Person Page - 50

     Pvt. William ABNEY, son of John ABNEY I and Isabella (--?--), was born in 1757 in Albemarle County, Virginia.¹

During the Revolution William served for three years in the Virginia Continental Line in Capt. James Purvis and Capt. John Roberts' companies in Col. Francis Taylor's regiment. William then signed up for two more years in Capt. LeBrum's company, of Col. Armand's Corps of horse and was at Yorktown in 1781. He received a pension after 1818 in Kentucky.

William married first Amelia "Milly" GRAVES, daughter of Rice GRAVES and Jane Young, on 19 December 1785 in Amherst County, Virginia.²

Amelia died in 1810 in Estill County, Kentucky, leaving Pvt. William ABNEY as a widower. With eight young children.³

William married second Judith GRAVES, daughter of Rice GRAVES and Jane Young, on 25 July 1811 in Estill County, Kentucky. She was the sister of Milly Graves, William's first wife. She was the widow of Joseph Clark and the mother of Wallace Clark who married her daughter Mary "Polly" Abney.⁴

Pvt. William ABNEY died on 31 January 1845 in Johnetta, Rockcastle County, Kentucky.² He was buried in Johnetta Cemetery.

     Rhoda NORMAN was born in December 1768, the daughter of Eli and Mary Ann Norman.

An unknown person married an unknown person , son of John ABNEY I and Isabella (--?--), in March 1785 in Greenville County, South Carolina.

Rhoda NORMAN was allowed a widow's pension on her application executed on 14 April 1847 in Gallatin County, Illinois.

Rhoda NORMAN died on 20 January 1856 in Gallatin (now Saline) County, Illinois, at age 87. She was buried in Brushy Cemetery, Harco, Saline County, Illinois.

     Amelia "Milly" GRAVES, daughter of Rice GRAVES and Jane Young, was born in 1763 in Virginia.

Amelia married Pvt. William ABNEY, son of John ABNEY I and Isabella (--?--), on 19 December 1785 in Amherst County, Virginia.¹

In 1810 Amelia "Milly" died in Estill County, Kentucky, leaving William a widower with eight young children.² She was buried in Abney Cemetery, Furnace, Estill County, Kentucky.

     Judith GRAVES, daughter of Rice GRAVES and Jane Young, was born in 1774 in Virginia. She was also known as Judah.

Judith married first Joseph Clark circa 1795.¹

Judith married Pvt. William ABNEY, son of John ABNEY I and Isabella (--?--), on 25 July 1811 in Estill County, Kentucky. She was the sister of Milly Graves, William's first wife. She was the widow of Joseph Clark and the mother of Wallace Clark who married her daughter Mary "Polly" Abney.²

Judith GRAVES died in 1853 in Johnetta, Rockcastle County, Kentucky. She was buried in Johnetta Cemetery.

     Cassandra Abney, daughter of Dr. Abraham ABNEY and Cassandra MEREDITH, was born circa 1734 in Henrico County, Virginia.²

Cassandra married Dannett ABNEY, son of George ABNEY and Unity Meredith, circa 1749 in Amelia County, Virginia.²

Dannett ABNEY and Cassandra Abney sold a tract of land to Thomas HILL on 14 January 1768 in Halifax County, Virginia. For £30 they sold 98 acres on Catawba Creek, beginning at John Bates' corner, his line north... crossing Catawba Creek... Pruett's line, thence crossing said creek... the meanders of a branch... Pruett's line... the beginning. Witnesses: James Hill, Samuel Abney, Ann Hill, Elizabeth (x) Tery.³

She was probably one of the 3 females listed in the household of her husband, Dannett ABNEY, in the 1790 Federal Census of Ninety-Six District, Edgefield County, South Carolina.

She was probably the female age 26 to 44 listed in the household of her husband, Dannett ABNEY, in the 1800 Federal Census of Edgefield County, South Carolina.

