J. A. Abney (1833–1903)

He has been engaged some in the practice of law, served one term as judge, and at one time "entangled himself with the affairs of this life" sufficiently to go to the legislature. Judge Abney was married to an estimable lady named Miss Rebecca Smith, December 7th, 1854. They have an amiable daughter and a promising son. Bro. Abney united with the Church of Christ in the year 1864, and began preaching the year following, in Sabine county. He has preached considerably for his home congregation at Lampasas, and has been the stationed preacher at Taylor, Dallas, etc., besides doing the work of an evangelist. He has a big brain, and manifests great force and vigor in his pulpit efforts, and in everything he undertakes. He possesses all the elements of a great mind, except continuity. --Texas Pulpit by Christian Preachers. St. Louis: Christian Publishing Company, 1888. Pages 398-399.

JUDGE J. A. ABNEY

News was received here Saturday evening that Judge J. A. Abney, who lived here during the 70's and up to nearly 1900, had died at his new home in Roswell, New Mexico. We have no facts as to his age, but the writer knew Judge Abney intimately from 1884 to 1889, and formed a very high opinion of his character. He was a wonderfully versatile man, one who had studied theology, law, political and domestic economy, and had made a success in life, despite all untoward circumstances. His rugged honesty and stability of character made him a universal favorite of all with whom he came in contact, and he was plain of speech, firm in his ways and one of nature's noblemen. He moved from here to Grand View, in Johnson county, some years ago, and has occaionally visited here since his removal. At the time of his death he was residing at Roswell, New Mexico, where he had recently moved. His many friends here will regret to learn of his death.--THE LAMPASAS LEADER
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1903