Fisher Family Genealogy

FISHER Abel

Male 1814 - 1891  (77 years)


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  • Name FISHER Abel  [1
    Birth 1 Feb 1814  Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [2, 3
    CENSUS 16 Sep 1850  Neshannock Township, Lawrence Co., PA Find all individuals with events at this location  [4
    • Occupation: Farmer.
    Census: 1850 U.S. - Neshannock Township, Lawrence Co., PA, Roll  M432_790; Page: 216A; Image: 431
    Census: 1850 U.S. - Neshannock Township, Lawrence Co., PA, Roll M432_790; Page: 216A; Image: 431
    CENSUS 05 Jul 1860  Hickory Township, Lawrence Co., PA Find all individuals with events at this location  [5
    • Occupation: Farmer.
      Abel's elder brother Thomas living with the family.
    Census: 1860 U.S. - Hickory Township, Lawrence Co., PA, Roll  M653_1127; Page: 33; Image: 37; Family History Library Film: 805127
    Census: 1860 U.S. - Hickory Township, Lawrence Co., PA, Roll M653_1127; Page: 33; Image: 37; Family History Library Film: 805127
    CENSUS 13 Jun 1870  Hickory Township, Lawrence Co., PA Find all individuals with events at this location  [6
    • Occupation: Miller and Farmer.
      Curiously, the ages recorded for most of Abel's children in this census are off by two years. Most of the children are two years older than recorded.
    Census: 1870 U.S. - Hickory Township, Lawrence Co., PA; Roll: M593_1360; Page: 26B; Image: 56; Family History Library Film: 552859
    Census: 1870 U.S. - Hickory Township, Lawrence Co., PA; Roll: M593_1360; Page: 26B; Image: 56; Family History Library Film: 552859
    CENSUS 16 Jun 1880  Iola, Allen Co., KS Find all individuals with events at this location  [7
    • Occupation: Miller.
      Frances and Jofie must be grand-daughters or other relation to Abel given they were born after the death of Abel's wife Mary Gibson in 1858. The ages recorded for several of Abel's daughters are again incorrect, on average two years younger than actual.
    Census: 1880 U.S. - Iola, Allen Co., KS, Roll  T9_372; Family History Film: 1254372; Page: 106.3000; Enumeration District: 9; Image: 0214
    Census: 1880 U.S. - Iola, Allen Co., KS, Roll T9_372; Family History Film: 1254372; Page: 106.3000; Enumeration District: 9; Image: 0214
    EVENT 20 Aug 1880  Iola, Allen Co., KS Find all individuals with events at this location  [8
    • Abel purchases Cottage Grove Hotel.
    News article announcing Abel Fisher's purchase of the Cottage Grove Hotel in Iola, KS - <i>Iola Register</i>, 20 Aug 1880.
    News article announcing Abel Fisher's purchase of the Cottage Grove Hotel in Iola, KS - Iola Register, 20 Aug 1880.
    Mr. Abel Fisher, who until recently owned a large farm and run a grist mill at Eastbrook, this county, has purchased the Cottage Grove Hotel at Iola, Allen county, Kansas, and has renovated and furnished it anew from top to bottom. Camp's Emigrants' Guide pronounces it one of the best hotels in the State of Kansas. Mr. Fisher has changed the name of his hotel and calls it the Philadelphia Hotel. ( Ed-Article reprinted from the Lawrence (Pa.) Paragraph per the reference at the end of the article. The hotel under Abel's ownership, was run by Abel and his daughters, and is variously listed in news articles of the day as the Philadelphia House, Pennsylvania House, Pennsylvania Hotel and the Fisher Hotel.)
    CENSUS 01 Mar 1885  Iola, Allen Co., KS Find all individuals with events at this location  [9
    • Occupation: Hotel Keeper.
      Frances in this census listed as male vs. female and daughter in 1880 census. Ages also do not coincide
    Census: 1885 Kansas - Iola, Allen Co., KS  Roll KS1885_1 Image 99
    Census: 1885 Kansas - Iola, Allen Co., KS Roll KS1885_1 Image 99
    EVENT 3 Jan 1890  Iola, Allen Co., KS Find all individuals with events at this location  [10
    • Fisher hotel fire.
    Fisher hotel fire - <i>The Iola Register</i>, 3 Jan 1890
    Fisher hotel fire - The Iola Register, 3 Jan 1890
    About eleven o’clock Monday night our people were aroused from sleep by the startling cry of fire, and the large barn of the Pennsylvania hotel was seen to be burning fleecily. Percy Harris and Harry Sleeper were the flrst to observe the fire, and immediately started the alarm. They broke open the main door of the barn and succeed in getting the bus out, but were unable to get the horses and cattle in time to rescue any of them, all the doors being securely locked and the fire already burning with intense heat. By the time a crowd had reached the scene, it was plain that nothing could be done to save the barn or its contents, and all efforts were directed toward protecting neighboring buildings. It was only by the most strenuous and heroic efforts that the Rodman residence and the dwelling house north of it were saved. As it was. a small stable and other out houses belonging to Mr. Apple, of some $100 in value were destroyed. The Fisher barn was full of hay, oats and corn and there were in it besides, three valuable horses, three cows and two calves.
    All of these poor brutes perished, one horse being rescued alive, but in such a condition that it was mercifully killed at once. There is much sympathy with the well known proprietors of the hotel, whose loss will aggregate about $2,000, without insurance. The origin of the fie is a profound mystery The Fisher sisters say the barn was securely locked in the evening and the lantern had been brought to the house. The conclusion is almost inevitable that it was the careless work of a tramp, or the dastardly deed of an incendiary.

