William Searle Abbey
William Searle "Bill" Abbey was born April 12, 1853, in Hope Twp., Durham Co., Canada West, and died Saturday, June 22, 1935, at his home, Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI, at age 82. Buried in Section 4, Lot 1/4 7, Block A, Eastside Cemetery, Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI. He is the son of Charles Oliver Abbey of Hope Twp., Durham Co., Upper Canada, and Phoebe Elizabeth Searle of Bodmin, County Cornwall, England.
Ida Elmira Blake was born September 17, 1858, in the Town of Orion, Richland Co., WI, and died Monday evening, October 6, 1941, at Waupaca Community Hospital and Clinic, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, at age 83. Buried in Section 4, Lot 1/4 7, Block A, Eastside Cemetery, Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI. She is the daughter of Simon Simpkins Blake of Martinsburg, Bedford (Blair) Co., PA, and Mary Magdalena Ambrose of Westmoreland Co., PA.
William Searle "Bill" Abbey (age 21), a bachelor, and Ida Elmira Blake (age 16), a maiden, were married October 1, 1874, in Grant Co., WI.
William Searle "Bill" Abbey and Ida Elmira (Blake) Abbey had eight children:
TIMELINE
Ontario was known as: "Upper Canada" from December 26, 1791, to February 10, 1841; "Canada West" from February 10, 1841, to July 1, 1867; and "Ontario" after July 1, 1867.
William Searle "Bill" Abbey and Ida Elmira (Blake) Abbey are buried in Section 4, Lot 1/4 7, Block A, Eastside Cemetery, Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available. There are two gravesites here for which a $25 perpetual care fee was paid under the name William Abbey. The two gravesites were purchased from Richard W. Parry. A nearby grave contains Ida's brother, Sylvester Fremont Blake, located in Section 1 Lot 34 Block Bdr.
The 1851 Census/Assessment for Hope Township, Ontario, Canada shows Charles Abbey living on Lot 27, Concession 3, Total of 4 in Family. The Charles Abbey family lives in a Shanty, which includes both Allice Sarl (age 17) unmarried, and George Sarl (age 1). Allice is likely the sister of Elizabeth (Searle) Abbey.
About 1853, Charles, Phoebe, Lucinda and Isaac Abbey removed from Lot 27, Concession 3, Hope Twp., Durham Co., Canada West, to Clarke Twp., Durham Co., Canada West.
William Searle "Bill" Abbey was born April 12, 1853, in Hope Twp., Durham Co., Canada West.
There was no official birth certificate for William Searle Abbey at time of birth, but a delayed birth certificate was created to document his birth. This document was needed by the widow, Phoebe Elizabeth (Searle) Abbey, so she could include him in her Civil War Widow pension request.
The 1855 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 1, 1855, shows Simeon Blake is the Head of Household, and is living in the Town of Richmond (later Orion), Richland Co., WI. Living in the household are 1 Male and 1 Female.
Ida Elmira Blake was born September 17, 1858, in the Town of Orion, Richland Co., WI.
In 1860 Charles, Phoebe, Lucinda, Isaac, William and Mary Abbey removed from Clarke Twp., Durham Co., Canada West, to the Town of Oak Grove, Dodge Co., WI.
The 1860 U. S. Census taken on July 5, 1860, shows William Surl (age 60) born in England, and with real estate of $800 and personal estate of $400 and who cannot read and write, is a Farmer, and is living in the Town of Oak Grove, Dodge Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife, Abigal Surl (age 69) born in Connecticut, who cannot read and write; Thomas Surl (age 25) born in New York, who cannot read and write, and indicated as insane; and William Surl, Jr. (age 11) born in Canada. This might be the "George Searle" mentioned in the 1851 Canadian census.
The 1860 U. S. Census taken on July 5, 1860, shows Charles Abby (age 35) born in Canada, and with personal estate of $100 and who cannot read and write, is a Farm Laborer, and is living in the Town of Oak Grove, Dodge Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife, Elisebeth Abby (age 34) born in England, and who cannot read and write; Lucinda Abby (age 12) born in Canada; Isaac Abby (age 9) born in Canada; William Abby (age 7) born in Canada; and Mary J. Abby (age 1) born in Canada. Elizabeth Abby's father, William Surl, is living in the adjacent house.
The 1860 U. S. Census taken on June 19, 1860, shows Simon S. Blake (age 30) born in Pennsylvania is a Farmer living in the Town of Richmond, Richland Co., WI, and with real estate of $1,000 and personal estate of $140. Living with him is his wife Mary M. Blake (age 24) born in Pennsylvania; Sylvester F. Blake (age 4) born in Wisconsin; and Ida Blake (age 2) born in Wisconsin.
About 1861 the Charles Abbey family removed from the Town of Oak Grove, Dodge Co., WI, to South Byron, Town of Byron, Fond du Lac Co., WI.
