Chandlerville is the center of a rich agricultural district that looks to it as a market so that the handling of grain for the farmers is an important industry. One of the men who has made a success along this line is James William Abbott. He was born in this city, September 21, 1877, a son of James and Margaret (Lidsay) Abbott, the former born in Lancashire, England, August 30, 1853, and the latter in Mason County, Ill. The father came to Mason County, Ill., from England with his parents, and resided with them on their farm until he was of age, when he moved to Cass County and began the milling business. For ten years he continued in this business for himself, and then discontinued the milling business and went into the grain business. For a time he and his father were partners, but this association ceased with the death of the latter in 1905. Mr. Abbott enjoyed the advantages offered by the high school of his native place and is a well-informed man.
Mr. Abbott was married to Martha E. Elliott at Chandlerville, Ill. She was born in Cass County, November 7, 1876, a daughter of Hugh P. and Sarah Elliott. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott have had the following children: William Edison, James Hugh, Orville E., Maxine E., Virginia May, and Norman Clare. Mr. Abbott is a Republican and was elected mayor of Chandlerville for a term of two years and a school trustee for three years. He belongs to Chandlerville Lodge No. 724, A.F. & A.M., and in religious faith is a Methodist. A man of progressive ideas, he is always anxious to work for the betterment of his community, and the advancement of moral standards.