Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-07-05
Mr.. John W. Ably Passes Away.

Mr.. John w. Abby, a appointment citizen
of Staunton and who, for nearly thirty
years, was the leading clothing merchant
in the Valley, died at his home on Freder-
lex street Monday night, in his Goth year.
He had been an invalid for some years, but
his death came unexpectedly. Early IN the
night his daughters asked if he would have
some one stay in the room with him, put
be declined, saying if he needed anybody he
would strike on the floor with his cane.
Later in the night he gave the signal, and
when his daughter came up asked her for
drink of water. After drinking it, he laid
back and died without struggle.
Mr.. Abby was born in Maryland and be-
gan his business life in Washington. lie
had beautiful tenor voice and there were
few entertainments for charitable purposes
which he was not sought for to aid. lie
went to Baltimore where he engaged with
Shipley, Roane & Co., the largest clothing
house of that city. In 1857 MI. Roane
sent him to Staunton to open the business,
the firm style being Roane & Abby. His
location was under the Virginia Hotel for
while, and then across the street from it,
where he remained for many years, doing
the largest trade in clothing outside OF the
large cities. AS in Washington, his voice
was ever in demand; he was the leader OF
rhe choir of the old First Presbyterian
church now used as the Augusta Female
Seminary chapel; was prominent at every
charitable concert. and formed the Old
Stonewall Band orchestra. He engaged
extensively in the municipal life OF the
city. was a member of the City Council for
many years; was member Of the Water
Committee that built the present water
works; was Director in the National
Valley Bank, and held other positions. His
partnership with Mr.. Roane only lasted a
short time, when Mr.. Abby branched out
for himself and did the largest business
done in the Valley. He would have died a
wealthy man but for his generosity in this
business. a generosity which led him to
give credit to almost any man that asked
it. It is estimated that when he quit bus
mess some twelve years ago he had 1000
worth of worthless claims on his books.
Mr.. Abby, in 1862, married Miss Angus
TIA B. Fultz; the fourth daughter Of Judge
David Fultz. She died some ten years ago
leaving for daughters Misses Madge, Lib
bic, Gertrude and Virginia, and two sons
Louis F. Abby of Texas, and John w.
Abby, Jr., of New York. His funeral took
place on Wednesday afternoon from the
First Presbyterian church OF which be had
been for many years Deacon. The servi-
ces were conducted by the pastor, Rev. A.
M. Fraser. The following gentlemen act
ed as pail bearers-J. f. Tannehill, D. A.
Kayser, H. l.. Hoover, II. A. Walker. s.
F. Pilson, w. A. Burke, j. H. Blackley,
Arista Hoge, J. A. Templeton, and DR.. Fl.
III. Henkel.
There have few geItler. more unset
fish OF more helpful lives ended in this
community than that of John w. Abby.
Generous even to his own hurt, the poor,
worthy OF unworthy. always found afriend
in him. He was Christian gentleman, a
true friend and loving husband and
father. III health had taken him away
from the active walks of life for years, but
it had not taken him away from the men,
DRY of the community-Whichw will remem
Der and miss him.