    Fisher hotel fire - <i>The Iola Register</i>, 3 Jan 1890
    Fisher hotel fire - The Iola Register, 3 Jan 1890
    Mr. Fisher, who was in Wichita when the disastrous fire occurred on Monday night by which he occurred such loss, was telegraphed to and came over Tuesday.
    Fisher hotel fire - <i>The Iola Register</i>, 3 Jan 1890
    Fisher hotel fire - The Iola Register, 3 Jan 1890
    The Fisher sisters desire to express through the REGISTER their grateful thanks to the many citizens who worked so nobly to preserve their property on the night of the fire.
    Death 9/10 Sep 1891  Iola, Allen Co., KS Find all individuals with events at this location  [11, 12, 13
    • Obituary dates conflict. On Sept 11, The Iola Register reports Abel died on Sept 10, 1891. On Sept 18, Abel's obituary in the Iola Register states he died on Sept 9, 1891. The Sept 18 obit notes that he died at home. The Sept 11 notice states he died at 3:50 pm.
    Obituary: Abel Fisher - <i>The Iola Register</i>, 11 Sep 1891
    Obituary: Abel Fisher - The Iola Register, 11 Sep 1891
    The register regrets to announce of the death of Mr. Abel Fisher, of this place, which occurred Wednesday Sept. 10th, at 3:50 pm. Mr. Fisher was the proprietor of the Fisher Hotel and a respected citizen of Iola for many years. His daughters arrived from Texas yesterday. At the present writing, the arrangements for the funeral have not been announced.
    Obituary: Abel Fisher - <i>The Iola Register</i>, 18 Sep 1891
    Obituary: Abel Fisher - The Iola Register, 18 Sep 1891
    Died - At his home in Iola Kansas, Wednesday evening, Sept. 9, '91, Mr. Abel Fisher, aged 77 yrs. 7 mo. and 9 days. Mr. Fisher was born in Mercer Co., Pa., in 1814. He was one of a family of ten children. Bishop Roberts of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was his grand uncle, and while he was in the ministry, Mr. Fisher spent his early life with him in Indiana.
    He was married to Miss Mary Gibson, in Lawrence Co. Pa., March 23, 1856 by the Rev. Mr. Boyd, of the Presbyterian Church. They were permitted to enjoy each others society until 1836, when his companion was called away from him by death. He being a kind father could not endure to have his children separated from him, and now for 33 years he has kept them all together, the family being composed of six girls and five boys, and though the oldest girl at the time of her mother’s death was but 13 years of age, he has never allowed them to be separated from him. What a noble example of a father’s love.
    About eleven years ago he moved with his children to Kansas and settled at Iola, where they have always lived. The Pennsylvania House that they have had charge of for these years, has a reputation of the highest order, far and near, both in our own state and other states as a model hotel.
    Mr. Fisher, though never formally connected with any church, was a firm believer in Christianity. He was a constant and thoughtful reader of the Bible, and his wife was a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church. He was a kind father. He seemed to have a premonition of his approaching end, for he had settled up the minutest part of his business, and left all of his papers systematically arranged, and had passed them over some days ago to one of his daughters.
    His death was peaceful; being conscious to almost the last moment, and talked to those who were present only a few minutes before his spirit left the body. His funeral services took place on Saturday at 4 p. m. from the parlors of the Pennsylvania House, in the presence of a large concourse of people, conducted by Rev. A. S. Freed, pastor of the M. E. church.
    Obituary: Abel Fisher - <i>New Castle Democrat</i>, 17 Sep 1891
    Obituary: Abel Fisher - New Castle Democrat, 17 Sep 1891
    Abel Fisher, for many years a well known resident of this county, died at his home at Iola, Kansas, on September 9th, aged about 78 years. He was born in this county at the old Fisher mill on the Shenango and was married to Mary Gibson, daughter of Francis Gibson, early in manhood. From this union seven daughters and five sons were born, all of whom are living except one. Three of the daughters are now running a hotel at Galveston, Texas, two are at Iola, and one residing at Garnett, Kansas. One of the sons, Frank, is in San Diego county, Cal., one at Garnett, Kas., one at Fort Wayne, Ind., one in Henry county, Ill., and one operating the Pennsylvania company’s farm at Lawrence Junction. Deceased leaves a brother, R.R.R. Fisher, who resides at East Brook, and sisters, Mrs. H.H. Sholes of this city, and Mrs. Emeline Egan of Henry county, Ill., out of a family of thirteen children.
    Burial Y  [14
    • Funeral service in the parlor of Abel's hotel the Pennsylvania House, Iola, KS.
      Body later disinterred and removed to Pennsylvania.
    Person ID I981  Main
    Last Modified 28 Dec 2010 

