Person Page - 74

     Col. David PATTON Some years after his marriage to Charlotte, Col. Patton became interested with his brothers and some others in hog droving. He lost everything he had and all of Charlotte's property as well. He had endorsed papers for others, and everything they had was sold to pay debts. Col. Patton was later killed in a steamboat explosion on the Ohio River and his body never recovered. He was Planter.

Col. married Charlotte Pope ABNEY, daughter of William ABNEY and Bathsheba POPE, on 16 July 1839 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Col. Patton was from Elizaville, Fleming county, Kentucky where after their marriage she moved with her children. Rev. M. M. Abney performed the service.

     Col. Joseph G. R. ABNEY was born on 2 December 1819 in Edgefield County, South Carolina, near the Saluda River not far above Herbert's or Lorick's Ferry, son of Jonathan Bay ABNEY and Agatha GRIFFITH.¹ His father died when he was four years old, and he was mostly self-educated. He studied his Blue Back Speller while poughing, and he attended Greenwood Academy and became a teacher and lawyer. He was a hard and diligent student and a natural orator. His command of language was so great, and he so far surpassed the other boys at school as a speaker, that he received the name of "The Orator".

He taught school to earn money upon which to live while reading law, having chosen that profession as is goal. He proved to be an excellent teacher, earning the love and respect of his pupils. He read law in Abbeville at the office of Mr. Perrin and was admitted to the bar in 1842. He opened a law practice in Edgefield Court House, the county seat of the district, and was quite successful. His law office was in Presley and Bryant's brick store. In 1846 he was appointed by Governor Aiken as magistrate for Edgefield District.

Joseph saw military service during the Mexican War enlisting in 1846 as a second lieutenant in Capt. Preston S. Brooks' company from Edgefield county. This was company D of the South Carolina Palmetto Regiment, known as the "Ninety-Six Boys".

Before marching off to war with Mexico, the 'Old 96' volunteers marched out in the public square in front of the Edgefiel courthouse to the strains of the Star Spangled Banner, and there awaited the presentation of the colors. Accounting to an account in the local newspaper, Capt. Preston S. Brooks stated their object in "a manly address," followed in the same strain by Lieutenant Moragne, Sergeant Simpkins, Joseph Abney, and Whitfield Brooks, Jr. Then came Susan Pickens, daughter of Francis W. Pickens, mounted on a dappled grey steed and wearing a black riding habit with a white plume flowing from her black cap. She addressed the volunteers and presented the banner to Preston Brooks, who pledged to bear the colors honorably, to "bear it aloft in triumph, or perish beneath it in glory."

Joseph was severely wounded in the Battle of Churubusco, Mexico, 20 August 1847. According to the Edgefield Advertiser his health was quite feeble and when he wrote a letter to the newspaper he had to be propped up in his bed to do so. The letter appeared in the paper 5 Apr 1848. He was discharged with the company 30 Jun 1848 and received an invalid pension.²

Col. Joseph G. R. ABNEY was junior editor of the "Edgefield Advertiser" in 1846 when he dissolved his connection with the paper in July because he felt that his dignity and self-respect compelled him to do so. He made the first seccession speech in the South Carolina Legislature in 1852. He formed a law partnership with Henry T. Wright in 1861.

Joseph married Susan Margaret Miller on 4 February 1858 in Marion, South Carolina. Susan was the daughter of Col. Charles Wilds Miller and Elizabeth Haynesworth Miller of Marion. She was a beautiful and accomplished woman, a lovely and amiable wife. She was a talented writer of prose and poetry. The wedding service was performed by Rev. J. F. Peterson. After their marriage they returned to Joseph's home, Ivy Dale, in Edgefield.^3,4

Joseph saw military service between 1861 and 1865 in South Carolina in the Confederate army. Following the secession of South Carolina in December of 1860 the state began raising volunteers for service against the north, as part of these volunteer Joseph Abney organized the “Edgefield Blues” in December of 1861 and was promptly elected as the Captain of the Company. The company joined with others in Charleston, South Carolina, and were formed together in a regiment designated as the 22nd South Carolina Infantry Regiment, and on January 29th, 1862, Captain Abney was elected as Colonel of the regiment, with S.D. Goodlett as Lieutenant Colonel and T.C. Watkins as Major. Colonel Abney commanded the 22nd Regiment in its early days while it was engaged in the defense of Charleston from January to May of 1862. In May of 1862 the South Carolina regiments serving in the Confederate army were all re-organized and elections for the various officer positions were held. It was in these elections that Colonel Abney failed to be re-elected and Lieutenant Colonel Goodlett was elected to the position of Colonel in his place.

It was at this same time that the Confederate Congress passed legislation organizing battalions of Sharpshooters in the various Departments and Armies. Under these orders Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton, then commanding the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, & Florida, appointed Joseph as Major of the 1st South Carolina Sharpshooter Battalion on June 21st, 1862. With this commission he set to work on organizing his battalion that would be composed of three companies under Captain’s Robert Chisolm, J.B. Allston, and Henry Buist. This battalion would serve from June of 1862 to September of 1863 in the defense of Charleston, performing various duties along with the rest of the Charleston garrison, as well as actions at Coosawhatchie in 1862, and James Island in May of 1863.

