[3] After his graduation in 1884, Abbott started his career as machinist and draftsman in the industry.
[4] From 1888 to 1894 Abbott was president and manager at the National Electric Construction Company.
In 1894 he joined Commonwealth Edison,[3] where he made it chief operating engineer.
[5] Abbott served as President of the Board of Trustees at the University of Illinois.
[6] In the year 1926-27 Abbott served as president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.