Person Page - 71

     Robert R. ABNEY, son of William Washington ABNEY and Julia A. RISHER, was born on 5 April 1876 in Jasper County, Mississippi.¹

     Homer C. ABNEY, son of William Washington ABNEY and Julia A. RISHER, was born on 28 October 1878 in Jasper County, Mississippi.¹

Homer C. ABNEY died on 2 April 1879 in Jasper County, Mississippi.¹

     Marvin G. ABNEY, son of William Washington ABNEY and Julia A. RISHER, was born on 26 November 1880 in Jasper County, Mississippi.¹

     Anna E. ABNEY, daughter of William Washington ABNEY and Julia A. RISHER, was born on 6 January 1883 in Jasper County, Mississippi.¹

     Carrie ABNEY, daughter of William Washington ABNEY and Julia A. RISHER, was born on 3 August 1885 in Heidelburg, Mississippi.¹

     John ABNEY II, son of John ABNEY I and Isabella (--?--), was born circa 1759 in Amherst County, Virginia.¹

John married Martha "Patsy" PUCKETT on 24 April 1790 in Amherst County, Virginia.^2,3,4

John ABNEY II died in April 1838 in Estill County, Kentucky.³ He was buried in Abney Cemetery, Furnace, Estill County, Kentucky.

     Elizabeth ABNEY, daughter of John ABNEY I and Isabella (--?--), was born circa 1769 in Amherst County, Virginia.^1,2

     Mary ABNEY, daughter of John ABNEY I and Isabella (--?--), was born in 1768 in Amherst County, Virginia.¹

As of 1820, Mary ABNEY was living in Capt Elias Millers District, Hall County, Georgia.

     Lucinda "Lucy" ABNEY, daughter of John ABNEY I, was born after 1785 in Amherst County, Virginia.^1,2

Lucinda "Lucy" ABNEY died on 3 August 1846 in Marion County, Illinois.² She was buried in Rubush-Joyce Cemetery, Acton, Marion County, Illinois.

     Judith ABNEY, daughter of John ABNEY I and Isabella (--?--), was born circa 1766 in Virginia.¹

     Julia BURT was born on 9 March 1866 in Prattville, Autauga County, Alabama. She and Julius were twins.

She was listed as one of the heirs to the estate of Martin Ross BURT 18 July 1870 in Prattville, Alabama. His heirs included his living wife and children, plus the children of his three deceased children. The children of Thomas W. Burt, were George W., 8; Julia, 4; Nancy, 3; and Mary Thomas, 1. They were living in Dallas county at that time.¹

Julia married Richard Bryan Hare circa 1884 in Dallas County, Alabama.²

Julia BURT died in 1948 in Dallas County, Alabama.² She was buried in Orrville Community Cemetery, Orrville, Dallas County, Alabama.

     Susan TROUP was born in 1768 in South Carolina.

Susan married Sgt. John ABNEY, son of Capt. William ABNEY and Mary CLARK, circa 1791 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Susan TROUP died in 1847 in Bossier Parish, Louisiana.

     Susan BROOKS George H. Abney discribed her as "a woman of questionable reputation" at the time of her marriage to Watt.

Susan BROOKS married Walter ABNEY, son of Capt. William ABNEY and Mary CLARK, circa 1793 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

She was probably the female over age 45 listed in the household of her husband, Walter ABNEY, in the 1810 Federal Census of Edgefield County, South Carolina.

     Martha ABNEY, daughter of Nathaniel ABNEY and Isabella MADISON, was born on 14 June 1763 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,2 She was also known as Patsey.

Martha married first Matthew WILLS in 1780 in South Carolina.³

Martha ABNEY died circa 1793 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. It is unproven, but she is thought to have during or soon after the birth of her daughter Isabella.

     Elizabeth ABNEY, daughter of Nathaniel ABNEY and Isabella MADISON, was born on 3 July 1765 in Ninety-Six District, South Carolina.^1,2 She was also known as Bettie.