In September of 1863 the Sharpshooter Battalion was consolidated with the 1st South Carolina Infantry Battalion, the Charleston Battalion, and the unit was designated as the 27th South Carolina Infantry Regiment, with Peter C. Gaillard as Colonel, Julius A. Blake as Lieutenant Colonel, and Joseph Abney as Major, all being commissioned as such on September 30th, 1863. The regiment continued its service in the Charleston area until early 1864 when it was transferred as part of Brigadier General Johnson Hagood’s Brigade to Virginia, and placed in the defenses of Richmond and Petersburg. Major Abney was with the regiment until May 16th, 1864, when he was severely wounded in action at Drewry’s Bluff, Virginia.

He remained in Virginia until March of 1865 when he was officially retired to the Invalid Corps as a result of his wounds. With his retirement from the service he returned to Edgefield to recover from his wounds, and began to rebuild his practice.

Col. Joseph G. R. ABNEY died on 2 February 1870 at age 50. His death was the delayed result of the wounds he suffered at Drewry's Bluff.⁵ He was buried in Edgefield Village Cemetery, Edgefield, Edgefield County, South Carolina.

His obituary appeared 18 February 1870 in the an unknown place , published in Edgefield, South Carolina. The Edgefield Advertiser: "Death of Col. Joseph Abney -- Suddenly and unexpectedly, we are called to mourn the loss of a much valued and beloved citizen. Col. Joseph ABNEY died at his residence in the town of Edgefield on Wednesday night the 2nd inst. after an illness of only ten hours, a victim of the prevailing epidemic, Meningitis, as pronounced by his brother, Dr. M.W. ABNEY, the attending physician. He died in the prime of manhood at the age of forty-eight, leaving a wife and three children.

Bravely, honestly and efficiently, he fought the battle of life as he fought for the honor, interest and glory of his country. Self educated, he became an accomplished scholar, lawyer and soldier. His civic triumphs in popular assemblies in the Legislature and in the forum, as well as laurels won in the War, make up the sum of a reputation of which his family, his friends and his native Carolina are justly proud.

But although he received the plaudits of his country for services rendered in peace and in war, in every battle ground from Vera Ctuz to the Garita de Belin of Mexico and his blood was shed on the field of Churubusco and later in life at Drury's Bluff in our last War, it attests his devotion and skill as a warrior.

He has left behind a monument ot his fame, not less to be appreciated in the memory of gratitude of careworn poverty which with a ready hand, prompted by Christian charity, he never failed to alleviate; and the poor will bless him in their sorrow for his departure. But he is gone! And it is a consolation to believe that he has entered into his eternal rest, as a Christian and an heir of salvation."⁶

     William "The Younger" ABNEY, son of Jonathan Bay ABNEY and Agatha GRIFFITH, was born on 10 December 1821 in South Carolina.^1,2

William "The Younger" ABNEY died on 7 January 1822.^1,2

     Dr. John Bay ABNEY, son of Jonathan Bay ABNEY and Agatha GRIFFITH, was born on 11 December 1822 in South Carolina.¹ He was a medical doctor and served as a surgeon in the Confederate Army during the War Between the States.

Dr. John Bay ABNEY appeared on a census enumerated 25 July 1860 in Saluda, Edgefield (now Saluda) County, South Carolina. The household was listed as Martha Attaway, 64, farming, born in Georgia. She had real estate valued at $1200 and personal property $12,571. Also in the household were J. B. Abney, 37, physician, with $2,250 in personal property; Sarah Attaway, 33; Gooden Attaway, 21, overseer, $1,870 personal property; M. Attaway(f), 27; Johnnie Attaway, 24; Martha Attaway, 21; Martha Abney, 19; S. B. Abney(f), 9/12; and E. Attaway(f), 1/12.

John married Martha Attaway circa 1861 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. She was the daughter of James and Martha Attaway.

During the Civil War, Dr. John Bay ABNEY enlisted in the 22nd South Carolina Regiment on 12 February 1862. He served as assistant surgeion in the regiment that was commmanded by Colonel Joseph Abney.

Dr. John Bay ABNEY and Martha Attaway appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 12 July 1870 in Saluda, Edgefield County, South Carolina. The household was listed as Dr. John Abney, 47, retired physician, with real estate valued at $2000 and personal property $500. Martha Abney, his wife, was 29. Their children were Paul, 8, Martha, 5, and Mark, 1. Also in the household was Idonia Haltiwanger, 21, without occupation, born in South Carolina. Note there was a J. Haltiwanger who was assistant quartermaster in the 22nd South Carolina in which Dr. Abney was assistant surgeion.

Dr. John Bay ABNEY and Martha Attaway appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 16 June 1880 in Gregg, Aiken County, South Carolina. The household was listed as Jno. B. Abney, a 58-year-old physcian and his wife Martha, 38, born North Carolina. Their children were Agatha, 15, Mark 11, Mary J., 7, Jno. B., 5, and Anna H., 1. Also in the household was a mulatto servant, Ed Jones, 22, a farm hand.

