Eli Abbott

Eli Abbott was an American college football player and coach of college football and college baseball. He played football at the University of Alabama and the University of Pennsylvania and coached the Alabama Crimson Tide football team from 1893 to 1895 and again in 1902.

Early years

Abbott was born in Mississippi in 1869. He was the son of James O. and Emily Abbott, both of whom were Mississippi natives. At the time of the 1880 United States census, Abbott was living with his parents and three brothers in Okolona, Mississippi.

Athlete and coach

Abbott attended the University of Alabama and played at tackle on Alabama's inaugural football team in 1892. He later attended the University of Pennsylvania, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1896. He played varsity football and baseball at Penn.
He served as the head football coach at the University of Alabama from 1893 to 1895 and again in 1902, compiling a career record of 7–13. He also coached the baseball team at Alabama in 1896, posting a 5–5 record.

Family and later years

Abbott married Idah Hausman in September 1896. At the time of the 1910 United States census, Abbott was living in Leflore County, Mississippi, working as a civil engineer. He and his wife had three sons, Eli Jr., Charles and Frank. His wife and all three sons were born in Alabama. At the time of the 1930 United States census, Abbott was living in Greenwood, Mississippi with his wife, Ada, and their son, Frank. His occupation was listed as a civil engineer with a general practice. Abbott was employed as the city engineer in Greenwood for many years and remained a resident of that city for the remainder of his life. He died at Greenwood in February 1943 at age 73.