Abbott

ABBOTT, SPEEDLING, BOYD, BROOMHALL, BROWN, FARLEY

Posted By: Peggy Webster Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/16/2014 at 16:24:37

FLOYD WILBUR ABBOTT
By Billie Dean Abbott

Floyd Wilbur Abbott, the second son of Albert Vernon Abbott and Mary Leona (Speedling) Abbott, was born in Adair County near Greenfield May 14, 1911. During his childhood, he resided with his five siblings on farms near Nevinville and Spaulding, Iowa.

On October 6, 1933, Floyd married Leona Catherine Boyd and moved to the residence at 624 New York Avenue, Creston, Iowa, where Leona had moved with her parents when she was ten years old. He still resides there today.

Leona Catherine Boyd was born May 13, 1910, near Zion, Adair County, Iowa, and died March 25, 1996.

Floyd and Leona gave birth to five children who were all born at home, assisted by the same doctor: Billie Dean Abbott, born May 19 1934; May Ann (Abbott) Broomhall, born October 29, 1936; Linda Lou (Abbott) Brown, born April 10, 1939; Janet Kay (Abbott) Phillips Farley, born January 3, 1944; and Jimmie Floyd Abbott, born July 6, 1945 and deceased March 22, 1995.

Floyd owned and operated Abbott Truck Line and also did excavation work. He acquired farmland and housing properties in Creston which he also managed. Leona owned and operated Leona's Ceramics and collected and repaired antique dolls. She sculpted, painted and dressed replicas of the U. S. presidents and their wives in inaugural dress which which are on display at the Creston Depot. A portion of her antique collection can be viewed at the Historic Center in McKinley Park in Creston.

Floyd attended all but one of the Abbott reunions held annually. The first reunion was held on the farm of his grandparents, Eliza and Benjamin Abbott, in 1926.

Floyd celebrated his 90th birthday in 2001 at a dinner, open house and dance held in Creston with 79 of the 81 possible Abbott family in attendance from 16 states.

Transcribed from Adair County Iowa Sesquicentennial Edition 1851-2001
Page 185