25th Generation

151. Laura Estella "Stella" WATROUS was born on 5 November 1845 in Genesee Junction, Monroe County, NY.^4,6,45,48

(She was not listed with her mother and siblings in the 1850 or 1860 Census.)

. She appeared in the census in 1850 in Oakfield Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.⁴⁵ She was listed as "Larys A," age 4, a male. She appeared in the census in 1860 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.⁸⁸ She was living in the household of her sister Mary Jane and her husband William Allen, and her name was listed as "Laura Walters." Stella appeared in the census in 1870 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.⁸⁹ She was listed as "Laura Estelle." She appeared in the census in 1880 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.²⁸ She appeared in the census in 1900 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.^27,90,104

(She could not be found in Byron Township or Oakfield in the 1910 or 1920 Census'.) Stella appeared in the census in 1910 in Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.²⁷ She was living in the household of her son George and his family. She was listed as "Estella," a 64-year-old widow, and who had 5 children, of whom 3 were living at the time.

. She appeared in the census in 1920 in Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.¹⁰⁵ She died on 9 July 1921 at the age of 75 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.^4,6,48 Stella was buried in Byron, Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.⁴⁸ in the Byron Cemetery.

Laura Estella "Stella" WATROUS and Wellington ABBEY were married on 28 March 1866 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.^6,48 Wellington ABBEY, son of Nathaniel Abner ABBEY and Mary NEUGENT, was born on 22 April 1840 in Port Hope, Durham County, Ontario Province, Canada.^48,106

"Wellington Abbey was born April 22, 1840 in Port Hope, Durham Co., Canada West, and died September 23, 1901 in Fond du Lac, WI at age 61. He was the son of Nathaniel Abner Abbey of Canada and Mary Nugent of County Cavan, Ireland.

Laura Estella Watrous was born November 5, 1845 in Genesee Junction, Monroe Co., NY and died July 9, 1921 in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac, WI at age 75. She was the daughter of Russell Watrous of Connecticut and Lovisa Beebe of Massachusetts.

Wellington and Laura were married March 28, 1866 in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI.

Wellington and Laura had six children:
Mary Laura Abbey: b. June 16, 1867 in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI; d. 1867 (Age infant)
George William Abbey: b. April 26, 1868 in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI; d. April 3, 1943 in Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., MN (Age 73)
Albert A. Abbey: b. June 9, 1872 in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI; d. February, 1890 (Age 17)
Edith May Abbey: b. August 10, 1874 in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI; d. March 21, 1951 in Lomira Twp., Dodge Co., WI (Age 76)
Russell Louis Abbey: b. May 9, 1882 in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI; d. Before 1959 in Rhinelander, Oneida Co., WI
(Unknown) Abbey; b. Between 1889 and 1900 in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI; d. Before 1900

Wellington and Laura are both buried in Byron Cemetery, Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on July 23, 1860 shows Wellington Abbey (age 20) born in Canada is a Laborer living with the Alfred Bliss family (Farmer) in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI. Census Page 10 of 35. His brother Francis Abbey and sister Sarah (Abbey) Harris are listed on Census Page 9 living in the Henry Harris household, two farms away.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on June 6, 1870 shows Wellington Aby (age 29) born in Canada West is a farmer living in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI with real estate of $4,000 and personal property of $700. Living with him is his wife Laura Estelle Aby (age 24) born in New York, as well as their son George Aby (age 1) born in Wisconsin. Also living there is Wellington's brother, Orrin Aby (age 23) a farm laborer born in Canada West.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 7, 1880 shows Wellington Abbey (age 40) born in Canada is a farmer living in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI. Living with him are his wife of Laura Abbey (age 34) born in New York, and their children George Abbey (age 11), Bert Abbey (age 7), and Edith Abbey (age 5). The children were born in Wisconsin. Two servants were also living in the household.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 19, 1900 shows Wellington Abby (age 59) with a birth date of April, 1851 born in Canada of Canadian and Irish-born parents is a farmer living in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI. Living with him are his wife of 34 years Estella L. Abby (age 54) born November 1845 in New York of Scottish and Massachusetts-born parents, and their youngest son Louis R. Abby (age 18) born May 1882 in Wisconsin, a farm laborer. Wellington indicated he came to the USA in 1848 and is naturalized. Three of their six children were still living.