     Isabella MADISON, daughter of Henry MADISON and Elizabeth Coleman, was born on 17 September 1740 in Virginia.^1,2 Her father, Henry Madison, was the brother of Ambrose Madison, the grandfather of President James Madison. Her grandparents were John Madison, Jr. and Isabella Minor Todd.³

In August 1757 in Lunenburg Co., VA., "Isbell Madison, orphan of Henry Madison, deceased," chose Tschner Degraffenreid to be her guardian. The security was George Waller. On the same date "Henry Madison, orphan of Henry Madison, deceased," chose Roger Madison to be his guardian. The security was Daniel Claibourne. [Lunenburg Co., VA Court Order Book 4, page 335]. These records prove that these children of Henry Madison were at least 14 years of age to be able to choose their own guardian. It is not known when and where the father, Henry Madison, or the mother (?Elizabeth Coleman?), died. Possibly the guardianship was necessary because Henry Madison's widow (Elizabeth Coleman or whoever) died or remarried, or, of course, because Henry Madison himself died.

Isabella married Nathaniel ABNEY, son of George ABNEY and Unity Meredith, on 18 April 1758 in Augusta County, Virginia. Nathaniel was a young man of rather wild tastes, fond of horse racing and gaming, and for these reasons Isabella's family forbade their marriage and they were forced to elope. They were married by Rev. Patrick Henry, the uncle of the famous patriot with the same name. There is a family story that since her family forbade the marriage and it was against the law for a man to run off with a lady; she got the horse and he rode behind, i.e. -- she ran off with him. Patrick Henry, is said to have given her the idea.^1,4,5,6

Isabella MADISON was named an heir in the will of her husband Nathaniel ABNEY dated 29 July 1806 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. It is my desire that my beloved wife Isabella, shall have a negro man named Jim, and his wife named Lucy, and their children, and a negro woman Agge, and her mother named Nooney, also all my stock of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, and all my plantation tools, waggon and household furniture to be at her own discretion, during her natural life, and then to be equally divided amongst all my children, in any manner that a majority thereof may think proper, i.⁷

Isabella MADISON Chapman discribed her as "a great and wise woman, ruling her household of children and servants with a firm but gentle hand, wisely and well. Twelve children were born of this union."⁸

     Ann TURNER, daughter of William TURNER and Elizabeth SPRAGGINS, was born in 1741 in Virginia.

Ann married Michael ABNEY, son of George ABNEY and Unity Meredith, circa 1762 in Virginia. She was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Turner. Michael was her mother's first cousin.

Ann TURNER was named an heir in the will of William TURNER dated 1 February 1774 in Newberry County, South Carolina. He left her part of tract of land laid out for Enoch Anderson where she was living. Land was at the junction of the Saluda and Little Rivers.^1,2

Ann TURNER died circa 1791 in Newberry County, South Carolina.³

Ann TURNER was mentioned in a sale of land by Pvt. Nathaniel ABNEY on 3 February 1792 in Newberry County, South Carolina. For 100 pounds sterling the transaction was for 100 acres, being part of a tract of land orginally granted to Enoch Anderson 3 Dec 1751 and conveyed by Anderson to Willam Turner, then Turner, deceased, bestowed the land to his beloved daugther, Mary, 250 acres on Little River and 250 acres to his beloved daughter Ann, the wife of Michael Abney, and now the said Nathaniel Abney, the eldest son of Ann Abney, conveys 100 acres to said Thomas Spearman on Saluda River. Signed by Nathaniel Abney (mark) and witnessed by Joseph Towles, Edward Taweatt, and John Atkinson.⁴ She was buried in Bush River Quaker Cemetery, Newberry, South Carolina.

     William TURNER was born in 1715 in Maryland.

William married Elizabeth SPRAGGINS, daughter of William SPRAGGINS Sr. and Martha ABNEY, in 1734 in Halifax County, Virginia.

William TURNER and Elizabeth SPRAGGINS moved from Halifax county, Virginia to Newberry County, South Carolina, circa 1770 They traveled with the Abney family, who were their cousins.

