From the 1914 History of Wapello County Iowa, parts of pages 462-468.
J. M. ABERNATHY
---J. M. Abernathy was born in Richland township, July 8, 1852, and is the son of John and Lucy (Shaffer) Abernathy.
---J. M. Abernathy has spent his entire life in Richland township, save for three years passed in Monroe county, Iowa, just previous to his marriage. He has always carried on general agricultural pursuits and is the owner of one hundred and seventy-four acres of rich and productive land, while his wife owns one hundred and twenty acres, Mr. Abernathy operating both farms. He carries on general farming and also makes dairying a special feature of his place. For this purpose he keeps a high grade of cows and his dairy products are clean and sanitary. In fact, every feature of his business is well managed and his farm presents a neat and attractive appearance.
---On the 16th of March, 1877, Mr. Abernathy was married to Miss Sarah A. Comstock, who was born in Richland township, July 27, 1859, and has always resided in Wapello county.
---Unto Mr. and Mrs. Abernathy have been born eleven children: Sarah Anna, living at Bancroft, South Dakota; Francis J., whose home is in Richland township; Chloe Belle, the wife of Carl Fairchild, of Mora, Minnesota; Melvina May, the wife of William Holland, of Bancroft, South Dakota; Augustus Hamilton, of Richland township; Carrie E., the wife of James Guthrie, of Richland township; Houston, Lucy and Ruby, at home; Paul, who died at the age of eight years; and Theodore Roosevelt, at home.
---The name of the youngest child indicates the political alliance of the father, who has always voted with the republican party, and who on several occasions has been called to township offices. He belongs to the Independent Order of Old Rellows and is religious faith is a Presbyterian. His has been a well spent life, honorable and upright in all of its connections and in business affairs his enterprises, close applications and industry have constituted the secret of his growing and substantial success.

James Madison Abernathy married Sarah Anna Comstock on March 16, 1877 and they had eleven children all linked below.