Elizabeth married first John LONG circa 1783 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^3,4

Elizabeth married second Matthew WILLS circa January 1793 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. They had no known children.⁵

Elizabeth married third Dr. John Bolger in October 1795 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. They had five children: John 1798, Elizabeth 1802, Sarah 1805, Henry 1819, and Anna 1810.^6,7

Elizabeth ABNEY was named an heir in the will of Nathaniel ABNEY dated 29 July 1806 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Third: It is my desire that my daugthers, Sarah and Bettey shall have a piece of land, lying on the Panther Branch containing two hundred and fifty acres, equally divided between them.⁸

Elizabeth ABNEY died in 1836 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. She was buried in Nathaniel Abney Cemetery, Saluda, South Carolina.

Elizabeth left a will dated 8 August 1836 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. She directed her body be buried "in the common burying ground near the grave of my husband." Daughter Sarah Key and Son Henry Bolger - $200 cash each "for their kind and dutiful attention to me in my declining health and old age." The rest is to be sold and divided in equal parts or portions between my children by my last husband, John Bolger, dec'd, viz John Bolger, Elizabeth Morris, Sarah Key, Henry Bolger and Anne Glanton. Executors: Son Henry Bolger and son-in-law George Washington Key. Witnesses: H. Dunton, Abel Skannal, and Harrison Tillman. Proven 12 Sep 1836 by Harrison Tillman and recorded in Book , p. 9

On 28 Oct 1839 returns were made for 1836, 1837, and 1839 by G. W. Key and Henry Bolger.
Among payments:
Demcy R. Glanton in full his share - $276.93
Wm. N. Morris in full of John Bolger share - $272.34
Wm. N. Morris in full his share - $292.34.⁹

     James "Wiley" ABNEY, son of Nathaniel ABNEY and Isabella MADISON, was born on 27 July 1777 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,2 He was a farmer.

James married Maacah ABNEY, daughter of Michael ABNEY and Ann TURNER, circa 1796 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. He was buried in Nathaniel Abney Cemetery, Saluda County, South Carolina.

James "Wiley" ABNEY died in December 1802 in Edgefield County, South Carolina, at age 25. After his death at a relatively young age, his wife was left with two little boys. His son William went to live with his wife's brother, William "Uncle Billy" Abney. His younger son, Wiley lived with William and Anna Abney Buffington.³

     Matthew WILLS was born in December 1752 in Virginia.¹

Matthew married first Lucy Jones circa 1770 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^2,3

Matthew married second Martha ABNEY, daughter of Nathaniel ABNEY and Isabella MADISON, in 1780 in South Carolina.⁴

Matthew saw military service between 1781 and 1782 in South Carolina as a private in Col. Anderson's militia since the reduction of Charleston. On 1 Mar 1779 he did carpentry work on the block house and store house at William Anderson's Ferry on the Saluda River. This work was done on the order of Gen. Pickens and under the direction of Capt. Joseph Towles. He also performed leather tanning work for Col. Hammond's Dragoons.

He sold a tract of land to Mary Steward on 13 December 1784 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Matthew Wills, carpenter, to Mary Steward. Bond for 100 pounds sterling to be paid to Mary Steward, on condition that Matthew Wills make title to 100 acres adjacent the lines of widow Spragins, William Steward, Richard Tate, on the south side of Saluda River, to be made to aforesaid Mary Steward, widow. Witnesses D. Clary, Thomas Berry. /s/ Matthew Wills. Proven 23 Mar 1802 by Thomas Berry to John Blocker J.P. and recorded 23 Mar 1802.⁵

His land was said to border the land of James Carson and Sarah ABNEY on 14 March 1789 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. James Carson & Sarah, his wife, to William Moore, all of Edgefield County, South Carolina, for 15 pounds sold 12 acres granted 1785 unto said James Carson, being on Saludy River near Mill Creek of Saludy River, adjacent a Dutch Survey; Vacin Clary; Watson, dec'd; and Mathew Wills. Signed James Carson and Sarah Carson. It was witnessed by Gilson Yarbrough and Thomas Butler, who were sworn by oath 5 Aug 1789 before William Anderson, J. P.⁶