William left a will dated 1 February 1774 in Newberry County, South Carolina. He names children: William Turner, Richard Turner, John Turner, Edward Turner, Absalom Turner, David Turner, Mary Turner Edwards, Ann Turner Abney, Elizabeth Turner Stephens, Doborah Turner, Priscilla Turner. He mentions grandson William Turner, son of Richard Turner. He mentions wife Elizabeth. He gave to his daughter, Mary Edwards, lower end tract laid out for Enoch Ancerson, and to daughter Ann Abney, other part of said tract where she now lives. This land was at the junction of the Saluda and Little Rivers. Witnesses: Robert Speer, John Glenn, and W. Harbison. His will was proved by William Burrows October 25, 1776 of Charleston District.^1,2

William TURNER died in 1776 in Newberry County, South Carolina.

     Elizabeth SPRAGGINS, daughter of William SPRAGGINS Sr. and Martha ABNEY, was born in 1720 in Maryland.

Elizabeth married William TURNER in 1734 in Halifax County, Virginia.

Elizabeth SPRAGGINS and William TURNER moved from Halifax county, Virginia to Newberry County, South Carolina, circa 1770 They traveled with the Abney family, who were their cousins.

She gave a deed of gift to grandson William "Uncle Bill" ABNEY on 13 September 1792 in Newberry County, South Carolina. Deed of Gift (Recorded as Bill of Sale) from Elizabeth Turner to grandson William Abney, a Negro boy named March, "now in his actual possession"' Rec. October 14, 1801.¹

She gave a deed of gift to granddaughter Ann ABNEY on 13 September 1792 in Newberry County, South Carolina. She gave her a "Negro wench named Clarenda" Witnesses: Benjamin Long and George Deen; Rec. January 23, 1801.²

She gave a deed of gift to granddaughter Maacah ABNEY on 14 February 1797 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Deed of Gift from Elizabeth Turner to granddaughter Mika (Maacah) Abney of Edgefield, SC one Negro girl named Luce and "being of a yellow complexion or Mulatto colour"; Witnesses: Ben. Long and Francis Higgins; Rec. April 18, 1797.³

Elizabeth left a will dated 19 July 1811 in Newberry County, South Carolina. Her heirs were: Son Edward Turner; Daughter Mary "Molly" Edwards; Daughter Elizabeth Stephens; Daughter Deborah Cook; Daughter Priscilla Long (husband Benjamin Long); Daughter-in-Law Fanny Turner, widow of Son John Turner, dec'd, and granddaughter Polly Turner Peterson, wife of David Peterson; Daughter-in-law Mary Mitchell, wife of Son William Turner, dec'd; Daughter-in-Law Mary Barrett, formerly wife of Son Richard Turner, dec'd, and to her grandchildren, children of Mary and Richard Turner; heirs of son-in-law Michael Abney, dec'd: Nathaniel Abney, James Abney, William Abney, and Anny Buffington [her granddaughter Ann Abney]. Executor: Son-in-Law Benjamin Long & Henry Coate; Witnesses: Thomas Dixon, Robert McCrackin, and Marmaduke Coate. Proven 7 Jan 1813.⁴

Elizabeth SPRAGGINS died on 30 December 1812 in Newberry County, South Carolina.

Her obituary appeared 23 January 1813 in the The Times, published in Charleston, South Carolina. Died, at the Plantation of Col. Benjamin Long, in Newberry District, on Wednesday, the 30th ult. Mrs. Elizabeth Turner, in the 93rd year of her age. She together with her husband Capt. Wm. Turner, were the first settlers above Raul's Ferry on Saluda River. The young may die, but the aged must."

     Mary CLARK was born in 1738 in Albemarle County, Virginia.

Mary married Capt. William ABNEY, son of George ABNEY and Unity Meredith, circa 1755 in Virginia.

Mary CLARK died circa 1778 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. She was buried in Abney Family Cemetery.

     Sgt. John ABNEY, son of Capt. William ABNEY and Mary CLARK, was born on 4 December 1765 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

John saw military service when he served as 1st Sergeant under Col. Robert Anderson and Gen. Albert Pickens of South Carolina during American Revolution.

John married Susan TROUP circa 1791 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Sgt. John ABNEY died on 4 September 1847 in Haughton, Bossier Parish, Louisiana, at age 81. He was buried in Camp Zion Cemetery, Haughton, Bossier Parish, Louisiana.¹

     Walter ABNEY, son of Capt. William ABNEY and Mary CLARK, was born circa 1755 in Virginia. He was also known as Watt.