Dr. John Bay ABNEY died on 23 December 1891 in Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina, at age 69. The cause of death was influenza.² He was buried in Edgefield Village Baptist Church Cemetery, Edgefield, Edgefield County, South Carolina.

     Sophia ABNEY, daughter of Jonathan Bay ABNEY and Martha "Patsy" WILLS, was born on 24 June 1801 in Lorick's Ferry, Edgefield County, South Carolina. She was born in the bounds of Lorick's (now known as Herbert's) Ferry on the Saluda River in Edgefield District.^1,2

Sophia married John Nathan CHAPMAN on 30 November 1817 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,3

Sophia ABNEY was a witness to the will of Paul ABNEY dated 24 October 1819 in Edgefield (now Saluda) County, South Carolina. Witnesses: John Chapman, Agatha Abney and Sophia Chapman.⁴

Sophia ABNEY died on 8 June 1877 in Edgefield County, South Carolina, at age 75.⁵ She was buried in Bethel Universalist Church Cemetery, Bleases Crossroads, Saluda County, South Carolina.

     Mary "Polly" ABNEY, daughter of Jonathan Bay ABNEY and Martha "Patsy" WILLS, was born on 27 February 1805 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,2

Mary married William GRIFFITH, son of Joseph GRIFFITH and Mary Ann Boulware, on 25 June 1820 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,3

Mary "Polly" ABNEY died on 15 May 1855 at age 50.^1,3 She was buried in Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery, Saluda, Saluda County, South Carolina.⁴

     Nancy ABNEY, daughter of Jonathan Bay ABNEY and Martha "Patsy" WILLS, was born on 22 May 1807 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,2

Nancy ABNEY died on 16 November 1854 in South Carolina at age 47.^1,3

     Eleanor "Ellen" ABNEY, daughter of Jonathan Bay ABNEY and Martha "Patsy" WILLS, was born on 12 October 1809 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,2

Eleanor married William BLADEN on 1 July 1827 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. They had one child, Elizabeth, born in 1829. Ellen probably died in childbirth.^1,3

Eleanor "Ellen" ABNEY died on 25 April 1829 in South Carolina at age 19.³ She was buried in Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery, Saluda, Saluda County, South Carolina.

     William "The Elder" ABNEY, son of Jonathan Bay ABNEY and Martha "Patsy" WILLS, was born on 4 December 1811 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,2

William "The Elder" ABNEY died on 12 September 1821 at age 9.^1,2

     Dr. Mathew Wills ABNEY, son of Jonathan Bay ABNEY and Martha "Patsy" WILLS, was born on 12 February 1814 in Saluda, Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,2

During the 2nd Seminole War, Dr. Mathew Wills ABNEY enlisted in Colonel David Denny's company of Brisbane's 1st South Carolina Militia between 1835 and 1842 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. In this campaign his health became impaired.³ He was a physician. Following the Seminole War he travelled in Kentucky and Ohio for the health benefits offered by the lime waters. While in Cinncinati he became a student of Dr. Curtis, an eminent physician of the day.

Returning home he continued his medical studies with Dr. John Ready, a prominent physician of the eastern side of the county. He graduated from the South Carolina Medical College in 1838.

He began practice in the Pleasant Lane section of Edgefield and obtained distinction the following year thanks to his handling of a typhoid fever epidemic. He spent the next thirty years in active practice in Edgefield, only interupted by his serice as a medical officer in the Confederate States Army.³

Mathew married Caroline Seabrook Blocker on 24 December 1840 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Her grandfather was one of the committee who entertained the Marquis de Lafayett on his visit to Charleston. Caroline's mother used part of the tablecloth from that occasion at her daughter's wedding feast. The wedding service was performed by Rev. James Chiles.^4,5

During the War Between the States, Dr. Mathew Wills ABNEY enlisted in the 24th South Carolina Infantry of Grist's Brigade, CSA Army of Tennessee between 1861 and 1865 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. He was a surgeon, and as a major had frequently to engage in the fighting. General Ellison Capers said of him that he was always in the thick of the fighting, bringing off the wounded and administering to their needs. The regiment fought at Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Frankline and other battlles of the western campaign.^6,7

This family was truly afficted by the scourge of war. Their oldest son, Joseph Abney, after passing through all the earlier battles and campaigns, with little injury, and after winning a name for courage and intrepidity, perished, in the front ranks of his company, on the bloody fields of Sharpsburg. Then his chivalrous son-in-law Preston B. Watts followed as he died in action at Petersburg; and John B. Abney, the last, and the only remaining son, lingered and died of desease soon after War's end.

