Abigail (Ferguson) Abell (1772 - 1846)

Born 1772 in Swanton, Province of New York

Wife of Asa Abell — married 9 Jun 1799 in Swanton, Franklin, VT

Descendants

Died 19 Nov 1846 at about age 74 in Vermont, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Carolyn Adams [send private message]

Biography

Abigail was born in 1772. Abigail Ferguson was almost certainly the daughter of Alexander Ferguson and his wife "Nabby". Alexander was the first merchant in Swanton, Province of New York (later Vermont). She married Asa Abell there in 1799.

In Oct 1829, her husband Asa Abell put a notice in the St Albans VT paper dated Oct 12, 1829, that he would not pay any of her debts. This was a common device at the time of separation. While it is probable they did not divorce, it seems likely that they separated permanently about this date. Asa's grave has been found in Swanton. Abigail's has not, although her death is recorded in 1846.

I note that the date of separation is 3 days after the couple's adult son Ezra died in West Haven VT. His grave can be seen on Findagrave. his pregnant wife gave birth in West Haven the next spring to Ezra Abell Jr,

My supposition is that these things are not just coincidental. It may be that Abigail had gone to West Haven to help her son and daughter in law, against Asa's wishes. Unless further documentation is found, this remains speculation. Adams-21565 13:23, 13 January 2016 (EST)

Sources

• Swanton VT VR. Newspaper notice by Asa Abell, 27 Oc 1829, "The Repertory" St Albans VT