May Elizabeth Leggett

     May was born on Saturday, 1 May 1869 at Waterford Township, Oakland County, Michigan. She was the daughter of Mortimer Allen Leggett and Jane Mais Whitehead. Her married name was Abel. May married Frederic Laurence Abel in February 1895 at Michigan.¹ May was an accomplished violinist; she studied in Paris, France. She & her husband resided in Detroit, Michigan.² 4 June 1900, May and her husband Frederic were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at 1477 Grand River, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan. Enumerated in this household were Frederic L. Abel [44 Ohio - August 1855] & his wife, May E. [31 Michigan - May 1869]. They had been married 5 years. He is an instrumental music teacher.³ 19 April 1910, May and her husband Frederic were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at 1900 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan. Enumerated in this household were Frederick L. Abel [52 Ohio], his wife, Mary E. L. [40 Michigan], & servant: Julia S. Moore [64 Michigan]. They had been married 15 years with 1 child not living.He is working as a conservatory & she at a school.⁴ 5 January 1920, May and her husband Frederic were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at an apartment at 3079 Grand Blvd. West, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan. Enumerated in this household were Frederic L. Abel [55 Ohio] & his wife, May L. [48 Michigan]. They are musicians & teachers.⁵ 1940, May and her husband Frederic were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at 55 Puritan Avenue, Highland Park, Wayne County, Michigan. Enumerated in this household were Frederick L. Abel [70 Oho - Barvaria & Ohio] & his wife,May E. [56 Michigan]. He works for the orchestra. He was 26 uears old when first married and she was 22 years.⁶ May departed this life on Tuesday, 26 August 1952 at age 83 years, 3 months and 25 days. May was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia.