Abbott family papers, ca. 1828-1989

MLMSS 8700

fonds

1828-1989

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Photographs, Clippings

404837

3.30 metres of textual material (2 boxes)

Joseph Abbott (1843-1903), son of Henry Kingsmill Abbott, Secretary to the Governor of Parramatta jail, joined T.S. Mort in the 1860s later becoming accountant and auctioneer. By 1883 he was partner. Abbott became MLA for Newtown and continued to represent that electorate (later Newtown-Camperdown) until his retirement from politics in July 1895.
Joseph married Margaret Ann Bennett. Their son, Alfred Stanely Abbott married Frances Gerard, daughter of Francis Gerard, in 1912. Francis’ father, John, had studied medicine at the Sorbonne, Paris.
Frank Abbott (1913-) son of Alfred and Frances Abbott, married Amy Sheaffe. Amy’s great grandfather, Captain William Sheaffe died at Dapto after serving with the 50th Foot Regiment. William’s son, George, surveyed the country between Goulburn and the Victoria border.
Alfred Stanely and Frank followed Joseph’s interest in the wool industry, Alfred being a pastoralist, woolbroker and, from 1932 until his retirement, a valuer with the Rural Bank. Frank was a wool buyer and valuer until retirement.
Mary Margaret (1916-) daughter of Alfred and Frances Abbott, married Grantley Roberts. A painter who studied at the Julian Ashton Art School and in London, she ahs painted as Mary Abbott, Mary Roberts, and Mary Abbott Roberts. She also did freelance illustrations for magazines and books. Since moving to Bathurst she has tauht art and continued as painter, sculptor and potter.
The families lived in Newtown, Croydon, Hunetrs Hill and other Sydney suburbs, Quirindi, Bowral, Newcastle, Barraba and Canberra.

Reference:
Complied from library correspondence file

Papers photographs and memoirs relating to the Abbott, McPhail, Gerard and Sheaffe families:

BOX 1
Abbott family correspondence relating to business and operations of Mort & Co, ca. 1877- 1912

Three bound volumes of Mort & Co. monthly circulars of overseas and local wool sales and information o the value of stock hides and skins, grains and stud animals, 1872-1888, relating to managing partnership of Sir Thomas Mort and Joseph Abbott

Joseph Abbott personal letterbook, 1896-1898

Francis Gerard diaries, 1878-1879

John Gerard papers and correspondence including French passport, memorabilia, death certificates, personal letters, family reunion invitations list, ca. 1829 -1897, 1973

BOX 2
Research notes compiled by Francis Stanley Abbott, ca. 1842-1989. Includes note, letters, telegrams, newscuttings, certificates and genealogical records relating to relating to Abbott, Gerard, Sheaffe, Bennett, MacPhail, Kitson, Bellamy and Vaillant family histories

Typescript of memoirs of Francis Stanley Abbott and My life as a Wool-Buyer’, with genealogical and military certificates, letter, photographs, and records relating to involvement with Australian Bicentennial Historic Records Search, ca. 1913-1989

Photographs of the Abbott, Gerard and Sheaffe families, ca. 1883-1935. Includes:
Anne McPhane, (nee Sheaffe), 1913
George Henry Sheaffe
Amy and George Sheaffe and daughter Caroline,
Mr and Mrs G. H Sheaffe and family, ca. 1895
Frank Gerard’s house stables and grooms room ‘Isba’ 1888-1889
Frank Gerard’s grandfather, no date
Ruth Doris & Gladys Gerard, no date
Frank Gerard, no date
May Gerard no date
home of Dr John Gerard, no date
Ruth Abbott, 1912
A.S. Abbott, no date
Joseph Abbott at laying of the corner stone Sydney exchange, 1900
Moree Artisan Baths,c a. 1920
Mrs Cod, 1923
Cable car, Capetown, 1935

Printed material by George Henry Abbott, ca. 1917-1989

Copyright status:: In copyright - This collection has multiple rights owners
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Information upgraded as part of the Manuscripts Unprocessed eRecords Project 2012-2013