Abraham was a Union Soldier during the Civil War having enlisted at Waynesboro, Pennsylvania on 9 September 1862 as a private in Company G, 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was discharged at Cloud's Mill, Virginia, on 16 June 1865, as a sergeant. He was described at the time of enlistment as being five feet three inches tall, dark complexion, black hair, brown eyes and, by occupation, a laborer. For a reunion of the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Abraham wrote the following letter to his former lieutenant, H. C. Bonebrake: "My Dear Comrade: It is with some reluctance that I respond to your request for my experience at the Battle of Gordonsville, Va., December 23, 1864. I really dislike to say anything about my military record. The diary which I kept is written in lead pencil. I find much of it faded or rubbed out. Although the Battle of Gordonsville was fought forty four years ago, I have a very distinct recollection of some things that occurred at that time; and not only of that particular battle, but of other incidents on the Gordonsville expedition. "We left camp near Winchester and moved direct to Strasburg, W. Va., across the mountain into eastern Virginia, arriving at Madison Court House on December 21, 1864, and crossing the Rapidan River early in the evening. We bivouacked for the night about nine miles from Madison Court House. The weather was very inclement. There was a heavy snow blizzard and it was very cold. We passed a cheerless night near the Rapidan River. The following morning, December 23d, dawned clear, but intensely cold, with high winds. The command moved early in the morning in the direction of Gordonsville. When we approached the Southwest Mountains we saw the smoke of the enemy's camp fires above the tree tops. A short time after we heard skirmishes and we were hurried to the front. We discovered the enemy near the edge of a heavy timbered woods. It was evident that we were to assault them in a notch of the mountain on the left of the public road. After we had formed in line of battle and had advanced a short distance we were confronted by a rail fence and were halted a short time to get down at least a portion of it so we could get across. We again advanced, and when we reached an open field, we made a headlong dash in an attempt to dislodge the enemy. They evidently expected us and were prepared, for they opened on us with a rattling of musketry. Fourteen horses went down in the charge in our company alone and a number of men were wounded and missing. "We could go no further; there was no hope of success as the repulse was complete. My horse was one of those that went down, and, as he fell on his side, he gave me a hard fall on the frozen ground. He regained his feet, while I held on to the reins and my carbine. But an attempt to re-mount there and then, meant to be shot down instantly. My horse, too, became unmanageable, and I had to let go the bridle rein; so he scampered off and I never saw him again. The only thing I could do to avoid the shot of the Rebels was to lie flat on the ground and crawl to a depression a short distance away. In this place I was joined by William Cooper and Sergeant David Royer of my Company, the latter badly wounded. Conditions were such that I could not examine his wounds carefully. I could not tell where the ball struck him, but he was bleeding freely, his clothing being saturated with blood; and he soon became very weak. We were in short range of the enemy, who were hidden by a barricade. We could hear their voices in ordinary conversation, and the report of a rifle and the whiz of the bullet were simultaneous. "I expressed a determination to take the risk of exposure and run to the rear in hopes of reaching our line. The dying man by my side pleaded earnestly for me to not to desert him in his distress. I explained to him that in any event we would be separated. About this time our line had reformed and was again advancing dismounted. We were now between the two fires which were extremely hot, making the risk too great to come out of our depression and join our forces at that time. Our line was again repulsed and fell back. The firing now weakened on both sides. This I regarded as my last opportunity to regain our lines. I took Comrade Royer by the hand and bid him good-by forever, sprang to my feet and ran with all my might, for my life. A volley was fired after me as I made my way over the hill. I had to cross a brook partly covered with ice. I then had to crawl again on the ground, and in climbing over a fence, was again exposed to the fire of the enemy. I continued to hug the ground until I was out of range, and soon again mingled with the boys who rejoiced on account of my miraculous escape and safe return. "Soon after my return another man was seen running toward our line and making excellent time. It proved to be William Cooper who had watched me and concluded to try the same trick; and he, too, succeeded. That we both reached out lines in safety was always regarded by us as providential. Almost immediately after our escape, the Confederate line advanced. Our regiment was driven back, and all the men who remained on the hillside were taken prisoners. It was later discovered that Sergeant David Royer was shot in the groin, and taken to a Confederate hospital near Gordonsville where he died the following day. After the war his remains were brought home and buried near Waynesboro, Pa." ::::: After the war, Abraham enlisted in Company E, 17th United States Infantry for three years. Most of this enlistment was served in Texas. He was discharged, as a sergeant, at Farmsville, Virginia, on 11 June 1869.