The Biographical Dictionary of America/Abbott, Jo

ABBOTT, Jo, representative, was born near Decatur, Ala., Jan. 15, 1840. He attended the common schools of the county until thirteen years of age, when he removed to Texas with his father. He worked on a farm for two years, attended a private school, and then one styled classical, where he remained until June, 1859, when he began the study of law. When Texas seceded in 1861, he entered the Confederate army with the rank of first lieutenant in the 12th Texas cavalry. In this capacity he served throughout the war, except when disabled by wounds received in battle. The war over, he resumed his law studies, and being licensed in October, 1866, began practice at Springfield, Limestone county, Texas. During the year 1867 the reconstruction acts of congress were put in force; judges and other civil officers were removed, and military officers put in their places. When the courts in Hill county were reorganized, Mr. Abbott engaged in practice at Hillsboro, where he resided. In November, 1869, he was elected to the state legislature and served one term. He continued the practice of the law until the close of 1878, when he was appointed, by the governor of the state, district judge of the 28th judicial district. He served two years, and was then elected by the people of the same district, and served four years. In September, 1886, he was elected to represent the sixth district in the 50th congress by the democratic party, and subsequently was reelected to the 51st, 52d, 53d, and 54th congresses, serving, 1887-97.