Wellington Abbey died September 23, 1901 in Fond du Lac Co., WI at age 61. He is buried in Byron Cemetery, Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 25, 1910 shows Estella Abbey (age 64) a widow is living in Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac Co., WI with her son George William Abbey (age 40) a commercial candy salesman, along with his wife Regina Abbey (age 34) and their children Beatrice Abbey (age 8), Thomas Abbey (age 5), Donald Abbey (age 3), and George Abbey (age 3/12), all children born in Wisconsin.

The 1920 U.S. Census taken on January 11, 1920 George Abbey (age 47) is a commercial trader of candy is living at 35 Olcott Street, Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac Co., WI with his wife, Regina Abbey (age 42). Their children living there are: Beatrice M. Abbey (age 19); Thomas Abbey (age 15); Donald Abbey (age 13); George Abbey (age 9); Harold Abbey (age 8); and Gordon Abbey (age 2). George's mother Estella Abbey (age 75), a widow, is also living there.

Laura Estella (Watrous) Abbey died July 9, 1921 in Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac Co., WI at age 75. She is buried in Byron Cemetery, Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI."

Reprinted from History of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Western Historical Company, Chicago, IL 1880: WELLINGTON ABBY, Sec. 20, P.O. Byron; born in Canada West in 1840; son of Mary and Abner Abby, a carpenter and joiner and farmer; he was educated in the public schools; in the year 1850, went to Sheboygan Co., Wis., and, in 1852, came to Fond du Lac Co.; from that time he lived part of the time in Canada and part in this country, until 1861, when he joined Co. A, 14th W.V.I., and went to war and served through the entire war; was mustered out in 1865. Married in Byron, in the spring of 1866, to Estella L., daughter of Louisa and Russell Watrous, a carpenter and joiner living in Oakfield. He owns 120 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre. They have three children---George W., Burt and Edith M. Mr. A. is politically a Greenbacker."

.
He emigrated in 1848 from Canada.¹⁰⁵ He appeared in the census in 1860 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.⁸⁸ He was a laborer at the farm of Alfred Bliss. Wellington appeared in the census in 1870 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.⁸⁹ His household consisted of Wellington, his wife Laura, their son George, and Orrin Abbey, age 23, a "farm laborer" born in Canada. Orrin was very possibly a brother of Wellington. He appeared in the census in 1880 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.²⁸ His household consisted of Wellington, his wife Laura, and their children George, Bert and Edith, as well as two servants. He appeared in the census in 1900 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.⁹⁰ His household consisted of Wellington, his wife Laura, their son "Louis" and a servant. Wellington died on 23 September 1902 at the age of 62 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.^48,106 Obituary Notes from the Find-a-Grave Website: "Wellington Abbey is the son of Nathaniel and Mary (Nugent) Abbey and was born in Canada West (now Ontario). He came to Sheboygan in 1850, and to Fond du Lac in 1852. Living part time in Canada and part time in this country until 1861, when he joined Company A, of the 14th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served through the entire Civil war.

He married Laura Estella Watrous on March 28, 1866 at Byron. They farmed 120 acres in Section 20 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County and raised three children to adulthood.

Known children of Wellington Abbey and Laura Estella Watrous are:

1. Mary Laura Abbey (1867-1867)
2. George William Abbey (1868-1943)
3. Albert A Abbey (1872-1890)
4. Edith May Abbey (Kuen) (1874-1951)
5. Russel Louis Abbey (1882)
6. Unknown Abbey (1889-1889)"

(Source of Abbey Family information: Leigh R. Larson of Scotsdale AZ and Johnson Creek WI)

Other Information: "Wellington Abbey enlisted and mustered into Company A, 14th Regiment of Infantry, Wisconsin Volunteers, December 9, 1861, and was mustered out as a Corporal at mobile, Alabama, October 8, 1865. He filed for a Civil War veteran's pension November 13, 1879, and received certificate No. 391,646. Laure E. Abbey, his widow, filed for a widow's pension April 27, 2903, and received certificate No. 616,800.
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See FAG Memorial# 20984502 for Orrin Abbey. Orrin was enumerated in the household of his brother Wellington Abbey at Byron in the 1870 U.S. Census and married Adelia Corey in 1872, in Dodge County, Wisconsin. He resided for many years in Republic County, Kansas and later moved to New Mexico for health reasons. Orrin died in New Mexico.

(Thanks to David Jackson for the referral to Orrin Abbey and Wellington Abbey's service records)

Reprinted from Portrait and Biographical Album of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois 1889:

"WELLINGTON ABBEY, a general farmer and stock raiser, residing on section 20, in the town of Byron, was born in Port Hope, Canada, on the 22d day of April, 1840, and is a son of Nathaniel A. and Mary (Neugent) Abbey. The paternal grandparents of our subject were natives of Dutchess County, N. Y., but shortly after the Revolutionary War removed to Canada, where Nathaniel Abbey was born.

