John Shackleford Abell was born near Durham November 19, 1865 and died December 21, 1933, age 68 years, 2 months and 2 days. He was a son of Samuel and Hester Briscoe Abell. In the year of 1888 he was married to Miss Edna C. Johnson. To this union were born 9 children. On April 1, 1905, the wife died leaving him with seven little children, two, John and Johnson dying at the time of the mother's death. On October 21st, 1908 he was married to Miss Emma Veatch. To this union were born six children, Esther, John, Dollie, Jerry, Gilbert and Bettie, Esther dying at three days of age and Bettie at three months of age. On the 25th day of Octoer, 1922, the wife died. In October of 1905 the deceased united with the Durham Baptist church. He spent most of his life in Durham vicinity and as an orphan boy made his home in the John B. Shackleford home where he was given the same care and consideration as the children in the home. Mr. Abell was industrious and frugal, provided pleasures for his children in the home so far as was within his power. He will be sadly missed in the home of the children to which he has carried the role of both father and mother for a number of years. The funeral was conducted from the Baptist church with Rev. Thompson of Newark in charge. Beautiful songs were sung by Earl Nelson, L. A. Fitcher and Cleo Stephens with Miss Hazel Killebrew at the piano. Casket bearers were nephews, John Abell, John Shackleford, Benjamin Shackleford, Clyde and Ray Johnson and L. L. Leach. There survives eleven children, Mrs. Lydia Swanson of Toledo, Ohio, Ingman, Mamie Lottie, Steve, Dollie, Jerry and Gilbert of Durham. Mrs. Ursa Knapp and Johnnie of Klamath Falls, Idaho, George of LaGrange, twelve grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Susie Nelson of Latham, Kansas and a host of other relatives and friends. Burial was in Durham cemetery.