is now postmaster at City Point, in which position he has served for many years.

Besides Postmaster L. P. Abney, Mrs. Abney is survived by two other sons, Robert W. Abney, of City Point, also associated with his brother in the City Point store, and Earnest A. Abney, of Philadelphia, Pa. A granddaughter, Mrs. Geraldine Anderson, and two great grandchildren, of Jacksonville, are also listed among the survivors.

     Robert W. ABNEY, son of Robert A. ABNEY and Annie M. Watson, was born on 11 October 1893 in Alabama.

Robert W. ABNEY appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1900, in the household of his mother Annie M. ABNEY in City Point, Brevard County, Florida. He was listed as Robert W. Abney, 6, born October 1893 in Alabama.

During World War I, Robert W. ABNEY enlisted in Battery C, 19th Field Artillery, 5th Division.

Robert W. ABNEY was mentioned in the obituary of Annie M. ABNEY on 2 February 1939 in the The Evening Tribune. Mrs. Abney was said to be survived by her son Robert W. Abney, of City Point, who is associated with his brother. L. P. Abney, in the firm of Abney & Abney, a well known general merchandise store at City Point.

Robert W. ABNEY died on 27 January 1956 in Cocoa, Brevard County, Florida, at age 62.¹ He was buried in Pinecrest Cemetery.

     Lawrence P. ABNEY, son of Robert A. ABNEY and Annie M. Watson, was born on 14 December 1886 in Alabama.

Lawrence P. ABNEY appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1900, in the household of his mother Annie M. ABNEY in City Point, Brevard County, Florida. He was listed as Lawrence Abney, 13, born December 1886.

Lawrence P. ABNEY was mentioned in the obituary of Annie M. ABNEY on 2 February 1939 in the The Evening Tribune. ]Mrs. Abney was a native of Mobile, Alabama, and came to City Point fifty years ago. In the early days of her residence here she was appointed postmistress at City Point, which position she held for several years, and more recently has been identified with her son, Mr. L. P. Abney, in the firm of Abney & Abney, well known general merchandise store at City Point. Her son is now postmaster at City Point, in which position he has served for many years.

Lawrence P. ABNEY died on 2 October 1967 in Cocoa, Brevard County, Florida, at age 80.¹ He was buried in Pinecrest Cemetery.

     Ernest Azariah ABNEY, son of Robert A. ABNEY and Annie M. Watson, was born on 25 June 1886 in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama.^1,2,3

Ernest married first Katherine McNeil on 2 April 1905 in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida.⁴

Ernest Azariah ABNEY and Katherine McNeil appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 9 May 1910 in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida. The household was listed as Ernest A. Ebney(sp), 26, supervisor at the post office; and his wife, Katherine, 28. They had been married 5 years. Living with them was a daughter, Geraldine, age 4. They lived at 475 E. 8th Street.

Ernest Azariah ABNEY and Katherine McNeil were divorced before 1918.

With no end in sight for World War I, the United States instituted it's third and final registration. It included all men who were between the ages of 18 and 21, and 31 to 45 years of age. This added younger men than the previous registrations, those who were born between September 12, 1897 and September 12, 1900; and added an older group of men, born between September 12, 1873 and September 12, 1888. Ernest filled out a draft card on 12 September 1918 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was listed a traveling post office inspector working out of the federal building in Salt Lake City. His nearest relative was his daughter Geraldine Abney, 441 E. 4th St., Jacksonville, FL. He was 34 years old, born 25 Jun 1884. He was described as tall, medium build, blue eyes, and dark brown hair.⁵

Ernest Azariah ABNEY was listed as a resident of the Sherman Hotel in the census report on 1 June 1920 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Ernest A. Abney was a 35-year-old divorced traveling post office inspector.

Ernest Azariah ABNEY was listed as a resident in Beulah Fold's household in the census report on 4 April 1930 in Upper Darby, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The household at 41 State Road was enumerated as Beulah Fold, head of household, a widow age 44; her widowed daughter Grace Pennington, a 33 year old assistant engraver; and Ernest A. Abney, boarder, age 44 and single. Ernest and Grace would later marry.

Ernest was registered for the draft during World War II in 1942 while living in Upper Darby, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Earnest Azariah Abney was 55 years old and employed by the Pennsylvania State Department of Banking in Philiadelphia. His next of kin was Grace F. Abney. He was born 25 Jun 1886 in Butler county, Alabama. He was discribed as 5' 8 3/4" tall, 210 lbs., with dark brown complexion and black hair.³

Ernest Azariah ABNEY died on 5 April 1956 at Universty Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at age 69. His death certificate listed him as 68 years old and a trust officer at a bank. His residence was the Stonehurst Court Apartments in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.¹ He was buried in Cedar Bluff Cemetery, Annapolis, Maryland.¹