His land was said to border the land patent of John ABNEY on 4 June 1789 in Ninety-Six District, South Carolina. The plat contained 900 acres on Tosetys Creek, a branch of the Great Saluda River, and the waters of Indian Creek, a branch of the Little Saluda River. Surrounding land owners were James Carson, John Abney, John Coleman, John Cox, Hezekiah Gentry, William Jackson, Thomas Spragins, and Mathew Wills. The survey had been done 30 Nov 1787.⁷

Matthew WILLS bought land from Capt. William SPRAGGINS Jr. on 8 February 1792 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Matthew Wills pays William Spragins five shillings sterling for a 40-acre tract originally granted to Peter Huber April 24, 1752 and conveyed by him to John Huber, son and heir, and then to Thomas Curtis and then to William Spragins on September 1, 1789. It was on the south side of the Saluda River. . . . Witnesses: James Carson, Sarah Carson, and William W [mark] Carter Release: February 9, 1792. Sum is blank. . . . . Recorded October 10, 1794.⁸

He had land adjacent to land from John ABNEY to Thomas Spragins on 16 June 1792 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. John Abney to Thomas Spragins a deed for 300 acres across the road from Saluda Old Town to Charleston, adjacent the land of Col. Philomon Waters, land originally held by John Abney, land of Matthew Wills, Elijah Martin, origninal grant of 1200 acres to aforesaid John Abney on 5 Jun 1786 made by Gov. William Moultrie on South side of the Saluda River. Witnesses Francis Jones, Paul Abney. /s/John Abney. Proven 16 Jun 1792 by Paul Abney to Nathaniel Abney J.P. Recorded 23 Jul 1801.⁹

Matthew married third Elizabeth ABNEY, daughter of Nathaniel ABNEY and Isabella MADISON, circa January 1793 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. They had no known children.¹⁰

Matthew WILLS received land usage rights from Capt. William SPRAGGINS Jr. on 5 May 1794 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. "William Spragins . . . do for my self my heirs & Assigns engage to give unto Matthew Wills of the place aforesaid his heirs & assigns a free and uninterupted _[?] priviledge to make a dam across my spring branch which comes through sd Wills plantation at any convenient place that may suit to convey the water to the sd Wills mill and also the same privelidge to make a Rare? through my land from said dam provided the said dam is not raised to overflow said branch not that within 45 yards of my spring which I now use water of of the said priviledge to be vested in sd Wills his heirs and assigns for the space of 99 years no more from this date and then to devolve unto my heirs assigns for which bargain & __ __ hereby bond myself my assigns unto said Wills & his assigns in the sum of 500 pounds." Witnesses: John Abney, James Carson, and Samuel Spragins. "William Spragins . . . do [for my self my heirs & Assigns engage to give unto Matthew Wills of the place aforesaid his heirs & assigns a free and uninterupted _[?] priviledge to make a dam across my spring branch which comes through sd Wills plantation at any convenient place that may suit to convey the water to the sd Wills mill and also the same privelidge to make a Rare? through my land from said dam provided the said dam is not raised to overflow said branch not that within 45 yards of my spring which I now use water of of the said priviledge to be vested in sd Wills his heirs and assigns for the space of 99 years no more from this date and then to devolve unto my heirs assigns for which bargain & __ __ hereby bond myself my assigns unto said Wills & his assigns in the sum of 500 pounds." Witnesses: John Abney, James Carson, and Samuel Spragins. James Carson proved the transaction before Nathaniel Abney, JP on October 9, 1794. Recorded October 10, 1794. James Carson proved the transaction before Nathaniel Abney, JP on October 9, 1794. Recorded October 10, 1794.¹¹

Matthew WILLS bought a tract of land from Capt. William SPRAGGINS Jr. on 6 September 1794 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Matthew Wills of Edgefield is "held and firmly bound" to William Spraggins for the sum of 150 pounds to be paid to William Spraggins . . . Matthew Wills "hath purchased a tract of land containing one hundred & fifty acres of land of Wm. Spraggins for the sum of forty pounds sterling money bearing date by lease & release the 6 day of September 1794" . . . Witnesses: Jacob Brooks, Esau Brooks, and Sarah X [mark] Wills. Proved by Jacob Brooks on September 6, 1794 before Nathaniel Abney, JP; Recorded March 16, 1797.¹²

