Newton Co., IN Biography

Newton County, Washington Township.  A History of Warren, Benton,
Japer & Newton Counties, 1883.

   ABEL THOMPSON, son of Jabez and Rebecca Thompson, was born 
January 8, 1830, in Warren County, Indiana, where the parents
were early settlers.  His father was a farmer and a blacksmith.
Abel worked on the farm and attended school until the death of 
his parents, which event took place when he was about seventeen
years of age, after which he continued farming.
   On February 6, 1850, he married Matilda Magee, who bore him one
child, Matilda E., deceased.  His wife died November 26, 1853.
   On January 15, 1854, he married Susanna McFarland, daughter 
of Moses McFarland, of Tippecanoe County, Indiana.  The children
born to them were Jasper Newton (deceased), Elizabeth J., William
Otterbein, Martin L. (deceased), Norvill E. (deceased).
   Our subject was in the saw mill business until 1859, when he
exchanged his mill for farming land in Washington Township, Newton
County, where he removed his family and carried on general farming,
also dealt some in stock, he being the first to bring to this 
county some fine imported hogs.  He prospered, and added to his 
possessions until he had 190 acres of good farming land.
   An affliction of rose cancer, however, cut short his prosperous
career, and after much suffering, as well, as the efforts of many
able physicians to save his life, he died at Indianapolis November
22, 1878; he was esteemed by all, and was a member of the United
Brethren Church, of which he was a Class Leader and Steward; his 
widow is now living at the old homestead with his son, William
Otterbein, who married, September 30, 1880, Cynthia J. Best, 
daughter of John B. and Mary (Moffett) Best.  Two children have
been born to this union--John A. (deceased) and Walter S.  William 
is a member of the United Brethren Church, his wife of the Baptist.


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Submitted By Gerald Born
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