The mother of our subject was a native of County Cavan, Ireland, and in early life emigrated to Canada, where she became acquainted with and married Mr. Abbey. Unto them was born a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters. Isaac, the eldest, enlisted in the Union service during the late war, as a member of the 14th Wisconsin Infantry, and with the exception of the battle of Tupelo, participated in every engagement with his regiment until the close of the war. He had escaped death or injury from rebel bullets, but on the 9th of October, 1865, the day on which the regiment was discharged, he died from disease caused by the hardships and exposure incident to army life. His death occurred in Mobile, Ala., and he was laid to rest in the National Cemetery near that city.

Wellington, of this sketch, is the second in order of birth. Orin, a retired farmer, now residing in Belleview, Kan., was also a valiant soldier during the late war, having served in the navy for one year, and as a member of the 38th Wisconsin Infantry for two years. Frank, when but fifteen years of age, responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in the ranks of the 38th Wisconsin Infantry, in which he served two years, and is now residing in Beaver Crossing, Neb. Abner is engaged in farming near Grand Forks, Dak. Elizabeth is now deceased. She had prepared to make a visit to our subject, when she was foully murdered. She was at that time residing near Port Hope, Canada. It was known that she had money in the bank, and the assassin probably supposed that she had some about her person. For three months after her disappearance no clue was found to the mystery, nor could any trace of her be found. At the end of that time the body was one day discovered, sitting erect against a step, and on examination it was found that a bullet had penetrated her heart. Sarah Ann became the wife of John Harris, and they now reside near Sauk Rapids, Minn. The children were all born in Port Hope, Canada.

Nathaniel Abbey, the father of the family, was a carpenter by trade, but in connection with that business followed the occupation of farming. His death occurred in the month of March, 1849, and he was buried in the old cemetery near where he resided. He was a man of a quiet and retiring disposition, but received the respect of all who knew him. His wife survived him for many years. After the death of her husband she became a resident of Wisconsin, locating in Sheboygan County, where she purchased a claim, which had been entered by a Mr. Grant.

For two years she made her home upon that farm, when, selling her interest to her deceased husband's brother, with her son Abner, she returned to Canada, where the remainder of her days were passed. She was a devoted member of the Baptist Church, and was beloved by all who knew her. She died at her home in Millbrook, Ontario, Canada, in 1888, and was laid to rest in the burying ground in that city.

The subject of this sketch spent his early life in his native land. His father dying when he was but nine years old, and there being five younger children in the family, he was early thrown upon his own resources, and is truly a self-made man. When but fifteen years of age he began earning his own livelihood, and from that time has been dependent upon his own efforts. Of a hopeful and energetic disposition, he never gave way to the trials and difficulties with which he was surrounded, but pressed steadily forward to the end. His educational advantages were necessarily very limited, but possessing a retentive memory and an observing eye, he has largely supplemented the knowledge acquired from text books in his early years. Much of his leisure time has been spent in study, and in his home will be found a good library, together with many of the leading perodicals and papers. Few men are better informed on the issues of the day, or have a more extensive knowledge of the general affairs of the country. With the family Mr. Abbey left his native land, and in 1849 removed to Sheboygan County, Wis., where he resided until becoming a resident of Fond du Lac County in 1851. The greater part of his life has here since been passed, and he has been prominently identified with the history and progress of the community. Leigh Larson note: The Abbey family is not listed in the 1850 U. S. Census for Sheboygan Co., WI.