He bought land from Capt. William SPRAGGINS Jr. on 6 September 1794 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Matthew Wills pays William Spraggins five shillings sterling for three tracts of land containing 162 acres in Edgefield County in Ninety Six District. The first tract has 150 acres and is part of 375 acres originally granted to William Spraggins on June 5, 1786. Names mentioned with it are William Spragins, Matthew Wills, and John Gorman. The second tract containing ten acres is a part of a 250-acre tract originally granted to Peter Huber and conveyed by him to William Spragins. Names associated with it are William Spragins, Matthew Wills, and Mill Creek. The third tract contains two acres and is part of the above mentioned tract. Mill Creek is mentioned again. . . Witnesses: Jacob Brooks, Esau Brooks, and Sarah X [mark] Wills.

September 7, 1794: The sum is 52 pounds received and acknowledged. . . . Witnesses: Jacob Brooks, Esau Brooks, and Sarah X [mark] Wills. Proved before Nathaniel Abney, JP by Jacob Brooks September 7, 1794; Recorded October 10, 1794.¹³

He sold a tract of land to Richard Coleman on 9 September 1794 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Richard Coleman paid Matthew Wills five pounds sterling for two tracts of land containing 174 acres. The first contains 74 acres according to the bounds and was part of a 269-acre tract originally granted to Matthew Wills on December 5, 1785. The second tract contains 100 acres is near the other one on Berrys Creek and is part of a 1,000-acre tract originally granted to Matthew Wills September 4, 1786. Together with . . . Witnesses: Esau Brooks, Mary Carson, and John Havird.

September 10, 1794: Indenture: fifty pounds sterling. There is mention of John Berry's Creek and him as an adjoining land owner. Witnesses: Esau Brooks, Mary Carson, and John Havird. Matthew Wills acknowledges the receipt of the money from Richard Coleman. Proved by John Havird before Nathaniel Abney, JP on September 13, 1794; Recorded October 10, 1794.¹⁴

He bought land from a Sheriff's sale on 29 April 1795 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. "Thomas Farrar Esquire Sheriff formerly of Ninety Six District" and Mathew Wells of Edgefield District . . . At a Sheriff's Sale, Matthew WIlls bought land that had formerly belonged to James Oliphant. The 350 acres are described as being in Edgefield County on the south side of the Saluda River bounded Nwest by land laid to Richard Teet [Tate?] southwest by land laid out by William Stewart southeast by land laid out by Moses Kirkland Northeast by William Legg and other vacant land" . . . The 350-acre tract was sold to Matthew Wills for 12 pounds sterling money. . . . . Witnesses: Allen Glover and James McCrackan. Proved by James McCrackan December 5, 1795; Recorded January 4, 1796. Note: This appears to be land mentioned in the 1790 deeds involving Jones Wills.¹⁵

Matthew WILLS died on 24 June 1795 in Edgefield County, South Carolina, at age 42.¹⁶

His estate was probated on 10 October 1795 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Betty Wills, Nathaniel Abney , and John Gorman give bond of 500 Lbs. sterling on the estate of Matthew Wills, Sr. Thomas Spragins, John Gorman, William Spragins, and Thomas Spragins, Sr. were given the order to make the inventory.

October 15, 1795 : Inventory of the estate was made by Thomas Beatty, William Spragins, and Thomas Spragins.

November 9, 1795: Personal estate sale is held. Buyers were John Gorman, Jones Willls, Mary Scurry, Claborn Gorman, Moses Walton, Jeremiah Trotter, William Spragins, John and Elizabeth Bolger.

