He attended the Russell County schools but was unable to attend college on account of the death of his father. He was president of the Montgomery chamber of commerce and a member of “Independent rifles” and the “Mounted rifles” 1883-95. Charles was a Democrat, an Episcopalian, Knight of Pythias, and a Red Man.
He married: (1) January 12, 1887, at Columbus, Georgia, Fannie Epping, daughter of Henry Herman and Isabella Epping, of that place. After her death, he married (2) November 1896, to Kate Westcott, daughter of William D. Westcott, of Montgomery. They were enumerated in the census of June 1, 1900, at 419 Perry Street with two domestic servants and nephew William H. Chambers, a dentist along with daughters, Isabel and Fannie Virginia. He was self-employed as a coal dealer. The following appeared on 20 July 1901 in The Montgomery Advertiser: A bill has been filed in the City Court in Equity by C. G. Abercrombie as administrator, etc., against Isabel Abercrombie and Fannie Virginia Abercrombie. The bill seeks to clear title to some lands. Judge Sayre appointed Mr. Fred S. Ball as guardian ad litem for the infant defendants.
Charles second wife died around 1902 and he married (3) in 1903, to Mrs. Mary (Sadler) Grigg, daughter of Claudius Earle and Helena (Frazier) Sadler, of Montgomery. The following appeared on 1 February 1903 in The Montgomery Advertiser: “Mr. Charles G. Abercrombie and daughter, Miss Isabel Abercrombie, left last evening for New York and Washington, where they will remain for two weeks or a month.”
Fannie Virginia Abercrombie married Gustav Fletcher of Philadelphia; The following was in the Montgomery Advertiser April 22, 1917, “The marriage of Mr. Gustavus Bergner Fletcher and Miss Fannie Virginia Abercrombie will be solemnized at 4:30 o’clock at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Abercrombie.”
He passed away in Montgomery on June 23, 1917, and is buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Montgomery, Alabama. His obituary in the Montgomery Advertiser June 24, 1917, was as follows:
Charles Gordon Abercrombie, one of the best-known men in Montgomery, died suddenly about 4 o’clock Saturday morning from a stroke of apoplexy, following an illness of only a few days. Mr. Abercrombie had been confined to his bed several days, but was not considered in a serious condition. Early Saturday morning members of his household were attracted by heavy breathing of Mr. Abercrombie, and medical aid was quickly called.
Mr. Abercrombie was sixty-one years of age, having been born in Russell County, this state. In 1887 Mr. Abercrombie married Miss Fannie Epping of Columbus, Ga., and afterward married Miss Kate Westcott of this city, both of whom preceded him to the grave.
Mr. Abercrombie came to Montgomery thirty years ago, and made this city his home since that time, always taking an active and prominent part in social and civic affairs of his adopted home. Mr. Abercrombie organized the Ball Electric Plant and owned Abercrombie Coal Company. He was interested in a number of ventures looking to the upbuilding of the city and played an important part in the series of state expositions held in Montgomery.
When the Joie de Vie Club was in existence, during its time one of the leading social organizations of the city, Mr. Abercrombie was one of its presidents, and also served as president of the Chamber of Commerce, always having taken an active interest in the commercial affairs of Montgomery.
Mr. Abercrombie is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mary Hadler Griff [sic] Abercrombie; one daughter, Mrs. Gustave Fletcher, of Philadelphia, Pa., one son, Charles Gordon Abercrombie Jr; two step-children, Mrs. Alice Grigg and Wilmer Grigg, and three sisters, Mrs. Virginia Collins, Mrs. Grant Wilkins and Mrs. Henry Chambers.
Funeral services will be held at St. John’s Episcopal church at 10 o’clock Monday morning, with the rector, Rev. E. E. Cobbs, officiating. Interment will be made in Oakwood Cemetery.”
His wife Mary (Sadler) Abercrombie lived at least three more years after her husband’s death. The following appeared in the Montgomery Advertiser September 1, 1920: “C. R. Sadler of Berberton, Ohio, is the guest of his sister, Mrs. Charles Abercrombie, having been called to Montgomery on account of the serious illness of his mother, Mrs. C. E. Sadler, who has been spending the summer with her daughter at her home on South Perry Street.