By August 10, 1861, Charles and Phoebe were living in South Byron, Town of Byron, Fond du Lac Co., WI, when Charles Washington Abbey was born.
On December 9,1861, Charles Oliver Abbey, as a resident of the Town of Byron, Fond du Lac Co., WI, enlisted in the Wisconsin Volunteers 14th Regiment Infantry Company A, along with his cousins Isaac Abbey and Wellington Abbey.
Charles Oliver Abbey was killed in action from a gunshot wound in the stomach on May 22, 1863, before the fortifications during the siege of Vicksburg, MS, at age 37. His body is not listed as being buried at the National Cemetery at Vicksburg. A marker would eventually be placed in Union Cemetery, Milladore, Wood Co., WI, alongside his wife, upon her death in 1903.
The 1870 U. S. Census taken on August 3, 1870, shows William Abby (age 18) born in Canada of foreign-born parents and having attended school within the past year is an unmarried Farm Laborer living in the Town of Oakfield, Fond du Lac Co., WI. He is staying with a farmer family of Jackson Lurvey.
The 1870 U. S. Census taken on June 7, 1870, shows Phebe Abbie (age 44) born in Canada West to foreign-born parents with real estate of $600 is Keeping House and is living in the Town of Byron, Fond du Lac Co., WI. Also living there are the following: Lucinda Abbie (age 22) born in Canada West, who is Keeping House; Isaac Abbie (age 20) born in Canada West, a Farm Laborer; William Abbie (age 17) born in Canada West, a Farm Laborer; Mary Jane Abbie (age 10) born in Canada West, At School; and Chas. Washington Abbie (age 8) born in Wisconsin, At School.
Please note that William Abbey was listed at both residences in 1870.
The 1870 U. S. Census taken on August 3, 1870, shows Simon Blake (age 41) born in Pennsylvania is a farmer living in Orion Twp., Richland Co., WI with real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $556. Living with him is his wife Mary Blake (age 34) born in Pennsylvania. Also there are their children: Sylvester Blake (age 14), Ida Blake (age 11), Viola Blake (age 9), Estella Blake (age 7), and Salome Blake (age 5). All children were born in Wisconsin.
In the fall of 1872, a rival town to Norton, Norton Co., KS, was started one mile further up the creek, called Norton Center. Mills, stores, shops, etc., were established, and for a time the village had a boom and seemed like a formidable rival of Norton, but within two or three years it collapsed, the best buildings were removed to Norton, and the scheme of building a large town at Norton Center collapsed. Nothing remains there but cellar holes and a few relics of the old mill.
The Republican, Richland Center, Richland Co., WI, Thursday, September 3, 1874
HOME MATTERS
Wm. Abbey, one of the young men who drilled Blake's deep well, in the town of Orion, had a "tame rattlesnake" that bit him on the left forefinger Tuesday. With a threshing party desirous of witnessing his manipulations of the beautiful pet, he proceeded to show, with the result stated. The injury is threatening, but it is hoped that he may speedily recover.
William Searle "Bill" Abbey (age 21), a bachelor, and Ida Elmira Blake (age 16), a maiden, were married on October 1, 1874, in Grant Co., WI.
The 1875 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 1, 1875, shows Wm. Abbey is the Head of Household, and is living in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI. Living in the household: 1 Male, and 1 Female.
Erwin William Abbey was born May 11, 1876, in South Byron, Fond du Lac Co., WI.
In early 1878, the William Abbey family, consisting of William Searle "Bill" Abbey, Ida Elmira (Blake) Abbey, and their son Erwin William Abbey, decided to go west to homestead some land. By fall, they had arrived in Norton Co., KS, and homesteaded 160 acres.
The Wisconsin State Journal, Sunday, January 15, 1956
The Mayfields Report
Mrs. Leslie Mayfield writes from Wilton:
"If you would ask my mother-in-law where she was born and what physicians attended, she would say, 'I was born in a sod shanty and no doctor was there.' "Mother, Mrs. Cyrus Mayfield, of Dodgeville, related the following story to me: " 'My parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Abbey, and my oldest brother, Irvin, lived in Richland county. Early in 1878, they decided to go west to homestead some land. In their covered wagon, drawn by horses, they had some clothing, bedding, and cooking utensils, including a long-handled skillet, water pail, tin plates and cups, some steel knives and forks, and a coffee pot. " 'Mother and Dad worked their way west to earn food for themselves and their horses and a place to sleep. " 'By fall, they had arrived in Norton county, Kansas. Here they homesteaded 160 acres. There was not time nor material to build a log or lumber building as they had back in Richland county. Dad put up a sod shanty. He put up a framework and used sods about 1 foot square. The one room building was about 16 feet square. " 'I was born in this sod shanty, Mar. 26, 1879. Mother named me Iva Mae. " 'She used to laugh when she told of my first christening. Late in April of 1879 there was a long rainy season and, of course, a sod shanty would let water seep in. Mother heard a fussing near the cradle and found me floundering in a mud puddle on the floor. I had fallen out of bed.' On Mar. 29, 1956, the Lord willing, Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Mayfield will celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary. Their six children are Melva Egalhoff, Dodgeville; Mrs. C. H. Thompson, Ft. Madison, Ia.; Mrs. Art Held, Chicago; Mrs. Herman Crume, 17 N. Brearly st., Madison; Marvin, of International Falls, Minn., and Leslie, of Wilton."