January 26, 1796: Personal estate sale is held. John and Betty Bolger bought much of the property. Other buyers were Polly Wills, William Moore, Thomas Baker, John Towles, Sarah Carson , William Spragins, William Carter, Jones Wills, Cason Hill, John Abney, John Gorman, William Coleman, Jesse Scurry, Churchwell Gibson, Valentine Corley, William Abney, Nathaniel Abney, Richard Buffington, and others. Note: John Abney's and William Abney's names are listed as purchasers a number of times. Nathaniel Abney was not mentioned as often.

The following note was added at the bottom of the document: "Returned on Oath of Betty Bolger, late widow & adm'r of Matthew Wills", January 1796.¹⁷

     Martha "Patsy" WILLS, daughter of Matthew WILLS and Martha ABNEY, was born on 12 February 1785.^1,2

Martha married John Bay ABNEY Sr., son of Paul ABNEY and Eleanor HAMILTON, on 6 March 1800 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^3,4,5

On 20 October 1817 Martha "Patsy" died in South Carolina at age 32 leaving John Bay a widower.^1,2

     R. married Robert Franklin ABNEY, son of Robert Rutherford ABNEY and Mary Ann ROBERTS, on 3 November 1873 in Mississippi.

     Patience STRICKLAND was born circa 1794 in Harrisburg, Madison County, Tennessee.

Patience married Albert Abner ABNEY, son of Pvt. Paul ABNEY and Rhoda NORMAN, in 1813 in Illinois.

Patience STRICKLAND died in February 1836 in Saline County, Illinois.¹ She was buried in Abney Cemetery, Harco, Saline County, Illinois.

     Pvt. Nathaniel ABNEY, son of Michael ABNEY and Ann TURNER, was born circa 1766 in Virginia.¹

Pvt. Nathaniel ABNEY leased and released a tract of land to Thomas Spearman on 3 February 1792 in Newberry County, South Carolina. Both were living in Newberry county. 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.²

Pvt. Nathaniel ABNEY leased and released a tract of land to Joseph Goodman on 10 February 1792 in Newberry County, South Carolina. Both were living in Newberry County and District of Ninety Six. The transaction for 60 pounds sterling, 141 acres, being part of a tract of 500 acres orginally granted to Enoch Anderson 13 Dec 1751 and conveyed to William Turner, deceased, who willed to his daughter, Ann Abney, the one-half of that tract containing 250 acres, it being that part adjoining land of William Turner and Nathaniel Abney, the eldest son and heir of her body. Nathanel conveyed the plantation of 141 acres to said Joseph Goodman. It was signed by Nathaniel Abney (mark) and witnessed by William Caldwell, George Brown, Joseph Towles, and John Thweatt.³

Pvt. Nathaniel ABNEY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1810 in Union County, South Carolina. The household was listed as 1 male under 10, 1 male 10-15, 1 male 26-44 [Pvt. Nathaniel 44], 2 females under 10, 1 female 10-15, 1 female26-44.⁴

Pvt. Nathaniel ABNEY died in 1812 in South Carolina. He was buried in Joel Abney Cemetery, Saluda, Saluda County, South Carolina.⁵

     Nathaniel ABNEY Jr., son of Pvt. Nathaniel ABNEY, was born circa 1790 in Ninety-Six District, South Carolina.

Nathaniel married Sarah Canada in 1805 in South Carolina.^1,2

Nathaniel ABNEY Jr. and Sarah Canada appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1810 in Union County, South Carolina. The household was listed as 1 male under 10 [Joseph], 1 male age 16-26 (Nathaniel, Jr., 20) and one female age 26-45 (Sarah Canada, 30.)^1,3

On 6 May 1818 in Stewart County, Tennessee, Tennessee, Nathaniel ABNEY Jr. served on a jury that heard a court case where Jesse A. Brown won a lawsuit against Younger Herndon.⁴

Nathaniel ABNEY Jr. died in 1868 in Montgomery County, Tennessee. From the Montgomeery county Probate Minutes Book, Vol. 26, page 793: "It appearing to the satisfaction of the County that Nathaniel Abney has died in Montgomery County intestate." Byrd Williams was appointed admiinstrator of the estate.⁵ He was buried in Cub Creek Methodist Church Cemetery, Indian Mound, Stewart County, Tennessee. He may have been moved to the Seay Cemetery after the creek washed away some of the stones.