On 20 March 1885 Mathew Wills died in Edgefield County, South Carolina, at age 71 leaving Caroline Seabrook a widow.⁸ He was buried in Edgefield Village Cemetery, Edgefield, Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Dr. Mathew Wills ABNEY appeared in a newspaper article 6 June 1894 in the The Edgefield Advertiser, published in Edgefield, South Carolina. House Burned --- The house in old Pottersville, one mile north of Edgefield, owned by the Dr. M. W. Abney estate, was burned to the ground on Monday night of this week at about 12 o’clock. Mr. James Walker, living in the house at the time, lost everything he had except one bed and bed clothing and a sewing machine. There was no insurance on the property. It is supposed to have been an act of an incendiary, as there had been no fire built since 12 o’clock of that same.⁹

     Daniel Clary ABNEY, son of Jonathan Bay ABNEY and Martha "Patsy" WILLS, was born on 24 September 1817 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,2

Daniel married Fanny _____ on 15 January 1829 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,3

     Maacah ABNEY was buried in Zoar Church Cemetery, near Persimmon Creek, South Carolina.

Maacah ABNEY died in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Maacah ABNEY, daughter of Michael ABNEY and Ann TURNER, was born in 1763 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Maacah married first James "Wiley" ABNEY, son of Nathaniel ABNEY and Isabella MADISON, circa 1796 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

     David ABNEY, son of James "Wiley" ABNEY and Maacah ABNEY, was born in 1798.

     James Wiley ABNEY, son of James "Wiley" ABNEY and Maacah ABNEY, was born on 15 January 1803 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.¹ James Wiley ABNEY was generally known as Wiley. After his father's death a month prior to his birth, Wiley's mother was left with two little boys. His brother William went to live with his maternal uncle, William "Uncle Billy" Abney. Wiley lived with William and Anna Abney Buffington, his paternal aunt and uncle.

Wiley and his brother William Thomas were carpenters and builders. Wiley is listed in the Cobb County, Georgia Census in 1840 and in the Elbert County, Georgia Census in 1860. He is also listed in the 1860 Slave Census. William Thomas was also living in Elbert County at least by 1847. Wiley purchased land in Mississippi from Wesley Boler, who was also from Elbert County, Georgia and had moved to Mississippi prior to the Abneys.

Wiley married Eleanor Ward HAILEY on 19 April 1832 in Dekalb County, Georgia.¹

On 26 April 1872 New Ireland Baptist Church organized in Newton County, Mississippi, with the following charter members: John Boler, Martha Boler, Wiley Abney, Elender [Eleanor] Abney, James A. Abney, George H. Abney, Sarah A. Abney, Nancy E. Abney, James T. Rucker, Susanah E. Rucker, J. M. Pool, S. G. Harris, N. Staton, Elizabeth Staton, W.G. Taylor, and Jane Taylor.

James Wiley ABNEY died on 22 May 1890 in Union, Newton County, Mississippi, at age 87.^1,2 He was buried in New Ireland-Abney Cemetery.

     Nancy CROW, daughter of Maacah ABNEY, was born on 28 August 1800 in South Carolina.

Nancy married Wiley Kelley (?) circa 1820 in Saluda County, South Carolina.

Nancy CROW and Wiley Kelley (?) appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 16 August 1870 in Longmires, Edgefield County, South Carolina. The household was listed as Wiley Kelley, 79, SC; Nancy Kelley, 74, SC; Mary Kelley, 30, SC; Eliza Ransom, 30; and Ida Ransom, 2.

Nancy CROW died on 24 February 1896 in Saluda County, South Carolina, at age 95. She was buried in Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery, Saluda, Saluda County, South Carolina.

     Azariah ABNEY, son of Nathaniel ABNEY and Isabella MADISON, was born on 8 April 1775 in South Carolina.^1,2 John Chapman in his History of Edgefield County wrote about Nathaniel and Isabella Abney: "Their youngest son, Azariah Abney, lived and died on the original homestead, and it is still in the family, owned in 1891 by Joel Abney, a grandson of Azariah."

Azariah married Mary Ann POPE, daughter of Jacob Thomas POPE and Elizabeth Dawkins, in 1799 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. She and Elizabeth, wife of Azariah's brother, Joel, were sisters. They lived not far from Joel near Higgins Ferry on the Saluda River.^3,4

During the War of 1812, Azariah ABNEY, Joel P. ABNEY and Jonathan Bay ABNEY enlisted in in Capt. Zachary Smith Brooks' Company of state cavalry between 1800 and 1815 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Joel was a cornet. There were three John Abneys in the unit, one was first sergeant and another was secretary.⁵

Azariah ABNEY witnessed the sale of land from John ABNEY to William KENNEDY on 10 April 1800 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.⁶

Azariah ABNEY bought a tract of land from John ABNEY on 9 January 1802 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. The $135 deed was for 150 acres originally granted to John Deen by bounty and conveyed by his oldest brother and heir at law to John Abney on Tosetys Creek of Saluda River, adjacent land of Cullen Lark, the waggon road, Samuel Abneys land, and said Azariah Abney's land. Witnesses were Harris Smith and Joel Abney. It was proven 15 Dec 1802 before Nathaniel Abney JP.⁷

Azariah ABNEY was named executor and an heir in the will of Nathaniel ABNEY dated 29 July 1806 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Lastly, I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my three sons John, Joel, and Azariah, to be my true, and lawful executors, to see that the true intent, and meaning to this my Last Will and Testament be punitivally fulfilled.⁸

