The site of this house was a part of the Abbott Subdivision established in 1868 and bounded by Main, College, Grant and West Walnut. This house was built Ca. 1903. It was about 1934 when the handsome Abbott home immediately on the west was razed, and Miss Annie Abbott moved from the family home to this house where she resided until her death. James Abbott came to Springfield from St. Louis and opened a drygoods business. He later became Secretary-Treasurer of the Springfield Foundry and Machine Company. He served as Mayor of Springfield, postmaster under President Harrison, and County Collector.