Denece Powell Sat, 03 May 2008 The following newspaper article appeared on page 7 of the Lockhart Register, Lockhart, Texas on January 19, 1900: - - - - - - - - - - - - - AN ASSASSIN'S WORK - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Last Friday night while returning home from church at Dale a few miles east of Lockhart Mr. O. T. Abbett a farmer, was waylaid and shot from ambush by unknown parties, the weapon used being a 45 calibre. Sheriff Sanders and Dr. M. T. Hendricks repaired to the scene of trouble early Saturday morning. Medical attention was given Mr. Abbett and he was pronounced not dangerously wounded, but by some unknown cause and much to the surprise of every one, the victim succumbed to the wound and expired Sunday morning. The trouble which culminated so seriously had its origin sometime during the holidays through the use, or ill use, of fireworks to which Mr. Abbett objected emphasizing his protest with a cudgel which he used on some of the participants in the melee. No arrests have been made up to the present writing. ________________________ Also found in Lockhart Register, dated Friday morning, January 19, 1900: Story of O. T. Abbett being ambushed by unknown person on way home from church. (He was living on land of Capt. Stringfellow.) Shot through breast on Friday evening and died Sunday morning. Probably shot by person in hiding or lower prone position because of angle of bullet. Found by persons hearing shots. Found two hour later, frozen through almost. Newspaper publisher cried out for justice, law, and order. __________________________ Subject: O. Thomas Abbett--What is his First Name? My great grandfather, O. Thomas ABBETT and wife Sarah Levinia THORNTON Abbett moved to Caldwell County in 1879. Mrs. Abbett's parents, Yancy and Sarah PEARSON Thornton also moved to Caldwell County at some point. O.T. Abbett and Sarah and oldest child Lillie show up in the 1880 Caldwell Co. Census. Six children were born to them in Caldwell County between May 1, 1881 and March 30, 1896. O. T. Abbett is on the county tax rolls until 1900. O. T. Abbett was murdered on January 14, 1900. I never found an obituary. Sarah and Thomas Abbett are buried at Mineral Springs Baptist Church Cemetery at Lockhart (near FM 6781 and County Road 114). Who would have been the undertaker at that time and are these records? Do records exist for those buried at Mineral Springs Baptist Church Cemetery and, if so, who should I contact? I understand the family were Missionary Baptists, possibly members of Mineral Springs Church. Would there be membership rolls? Or if you have any suggestions about any sources that might be available in the county, I would appreciate phone numbers, addresses or e-mail addresses. Thank you for your help.