A petition written about 1814 said that Azariah Abney and others of the Edgefield District were asking for the establishment of a ferry to be vested in Azariah Abney. It stated that Azariah Abney "does at this time and has for many years past owned the lands on the south side of the Saluda River, at a Ferry owned by Francis Higgins of Newberry District. That the said Francis Higgins, on several acts of your Honorable body, has had the exclusive privilege of establishing and keeping up a public ferry at the before mentioned place, that the last charter granted to the said HIggins expired in December 1821 and has not since been granted -- Your petitioners take the liberty of suggesting to your Honorable body that it is contrary to the principles and spirit of a Republican Government to grant exclusive privileges of this kind and to which one part of its citizens and to impoverish the others.

From the forgoing facts contradicted your Petitioners humbly pray that the privilege of establishing a Ferry at the aforementioned place be granted to the said A. Abney for the term of seven years, under such restrictions as your Honorable body may think proper to include." There is a long list of names included in addition to Azariah Abney and Charles Abney, and Walter Abney. This is from the SC Archives and is dated 1814, but mentions 1821. The ferry was granted to Azariah Abney.

The 1820 map of Newberry County, SC shows Higgins Ferry. Higgins Ferry was the main ferry over the Saluda River between Saluda and Newberry. If you look at a modern map of South Carolina and find Newberry and Hwy. 121, you can see where the ferry was located. The bridge over the Saluda River there now is the main bridge between the counties. Francis Higgins died in 1823, and in his estate sale, the names are almost a duplicate of the names on another petition that did not have a date but was apparently earlier than the one mentioned above. The second petition was from the inhabitants of Edgefield and Newberry Districts for the removal of a mill dam across the Saluda River at Jacob Lorick's. Abneys mentioned on it were Azariah Abney, Zachariah Abney, Elizabeth Abney, Joel Abney, Hardy Abney, William Abney, a second William Abney, and Walter Abney. In addition there was John Maxwell (married to Joseph Reagin's daughter Beulah), Caleb Reagin (Joseph Reagin's son and brother to Cary McClure's mother Elizabeth Reagin), Michael Werts, and Jacob Lorick (the guy who apparently has the mill dam they want to remove.)

There is a second petition dated 1814 from the Newberry and Edgefield Districts inhabitants praying that the ferry formerly vested in Francis Higgins be vested in Azariah Abney, his heirs, etc. for the term of 14 years. Rates for various things are included. Some names mentioned are John Abney, Sr., John Abney, Jr., Thomas Abney, James Abney, and Samuel Abney.

A third petition also dated 1814 is from Azariah Abney asking for a joint re -establishment of a Ferry to himself and Francis Higgins for 14 years. It is dated November 10, 1814. It says that "about twenty one years ago there was a ferry established on Saluda River in the name of Francis Higgins and the father of your petitioner for fourteen years. that at the expiration of said establishment the charter was renewed in the name of Francis Higgins for seven years which establishment is about to expire. Your petitioner further states that during the term of twenty one years the said Francis has enjoyed all the proffits [sic] arising from said ferry and has used the landing of your petitioner without any compensation and as the said ferry is about to be again established your petitioner prays that the same may be a joint establishment to him and Francis Higgins for the term of fourteen years and to receive such rates as is customary at other ferrys [sic] over said River and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. Nov 10th 1814." It is signed Azariah Abney. The petition was rejected though. There is a paper filed in this batch that is dated November 7, 1814 and reads, ". . . that the ferry owned by Francis Higgins and established by law formerly landed in the South sides of Saluda River on the land of Nathaniel Abney dec'd now owned by his son Azariah Abney, and that the said Francis Higgins has for the term of fourteen years or upwares enjoyed the said landing without any compensation only the family exempted. This establishment being out on the nineteenth of December next, this said Azariah Abney has prayed to have the same established in him. This is to satisfy all persons that the said Higging has enjoyed the privilege above stated . . ." Signed: Wm. Spraggins, Thomas Carson, Joel Abney, Austin Eskridge, and William Richardson.⁹


Mary died in 1842 in Edgefield County, South Carolina, leaving Azariah ABNEY as a widower.

Azariah left a will dated 1843 in Edgefield, South Carolina. It was probated 19 Jun 1845. His heirs were his children: Mary Elizabeth, Hardy, William, Susannah, Augustine, Nathaniel and Azariah, plus the children of his deceased son, Joel, to wit, John, Matthew, Ellizabeth and Joel, Jr. He appointed Azariah to be his executor. Witnesses were A. H. Coleman, Wm. Bladen and Albany Martin.¹⁰

Azariah ABNEY died on 11 June 1845 in Edgefield County, South Carolina, at age 70.¹⁰ He was buried in Joel Abney Cemetery. His grave is unmarked per John Abney Chapman's manuscript.

