"The History of Polk County, Iowa" published by the Union Historical Company, Birdsall, Williams & Co. 1880.

ABBETT, CAPT. W. A.-Is a native of Lafayette, Ind.; born Dec. 6, 1840; about the year 1850 removed with his parents to Indianapolis where he was raised. His education was obtained partly in the common schools and high school, supplemented by a course in the university. While out of school his time was devoted to clerking and as a newsboy. At the first call for troops he enlisted in the Third Missouri, but through the entreaties of his mother, and also the officers, he was rejected, and them returned to clerking; but in June, 1862, he again enlisted, as private in company A, Seventy-ninth Indiana volunteers, and managed to be accepted, and sworn into the service before it was known at home. He was promoted to sergeant, and in February following to first lieutenant. In July, 1864, he received his commission as captain; was ranking officer, and remained in command of the regiment for some time. At the close of the war in 1865 he was mustered out, having been in all the battles with the Army of the Cumberland, participating in Stone river, Murfreesboro,. Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Dalton, Atlanta and Kenesaw Mountain, and several others, in all over thirty battles and skirmishes, receiving but one wound. He entered into the commission business, continuing one year, and then engaged in the boot and shoe business, and in 1867 came to this city. He became associated with W. E. Talbott in the wholesale and retail shoe business, under the firm name of W. E. Talbott & Co., and later as Talbott & Abbett. In 1875 Mr. J. H. Hatch bought out Mr. Talbott, and the firm continued as Hatch & Abbett until March, 1880, when they sold out. On the 25th of October, 1871, Mr. Abbett was married to Miss Nona J., daughter of Hon. J. H. Hatch, of this city. They have two children: May and Emma. Have lost one son, Charles L.; died in July, 18l5.