Person Page - 75

     Clarissa Jane ABNEY, daughter of Lark ABNEY and Martha REARDON, was born on 23 November 1819 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. She was also known as Claricy Jean.

Clarissa Jane 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.

Clarissa married Hugh Rankin in 1833 in Monroe County, Alabama.

Hugh died on 31 January 1865 in Monroe County, Alabama, leaving Clarissa Jane ABNEY as a widow with seven children.

Clarissa Jane ABNEY died on 17 April 1890 in Monroeville, Monroe County, Alabama, at age 70.

Her obituary appeared 2 May 1890 in the The Monroe Journal, published in Claiborne, Alabama. Mrs. Clarissa Jane Rankin, nee Abney, was born Nov. 23, 1819, and died at her home in Monroeville, April 17, 1890, aged 70 years, 4 months, and 24 days.

The following history of the subject of this notice has been obtained from record of the family.

Clarissa Jane was the daughter of Capt. Lark and Martha Abney. In her14th year she was married to Hugh Rankin.

She professed religion and joined the Bethany Baptist Church at Burnt Corn before she was twenty years of age, and continued in the same communion until her death.

January 31, 1865 she became a widow with seven children-- five daughters and two sons. In 1879 her oldest son was killed, and in 1883 the other died of yellow fever in Brewton, Ala. The three score and ten years through which she lived afford a history that indicates the struggles necessary to survive the changes wrought. [Remainder omiited as no useful information]

     Dabney Palmer ABNEY, son of Lark ABNEY and Martha REARDON, was born circa 1822 in Monroe County, Alabama.¹

Dabney Palmer ABNEY was named an heir in the will of Lark ABNEY dated 6 August 1822 in Monroe County, Alabama.²

He was probably the male under age 5 to 10 listed in the household of his mother, Martha ABNEY, in the 1830 Federal Census of Monroe County, Alabama.

Dabney Palmer ABNEY was mentioned in the will of Henry Madison ABNEY dated 30 November 1830 in Claiborne, Monroe County, Alabama. If neither of my children live to twenty-one and have no heirs, I wish $300 of estate to go to my brother Ira, the remainder of estate I wish divided into three equal between Dabney Palmer Abney for the use and benefit of my brother Jonathan, to my sister Charlotte Oneale and the issue of her body, and to by brother Jacob P. Abney.³

Dabney married Lucinda C. (?) in 1849 in Monroe County, Alabama.¹

Dabney Palmer ABNEY and Lucinda C. (?) appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 18 October 1850 in Monroe County, Alabama. The household was listed as Parmer D. Abney, a 28-year-old merchant, and his wife, Lucinda C., age 19. They had been married within the year and owned real estate valued at $250. They were both born in Alabama.¹

Dabney Palmer ABNEY died in 1856 in Claiborne, Monroe County, Alabama.⁴ He was buried in in a lone grave at the end of the Ridge Road where it hits State Highway 41.

Dabney left a will dated 29 September 1857 in Mobile, Alabama. Recorded in Mobile County Will Book 3, pg. 46-49: Desire a plain monument to be erected, to be done by my friend, William Spence.

To Henry O. Abney of Monroe Co. in trust of 3 children of Joel Boyles and Elizabeth Abney, late wife of said Boyles, and named Martha Lucinda Boyles, Salome Boyles, and Thomas H. Boyles.

To Henry O. Abney in trust for children of Hugh Rankin and Clarissa Jane Abney, his wife.

To William Spence in trust for children Clarissa Palmer Spence and Dabney Palmer Spence.

To Garland Goode of Mobile.

To brother Isaac Palmer of Lexington, Missouri.

To Lucien Mead of Mobile, AL. To Allen Lacy of Monroe Co., AL. To Dudley Hubbard of Mobile, AL. To nephew, John W. Palmer, of Gaston, North Carolina in trust for niece Mrs. Mary E. Harris.

To niece Margaret Wesson of Gaston, North Carolina.

To nephew Chillian Palmer.

Executors - Dudley Hubbard and Garland Goode
Witnesses - T. H. Robinson, Henry Keeler, and Alex Hardin.
Recorded - 10 Sep 1858.