Willilam Abney, Walter Abney and Sarah Abney were witnesses to a 11 Dec 1788 lease and 12 Oct release fin Edgefield county rom Joseph and Martha Towles to Abney Mays. The proof was dated 16 Apr 1823 by these same witnesses and was recorded 7 Jul 1823. Note that William Abney, Jr. died in 1811 so he cannot be the Wiliam in this deed, it had to be his father.¹

Walter married first Susan BROOKS circa 1793 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Walter ABNEY bought property from John Philips on 13 May 1795 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Bill of Sale -- Walter Abney paid John Philips 40 lbs sterling for a Negro girl named Rachel. Witnesses: Robert McCrea and Elizabeth McCrea. Proved by Robert McCrea January 12, 1790; Recorded January 19, 1796.²

Walter ABNEY bought land from William F. Taylor on 24 March 1810 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Deed: Walter Abney pays William Forbes Taylor $2,000 for a tract of land on the Saluda River containing 782 acres. Adjoining landowners are Michael McKie, land of Mrs. Waggoner (?). Resurvey was made 14 May 1792 by Robert Mayson, DS. . . Witnesses: Wm. Abney, Jr. and Wm. Abney. Proved by William Abney, Sr. before Thomas Anderson, JP on 27 Mar 1810; Recorded 28 Mar 1810.³

Walter ABNEY appeared on the 1810 Federal Census of Edgefield County, South Carolina, Walter Abney -- 1 male 45+ [Walter], 1 female 45+ [Susan], 1 male 10-15, 1 male 26-44, 1 female 26-44, 1 female 16-25, 1 female 10-15, and 3 females under 10. They had 9 slaves. Total household 19.⁴

Walter ABNEY was named guardian of the children of his sister Mary (ABNEY) Richardson 4 June 1816 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Walter Abney was made guardian of the children of his sister Mary (Polly or Elizabeth Mary Ann) Abney Richardson. Children were Dinah Richardson, Elizabeth Richardson, Nancy Richardson, Lucretia Richardson, and L. David Richardson. Mary had been married to William Richardson who died in 1815.

Walter married second Mary Bland circa 1820 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. She was the widow of Jacob Brown.⁵

Walter ABNEY appeared on the 1820 Federal Census of Edgefield County, South Carolina, Walter Abney - male 45 or older [Walter], female 45 or older [Mary Bland], 1 male under 10 [Simeon], 2 males 10-15, 1 male 16-18, 1 female 10-15, and 10 slaves. Total household 17.⁶

Walter ABNEY made a deed of gift to Arathusa ABNEY, John Rutledge ABNEY, Simeon ABNEY, Mastin ABNEY and William "Buck" ABNEY on 5 March 1826 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Walter Abney for natural love and affection he feels for his children - Ara Thresa Brown, John R. Abney, Mastin Abney, Simeon Abney, and William Abney - for one dollar gives property with conditions. Each were "bequest" slaves and one fifth of whatever else he has left at his death. The condition is that they "permit me, the said Walter Abney, to use keep and enjoy all and singular the said negroes and stock, during my natural life, without paying or yielding any thing for the same." After his death, they are the property of his children who can do as they please with them. Ara Thresa gets Bill and Nance; John R. Abney gets Willis and Luce; Mastin Abney gets Yellow George and Charlotte; Simeon Abney gets Black George, Henry (a small boy), and Huldy; William Abney gets Tom, Rachel, Jerry, and Culy. Witnesses: Absolom Abney, Azariah Abney. Proved by Absolom Abney March 5, 1826; Recorded March 20, 1826.⁷

On 2 April 1826 Mary Bland filed a Bill for Separate Maintenance against her husband Walter ABNEY in Edgefield County:

Walter ABNEY sold a tract of land to Thomas Christiian on 12 May 1826 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. He sold a plat of 49 acres on branches of Big Creek, Saluda River to Christian. Adjoining landowners are Walter Abney, Edward Clark, Darling Hazel, and Francis Waites.

