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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County
Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890

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The Biography of Daniel ABBOTT 

Pages 649-650, transcribed in full by Danni Hopkins 

[Surnames: ABBOTT, BABBITT, SHEPLEY, WELLER] 

DANIEL ABBOTT. The publishers of this Album would fail in their object of presenting to their readers a review of the lives of the citizens of the county, were they to omit that of Daniel Abbott, a prominent lawyer of Canton. He was born in this county May 21, 1838, being the oldest son of John W. and Christiana (Babbitt) Abbott. He was reared on a farm, received his fundamental education in the district schools, and later entered Lombard University at Galesburg, where he prosecuted his studies two years. He then, in 1859, began the study of law, pursuing his reading two and a half years. 

In January, 1866, Mr. Abbott was admitted to the bar, and in March of the same year began his practice in Canton. He is well acquainted with the technicalities of his profession, understands how to present a case, and his command of language is such that he wins close attention from all who hear him. His commanding appearance is perhaps an aid in this, although we know that men of mental ability can make their way unaided by exterior qualifications. Mr. Abbott practices in local, State, and Federal courts, and his ability has been recognized in many a hard-fought contest in the legal arena. From 1872 to 1880 he served as States Attorney, having been elected on the Democratic ticket. In 1875-76 he was the incumbent of the Mayor's Chair. He has also represented the Fourth Ward in the City Council, and was for one term Supervisor of Canton Township. 
    
The solemn rites which united the lives and fortunes of Mr. Abbott and Miss Amelia W. Weller, of Ogle County, took place November 12, 1863. The bride was a daughter of Daniel and Mary Weller, was possessed of a cultured mind and a worthy character. She passed away in March, 1881, leaving four children--Charles D., Frances M., John C. and Grace Y. February 15, 1883. Mr. Abbott contracted a second matrimonial alliance, leading to the hymenela altar, Miss Alice A. Shepley, of Deerfield Township. This lady is a daughter of Andrew J. Shepley, Esq., now of Canton, and a partner of Mr. Abbott in the insurance and real estate business. Mrs. Abbott is a charming, cultured woman, who gracefully presides over the palatial modern residence which the family occupy. She is the mother of two children--Lyle S. and Lesley V. 
    
Of the social orders, Mr. Abbott is identified with that of Masonry, holding membership in Morning Star Lodge, No. 734, F. & A. M., Canton Chapter and Consistory. In politics he is a Democrat, and by no means an unimportant member of the party in this section. He affords an excellent example of representative citizenship, lawabiding, public-spirited, efficient in the discharge of official duties when called upon to serve his fellowmen, and a popular member of the best society which the region affords. Besides his handsome city property, he owns a good farm of two hundres and eighty acres in this county, well stocked with hogs, cattle and horses. 
    
The father of our subject was born in Pittsburg, Pa., December 12, 1812, and was the son of Richard Abbott, likewise a native of the Keystone State, and of English ancestry. Grandfather Abbott removed to Scott County, Ind., late in life, and was there gathered to his fathers. In 1837, while still a single man, John W. Abbott came to this county, and the same year married and settled in Canton. He soon after returned to Indiana and in 1847, he came back to Fulton County, and located in Farmington Township. He carried on general farming. His demise took place in 1876, and he was survived by his wife and eight children. the widow is still living, enjoying reasonably good health, and making her home on a farm in Joshua Township. Her father, Daniel Babbitt, is numbered among the early settlers of this county, to which he came in 1827.