His estate was probated on 29 November 1858 in Monroe County, Alabama. Settlement of Palmer D. Abney estate, H. O. Abney, admiistrator. Continued to 31 Jan 1859. The creditors were paid from an estate valued at less than $2000.

     Susan Isabella POPE, daughter of Jacob Thomas POPE and Elizabeth Dawkins, was born in 1770 in Edgecombe County, North Carolina.

Susan married Jonathan ABNEY, son of Nathaniel ABNEY and Isabella MADISON, circa 1798 in South Carolina.¹

On 11 September 1807 Susan Isabella died in Edgefield County, South Carolina, leaving Jonathan a widower.¹

     Henry Madison ABNEY, son of Jonathan ABNEY and Susan Isabella POPE, was born on 10 January 1803 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.¹

Henry Madison ABNEY was mentioned in the will of his brother, Lark ABNEY, dated on 6 August 1822 in Monroe County, Alabama.²

Henry Madison ABNEY was attending law school in January 1824 at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky.

Henry was commissioned Justice of Peace on 1 April 1829 in Monroe County, Alabama.

Henry Madison ABNEY appeared on the 1830 Federal Census of Monroe County, Alabama. The household consisted of two males under 5 [Orlando, William], two males 20-30 [Henry, ?], two females 20-30, and one female 50-60. They had 13 slaves.

Henry Madison ABNEY purchased a government land patent 16 November 1830 in Monroe County, Alabama. The purchase was for lot 4 in Claiborne township was described as township 7 north, range 5 east, section 25.

Henry left a will dated 30 November 1830 in Claiborne, Monroe County, Alabama. Abstracted -- I Henry M. Abney of county of Monroe, Alabama being weak of body, but sound of memory, make and publish this last will and testament in the manner following:

1. To my two sons William James and Orlander Henry, all my real and personal estate to be divided equally between them when they arrive at age of twenty-one.

2. That my executors take the benefit of the preemption and clear out of the land office and sell a half quarter section on which I have claim lying on the Double Branches adjoining lands belonging to Christian Cataline(?), Elijah Higgins and others.

3. That my executors after paying off all other debts against my estate, pay what is due to the University of the State of Alabama for a fraction of land on the river which I have purchased of John Pariss.

4. Dispose of my house and lot in town [of Claiborne] along with any property they find about the house and kitchen.

5. Sell the 20 or more head of cattle on land near Double Branches near Claiborne.

6. Wish executors to manage plantation and negroes, either by hiring overseer or by hiring out negroes and renting the plantation.

7. Settle with estate of William Moore and close my transactions.

8. If neither of my children live to twenty-one and have no heirs, I wish $300 of estate to go to my brother Ira, the remainder of estate I wish divided into three equal between Dabney Palmer Abney for the use and benefit of my brother Jonathan, to my sister Charlotte Oneale and the issue of her body, and to by brother Jacob P. Abney.

9. I wish George W. Frey to have custody and management of my children after the death of Mrs. May Moore until they arrive at legal age.

I appoint James Dellet and John Bonner my executors.


This will was abstracted by John K. Brown on 9 Nov 2018. The will was included in the papers of attorney James Dellet. It is not known if it was probated as recorded here, but other papers in lawyer Dellets' files indicate that Abney's estate was inventoried and sold in February 1831.³

His estate was probated on 12 July 1847 in Monroe County, Alabama. Edward W. Roberts was appointed as administrator for Henry Abney, deceased. The estate was settled in September 1850 and $11875.90 was charged to the administrator. Fees and costs were approved for $3797.49.⁴

     Jonathan ABNEY Jr., son of Jonathan ABNEY and Susan Isabella POPE, was born on 16 November 1804 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.¹

Jonathan ABNEY Jr. was mentioned in the will of his brother, Lark ABNEY, dated on 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 1823.²