Iva May "Ivy" Abbey was born March 26, 1879, in a sod shanty, Aldine Twp., Norton Co., KS.
The Observer, Richland Center, Richland Co., WI, Thursday, April 22, 1880
RICHLAND COUNTY CORRESPONDENCE
William Abbey, Sylvester Blake, Marty. Brenaman and Mr. Crouch, minister, have each located a "claim" in Norton county, Kan. Mr. Crouch is preaching on that circuit, and will not return to Wisconsin this year as he anticipated. Mr. Blake has rented his place for the year and will return home first week in May. The above claims are quarter sections and are first-class land.
By the first week in May, 1880, the William Abbey family had rented their Kansas land and planned to return to Richland Co., WI.
The Abbey siblings: Back row, left to right: Mary Jane Abbey (born 1859), and Charles Washington Abbey (born 1861). Front row, left to right: William Searle Abbey (born 1853), Lucinda Matilda Abbey (born 1848), and Isaac Abbey (born 1850). Picture taken in Fond du Lac Co., WI, about 1880. The original picture is courtesy of Mamie Kroning, who obtained it from Sharon Trace. The bottom picture is retouched courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 23, 1880, shows William Abbey (age 27) born in Canada to Canadian and English-born parents is a Farmer living in Aldine Twp., Norton Co., KS. Living with him are: Ida Abbey (age 21) born in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania-born parents; Irwin Abbey (age 4) born in Wisconsin with a disability named billious fever; and Ivey Abbey (age 2) born in Kansas.
By December 10, 1881, the family of four was already back living in Orion Twp., Richland Co., WI, when Mary Maude Abbey was born.
Mary Maude Abbey was born December 10, 1881, in Orion Twp., Richland Co., WI.
Emma Jane Abbey was born February 22, 1884, in Orion Twp., Richland Co., WI.
On April 13, 1884, William Abbey and Ida E. Abbey his wife deeded 60 acres of land for the amount of $655 to Martina and Ferdinand Bender: The NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4, and the East 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 17, T9N (Orion Twp.). This is 60 acres of the 80 acres that Simon Blake owned in 1874.
The 1885 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 20, 1885, shows William Abby is living in Orion Twp., Richland Co., WI. There are 2 Males and 4 Females living there: All born in the United States.
Truman Fremont (a/k/a Charles Truman/C. T.) Abbey was born May 19, 1886, in Orion Twp., Richland Co., WI.
Ruth Elizabeth Abbey was born October 31, 1888, in Orion Twp., Richland Co., WI.
Ruth Elizabeth Abbey died September 22, 1894, in Orion Twp., Richland Co., WI, at age 5. Buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Orion Twp., Richland Co., WI.
The Republican and Observer, Richland Center, Richland Co., WI, November 9, 1893
Following is the report of Oak Ridge school, district no. 5, town of Orion, for the term ending October 28, 1893:
First month - No. enrolled, 26; No. days taught, 19; whole No. days in attendance, 363; average daily attendance, 18; neither absent nor tardy, Kate and Jennie Kane, Emma Abbey, Ed. and Frank Sherman, Sarah and Austin McClaren; absent but not tardy, Ada Demmer, Tempest, Arthur, Oscar, Irvin, Rose, Ella and Bertha McClaren, Maud and Truman Abbey, Carrie Sherman, Fred Kellar and Willie Wilson.
Second month - No. enrolled, 19; No. days taught, 21; whole No. days in attendance, 342; average daily attendance, 16; neither absent nor tardy, Kate and Jennie Kane, Sarah, Austin and Ella McClaren, Ed. and Frank Sherman, Maud and Emma Abbey; absent but not tardy, Ada. Demmer, Art McClaren, Everett Miller, Leonard Frye and Dolly Wilson; tardy but not absent, Ralph and Jimmie Miller.
There are only 150 minutes lost by tardiness during the term and an average absence during the last month of 3. This speaks well for the punctuality and attendance and I can say that the deportment of the scholars was fully as good. CHAS. HENRY, Teacher
By March 19, 1895, the William Abbey family had removed from Orion Twp., Richland Co., WI, to the City of Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI.
Edna Blake Abbey was born March 19, 1895, in Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI.
The 1895 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 20, 1895, shows Wm. Abby is living in Orion Twp., Richland Co., WI. There are 3 Males and 5 Females living there: 7 born in the United States, 1 born in British America.