     Elizabeth "Charity" Malina ABNEY, daughter of Nathaniel ABNEY Jr. and Sarah Canada, was born on 13 April 1814.¹

Elizabeth married Asa Rorie in 1832 in Indian Mound, Stewart County, Tennessee. Asa was the son of Hezekiah Rorie and Elizabeth Milbury "Milbrey" Williams, early settlers of Indian Mound, Stewart County, Tennessee. Asa and Charity had the following children: Lucy, Judith Caroline, Dora Elizabeth, Martha, Milton, and Sarah A.

Elizabeth "Charity" Malina ABNEY died on 28 November 1884 in Indian Mound, Stewart County, Tennessee, at age 70.¹ She was buried in Rorie Cemetery.

     Absalom DEAN, son of William Dean, was born circa 1800 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.¹

Absalom married Elizabeth Charity Malonia ABNEY, daughter of Dr. Nathaniel ABNEY and Lucy Collins, in 1802 in South Carolina.

Absalom DEAN and Elizabeth Charity Malonia ABNEY moved from Edgefield county to Campbell County, Georgia, circa 1838.¹

Absalom DEAN died in October 1862 in Haralson County, Georgia.

     Absalom Troup ABNEY, son of Sgt. John ABNEY and Susan TROUP, was born on 2 July 1795 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.¹ During the War of 1812 he served as a private in Capt. Pearson Holloway's company of Edgefield county militia, part of Youngblood's 1st Regiment, South Carolina Militia. The militia was was sent to guard the South Carolina coast but was never engaged in battle.

Absalom married Eliza Ann Cobb in 1850.²

Absalom Troup ABNEY died on 26 April 1856 in Bienville Parish, Louisiana, at age 60.¹ He was buried in Arcadia Cemetery, Arcadia, Bienville Parish, Louisiana.³

     Arathusa ABNEY, daughter of Walter ABNEY and Susan BROOKS, was born in 1794 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Arathusa married Leroy Brown in 1814 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. He was the son of Jacob Brown and Mary Blann.¹

She was named an heir in the will of Walter ABNEY 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.^2,3

Arathusa ABNEY died in 1830 in Chambers County, Alabama.⁴

     Mastin ABNEY, son of Walter ABNEY and Susan BROOKS, was born in 1800 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

He was named an heir in the will of Walter ABNEY 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.^1,2

Mastin ABNEY died in January 1835 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.³

     William "Buck" ABNEY, son of Walter ABNEY and Susan BROOKS, was born on 28 March 1812 in Edgefield District, South Carolina.^1,2 He was also known as William Hardy Abney.³ He was also known as William Abney Jr.

He was named an heir in the will of Walter ABNEY 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.^4,5

William married first Nancy BLACK, daughter of Peter BLACK and Mary Elizabeth ABNEY, circa 1833 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.⁶

Nancy died in 1835 in Edgefield County, South Carolina, in childbirth leaving William "Buck" ABNEY as a widower. She left behind a newborn daughter, Susan Elizabeth.

William married second Dempsey Scurry circa 1835 in South Carolina. She was the widow of John Boazman, who died in January 1835 and Edmund Payne who had died in 1824. She was the mother of four children: Catherine Payne (1815-1873), John Beal Boazman (1826-1887), Susan Cornelia Boazman (1827-1908), and Ralph S. Boazman (1830-1849.)^7,8

During the 2nd Seminole War, William enlisted in Capt. David Denny's company of the 10th Regiment South Carolina Militia in 1837 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. He was a private, along with Benjamin and Mathew Willis Abney. William Thomas Abney was first lieutenant. His widow, Julia A. Abney, filed for his pension in 1892.