Jonathan ABNEY Jr. was mentioned in the will of Henry Madison ABNEY dated 30 November 1830 in Claiborne, Monroe County, Alabama. If neither of my children live to twenty-one and have no heirs, I wish $300 of estate to go to my brother Ira, the remainder of estate I wish divided into three equal between Dabney Palmer Abney for the use and benefit of my brother Jonathan, to my sister Charlotte Oneale and the issue of her body, and to by brother Jacob P. Abney.³

     Ira ABNEY, son of Jonathan ABNEY and Susan Isabella POPE, was born on 11 October 1806 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.¹

Ira ABNEY was mentioned in the will of his brother, Lark ABNEY, dated on 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 1823.²

Ira ABNEY was mentioned in the will of Henry Madison ABNEY dated 30 November 1830 in Claiborne, Monroe County, Alabama. If neither of my children live to twenty-one and have no heirs, I wish $300 of estate to go to my brother Ira, the remainder of estate I wish divided into three equal between Dabney Palmer Abney for the use and benefit of my brother Jonathan, to my sister Charlotte Oneale and the issue of her body, and to by brother Jacob P. Abney.³

     Sarah ABNEY, daughter of Nathaniel ABNEY and Isabella MADISON, was born on 18 March 1759 in Augusta County, Virginia.^1,2,3

Sarah married first James Carson in 1793 in South Carolina.^4,5,6

Sarah 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, laying on the Panther Branch containing two hundred and fifty acres, equally divided between them.⁷ She was buried in Spann United Methodist Church Cemetery, Ward, Saluda County, South Carolina.

Sarah ABNEY died in 1820 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

James died in 1820 leaving Sarah ABNEY as a widow.⁶

     John Nathan CHAPMAN was born on 7 January 1788 in Newberry, Newberry County, South Carolina.

John Nathan CHAPMAN of Newberry District bought a tract of land from Lark ABNEY 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 1818.²

John married Sophia ABNEY, daughter of Jonathan Bay ABNEY and Martha "Patsy" WILLS, on 30 November 1817 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^3,4

John Nathan CHAPMAN was named an executor in the will of Paul ABNEY dated 24 October 1819 in Edgefield (now Saluda) County, South Carolina.⁵

John Nathan CHAPMAN died on 21 June 1854 in Edgefield County, South Carolina, at age 66.⁶ He was buried in Bethel Universalist Church Cemetery, Bleases Crossroads, Saluda County, South Carolina.¹

His obituary appeared 3 August 1854 in the Edgefield Advertiser, published in Edgefield, South Carolina. "John Chapman, Esq., died at his reisidence in Edgefileld District, on Tuesday, June 21. 1854. He learned his trade from his father-in-law, John Abney, Esq. Mr. Chapman was one of the older members of the community. He left a large family of children and his wife.⁶

     John Rutledge ABNEY, son of James Madison ABNEY and Martha Livingston, was born on 11 January 1850 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

John Rutledge ABNEY appeared on a census, enumerated 19 December 1850, in the household of his parents James Madison ABNEY and Martha Livingston in Edgefield County, South Carolina. He was emerated as John R. Abney, one year old. He graduated in 1870 from Wofford College in South Carolina and in 1873 finished his education at Bonn University in Germany.

John Rutledge ABNEY appeared on a census, enumerated 11 August 1870, in the household of his parents James Madison ABNEY and Martha Livingston in Saluda, Edgefield County, South Carolina. He was emnumerated as John Abney, age 20.

John Rutledge ABNEY was an attorney. He practiced first in Edgefield county before moving to Columbia, South Carolina along with his younger brother, Benjamin. He was elected Virginia's state solicitor on the ticket with Gov. Wade Hampton and served 1876-1880. John Abney moved to New York in 1883 while Benjamin continued to practice law in Columbia.¹

John married Mary Lloyd Pendleton on 21 November 1896 in Washington, D. C. She was the eldest daughter of Hon. George Hunt Pendleton, U. S. Senator from Ohio, and later U. S. Minister to Germany, by his wife, Alice Key Pendleton, the youngest daughter of Francis Scott Key, composer of the Star Spangled Banner.

John Rutledge ABNEY died on 28 June 1927 in New York City, New York, at age 77.^2,3 He was buried in Edgefield Village Cemetery "Willowbrook", Edgefield, Edgefield County, South Carolina.