Walter ABNEY died in December 1827 in Edgefield, Edgefield County, South Carolina.⁹ He was buried in Edgefield Village Cemetery, Edgefield, Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Walter left a will dated 8 December 1827 in Edgefield District, South Carolina. His heirs were: daughter Arathusa Brown, and sons John R., Mastin, Simeon and William Abney. They were each left land on the east side of the Saluda River. The executors were Thomas Christian and John R. Abney. Witnesses were: John Chapman, Michael Deloach, and Abijah Abney. The will was proven 17 December 1827 by Abijah Abney. It was recorded 17 May 1828. There was no mention of his wife Mary.^10,11,12

His estate probate proceedings on 30 December 1827 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. John R. Abney and Mary Abney petition the Court to be able to sell "that part of the estate of Walter Abney, dec'd, which is not contained in the 5 Mar 1826 deed by him executed to his children, for the payment of debts and to prevent the loss of perishable property."

December 31, 1827: John R. Abney, Mary Abney, John Chapman, and William T. Abney give bond of $3,500 on the estate of Walter Abney. John R. Abney and Mary Abney are named executor and executrix. Warrant of Appraisement is given to Toliver Towles, Edward Clark, James Maynard, and Abijah Abney.

On that same date there was an An Indenture between "Mary Abney, widow of the late Walter Abney deceased, of the one part, and Leroy Brown and Arathusa Brown his wife, John R. Abney, for himself and as executor of the last will and testament of the said Walter Abney decd and for and on the behalf of his three younger brothers, who are minors, to wit, Masten Abney, Simeon Abney, and William Abney on the second part. This concerned the 5 Mar 1826 deed.

"First the said Mary Abney , widow as aforesaid on her part agrees and consents to and with the said parties of the second part, that the said last will and testament of the said Walter Abney decd shall stand confirmed by her and all the clauses and devises therein contained by carried fully into effect, without any right claim of Dower..."

Second, the whole balance and residue of the said estate after setting a part the said lands devised and the negroes specifically mentioned in the said deed, consisting of what is called and understood to be intestate property, shall be sold at some convenient time, upon a reasonable credit and after the payment of all demands against said estate, and the expenses of administration, the balance whatever the amount may be, is to be paid over to the said Mary Abney as her portion of said estate.

John R. Abney agrees to pay for himself to the said Mary Abney the sum of one hundred dollars in two years from the date hereof and the said Leroy Brown & wife agree to pay her the said Mary Abney in the like time of two years seventy-five dollars, and the said John R. Abney for and on behalf of his said three younger brothers agrees to pay out of their estate respectively for each the sum of seventy-five dollars in the like time of two years from the date hereof. And the portions herein stipulated are to be the whole interest of the said Mary Abney in the estate of her husband deceased.

Signed & sealed in the presence of Toliver Towles and Edward Clark." Signatures: Mary [her mark] Abney, John R. Abney, Leroy Brown, and Arathusas Brown. Proved by Edward Clark January 2, 1828.

The estate was appraised 2 Jan 1828 and the estate sale took place 20 Jan 1828. John R. Abney and Mary Abney were administrators. Buyers at the estate sale included: David Pain [sic], John R. Abney , Moses Walton, Andrew Burnham, Thomas Scurry, Thomas Christian, Jefferson Abney, Absalom T. Abney, Richard Coleman, William T. Abney, William Abney, Sr., Mastin Abney, Mary Abney, Leroy Brown, John Inlow, and others. Note: Mary Abney bought a lot. She is the widow, but she is not named as such. William T. Abney is believed to be Wiliam Thomas Abney, father of George Henderson Abney.

On 20 Jul 1829 William T. Abney took over as administrator of the estate of Walter Abney.¹³

     James married Martha GRAHAM, daughter of John GRAHAM Jr. and Charlotte BROWN, on 2 August 1848 in Calhoun County, Alabama.¹

     Rebecca Jane GRAHAM, daughter of John R. GRAHAM and Elizabeth CALLAWAY, was born in 1840 in Calhoun County, Alabama.¹

Rebecca married Samuel PENLAND on 7 March 1861 in Calhoun County, Alabama.²

     William Albert GRAHAM, son of John R. GRAHAM and Elizabeth CALLAWAY, was born in 1843 in Calhoun County, Alabama.¹

     Emma GRAHAM, daughter of John R. GRAHAM and Elizabeth CALLAWAY, was born in 1846 in Calhoun County, Alabama.¹