At the age of fifteen years he began working as a farm hand, and also engaged in various other occupations in order to earn a livelihood. In 1851, the family returned to Canada, but Mr. Abbey remained a resident of Fond du Lac until the fall of 1859, when he visited his mother in his native country. The succeeding two years were spent at her home, but in the meantime he had watched with growing interest the preparations for war, which were steadily carried forward in the South. Returning to Wisconsin, on the 9th day of December, 1861, he could no longer withstand the desire to enlist, and offered his services to the country. He was assigned to Company A, of the 14th Regiment of Wisconsin Infantry, and passed the winter in camp. In March, 1862, the regiment was ordered to the front, and on arriving at the seat of war participated in the last day's battle of Shiloh. The gallant 14th captured the flag of the 17th Mississippi Regiment the day before the battle of Tupelo. They next participated in the battle of Tupelo, where a rebel ball passed through the hat of our subject. At the battle of Pittsburg Landing the regiment did effective service, then proceeded to Cornith, and after the engagement at that place, continued on to Vicksburg. In the siege against that city they made a desperate attack on the rebel works. During the thickest of the fight our subject saw his cousin, Charles Abbey, lying wounded upon the field, his feet toward the fort. Hastening to his side, he ascertained that a ball had passed through his right thigh. With a view of making him more comfortable, and if at all possible procure assistance, he raised him up, but just at that moment a ball, undoubtedly aimed at Wellington, struck Charles and pierced his heart. Mr. Abbey lifted him to his feet, and in his arms, amid the hiss of balls, and the heart-rendering screams of the wounded and dying, the brave soldier drew his last breath, and his spirit returned to Him who gave it. Victory was achieved, but the awful price was the lives of such brave men, who fell by the thousands. After the last sad rites were performed and the body of his loved cousin was consigned to its resting place, Mr. Abbey with a sad heart rejoined his regiment. After the siege of Vicksburg, with his comrades he participated in the battle of Holly Springs, where the supplies of the army were captured. They then embarked on vessels, and proceeded down the Mississippi River, where they secured a large quantity of cotton, and then continued on their way to Milliken's Bend, where the regiment was engaged in cutting a canal. Joining McPherson's corps they marched to Vicksburg, and thence to Nachez, where for some time they served as Provost Guard. Later they returned to Vicksburg again. The term of service of the regiment had then expired, but with nearly all of his comrades, Mr. Abbey re-enlisted, and was allowed to return home on a veteran furlough of thirty days. At the expiration of that time the members of the regiment again met at Vicksburg, and later proceeded on the Red River expedition under Gen. A. J. Smith, in which they captured Ft. Duressa. Unable to guard the place they blew up the magazine, and burst the cannon, pieces flying in every direction. When the work of destruction had been accomplished, the forces again embarked in boats with the intention of proceeding further on, but the news of Bank's defeat reaching them, they returned to Alexandria, where the rebels undertook to drive back the boats. They were unsuccessful. Gen. Green, their commander, having his head blown off in the encounter. In all the engagements of the Red River expedition the 14th Wisconsin Regiment nobly did its duty, and at Alexandria fought night and day. Returning to Memphis, the forces then proceeded against Gen. Forest, and after successfully accomplishing their task, that of routing the army, they went up White River to Little Rock, following Price through Arkansas. They marched on to Cape Girardeau, a distance of 365 miles, where they took boats and proceeded up the river to Jefferson City, and from there to Warrensburg, by rail. They next took part in the campaign against Hood, and later continued on to Eastport and Corinth, where they embarked, sailing down the Tennessee, Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Vicksburg and New Orleans. From Dauphin Island they crossed the bay to Fish River, and on by land to Spanish Fort. Foe eleven days they besieged the fort, which at length surrendered, when the forces were ordered to Montgomery, Ala. While in that city the news was received of the assassination of President Lincoln. The feeling of sadness and horror which pervaded the army at that time can better be imagined described. The regiment received its discharge at Mobile, Ala., Oct. 9, 1865. On the morning of that day Mr. Abbey laid to rest his brother, who was also his comrade during all the long years of service. He then turned his weary face homeward, and at length reached Fond du Lac County. His term of service continued almost through four years, during which time he was never known to shirk any task, but was always found at his post, faithful to the duty imposed upon him.

On his return Mr. Abbey turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, purchasing a farm in the town of Byron, near Nightingale Corners. A few months later he was united in marriage with Miss Laura Estella Watrous, the wedding ceremony taking place on the 28th day of March, 1866. The young couple began their domestic life upon the farm first purchased, and there made their home until 1873, when Mr. Abbey sold out and purchased 120 acres of land on section 20, Byron Township. He has since extended the boundaries of his farm, until it now comprises 485 acres, all under a high state of cultivation. It is one of the best farms in the township: the barns and outbuildings are models of convenience, the stock which he raises is all of good grades, and the many improvements which he has made are both useful and ornamental. He is industrious, and his home with its entire surroundings is characterized by neatness and regularity.
Five children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Abbey, the eldest of whom died in infancy: George W., who was born April 26, 1868, is now engaged as a traveling salesman for the firm of Boyle Bros., of Fond du Lac; Albert A. was born June 9, 1872; Edith, Aug. 10, 1874; and Lewis R., the youngest, May 9, 1882. In his social relations Mr. Abbey is a member of the G. A. R., belonging to the local post of Fond du Lac. Politically, he is a Republican, and a strong advocate of prohibition principles. He gives of his means, and supports by his influence, all enterprises which are calculated to be of public benefit, and is ranked among the best citizens of the county. None are held in higher regard in the community than Wellington Abbey, who has so long and prominently been identified with its farming interests."