     Benjamin Lindsey ABNEY, son of James Madison ABNEY and Martha Livingston, was born on 25 February 1859 at near the Saluda River in Edgefield County, South Carolina. He never married. He was an attorney in Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina. He practiced law during a particularly interesting time in Columbia's history. He played a significant role in the community's shift from a more agrarian way of life to industrilized urbanization through his involvement in the utility companies, mills, and railroad industry.

He attended Newberry College in Edgefield County (the school's catalog shows that he entered a freshman in 1872 and was no longer in attendance by 1876) and the University of Virginia (circa 1877-79). After admission to the South Carolina bar in December 1880, Benjamin briefly practiced law in Edgefield County at his older brother John's firm, but after only one year, he followed his brother to Columbua. John Abney moved to New York in 1893, and Benjamin continued to practice law in Columbia.

Early in his career, Benjamin was a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives (Richland County) for three terms from 1886-1891. While he never sought political office beyond this position, he remained politically active during his professional life by the very nature of the cases he tried and his participation on special committees.

In the 1890s Benjamin was involved in some of the most significant cases to cross the South Carolina bench. He dealt with some of the most pressing issues of the day and made a name for himself as one of the more adept and facile lawyers in the state.

Benjamin compiled one of the largest libraries in the state. At the time of his death his library contained about 10,000 volumes.¹

Benjamin Lindsey ABNEY appeared on a census, enumerated 11 August 1870, in the household of his parents James Madison ABNEY and Martha Livingston in Saluda, Edgefield County, South Carolina. He was emnumerated as Berryman Abney, age 12.

Benjamin Lindsey ABNEY died on 11 November 1921 in Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, at age 62.

His obituary appeared 12 November 1921 in the an unknown place , published in an unknown place , an unknown place . The State newspaper of Columbia, South Carolina. "Benjamin Lindsey Abney, one of the ablest and best known members of the South Carolina bar, died yesterday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock following an illness of a little over a week. Mr. Abney died at the home of C. L. Blease on Washington Street where he had resided for a number of years.

His only immediate relatives, Col. John R. Abney of New York, a brother, and Mrs. J. C. Hunter, a sister, were at his bedside when the end came. Colonel Abney has been here since last week, and Mrs. Hunter arrived from her home in Atlanta early yesterday morning.

Mr. Abney had not been in the best of health for some time and last week was taken seriously sick. He had rallied earlier in the week, but Thursday grew worse and was unconscious all yesterday afternoon. Diabetes and pneumonia were given as he causes of his death.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock at Trinity Episcopal church and the internment will be in Elmwood cemetery. The Rev. Henry D. Phillips, newly chosen rector of Trinity, will probably conduct the service.



Benjamin Lindsey Abney was recognized not only by fellow members of his profession but by laymen as well as one of the ablest lawyers in the state, having few, if any, peers among the South Carolina bar. In addition to being learned in the law he was a deep student otherwise. He had one of the finest private libraries in South Carolina.

Mr. Abney had handled some of the largest cases ever carried before South Carolina courts, included among these being the famous Southern Railway merger suit in which he gained wide distinction for his work. In this case some of the most prominent attorneys in the country were engaged, including A. P. Thom, then general counsel for the Southern Railway. Mr. Abney was division counsel for the Southern at that time and had charge of the entire case, being assisted by a number of other attorneys. Another important case he was engaged in was the Seminole suit and the last case of importance in which he appeared in court was the Columbia canal case. He was engaged by the state of South Carolina for this case, the commonweath winning in the court of common pleas.

He was division counsel in charge of South Carolina for the Southern railway for a quarter of a century, resigning in 1917.

Mr. Abney practiced law in Columibia for 39 years, coming here January 1, 1882 from Edgefield. He practiced with his brother, Johh R. Abney, until the latter went to New York in 1883 and then formed a partnership with John P. Thomas, Jr., which continued for many years.

Mr. Abney was born in the old Ninety-six district in what is now Edgefield county February 25, 1859, and was therefore 63 years old at the time of his death. He was educated at the common schools of his district and attended Newberry college when this institutiion was located at Walhalla, his father owning a summer home there. He later went to the University of Virginia where he was graduated in 1879.