He appeared on the 1840 Federal Census of Newberry County, South Carolina, William Abney: 2 males 10-14 (Ralph S.. & John Beal Boazman, ages 10 & 14), 1 male 20-29 (William, age 28), 2 males 30-39 (unknown), 1 female 10-14 (Susan Cornelia Boazman, age 13), 1 female 40-49 (Dempsey, age 45), and 28 slaves. The 5-year-old Susan Elizabeth was most likely away in the care of one of William's relatives.⁹

About 1842 William and Dempsey joined the Cross Roads Baptist Church near Chappells in Newberry County. They remained a members until they were dismissed on 5 Jun 1869. On 2 Jul 1842 Dempsey was charged with patronizing a country dancing school. In August 1842 she acknowledged her error in patronizing the school and was acquited of the charge.

During 1854 there was a heated disagreement between the Abney and John and Elizabeth Chappell. Elizabeth was said to have made disparaging remarks to Susan Elizabeth Abney concerning her marriage to Milton Grant. They wanted the Chappells dismissed from the church, but the matter was apparently settled.¹⁰

William purchased a government land patent 28 April 1850 in Newberry District, South Carolina. William Abney had a land plat for 30 acres along the Saluda River. It was bounded by the road to Chappell's Bridge and the lands of John Boazman, John Chappell, and A. L. Lark..¹¹

William "Buck" ABNEY and Dempsey Scurry appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 7 August 1850 in Newberry County, South Carolina. The household was listed as William Abney, a 37 year old carpenter, with real estate valued $3,000; implied wife Dempsey Abney, age 56; implied daughter Susan E. Abney, age 15; and Ensula (Ursula) Burnham, a 19 year old female. All were born in South Carolina.¹²

William "Buck" ABNEY and Dempsey Scurry appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1860 in Newberry, Newberry County, South Carolina. The household was listed as Mrs. Dempsey Abney, a 65 year old farmer, with real estate valued $13,000 and personal estate valued $34,000; her implied husband William Abney, a 45 year old miller; Julius Deen, a 31 year old overseer; Mrs. Catherine Goodman, age 53; Ralph Grant (son of Susan E. Abney & Milton Grant), age 4; and Edward Duffie, a 25 year old road carpenter, born in Ireland. Everyone else was born in South Carolina. The 1860 Slave Schedule showed Dempsey Abney owning 28 slaves.¹³

Dempsey died on 26 March 1867 in Chappells, Newberry County, South Carolina, at age 72 leaving William "Buck" ABNEY as a widower.¹⁴

He married third Julia Ann Ellis circa 1867 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. She was the daughter of Thomas and Martha Wooten Ellis. She was the widow of Lewis May (1809-1864.)¹⁵

William "Buck" ABNEY and Julia Ann Ellis appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 2 August 1870 in Coleman Roads post office, Saluda, Edgefield County, South Carolina. The household was listed as William Abney, a 58-year-old farmer and Julia, his 32-year-old wife. Both were born in South Carolina. He had real estate valued $1500 and personal estate $300.Their children were Emma, 8, at home, and Ralph, 14, attending school. Also living in the household were Thomas Ellis, 25, and Zebedee Deloach, 20 (m), both attending school. All were born in South Carolina. Thomas Ellis was a younger brother of Julia. Emma Lula May was Julia's daughter from her first marriage to Lewis May. Ralph Abney was most likely Ralph Grant, son of Susan E. Abney and Milton Grant. He would have been the same age.¹⁶

He appeared in a newspaper article 13 May 1880 in the The Edgefield Advertiser, published in Edgefield, South Carolina. "The friends of William Abney (better known as Buck Abney) respectfully announce him as a candidate for County Commissioner at the next election, subject to the action of the Democratic party."

William "Buck" ABNEY and Julia Ann Ellis appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 10 June 1880 in Coleman, Edgefield County, South Carolina. The household was listed as William Abney, 64, farmer, and his wife, July [Julia], 43, and their two daugthers, Elen, 8, and Sophie, 6.

William "Buck" ABNEY died on 18 October 1887 in Saluda, Saluda County, South Carolina, at age 75.^17,2 He was buried in the Ellis Cemetery, Saluda, Saluda County, South Carolina.²