My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH ABBOTT is one of the respected citizens and progressive men of Hanover town, Chautauqua county, New York; his parents were Stephen and Lois (Spalding) Abbott. He was born in the town of Edmeston, Otsego county, New York, October 24, 1818. Mr. Abbott’s grandfather was also a native of New York State, and spent his last days at Bullstown, Saratoga county, Grandfather Levi Spalding was, however, born in the State of New Hampshire, and emigrated to New York State, Otsego county, just prior to his death at the advanced age of ninety years. He followed farming for a livelihood, and during the war of the Revolution served as a captain in the colonial army under General Washington. His ancestors were of English birth. Stephen Abbott was born in Saratoga county, New York, and died in Chautauqua county, August 16, 1864, at the age of seventy-eight years. By occupation he was a farmer; in religion an active member of the Baptist church, and in politics a Jeffersonian democrat. His wife, Lois Spalding, bore him eight children, four boys and four girls: Stephen Abbott, Jr., died July 13, 1891, at the age of eighty-two years; David G., died in June, 1886, aged seventy years; Andrew, died 1838, aged thirteen years; Ami, Mary, Phoebe and Joseph, now living.

Joseph Abbott acquired his education through the common schools, and in youth and early manhood labored upon the farm. This he continued to pursue, and has been practically a life-long farmer and stock-raiser; to the latter interest he has devoted considerable time. He came to the town of Hanover, Chautauqua county, in February, 1865, purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, and on this he has built, made improvements and lived ever since.

Joseph Abbott was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Ruth Cooper, who bore him three children: Frank J. (married to Arlie Brown), a farmer and stock-dealer residing at Nashville, Chautauqua county, New York; they have one son, — Julian B. Abbott, born April 25, 1890; Evan C. (married to Lotta Pratt) now lives with subject, and is a lawyer by profession, having, besides reading law, been graduated from the Albany Law School in 1888; Mary R. lives with her parents at home.

Joseph Abbott’s political connections have always been with the Democratic party, at the hands of which he has served as highway commissioner for a number of years. He was also elected to the office of magistrate for the town of Villanova, but did not assume the functions of that office. He is a member of the Equitable Aid Union. Mr. Abbott has a comfortable home, lives a quiet, contented life, and enjoys the highest confidence of his neighbors. His demeanor toward those with whom he meets is kindly and pleasant, while he is still firm and resolute when occasion so demands.