In 1880 Jay was a telegraph operator in Smethport. Jay & Fannie Abbey had a farm in the Town of Scio, Allegany, New York. The story Frances Puckett Going to Ohio [Los Gatos Daily Times 11-30-1953] says "She married Mr Abbey in 1884 in New York, and they made a honeymoon trip to Ohio, where they visited her sister, who had grown up with an aunt and uncle there. Frances Abbey's first daughter died at birth, but her second daughter lived and was the mother of Betty Stimmel."
Obit in McKean County Democrat: "Jay Brewer Abbey died at his home in Scio, NY on Saturday, March 10, of apoplexy, aged 46 years, 7 months, and 26 days. Mr. Abbey was born in Smethport and resided here until about six years ago. By trade the deceased was a telegraph operator, which vocation he followed for a number of years. About 14 years ago he opened a grocery store in the building where F G Lindholm & Co. are now located and successfully conducted the business until 1893 when he sold out and moved to Scio, NY, and took up the occupation of farming. The deceased is survived by a loving wife, four young children -- three girls and one boy -- and one brother, P E Abbey of this place, who mourn the loss of a loving husband, father, and brother, and the community in which he lived, an honest and upright man. The remains were brought to Smethport on Monday, and the funeral services were held in the M E Church on Tuesday at 2 p.m. Interment in Rose Hill Cemetery."103