On the 1895 Plat of Orion Twp., Wm. Abbey is listed as the owner of 80 acres of land in the Eastern 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 17, T9N (Orion Twp.).
Glenn Allan Abbey was born June 11, 1898, in Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI.
William Searle "Bill" Abbey and Ida Elmira (Blake) Abbey, about 1898.
William Searle Abbey family, Village of Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI, about 1899. Back Row, left to right: Truman Fremont Abbey (born 1886), Mary Maude Abbey (born 1881), Iva Mae Abbey (born 1879), and Emma Jane Abbey (born 1884). Middle Row, left to right: Ida Elmira (Blake) Abbey (born 1858), William Searle Abbey (born 1853), and Erwin William Abbey (born 1876). Front Row, left to right: Glenn Allan Abbey (born 1898), and Edna Blake Abbey (born 1895).
The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 26, 1900, shows William Abbey (age 47) born April, 1853, in Canada to English and Canadian-born parents, is a married Farm Laborer, and is renting his house, and is living on Fountain Street, 1st Ward, Dodgeville, Dodgeville Twp., Iowa Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife of 25 years, Ida Abbey (age 41) born September, 1858, in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania-born parents, with 7 of the 8 children born to her still alive; his unmarried son, Irwin Abbey (age 24) born May, 1876, in Wisconsin to English Canadian and Wisconsin-born parents, a Traveling Salesman of Stationery; his unmarried daughter, Maude Abbey (age 18) born December, 1881, in Wisconsin to English Canadian and Wisconsin-born parents, a Dressmaker; his unmarried daughter, Emma Abbey (age 16) born February, 1884, in Wisconsin to English Canadian and Wisconsin-born parents; his son, Truman Abbey (age 14) born May, 1886, in Wisconsin to English Canadian and Wisconsin-born parents; his daughter, Edna Abbey (age 5) born March, 1895, in Wisconsin to English Canadian and Wisconsin-born parents; and his son, Allen Abbey (age 2) born June, 1898, in Wisconsin to English Canadian and Wisconsin-born parents.
This is Phoebe Elizabeth (Searle) Abbey, early January, 1902, and not Iva May "Ivy" (Abbey) Mayfield, which was the name written on the reverse side. Ennor's Electric Tassergraph Railway Studio, Stevens Point, Portage Co., WI. John A. Ennor operated this studio from 1891 to 1905. Thanks to the Trace family for making this image available.
Leigh Larson note:
Smaller communities along rail routes often lacked various amenities like medical specialists, clergymen, photographers, professional entertainers, and so forth. From the 1860s well into the early 1900s, railroad trains moved special cars outfitted for these purposes. J. A. Ennor's Palace Car, with headquarters in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, served as an example. From the time he purchased it in 1897 until 190s, it had a photo studio, darkroom, and living quarters for him and assistants, traveling in the middle and western states. It was remodeled, renamed Beauty, and operated as a traveling medical clinic by the New York Germal Specialists with a complete line of instruments for practice of surgery. After a brief time, Ennor (1861-1935) took over the car again and toured his vaudeville act as a dramatic lecturer and "traveloguer," as witnessed by the top of a magic lantern glass slide projector being held by the two men in the center of the sleigh. Ennor is likely the man in the fur coat. The railroad offered many opportunities to people of his type, as did steamboats. These speciality cars, as this photograph indicates, attracted curiosity-seekers like the small boys on the right who hung around the newest and most magnetic thing in town.
Iva May "Ivy" (Abbey) Mayfield, Melva Irene Mayfield, Mary Magdalena (Ambrose) Blake and Ida Elmira (Blake) Abbey, Leonard Studio, Richland Center, Richland Co., WI, about 1902. Thanks to the Trace family for making this image available.
Top row, Left to Right: Emma Jane (Shidell) Hollingshead; Lucinda Matilda (Abbey) Shidell. Bottom row, Left to Right: Phoebe Elizabeth "Phebe" (Searle) Abbey; Sarah Jane "Sadie" Hollingshead. The picture, dated early January, 1902, was from Joyce (Stanton) Hines, now deceased.
The 1905 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 1, 1905, shows Wm. Abby (age 53) born in Canada to England and Canada-born parents, is a married Farmer, and who owns his home with a mortgage, and is living in the City of Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife, Ida E. Abby (age 47) born in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania and Indiana-born parents; his unmarried son, Wm. A. Abby (age 29) born in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania and Indiana-born parents, a Traveling Salesman; his unmarried daughter, Emma J. Abby (age 21) a Housekeeper; his unmarried son, Chas. T. Abby (age 19) born in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania and Indiana-born parents, a Student; his daughter, Edna B. Abby (age 10) born in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania and Indiana-born parents; and his son, Glen A. Abby (age 7) born in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania and Indiana-born parents.
The 1905 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 1, 1905, shows Emma Abbey (age 21) born in Wisconsin to Canadian and Wisconsin-born parents is an unmarried Servant in the William F. Ferguson household and living in the 6th Ward, City of Madison, Dane Co., WI.
