Biographical Sketch of John McAbel, Lafayette County, Missouri

>From "History of Lafayette County, Mo., carefully written and compiled
from the most authentic official and private sources" St. Louis, Mo.
Historical Company, 1881.
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John McAbel, blacksmith and merchant, postoffice Dover.  The subject of
this sketch is a native of Marion county, Mo., born May 6, 1822.  His
parents moved from Marion to Polk county, Mo., in 1832, where his father
opened up a farm, he being the second man to put in a crop of corn in 
the county.  They lived in Polk county eight years.  John then started 
out into the world for himself, going to Texas, where he remained for 
two years.  He then returned to Hannibal, Marion county, where he learn-
ed his trade, serving an apprenticeship of four and a half years with
John S. Hetrick, of that place.  In 1847, April 27th, he was married to
Miss Lucinda Bryant, of Ralls county, a native of Virginia, by whom he 
has one child: John J.  His wife dying, he was again married to Mrs.
Elizabeth Estes, nee Franklin.  On account of his wife's ill health, Mr.
McAbel spent the greater portion of the time until 1877, in traveling
through various counties of the state, seeking a congenial climate. 
During his travels he located for a short time in each of the following
places: Lexington, Waverly, Malta Bend, Arrow Rock, Jacksonville, 
Randolph county, Macon City, Macon county, Bloomington, same county,
Waverly again and then in 1877 coming to Dover, where he now resides.  
He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Dover Lodge, 122, and also of the
I. O. G. T., Dover Lodge, 221.  Is also a member in good standing of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South.  Mr. McAbel is the founder of Alpha
Lodge, at Waverly, and through his influence the lodge at Dover was
formed.  He has been a Good Templar since 1837.  Is the "village black-
smith" of Dover, and is doing a splendid business in his line.  Is an
influential man and a good citizen.

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