“ Abbott took up a claim about half a mile south of Blanton's bridge, on the road to Hickory Point, and his house was a favorite meeting place of the free-state men in that neighborhood. As the pro-slaveryites grew more and more agressive, one of the crying necessities of the settlers was arms and ammunition with which to defend themselves against the predatory gangs which infested the territory. Maj. Abbott was one of those who went east to procure arms, and through his efforts there were sent to Kansas 117 Sharp's rifles and a 12-pounder howitzer. ”