The Grand Rapids Tribune, Grand Rapids, Wood Co., WI, August 1, 1906
SHERRY.
The Sherry Christian Endeavor Society have elected the following officers for the ensuing year: President, Otto Paulson; Vice-Pres., Thomas J. Williams; Secretary, Miss Hazel Putney; Treasurer, Miss Luella Whitney; Organist, Mrs. John Lounsbury.
Our little burg has for the past few weeks been busy getting settled after the event of the establishing of the Northwestern Collegiate Institute here which brings several families to reside here and causing many moves to be made, and houses are now very scarce and competent carpenters are in demand.
William Searle Abbey Family, 32nd Wedding Anniversary, Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI, October, 1906.
The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 21, 1910 shows William Abbey (age 57) born in Canada to Canadian and English-born parents, and having immigrated in 1860, and a Naturalized Citizen, is a married Farm Laborer, and who owns his house with a mortgage, and is living in the 1st Ward, City of Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife of 35 years, Ida Abbey (age 51) born in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania-born parents, and with 7 of her 8 children born to her still alive, still alive; his unmarried daughter, Edna Abbey (age 15) born in Wisconsin to English Canadian and Wisconsin-born parents; and his unmarried son, Allen Abbey (age 11) born in Wisconsin to English Canadian and Wisconsin-born parents.
The 1910 U. S. Census taken taken on April 19, 1910, shows Emma Abbey (age 25) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents, is an unmarried Servant, and is living with the Private Family of John D. McDonald, 2124 First Avenue, 1st Ward, City of Spokane, Spokane Co., WA.
The Iowa County Democrat, Mineral Point, Iowa Co., WI, Thursday, December 14, 1911
Kicked by Horse.
Dodgeville Chronicle: William Abbey was kicked in the abdomen by a horse, Tuesday evening, at his home in this city, Suffering severe internal injuries. Dr. Pearce was summoned, and is attending the sufferer, who is apparently recovering rapidly.
The Mineral Point Weekly Tribune, Mineral Point, Iowa Co., WI, Thursday, October 23, 1913
DODGEVILLE NEWS.
From the Chronicle. Wm. Abbey was severely injured in a runaway accident Monday morning.
About 1915, William and Ida Abbey are living near Sherry Twp., Wood Co., WI.
The Grand Rapids Tribune, Grand Rapids, Wood Co., WI, Wednesday, October 20, 1915
Mr. Herman Jantz assumed the management of the N. C. I. farm on Monday. Mr. Abbey is assisting him. They are getting the fall plowing done and preparing for winter.
Leigh Larson note: N. C. I. stands for the Northwest Collegiate Institute.
The Grand Rapids Tribune, Grand Rapids, Wood Co., WI, Wednesday, June 2, 1915
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Anderson of Fairchild came by auto Saturday for a brief visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abby.
The Grand Rapids Tribune, Grand Rapids, Wood Co., WI, February 16, 1916
Mrs. Abby has gone to Dodgeville to visit her children. She has had the grip and it is hoped the change will do her good.
The Gazette, Stevens Point, Portage Co., WI, May 24, 1916
Isaac Abbey of Superior is visiting his brother Wm. Abbey.
Dick Schidell was injured last week by a falling log while working at the Abbey farm.
The Gazette, Stevens Point, Portage Co., WI, June 14, 1916
Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Anderson and daughter Ruth of Rothschild are visiting Mrs. Anderson's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Abbey. Allen Abbey, who was graduated from the High school at Dodgeville last week, returned here Saturday.
The Gazette, Stevens Point, Portage Co., WI, December 14, 1916
Allen Abbey who has been in the hospital and has been recovering from an operation, went to Fairfield with his sister and her husband on Monday, where he will remain until he has fully recovered, before returning to his home.
The Marshfield Times, Marshfield, Wood Co., WI, Wednesday, January 31, 1917
Sherry, January 29. - It is reported that William Abbey has sold his farm to a Mr. Gilbertson from Dodgeville.
The Wood County Reporter, Grand Rapids, Wood Co., WI, Thursday, March 29, 1917
REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS
William Abbey etux to Joseph Cutler w1/2 se 10-24-5 east.
The Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, Dane Co., WI, Saturday, March 9, 1918
DODGEVILLE.
Dodgeville, March 9. - Mr. and Mrs. William Abbey have gone to Elk Mounds, where they expect to remain for a year.
Leigh Larson note: Elk Mound is a Township, and also a small village located in Dunn Co., WI.
The Blake sisters, Edna Pearl (Blake) Lawton, Ida Elmira (Blake) Abbey, and Cora Jane (Blake) Pratt, about 1918.
The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 25, 1920, shows William Abbey (age 66) born in Port Hope, Canada, to Port Hope, Canada, and England-born parents, and having emigrated in 1859, and becoming a Naturalized citizen in 1900, is a married Farmer, and is living on Menomonee Road, Spring Brook Twp., Dunn Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife, Elmira Abbey (age 61) born in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania and Indiana-born parents; and his grandson, Dallas Stratman (age 15) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents.
By 1921 the William Abbey family was living in Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI.
William Searle "Bill" Abbey and Ida Elmira (Blake) Abbey, June 22, 1927.
William Searle Abbey Family 53rd Wedding Anniversary, Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI, June 22, 1927.
The Capital Times, Madison, Dane Co., WI, Saturday, June 25, 1927
Dodgeville Residents Celebrate Anniversary
DODGEVILLE. - Mr. and Mrs. William Abbey held a reunion at their home in honor of their 53rd wedding anniversary, June 22. Their seven children were present: Erwin W. Abbey, Breckenridge, Texas; Iva Abbey Mayfield, Chicago; Maude Abbey Stratman, Baraboo; Emma Abbey Larson Waupaca; C. T. Abbey, San Antonio, Texas; Edna Abbey Anderson, Eau Claire; G. Allen Abbey, Port Au Prince, Haiti, West Indies. Other guests were L. H. Anderson, Eau Claire; A. J. Larson, Waupaca, L. L. Mayfield and Marvin Mayfield, Chicago; Miss Marion Stratman, Baraboo; Ruth, Robert and Mary Anderson, of Eau Claire, Mrs. C. T. Abbey, San Antonio; Miss Olive Eppler, San Antonio; Mr. and Mrs. George Stratman and children Glen and Eleanor, Dodgeville; Donald Stratman, Dodgeville, Miss Ruby Mayfield, Chicago. This is the first reunion of this family in 21 years. Four generations were present - Mrs. William Abbey, great grandmother; Mrs. Maude Stratman, grandmother, George Stratman, father, and Master Glen Stratman. A dinner was served at noon.
The Capital Times, Madison, Dane Co., WI, Friday, August 5, 1927
Abbey Home, Dodgeville, Is Destroyed by Fire
DODGEVILLE, Wis. - Fire destroyed the home and garage of William Abbey on the outskirts of the village, Thursday afternoon. The residence caught fire from sparks caused by the burning of the pump house on the Dr. W. J. Pearce farm nearby, occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Wahl. A nephew of Mrs. Wahl was burned about the face in the explosion of a gasoline engine in the pump house. City firemen called to the scene were hampered by a lack of hose which allowed the flames to spread. The loss is estimated at $3,500.
The Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, Dane Co., WI, Tuesday September 18, 1928
Sisters Meet First Time in 35 Years
RICHLAND CENTER - Six sisters met for the first time in 35 years Sunday at the home of Mrs. Lou Pugh, Gotham. The sisters are the daughters of Simon and Mary Blake, pioneer residents of Richland county. One of the sisters has lived in the state of Washington for many years and this was her first visit to Wisconsin since 1907. She is Mrs. Viola Mason. The others are Mrs. William Abbey, Dodgeville; Mrs. Mary E. Davis, and Mrs. Charles Lovell, Madison; Mrs. Lou Pugh, Gotham; and Mrs. Pearl Lawton, Richland Center. Friends who attended were Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Mayfield, Marvin and Ruby Mayfield, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Klousia, Letha and Gerald Klausia of Ash Creek; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Stratman, Marian Stratman, Melva Perkins, Dodgeville; Clifford Pugh, Stevens Point; Harold Lovell, Muscoda; Martha and Helen Louise Lovell, Madison; Raymond Lawton, Richland Center; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Waite, Pern Pugh and Lou Pugh, Gotham. A picnic dinner was served.
The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 9, 1930, shows William Abbey (age 77) born in Canada emigrating in 1858 and a naturalized citizen, married at age 21 and retired, is living in his own home at 406 West Spring Street, Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI. Living with him is his wife Ida Abbey (age 71), married at age 16.
The Platteville Witness, Platteville, Grant Co., WI, Wednesday, January 14, 1931
Wm. Abbey of Dodgeville had the misfortune to fall in his home Saturday morning and sustain a broken right hip. Mr. Abbey is being made comfortable as possible at his home, but the injury at his age of 77 years is a serious one.
The Capital Times, Madison, Dane Co., WI, Wednesday, January 14, 1931
Dodgeville Man, 77, Breaks Hip
DODGEVILLE - William Abbey, 77, of this city, fell in his home Saturday and sustained a broken hip.
Edna Pearl (Blake) Lawton and Ida Elmira (Blake) Abbey, about 1934.
Shown above: Ida Elmira (Blake) Abbey and William Searle Abbey, about 1934
William Searle Abbey died on Saturday afternoon, June 22, 1935, at his home, Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI, at age 82. Buried in Section 4, Lot 1/4 7, Block A, Eastside Cemetery, Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI.
William Searle Abbey Death Certificate.
The Dodgeville Courier, Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI, 1935
Obituary
WILLIAM ABBEY DIES AT HIS HOME ON SATURDAY
William Abbey, age 82, died at his home in this city Saturday afternoon. Born at Port Hope, Canada, he came to Wisconsin when a youth and had been a resident of Dodgeville for the past thirty-five years. Several years ago he suffered a broken hip which had confined him to his home. A kind, industrious and honorable man he is survived by his bereaved wife; three sons, Erwin of Breckenridge, Texas; Truman of San Antonio, Texas; and Glenn Allen of Caracas, Venezuela; four daughters, Mrs. Cyrus Mayfield of Chicago; Mrs. Maude Stratman and Mrs. Almo Larson of Waupaca and Mrs. L. H. Anderson of Eau Claire, also many grandchildren, great grandchildren and other relatives. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the Lulloff funeral home with Rev. A. R. Klein of the Methodist church officiating. Burial was in East Side cemetery.
Stevens Point Daily Journal; Stevens Point, Portage Co., WI, Wednesday, April 7, 1937
Oakland Briefs
Oakland, Farmington, April 6 - Mrs. Abbey, Dodgeville, who has spent the winter with his daughter, Mrs. Almo Larson, leaves Wednesday for Eau Claire to visit another daughter before returning home.
Wilbur Larson of Ironwood, Mich., called on his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Almo Larson, Friday on his way to Milwaukee.
Mrs. Almo Larson is entertaining her club Friday afternoon.
In March, 1939, Ida Elmira (Blake) Abbey as a widow moved from the City of Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI, to Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI, to make her home with her daughter, Mrs. Almo Larson.
The 1940 U. S. Census taken on April 18, 1940, shows Almo Larson (age 54) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 1 year of College, is a married Farmer of a Farm, and who owns his farm worth $2,000 and is living in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife, Emma Larson (age 56) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 8 years of School; his unmarried son, Royal Swenson (age 16) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living elsewhere in Waupaca Co., WI, and with 2 years of High School; his daughter, Deloros Swenson (age 14) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living elsewhere in Waupaca Co., WI, and with 1 year of High School; his son, Donald Swenson (age 11) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living elsewhere in Waupaca Co., WI, and with 5 years of School; his son, Robert Mathewson (age 14) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living elsewhere in Waupaca Co., WI, and with 1 year of High School; his widowed mother-in-law, Ida Abbey (age 82) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living in Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI, and with 8 years of School; and an unmarried Hired Hand, Richard Johnson (age 19) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living elsewhere in Waupaca Co., WI, and with 8 years of School, a Farm Hand. Leigh Larson note: The four children that the census taker listed as Almo's, were not his natural children, but may have been foster children. The Almo Larson home sponsored numerous foster children and wards of the court.
Ida Elmira (Blake) Abbey died Monday evening, October 6, 1941, at Waupaca Community Hospital and Clinic, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, at age 83. Buried in Section 4, Lot 1/4 7, Block A, Eastside Cemetery, Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI.
Ida Elmira (Blake) Abbey Death Certificate.
The Capital Times; Madison, Dane Co., WI, Wednesday, October 8, 1941
Dodgeville Woman Dies at Waupaca
DODGEVILLE, Wis. - Mrs. Ida Blake Abbey, 83, Dodgeville, died at a hospital at Waupaca Monday night. A resident of Wisconsin for 80 years, Mrs. Abbey had lived here for the past 44 years. Survivors are three sons, Erwin Abbey, Odessa, Tex., C. P. Abbey, San Antonio, Tex., and Glenn Allen Abbey, U. S. counsel general at London, Eng.; four daughters, Mrs. Cyrus Mayfield, Cicero, Ill., Mrs. Mauda Stratman and Mrs. Elmo Larson, both of Waupaca, and Mrs. Louis Anderson, Eau Claire; four sisters; 16 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. Services will be Thursday at 12:30 at the Lulloff funeral home here. The Rev. Dean Irish of the Methodist church will officiate. Burial will be in the East Side cemetery here.
The Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, Dane Co., WI, Wednesday, October 8, 1941
Mrs. Abbey
DODGEVILLE - Funeral services will be held here Thursday at 12:30 p. m. for Mrs. Emma Abbey, 80, who died in Waupaca on Monday night. The Rev. Dean W. Irish, First Methodist pastor, will conduct the last rites at the Lulloff funeral home and burial will be in the Eastside cemetery. Mrs. Abbey is survived by three sons, Erwin, Breckenridge, Tex.; Truman, San Antonio, Tex., and Glenn Allen, Caracas, Venezuela; four daughters, Mrs. Cyrus Mayfield, Chicago; Mrs. Maude Stratman and Mrs. Almo Larson, Waupaca, and Mrs. L. H. Anderson, Eau Claire.