Reprinted from the Abbe-Abbey History by Cleveland Abbey
"Wellington Abbey, son of Nathaniel and Mary (Nugent) Abbey, born in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada, April 22. 1840; died in Fond du Lac, WI, September 23, 1901. As his father died when he was but a child, he was early thrown upon his own resources and from the time he was fifteen he was dependent upon his own efforts. While his early education was limited, he became a well-informed man due to his retentive memory and his constant habits of study. In his home were always found the leading papers and periodicals and a well-equipped library. With the family, he came from Canada to Sheboygan, WI, in 1849. In 1851, his mother with the other children returned to Canada and Wellington removed to Fond du Lac Co., where he afterward resided with the exception of two years, 1859 to 1861, which he spent with his mother in Canada.

Returning to Wisconsin, he enlisted December 9, 1861, in Company A, 14th Wisconsin Infantry. After a winter in camp, the regiment was ordered to the front and participated in the last day of the Battle of Shiloh. The day before the Battle of Tupelo the 14th captured the flag of the 17th Mississippi Regiment, and participated in that battle, when a bullet passed through Mr. Abbey's hat. The regiment rendered effective service at the Battle of Pittsburg, then proceeded to Corinth and on to the Siege of Vicksburg. During the thickest of the fight, Mr. Abbey saw his cousin, Charles Abbey, lying wounded, a ball having passed through his right thigh. He raised him up in an effort to relieve him, and just at that moment a ball, undoubtedly aimed at Wellington, struck Charles and pierced him through the heart.

After the Siege of Vicksburg, the regiment was in the Battle of Holly Springs, then embarked down the Mississippi where they assisted in the capture of a quantity of cotton and in digging a canal. They then saw service at Vicksburg and Natchez, and, after a furlough of thirty days, nearly all re-enlisted and proceeded on the Red River Expedition. During the rest of the war they were engaged in Arkansas and other states in the South and were in Montgomery when the news of Lincoln's assassination reached them. They were discharged at Mobile, AL, October 9, 1865, and after burying his brother Isaac, who died that very day, Wellington returned to Fond du Lac, and purchased a farm in Byron, which, with additions, became one of the best farms in the township.

Mr. Abbey was a member of the G. A. R. and a strong advocate of prohibition principles. In the fall of 1901 he retired to Fond du Lac. He was buried in the cemetery near the little country church in Byron, where he had already erected a monument to his children who had died before.

Married in Fond du Lac Co., March 28, 1866, Laura Estella Watrous, who survived him."

He was buried in Byron, Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.⁴⁸ in the Byron Cemetery.

Laura Estella "Stella" WATROUS and Wellington ABBEY had the following children:

169	i.	Mary Laura ABBEY was born on 16 June 1867 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.^6,48 She died in 1867 at the age of 0 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.⁴⁸ (She was not living with her family during the 1870 or 1880 Census; she must have died.) She was buried in 1867 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.⁴⁸ in the Byron Cemetery.
+170	ii.	George William ABBEY.
171	iii.	Albert A. "Bert" ABBEY was born on 9 June 1872 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.^6,48 (This is a picture of the Wellington family gravestones. Records show the following are buried here, left to right: Infant, Mary L. 1868-1868; Bert, son 1872-1895; Wellington 1840-1902; Laura, his wife 1848-1921. All markers are no longer legible, but appear to have been recently reset (in 2003) to a proper depth. An adjacent grave marker is for Louis A. Ferris 1810-1894, and has a veteran marker. Leigh Larson feels that this is really the grave marker for Lovisa (Beebe) (Watrous) (Peoples) Ferris, the mother of Laura Estella (Watrous) Abbey. He appeared in the census in 1880 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.²⁸ He died in February 1890 at the age of 17.^6,48 Bert was buried in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.⁹⁶
+172	iv.	Edith May ABBEY.
173	v.	Lewis "Russell" ABBEY was born on 9 May 1882 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.^6,48 He appeared in the census in 1900 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.⁹⁰ He died in 1946 at the age of 64 in Rhinelander, Oneida County, WI.^48,96
174	vi.	(Infant Son) was born on 26 February 1889 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.^96,105,106 He died on 1 May 1889 at the age of 0 in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.^96,106 He was buried in Byron Township, Fond du Lac County, WI.⁹⁶