     Mary Ann POPE, daughter of Jacob Thomas POPE and Elizabeth Dawkins, was born in 1774 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Mary married Azariah ABNEY, son of Nathaniel ABNEY and Isabella MADISON, in 1799 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,2

In 1842 Mary Ann died in Edgefield County, South Carolina, leaving Azariah a widower.

     Hardy ABNEY, son of Azariah ABNEY and Mary Ann POPE, was born circa 1818 in South Carolina.¹

Hardy married Martha ROAN circa 1837.²

Hardy ABNEY was named an heir in the will of Azariah ABNEY dated 1843 in Edgefield, South Carolina. "I wish or desire that sixty (60) or that amounty of property at my death be given to my son Hardy to make him equal with my three children, to wit, Joel, William and Susannah who have received property of mine to the amount of two hundred and seventy two dollars..."³

Hardy ABNEY died in 1845 in Marengo County, Alabama. He was buried in Butler City Cemetery.

His obituary appeared 11 March 1845 in the The Sumter County Whig, published in Livingston, Alabama. Died, at the residence of Mr. James Hart, of Marengo County, a few days since, Hardy Abney, Esq., of this county, aged about 35 years. He had been to Mobile on business and was taken sick while there. He was a consistant member of the Baptist Church.⁴

Hardy left a will dated 28 June 1845 in Sumter County, Alabama. It is recorded in Sumter County, Alabama Will Book 1, page 384 and Orphan Court Records Book 6, page 138.

     Martha ROAN was born on 26 March 1818 in Georgia.¹

Martha married Hardy ABNEY, son of Azariah ABNEY and Mary Ann POPE, circa 1837.¹

Martha ROAN appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1850 in Livingston, Sumter County, Alabama. The household was listed as Martha Abney, age 30, born Georgia; Azariah, age 12, born Alabama; Joel, age 9, born Alabama; John, age 7, born Alabama; Mary, age 5, born Alabama; Jeptha C. Roan, age 25, farmer, born Georgia; and Addison E. Roan, age 20, farmer, born Alabama. Martha Roan Abney's real estate was valued at $800.²

Martha ROAN appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1860 in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama. The household was listed as Martha Abney, age 44, born in Georgia; A[zariah] Abney, age 23, born Alabama; John Abney, age 18, born Alabama; and Mary Abney, age 16, born Alabama.³

Martha ROAN appeared on a census, enumerated 13 July 1870, in the household of her son William Azariah ABNEY in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama. She was recorded as Martha Abney, age 52, born in Georgia.

Martha ROAN appeared on a census, enumerated 10 June 1880, in the household of her son William Azariah ABNEY in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama. She was recorded as mother, Martha Abney, age 62 years, boarder. She and her parents were born in Georgia.

Martha ROAN and William Azariah ABNEY moved from Alabama to Leesburg, Lake County, Florida, 1889 In the obituary of their son, William Azariah Abney, it said that his parents moved to Lake county 31 years previously.

Martha ROAN died on 9 July 1895 in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama, at age 77.⁴ She was buried in Butler City Cemetery.

     William Azariah ABNEY, son of Hardy ABNEY and Martha ROAN, was born on 14 July 1834 in Sumter County, Alabama.¹ He was generally known as Azariah. He was a hardware merchant.

William Azariah ABNEY appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1850, in the household of Martha ROAN in Livingston, Sumter County, Alabama.²

William Azariah ABNEY appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1860, in the household of Martha ROAN in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama.³

William married Mary Ann Stone circa 1861 in Choctaw County, Alabama.

Azariah began military service at age 28 on 4 March 1863 in Camp Shorter, Alabama, where he enlisted as a private in Co. B 15th Battalion Alabama Partisan Rangers. The unit later merged with another battalion to become the 56th Regiment Alabama Partisan Rangers. He was listed as acting quartermaster sergeant 19 March 1864.^4,5

William Azariah ABNEY and Mary Ann Stone 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.

William Azariah ABNEY and Mary Ann Stone 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.

William Azariah ABNEY and Martha ROAN moved from Alabama to Leesburg, Lake County, Florida, 1889 In the obituary of their son, William Azariah Abney, it said that his parents moved to Lake county 31 years previously.

William Azariah ABNEY was one of the trustees of Pleasant Hill Methodist Episcopal Church in Choctaw County on February 2, 1889 when the church's deed was filed for record. The church was organized and built about 1888.⁶

Azariah ABNEY and Mary Ann Stone 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.

William Azariah ABNEY died on 10 November 1901 in Leesburg, Lake County, Florida, at age 67. He was buried in Lone Oak Cemetery.

William Azariah ABNEY left a will probated 16 November 1901 in Leesburg, Lake County, Florida. He left all his property to his wife until she remarried, then it was to be divided among his children. His wife May was named executor.

     Joel Pope ABNEY, son of Hardy ABNEY and Martha ROAN, was born on 5 August 1839 in Alabama.