Following his graduation at the University of Virginia Mr. Abney returned to Edgefield and there read law under his brother and other leading attonneys in the district. He was admitted to the bar December 13, 1880, and had been practicing his profession since that date, a little over a year in Edgefield and the remainder of the period in Columbia.

Mr. Abney inherited his talent from a long lline of distinguished ancestors in England. The family moved from England to Virginia and then William Abney, the paternal ancestor of Ben L. Abney, was granted lands on the Saluda river in the old Ninety -Six district. The family is of Norman-French ancestry. Chapman's history of Edgefield and McKenzie's "Colonial Families" give a full account of the history of the family as does Burke's "Landed Gentry" and "American Families."

James M. Abney, planter and physician, was the father of Ben L. Abney, and his mother was Martha Livingston Abney. Both died a number of years ago.

Mr. Abney was never married. He was devoted to his profession and the study of literature. He was widely read and preferred to occupy his time in this manner rather than in clubs or societies. He was content to devote his time to his profession and books, never turning aside for political honors." He was buried in Elmwood Memorial Gardens, Columbia, South Carolina.

     Nancy ABNEY, daughter of Nathaniel ABNEY and Isabella MADISON, was born on 10 September 1767 in Old 96 District, South Carolina.^1,2 She was also known as Nannie.

Nancy married Capt. William SPRAGGINS Jr., son of Martha ABNEY, circa 1787 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.³ She was buried in Upper Long Cane Cemetery, Abbeville, South Carolina.

Nancy ABNEY died on 16 October 1793 in Abbeville Oounty, South Carolina, at age 26.^1,4

     Lydia ABNEY, daughter of Nathaniel ABNEY and Isabella MADISON, was born on 24 May 1770 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,2

Lydia married first Lt. Charles Carson circa 1785 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Lydia ABNEY died in August 1836 in Edgefield County, South Carolina, at age 66.

     Joel P. ABNEY, son of Nathaniel ABNEY and Isabella MADISON, was born on 15 October 1774 in South Carolina.^1,2 He was a farmer. He lived on the Saluda River, near Higgins Ferry.

Joel married Elizabeth "Betty" POPE, daughter of Jacob Thomas POPE and Elizabeth Dawkins, circa 1795 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. She and Mary Ann Pope, wife of Joel's brother, Azariah, were sisters.³

During the War of 1812, Joel P. ABNEY, Azariah 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.⁴

Joel P. ABNEY witnessed the sale of land from John ABNEY to William KENNEDY on 10 April 1800 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.⁵

Joel P. ABNEY witnessed the sale of land from John ABNEY to Azariah ABNEY on 9 January 1802 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. These were his brothers.⁶

Joel P. 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.⁷

Joel left a will dated 3 February 1811 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. "I, Joel Abney, being very sick, and knowing the uncertainty of life, do make and constitute this my Last Will and Testament..." Appointed his wife, Elizabeth Abney, sole executor. After disposing of his just debts his property was to be distributed equally among his children "on their severalty arriving at the age of manhood or my daugther's marrying. My children being as follows. Viz. Narassi Abney, Elmina Abney, Elijah P. Abney, Mark M. Abney, Charlotte E. Abney, and Azarah L. D. Abney." He asked that his sister-in-law Miss Charlotte Pope have an equal share of the estate with his children "provided she shall throw in as an addition to my estate all her personal property at its real value..." "I also wish her to live in my family and keep her negroes in the family, clear of all expense or charge, as long as she remains single. To enjoy all the benefits and advantages of my family as usual." In the event his wife remarried she was to receive and equal share with his children and Miss Pope, or else one third of his estate. Upon her death her share to be equally divided among his children and Miss Pope. He also appointed his wife administrix to the estate of Thomas Hogan, deceased, and Walter Abney executor of the estate of William Rubard, deceased, of whch cases he was currently administrator. He left to Joel Abney, Son of his brother Azariah Abney, one hundred dollars when he reached twenty-one. Joel Abney (seal). Witnesses: Azariah Abney, William Coleman, and W. Bodhun. Recorded 16 May 1816.⁸

