J. M. Abbott
From Cutler, William G. (1883). History of the State of Kansas
Osage County
PROF. J. M. ABBOTT, Superintendent of Osage City schools, came to Kansas in
August, 1881, from Burlington, Iowa. Was born in Miami County, Ohio,
September 20, 1844. When eight years of age his parents moved to Cedar
County, Iowa, where he remained until twenty years of age, engaged in
farming. Taught his first term of school in Missouri in 1866. Afterwards
completed a course of study in the State University of Iowa. Taught two years
in Glenwood. Then became Superintendent of Creston, Iowa, schools, where he
remained three years. Then went into merchandising in Muscantine one year.
Then went South as General Agent for the Andrews School Furniture Company, of
Chicago, traveling throughout most of the Southern States. On his return came
direct to Osage City. Was married in 1869, at Independence, Iowa, to Miss
Katie Ruterman, a student of the state University and a teacher of several
years' experience, and has three children - Mable, Winfred and Norman. Is a
member of the Masonic fraternity.