Joel Pope ABNEY appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1850, in the household of Martha ROAN in Livingston, Sumter County, Alabama.¹

Joel Pope ABNEY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1860 in Tompkinsville, Choctaw County, Alabama. The household was listed as J. P. Abney, 20 year old male, who was born in Alabama.²

Joel saw military service between 1861 and 1865 in Alabama where he enlisted as a private in Co. C 54th Alabama Infantry, CSA and rose to rank of captain. Records show that he served as 2nd and later 1st lieutenant of Co. C 54th Alabama Infantry and captain of Co. H 37th Alabama Infantry. He distinquished himself at Vicksburg.³

Joel married Emma Walker on 2 January 1866 in Sumter County, Alabama.⁴

Joel Pope ABNEY died on 23 August 1869 in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama, at age 30.⁵ He was buried in Butler City Cemetery.⁵

His obituary appeared 26 August 1869 in the The Choctaw Herald, published in Butler, Alabama. We are again called upon to record the death of another of our best citizens, Mr. Joseph[sic] P. Abney, who died at his residence near this place on last Monday, 23rd inst... He leaves a fond wife and a devoted child, a little daughter to mourn his untimely death.⁶

His obituary appeared 2 September 1869 in the The Choctaw Herald, published in Butler, Alabama. "Died, at his residence two miles south of Butler, on the 23rd day of August 1869, Capt. Joel P. Abney, aged 30 years and 18 days."⁶

     John ABNEY, son of Hardy ABNEY and Martha ROAN, was born circa 1843 in Alabama.¹

John ABNEY appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1850, in the household of Martha ROAN in Livingston, Sumter County, Alabama.²

John ABNEY appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1860, in the household of Martha ROAN in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama.³

     Mary ABNEY, daughter of Hardy ABNEY and Martha ROAN, was born on 22 February 1844 in Alabama.¹

Mary ABNEY appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1850, in the household of Martha ROAN in Livingston, Sumter County, Alabama.²

Mary ABNEY appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1860, in the household of Martha ROAN in Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama.³

Mary married Dr. Robert Franklin Moody on 12 July 1862 in Choctaw County, Alabama.⁴

Mary ABNEY died on 17 March 1889 in Choctaw County, Alabama, at age 45. She was buried in Butler City Cemetery.

     Lark ABNEY, son of Jonathan ABNEY and Rachel Elizabeth LARK, was born on 12 November 1788 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.¹

Lark saw military service in 1812 in Edgefield County, South Carolina, as a private in Nash's regiment of South Carolina Volunteers during the War of 1812. The regment is said to have suffered great hardships during the Creek War phase of the conflict.

Brigadier General Joseph Graham's brigade of troops from North and South Carolina (included Colonel Nash's South Carolina militia) deployed along the Georgia frontier to deal with the Red Sticks. Colonel Reuben Nash's South Carolina regiment of volunteer militia traveled from South Carolina at the end of January 1814. The militia marched to the start of the Federal Road in Augusta, Georgia, walking to Fort Benjamin Hawkins (in modern Macon, Georgia) en route to reinforce the various forts including Fort Mitchell, Alabama (in modern Phenix City, Alabama). Other companies in the Nash's regiment were at Fort Mitchell by July 1814. Company muster rolls of Captain John Wallace (one of Nash's companies) list the company near Fort Hawkins on Feb. 9, near Fort Jackson (Alabama) on May 13, and near Fort Hawkins on July 13.

Lark ABNEY was named executor and an heir in the will of Jonathan ABNEY dated 20 June 1812 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^2,3 He married Martha REARDON circa 1815 in Edgefield (now Saluda) County, South Carolina.

Lark ABNEY sold a tract of land to John Nathan CHAPMAN of Newberry District on 5 April 1817 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. The deed for $1500 contacted 304(?) acres on Tossetys Creek of the Saluda River. It was adjacent the lands of Sarah Carson, estate of ___ Abney deceased, Paul Abney, estate of Samuel Abney dec'd, estate of John Abney, and Azariah Abney. Witnesses: Lewellen Patrick and Hugh Duffey. Signed by Lark Abney. Proven 13 Aug 1817 by Hugh Duffie and recorded 3 Mar 1818.⁴

Lark ABNEY bought land from John Calhoun Hamilton and George Pollatty on 2 December 1817 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. The deed for $350 included 88 2/3 acres on Mountain Creek, adjacent lands of John Parlatty, Henry Parkman, Elizabeth Coursey, and Peter Woots, being land in the estate of John Coursey, deceased, and conveyed to "our wives as their inheritance." Signed by John Hamilton, Rhoda Hamilton, George Pollatty and Matilda Pollatty. Witnesses: Richard Pendleton, Martin Cooke. Justice Jesse Blocker certifies the relinquishment of dower rights by Rhoda Hamilton and Matilda Polatty, wives of the within John Hamilton and George Pollatty, 29 Oct 1819. Signed Rhoda Hamilton and Matilda Polatta.⁵