Joel P. ABNEY died on 14 February 1816 in Edgefield (now Saluda) County, South Carolina, at age 41. According to his wife, he came into the house one day and said, "Fix me a bed, I am dying" and he was dead in a few minutes. She died within a year or two thereafter.^9,10 He was buried in Nathanel Abney Cemetery, near Newberry, South Carolina. The cemetery is 1/2 mile west of the Saluda River Bridge. Traveling from Newberry on Hwy. 121, turn right at the first logging road. Go about 1/2 mile, graves are located on the left in a small grove of trees on a slight knoll. The land belongs to Southern Brick Company. No tombstones remain, having been removed since 1956.¹⁰

     Anna ABNEY Jr., daughter of Nathaniel ABNEY and Isabella MADISON, was born on 24 May 1783 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,2

Following the death of James "Wiley" ABNEY in December 1802, leaving a young widow with two infant sons, Anna ABNEY Jr. took his four-year-old son, William, to raise.³

Anna married Hardy Fluker circa 1804.

     Elizabeth "Betty" POPE, daughter of Jacob Thomas POPE and Elizabeth Dawkins, was born in 1778 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Elizabeth married Joel P. ABNEY, son of Nathaniel ABNEY and Isabella MADISON, circa 1795 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.¹

Elizabeth "Betty" POPE was named executrix and an heir in the will of Joel P. ABNEY dated 3 February 1811 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.²

Elizabeth "Betty" POPE died on 17 February 1847 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.³

Her obituary appeared 24 March 1847 in the Edgefield Advertiser, published in Edgefield, South Carolina. "Mrs. Elizabeth Abney, 69 years old, died of inflammation of the lungs on February 17, 1847 at her home near Higgins Ferry in Edgefield District."³

Elijah Pope ABNEY, Elizabeth "Betty" POPE and Charlotte E. ABNEY appeared in a newspaper article 31 August 1859 in the Edgefield Advertiser, published in Edgefield, South Carolina. Legal notice: The State of South Carolina/Edgefield District, Permelia Abney and others, vs. Joel Abney and others, in equity. As directed by the order of Chan. Wardlow, in this case, all and singular the creditors of Mrs. Elizabeth Abney, dec'd, of Charlotte Abney, dec'd, and of Elijah Pope Abney, dec'd, are required on or before the 14th day of October next, to appear before me and make proof of their respective debts; and are hereby notified that in default of their so doing they will be precluded from the benefit of the decree that will be pronounced in this cause. A. Simkins, C. E. E. D., Comm'rs Office, Aug 9, 1859.

     William GRIFFITH, son of Joseph GRIFFITH and Mary Ann Boulware, was born on 6 March 1797 in South Carolina.

William married Mary "Polly" ABNEY, daughter of Jonathan Bay ABNEY and Martha "Patsy" WILLS, on 25 June 1820 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,2

William GRIFFITH died in 1882. He was buried in Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery, Saluda, Saluda County, South Carolina.³

     Joseph Marion GRIFFITH, son of William GRIFFITH and Mary "Polly" ABNEY, was born on 13 October 1833 in South Carolina.¹

Joseph Marion GRIFFITH died in January 1852 in South Carolina at age 18.¹

     James D. ABNEY, son of Michael ABNEY and Ann TURNER, was born in 1774 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.^1,2 He was also known as Jim. He was a merchant. He lived for most of his life in Edgefield county, South Carolina where he ran a country store and bought seed cotton. Late in life he moved to Chambers county, Alabama along with his brother Bill.

James married Tabitha Towles circa 1798 in South Carolina.¹

James D. ABNEY and Tabitha Towles appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 17 November 1850 in Chambers County, Alabama. The household was listed as James Abney, 72 years old, a farmer, value of real estate $200; Tabitha Abney, age 72, and Elvira Abney, age 32. All three were born in South Carolina.¹ He was buried in Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery, Valley, Chambers County, Alabama.

James D. ABNEY died on 27 November 1850 in Chambers County, Alabama.