Superintendent of common schools in Marion county, Ills., is the grandson of John ABBOTT, a native of New Jersey, and a soldier of the Revolution. His ancestors were English.

David ABBOTT, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in New Jersey in 1807; moved to Ohio about 1832, and married there; after a short absence from the state, he returned and settled permanently in Clermont county, Ohio, where John Baughman ABBOTT was born in 1837; he being the second son in a family of four sons and two daughters. Afforded only the meager opportunities of the public school, which in those days were obtained under trials that would be little dreamed of now, but possessed of an ardent temperament, and a burning desire for knowledge, he determined to obtain an education, and therefore pressed on, overcoming all obstacles, through winter’s cold and summer’s heat, alternately teaching and studying; disappointed in obtaining a collegiate course, self-taught, he at last finished a classical and mathematical course, most thorough in its character, and eminently fitting him for his chosen vocation—that of a teacher. Thus equipped, ambitious to win an honorable name in the field of usefulness, he taught for upwards of nine years in his native state, him for his chosen vocation—that of a teacher. Thus equipped, ambitious to win an honorable name in a field of usefulness, he taught for upwards of nine years in his native state, Ohio, then moving westward, he located at his present home, in Marion county, Ills. He continued teaching here and in adjoining counties until elected Superintendent in 1877. As Superintendent, his time is devoted to the advancement of education. In his presidency of the Teachers’ Institute, he carefully avoids routine work, tries to keep his pupils out of the ruts, and to create the power of thinking out problems, and expressing thoughts in their own language. Strict in discipline, he is mild and forbearing, calling out love and commanding respect. He loves teaching, and will excel.

Mr. ABBOTT has a mixed temperament, the nervous and sanguine being about equal; the front brain is very high, wide and prominent, giving the intellectual faculties the predominence. He is also high in the moral region, making him naturally religious. His physical organization is such as will enable him to sustain a vast amount of both physical and mental labor. His combination of faculties, gives him ability to grasp the most difficult and abstruse points and problems.

He is a member of the Methodist church, having united with it at the early age of nine, and while strictly orthodox, is broad and liberal.

Mr. ABBOTT’s wife, whose maiden name was STUART, has also been a successful teacher.

They have three children, one son and two daughters. Their home is in Alma, Marion county, and is a home of refinement and culture.

Source: History of Marion and Clinton Counties, Illinois, 1881, Brink, McDonough & Co., Philadelphia

Submitted by: Pamela Safriet

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