     Margarett GRAHAM, daughter of John R. GRAHAM and Elizabeth CALLAWAY, was born in 1849 in Calhoun County, Alabama.¹

     John F. GRAHAM, son of William Harris GRAHAM and Myra E. PENLAND, was born in 1853 in Alabama.¹

     Mary A. GRAHAM, daughter of William Harris GRAHAM and Myra E. PENLAND, was born in 1855 in Alabama.¹

     Sarah GRAHAM, daughter of William Harris GRAHAM and Myra E. PENLAND, was born in 1857 in Alabama.¹

     Emily A. GRAHAM, daughter of William Harris GRAHAM and Myra E. PENLAND, was born in 1859 in Cherokee County, Alabama.¹

     Matilda NOLEN was born in 1835 in Alabama.¹

Matilda married James A. GRAHAM, son of John GRAHAM Jr. and Charlotte BROWN, on 6 December 1853 in Calhoun County, Alabama.²

     Virginia Ann HUBBARD, daughter of Wilson N. HUBBARD and Sarah Bowers, was born on 12 March 1843 in Tallassee, Elmore County, Alabama.¹

She appeared on a census, enumerated 21 October 1850, in the household of her parents Wilson N. HUBBARD and Barsheba Colvin in Huddleston Beat, Autauga County, Alabama. She was recorded as Virginia A. Hubbard, age 7, born in Alabama. All of her brothers and sisters were born in Georgia.²

Virginia married James Tarpley HUNT, son of Henry Harrison HUNT and Sarah BURT, on 30 September 1858 in West Point, Georgia. The following item appeared in "The Autauga Citizen" 21 October 1858: "Married in West Point, Georgia, on the evening of the 30th ult., Mr. James T. Hunt to Miss Virginia A. Hubbard, both of Autauga County."^3,4,5

She appeared on a census, enumerated 30 August 1860, in the household of her parents Wilson N. HUBBARD and Barsheba Colvin in Prattville, Autauga County, Alabama. She was listed as Virginia Hunt, age 18, born Alabama; she appeared along with her 10 month old son, Alvin Hunt.

Virginia received a widow's pension based on the service of James Tarpley HUNT which he entered 16 March 1862 Pine Flat, Autauga County, Alabama. She continued to receive his pension until her death.^3,6

On 26 March 1862 Virginia Ann HUBBARD received an allowance of $8 per month from the Autauga County Volunteer Aid Fund on behalf of her husband, J. T. Hunt. It listed a family of three at home, a "wife and two chilrdren with but little means."⁷

James died on 26 February 1864 in Dandridge, Virginia, at age 22 leaving Virginia Ann HUBBARD as a widow.³

Virginia Ann HUBBARD appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 8 July 1870 in Beat 5, Prattville, Autauga County, Alabama. The household was listed as Virginia A. Hunt, a 26 year old widow, keeping house; her inferred sons Alvin B. Hunt, age 11, farm labor; and James B. Hunt, age 9, farm labor. All were born in Alabama. Living next door was her step mother, Barsheba Hubbard.

Virginia Ann HUBBARD appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1880 in Autauga County, Alabama. The household was listed as Virginia Hunt, a farmer, age 37, born in Alabama. Her parents were born in Georgia. She was living alone, but her mother, brother and sister lived next door.⁸ She applied for and received a Confederate widow's pension beginning in 1891. She continued to live in Autauga county where she owned 20 acres of land.

Virginia Ann HUBBARD died on 27 January 1916 in Montgomery, Alabama, at age 72.⁹ She was buried in Hunt Family Cemetery, Autauga County, Alabama.¹⁰

Her obituary appeared 3 February 1916 in the The Prattville Progress, published in Prattville, Alabama. Mrs. V. A. Hunt Dies in Montgomery -- Mrs. Virginia A. Hunt, seventy-two years of age, died suddenly in Montgomery last Thursday night at 8:30 o'clock, at the residence of her son, J. B. Hunt. She is survived by one son, J. B. Hunt, of Montgomery, one brother, T. W. Hubbard, and one sister, Miss Missouri Hubbard, of Prattville.

