My Genealogy Hound

EDWARD ABEL, bookkeeper, Pittsburgh, was born in that city July 25, 1842. His father, Henry Abel, was born at Geisa, Saxe-Weimar, Germany, in 1801, and was a brother of Ignatius Abel (see sketch of Joseph Abel). He studied law at the University of Jena, from which he took the degree of LL. D. in 1829. In 1832 he came to Pittsburgh in company with some fellow students, with the view of adopting a rural life, but soon found use for his talents in the city, and was appointed to the charge of foreign mails at Pittsburgh under President Jackson. This position he held for thirty-eight years, being remarkable for his memory and scholastic ability. He died in 1884, aged eighty-three years, leaving four sons and two daughters. He married Elizabeth Schaffer, who was born in Lancaster, Pa., a daughter of Ambrose and Barbara Schaffer, of Baden, Germany. Following are the names of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Abel’s children: Edward, Charles, Henry, Ferdinand, Josephine (Mrs. A. C. Kloman) and Tillie, all save Henry, who is in Denver, Colo., being residents of Pittsburgh. Edward Abel was educated in the city schools and at St. Vincent’s College, Westmoreland county, Pa., and when nineteen years old he entered Pittsburgh post office as mailing clerk. In April, 1861, he enlisted for three years in Co. C, 8th P. R., serving two years in the Army of the Potomac; was a sergeant of the company and paymaster of the regiment. During the peninsular campaign he received an injury which caused his discharge. At Charles City cross roads he was made a prisoner, and confined three months at Richmond and Belle Isle. On his return to Pittsburgh he was employed as bookkeeper in the office of the Commercial. In 1870 he was elected director and treasurer of the Commercial Printing company, in which he continued till the concern was sold to King, Reed & Co., being manager during the last four years. In 1877 he entered the German National Bank as bookkeeper, which position he at present holds. He has been adjutant of Duquesne Post, No. 259, G. A. R., for six years; a member of the Bankers’ and Bank Clerks’ association for twelve years. Mr. Abel married, Jan. 9, 1864, Maria, daughter of James and Mary Ann Keegan, of Irish extraction, and they have two sons: Henry J. and Adelbert. Mr. Abel and family are associated with the Holy Trinity R. C. Church. He is the only republican in his father’s family.