    Father FISHER John,   b. 28 Jul 1786, Ligonier, Westmoreland Co., PA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 26 Jan 1842, Eastbrook, Lawrence Co., PA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 55 years) 
    Relationship Birth 
    Mother ROBERTS, Sarah,   b. 18 Aug 1788   d. 17 May 1847 (Age 58 years) 
    Relationship Birth 
    Marriage 24 Mar 1808  [15, 16, 17
    Family ID F90  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family GIBSON, Mary,   b. Abt 1816   d. Nov 1858, Neshannock Township, Lawrence Co., PA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 42 years) 
    Marriage Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [18
    Notes 
    • From this union seven daughters and five sons were born... [11]
    Children 
     1. FISHER Sarah,   b. Abt 1837, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [Birth]
     2. FISHER Gilbert,   b. Abt 1840, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [Birth]
     3. FISHER Francis "Frank",   b. Abt 1842, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [Birth]
    +4. FISHER Alexander Abel,   b. 29 Mar 1844, Lawrence Co., PA Find all individuals with events at this location  [Birth]
     5. FISHER Elizabeth,   b. Abt 1845, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [Birth]
     6. FISHER Nancy,   b. Abt 1847, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [Birth]
     7. FISHER Janet H.,   b. Jan 1850, Neshannock Township, Lawrence Co., PA Find all individuals with events at this location  [Birth]
     8. FISHER Mariah Louisa,   b. Abt 1852, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [Birth]
     9. FISHER Rachel "Dollie",   b. Abt 1856, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [Birth]
     10. FISHER Thomas,   b. Abt 1854, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [Birth]
     11. FISHER John W.,   b. 28 Oct 1858, New Castle, Lawrence Co., PA Find all individuals with events at this location  [Birth]
    Family ID F352  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 3 Feb 2010 

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBirth - 1 Feb 1814 - Pennsylvania Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsCENSUS - 16 Sep 1850 - Neshannock Township, Lawrence Co., PA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsCENSUS - 05 Jul 1860 - Hickory Township, Lawrence Co., PA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsCENSUS - 13 Jun 1870 - Hickory Township, Lawrence Co., PA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsCENSUS - 16 Jun 1880 - Iola, Allen Co., KS Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsEVENT - 20 Aug 1880 - Iola, Allen Co., KS Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsCENSUS - 01 Mar 1885 - Iola, Allen Co., KS Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsEVENT - 3 Jan 1890 - Iola, Allen Co., KS Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDeath - 9/10 Sep 1891 - Iola, Allen Co., KS Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsMarriage - - Pennsylvania Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth 
    Pin Legend  : Address       : Location       : City/Town       : County/Shire       : State/Province       : Country       : Not Set