The deceased was a native of Autauga county, but moved to Montgomery about twenty-five years ago, where she has since made her home.

The remains were brought to Prattville and interred at the Gibbons[sic] graveyard, four miles northwest of the city, on last Sunday Morning.

The Progress extends sympathy to the bereaved relatives and friends.

     Dannett ABNEY, son of Edmund ABNEY and Katherine LUDLAM, was born circa 1593 at St. Mary's Parish in Leicester, Leicestershire, England.¹ He was a maltster. He was admitted a free burgess in 1614 being described a yeoman and was probably a member of a London craft guild or Livery Company such as the Brewers. In the early 17th century malting increased in importance and the occupation was the subject of considerable regulation. Dannett was at one time presented for having an unlicensed kiln and he had to promise to move it to where there would be no danger of fire.

The Livery Companies were trade associations based in the City of London and known as "the Worshipful Company" of the relevant trade or profession. They orginally developed as guilds and were responsible for the regulation of ther trades. Members 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.

Dannett was named one of the Borough Chamberlains in 1623 and afterwards elected an alderman and twice Lord Mayor of Leicester in 1646 and 1660.^2,3

Dannett married first Anne Gladwin in June 1615 in Ruskington, Lincolnshire, England. She was the daughter of Roger Gladwin. By her he had five sons and one daughter.^4,5

The Abneys entered their Pedigree at the Visitation of county Leicester in 1619 and recorded these Arms :-Or, on a chief gules, a lion passant argent, a mullet for difference. Crest :-A demi~lion rampant or, a pellet between the paws. Plate 3.

On 15 April 1630 in the 6th year of Charles I, Sir Henry Hastings of Braunston, knight, leased to Danet Abney of the Borough of Leicester, gentleman, closes of pasture called the Newe Feilde, The Newe Grove, in Braunston, and two acres of meadow in the meadows of Elston (to be laid forth by Sir Henry or his bailiff). To hold from the Feast of Annunciation of Blessed Virgin Mary last for term of three years at an annual rent of £68.⁶

Dannett married second Joan Slater on 5 February 1632 in St. Mary de Castro Church, Leicester, Leicestershire, England. She was a widow. By her he had no issue.^7,8,9

On 9 Nov 1647 Dannett Abney of Leicester, gentleman, offered a 50 pounds bond to William Chamberlain of Waltham in the Vale, gentleman, to perform his half of a covenant of 23 Apr 1638 in which William Palmer, gentleman, leased to Dannett Abney and the late John Swanne for 25 pounds and 20 marks rent for The Newarke Water Mills and the windmill in Southfields, Leicester. The lease was for a term of 80 years if Palmer lived so long.¹⁰

Phillip ABNEY, George ABNEY, and Dannett ABNEY were vestrymen of St. Mary de Castro Church, Leicester, Leicestershire, England, between 1652 and 1660. A vestryman is a member of the local church's Vestry, or leading body. The Vestry had the role of supervising local (Parish) public services, such as the workhouse, administration of poor relief, the keeping of parish records (Baptisms, Deaths and Marriages) and so on.

Following George's death in 1661, Phillip and Dannett continued to serve on the vestry. They were joined by Dannett's son, James Abney, in 1666.

Dannett left a will dated 10 July 1669 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England. Will of Dannett Abney, of Leicester, dated 10 Jul and proved 9 Dec 1669. Alderman of the Burrough. To be buried in the chancel of St. Mary's, Leicester, near the grave of his grandfather, William Ludlow. Among his arrangements Dannett left five pounds to St. Mary's Church.³

Dannett ABNEY died on 31 August 1669 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England.^1,11,12 He was buried in St. Mary de Castro Church, Leicester, Leicestershire, England. He was buried near the remains of his two wives in the chancel of St. Mary de Castro church.

     Ursula ABNEY was baptised on 11 June 1693 in Abington Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, daughter of Dannett ABNEY Sr. and Mary LEE.¹

     Bathshua ABNEY, daughter of Dannett ABNEY Sr. and Mary LEE, was born circa 1708 in Virginia.¹

Bathshua married Thomas HILL in 1722 in Virginia.

Bathshua ABNEY died after 1773.