The Appleton Post-Crescent, Appleton, Winnebago Co., WI, Wednesday, October 8, 1941
Mother of Waupaca Woman Succumbs
Waupaca - Mrs. Ida Abbey, 83, mother of Mrs. Almo Larson, with whom she had lived for two years, died Monday evening at a local hospital after a brief illness. There are seven children; Mrs. Larson and Mrs. Maude Stratman, Waupaca; Mrs. Cyrus Mayfield, Cicero, Ill.; Mrs. L. H. Anderson, Eau Claire; Ervin, Odessa, Tex.; Charles T., San Antonio, Tex., and Glenn Allen, London, England. Funeral services will be at 12:30 Thursday afternoon at the Lulloff Funeral home, Dodgeville, former home of the deceased, and burial will be in Dodgeville cemetery.
The Dodgeville Courier, Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI, Thursday, October 9, 1941
MRS. IDA B. ABBEY WILL BE BURIED HERE TODAY
The funeral for Mrs. Ida B. Abbey, who died Monday evening in a Waupaca hospital, will be held this Thursday afternoon at 12:30 o'clock from the Lulloff Funeral Home, with Rev. Deane W. Irish officiating. Mrs. Abbey, who was 83 years of age last Sept. 17th, was a splendid mother and citizen and appeared and acted much younger than her years. For 35 years she was a resident of Dodgeville and left here two years ago last March to make her home with her daughter, Mrs. Almo Larson at Waupaca. Surviving are three sons: Erwin of Breckenridge, Tex.; Truman of San Antonio, Texas and Glenn Allen of the diplomatic corps in London, England; four daughters, Mrs. Cyrus Mayfield of Chicago; Mrs. Almo Larson and Mrs. Maude Stratman of Waupaca and Mrs. L. H. Anderson of Eau Claire. There are also many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Burial will be made in East Side Cemetery beside her husband, William Abbey who preceded her in death, June 24, 1935.
Erwin William Abbey died December 26, 1941, in Odessa, Ector Co., TX, at age 65. Buried in Ector County Cemetery, Odessa, Ector Co., TX.
The Odessa American, Odessa, Ector Co., TX, Monday, December 29, 1941
Rites Held Sunday For E. W. Abbey, Penwell Driller
Funeral services were held here Sunday afternoon for Erwin William Abbey, 65-year-old Penwell driller who died Friday night. Dr. C. A. Johnson, former pastor of the First Christian Church, officiated. Abbey had lived in Penwell for the past five years, working as a driller in the surrounding oil fields. He moved in to Odessa six months ago when he became ill. Survivors are: the widow, a daughter, Ruth Boggs of Odessa, four sisters, Mrs. Emma Larson of Waupaca, Wis., Mrs. Mancel Strapman of Waupaca, Wis., Mrs. Ina Mayfield of Chicago, and Mrs. Edna Anderson of Eu Claire, Wis.; and two brothers, Glen Allen Abbey of London, Eng., and C. T. Abbey of San Antonio.
In 1941, C. T., Dollie and June Abbey went to California and stopped in Odessa, Texas, to see Mr. Abbey's brother, Erwin. It turned out that Erwin was in very poor financial circumstances and was in bed very sick, perhaps with pneumonia. Mr. Abbey, Dollie and June went on to California and when they came back through Odessa to see how Erwin was getting along they discovered that he had died, and Mr. Abbey took care of the funeral. Mr. Abbey had always been very devoted to Erwin. Mr. Abbey was a very sensitive person but he would never express his feelings but you could tell how deeply affectionate he was to people in general and to many particular people such as his brother Erwin.
Abbey Picnic at the Andersons, Eau Claire, WI, about 1951
Glenn Allan Abbey died January 28, 1962, in the Santa Rosa Medical Center, 923 Cambridge Oval, Alamo Twp., San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX, at age 63. Buried in Mission Burial Park, San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX.
Edna Blake (Abbey) Anderson died February 14, 1962, in Eau Claire, Eau Claire Co., WI, at age 66. Buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire, Eau Claire Co., WI.
Iva Mae "Ivy" (Abbey) Mayfield died December 15, 1976, in Parkview Terrace Nursing Home, Platteville, Grant Co., WI, at age 97. Buried in Eastside Cemetery, Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI.
Truman Fremont (a/k/a Charles Truman) "C. T." Abbey died July 23, 1977, in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX, at age 91. Buried in Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX.
Emma Jane (Abbey) Larson died March 31, 1985, at Pine Ridge Manor, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, at age 101. Buried in Salem (Old Swede) Cemetery, Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI.
Mary Maude (Abbey) Stratman died September 30, 1986, at the Riverside Nursing Home, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, at age 104. Buried in Eastside Cemetery, Dodgeville, Iowa Co., WI.
Leigh Larson visited the Dodgeville High School on June 1, 2005, and found a ledger listing of graduates in the early years of the high school. Only two of the Abbey children, Truman Abbey (Class of 1906) and Allan Abbey (Class of 1916) are listed. None of the other Abbey children are recorded as having graduated.