The family moved to DeKalb County, Illinois, when he was about 8,[3] and Abbott attended high school in Belvidere.

At the start of the Civil War in 1861 he enlisted, and served until 1865 eventually attaining the rank of first lieutenant.

He became active in Nebraska politics, and was chosen to complete an unexpired term in the state senate in 1872.

[7] (Othman's wife, as well as Edith and Grace, have been inducted into the Women of Nebraska Hall of Fame.)

Abbott continued to practice law and trade and live in Grand Island, where he died on June 24, 1935.