  • Sources 
    1. [SR59] John Fisher, Will: Fisher, John - 1842, 12 Jun 1841, 302 (Reliability: 3).
      "It is my will that my executor hereinafter named lay of fourteen building lots on the south side of the mill raceÉNo 3 I give to my son AbelÉ
      "In the event of the death of my son Thomas then my son Able to succeed him as my executor."

    2. [SR67] Rebecca M. Fisher, R. M. Fisher Passbook, (Unpublished), 1 Feb 1814, 9 (Reliability: 2).
      Abel Fisher was born Feb 1st 1814

    3. [S39] New Castle Democrat, (The Democrat, New Castle, Lawrence Co., PA), 17 Sep 1891, 3 (Reliability: 2).
      He was born in this county at the old Fisher mill on the Shenango...

    4. [S162] Census: 1850 U.S. - Neshannock Township, Lawrence Co., PA , (Ancestry.com), 16 Sep 1850, Roll M432_790; Page: 216A; Image: 431 (Reliability: 2).

    5. [S90] Census: 1860 U.S. - Hickory Township, Lawrence Co., PA, (Ancestry.com), 05 Jul 1860, Roll M653_1127; Page: 33; Image: 37; Family History Library Film: 805127 (Reliability: 2).

    6. [S89] Census: 1870 U.S. - Hickory Township, Lawrence Co., PA, (Ancestry.com), 13 Jun 1870, Roll M593_1360; Page: 26B; Image: 56; Family History Library Film: 552859 (Reliability: 2).

    7. [S164] Census: 1880 U.S. - Iola, Allen Co., KS, (Ancestry.com), 16 Jun 1880, Roll T9_372; Family History Film: 1254372; Page: 106.3000; Enumeration District: 9; Image: 0214 (Reliability: 2).

    8. [S308] The Iola Register, (The Iola Register, (Iola, KS), 1875-1902), 20 Aug 1880, p. 1, col. 4 (Reliability: 2).

    9. [S165] 1885 State Census, Kansas, (Ancestry.com), 01 Mar 1885, Roll KS1885_1 Image 99 Line 7 (Reliability: 2).

    10. [S308] The Iola Register, (The Iola Register, (Iola, KS), 1875-1902), 3 Jan 1890, p. 5, col. 3 (Reliability: 2).

    11. [S39] New Castle Democrat, (The Democrat, New Castle, Lawrence Co., PA), 17 Sep 1891, 3 (Reliability: 2).

    12. [S308] The Iola Register, (The Iola Register, (Iola, KS), 1875-1902), 18 Sep 1891, p. 4, col. 4 (Reliability: 2).

    13. [S308] The Iola Register, (The Iola Register, (Iola, KS), 1875-1902), 11 Sep 1891, p. 5, col 4 (Reliability: 2).

    14. [S308] The Iola Register, (The Iola Register, (Iola, KS), 1875-1902), 18 Sep 1891, p. 4, col 4 (Reliability: 2).

    15. [SR1] Wilfred Jordan, editor, Colonial and Revolutionary Families of PA, ((New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc., 1942), 568-576), 575, 974.8 D2c 1978. (Reliability: 2).
      John, married Sarah Roberts and settled near New Castle, Pennsylvania.

    16. [SR59] John Fisher, Will: Fisher, John - 1842, 12 Jun 1841, 301 (Reliability: 3).
      "I give and bequeath to my wife Sarah during her life the occupancy of the mansion house lot and garden and fruit trees in the lot around the houseÉ"

    17. [SR67] Rebecca M. Fisher, R. M. Fisher Passbook, (Unpublished), 24 Mar 1808, 8 (Reliability: 2).
      John Fisher and Sarah Roberts was married March 24th A. D. 1808

    18. [S39] New Castle Democrat, (The Democrat, New Castle, Lawrence Co., PA), 17 Sep 1891, 3 (Reliability: 2).
      He...was married to Mary Gibson, daughter of Francis Gibson, early in manhood.