Lark ABNEY and Elizabeth Cook were the administrators of Jeremiah Burnett Sr.'s estate on 1 January 1818 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Lark ABNEY bought land from Wiley Berry on 11 December 1818 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. The deed for $1400 contained 140 acres on Little Stevens Creek at mouth of Spring Branch a little above Jeremiah Burkhalters mill, adjacent the Augusta Road. The land was formerly granted to Mizzeak, Aron Hills land, James Smiley's land, it being part of two tracts, one granted to Hugh Rowe, the other to James Williams 12 Oct 1770. It was signed by Wiley Berry. Witnesses: Benjamin Hastings, Jacob P. Abney. Justice Jesse Blocker certified the relinquishment of dower rights by Milly Berry, wife of Wiley Berry, 29 Oct 1819. Signed Milley (X) Berry. Proven 20 Dec 1818 by Jacob P. Abney and recorded 1 Nov 1819.⁶

Lark ABNEY bought land from William Coursey on 1 May 1819 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. The deed purchased for $250 included 50 acres on Mountain Creek of Turkey Creek being part of 196 acres granted to Jonathan Dawson. It was adjacent to John Hamilton, Elizabeth [binding]sey, David Taylor, John Coursey, John Bolger, and Wiley Berry. Signed by William Coursey. Witnesses: John Hamilton, John Cursey. Justice Jesse Blocker certified relinquishment of dower rights by Susannah Coursey, wife of William Coursey, 8 [month illegible] 1820, signed Susannah Coursey. Proven 5 Nov 1819 by John Hamilton. Recorded 1 Jan 1821.⁷ He and Martha moved from Edgefield County, South Carolina to Monroe County, Alabama, circa 1820.⁸

Lark ABNEY died on 6 May 1822 in Abbeville Court House, South Carolina, at age 33 according to the 19 October 1822 "Cahawba Press". The brief article refers to him as Capt. Lark Abney of Claiborne, Alabama.⁹

Lark left a will dated 6 August 1822 in Monroe County, Alabama. To his children, Elizabeth Lark Abney, Claricy Jean Abney, and Dabney Parmer Abney, he left "one plantation and tract of land" in Monroe County containing 320 acres "whereon I now live, together with all the household and kitchen furniture, plantation tools and everything else pertaining to said plantation together with one four wheel carriage and harness and stock of every description on or belonging to said plantation as well as the following negroes (to wit): Bob (blacksmith), Cesar, Dave, Claiborn, Henry, George, Amy, Temp and her two children Edy and Charlotte, Violet and her child Sillar, and Ritter."

The will stated that the plantation would be under the direction and control of "my beloved wife Martha Abney for raising, education and support of my children" until they married or reached the age of twenty-one. He added that if his wife should be pregnant, that the child should receive an equal share of the estate. Martha would retain in her possession a portion of the plantation for her support during her widowhood or natural life.

The following lands in Edgefield District, South Carolina: one tract lying on Mountain Creek, known as the Barkman Tract on Long Cane Road; the adjoining tract known as the Hamilton and Polatty Tract; one tract on Sleepy Creek containing 80 acres; one containing 30 acres known as the Quattlebaum lands; and one tract known as the Crossroads or McDaniel Tract, as well as monies due Lark Abney in South Carolina were directed to be delivered to Samuel Stalnecker of Edgefield District and Steven Shell of Newberry who were acting as his agents. The lands were to be sold for the purpose of paying off the money that Lark had received from his father's estate as guardian of his brothers Henry Madison Abney, Jonathon Abney, and Ira Abney (Minors) with the balance remaining to be given to Martha for the benefit of her and the children.

Lark appointed "my beloved wife Martha Abney my sole Executrix." The will August 6, 1822 and was it witnessed by Jesse Blocker, Ebn. Hammond, and Barkley Blocker. It was probated 14 Jan 1823.¹⁰

     Martha REARDON was born in 1795.

Martha married Lark ABNEY, son of Jonathan ABNEY and Rachel Elizabeth LARK, circa 1815 in Edgefield (now Saluda) County, South Carolina. She and Lark moved from Edgefield County, South Carolina to Monroe County, Alabama, circa 1820.¹

Martha REARDON was named executrix and an heir in the will of Lark ABNEY dated on 6 August 1822 in Monroe County, Alabama.²

Martha ABNEY appeared on the 1830 Federal Census of Monroe County, Alabama. The household was recorded as one male 5-9 [Dabney], two femaies 10-14 [Elizabeth & Claricy Jean], and one female 40-49 [Martha]. They had five slaves.

Martha ABNEY appeared on the 1840 Federal Census of Monroe County, Alabama. The household consisted of one male 15-20[Lark, Jr.] and one female 50-60 [Martha]. They had two slaves.

Martha REARDON died in 1847 in Monroe County, Alabama.

     Elizabeth Lark ABNEY, daughter of Lark ABNEY and Martha REARDON, was born circa 1816 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Elizabeth Lark ABNEY was named an heir in the will of Lark ABNEY dated 6 August 1822 in Monroe County, Alabama.¹

She was probably one of the two females age 10 to 15 listed in the household of her mother, Martha ABNEY, in the 1830 Federal Census of Monroe County, Alabama.

Elizabeth married second Joel Boyle in 1836 in Monroe County, Alabama.

Elizabeth Lark ABNEY died in 1849 in Monroe County, Alabama.