Walter Abbott was born 7 December 1877 in Small Heath, Birmingham to Mary Ann Wheelwright & George Abbott a Gun Barrel Borer.
Walter was an English professional footballer who played for Small Heath, Everton, Birmingham and Burnley. For Small Heath he played at inside left and scored 66 goals in 85 appearances in all competitions for the club. In season 1898–99 he scored a club record 42 goals of which 34 came in 34 League games.
Walter married Maud Ellen Roberts 3 July 1898 at St George’s Church, Birmingham at the time of their marriage they were living at Unett Street, Hockley, Birmingham. Walter is listed as a Professional Footballer.
The couple had four known children, one who died at a young age.
The couple’s son also named Walter later played for Grimsby Town, Chesterfield,& Worcester City.
In 1911 Walter, Maud and family were living and working at the Queens Arms, 286 Heath Street, Birmingham. Walter due to injury had retired from football and become a publican. By 1921 Walter was a Transport Motor Driver, working at the Dunlop Rubber Company , at Tyburn Garage. It appears he later worked for Wilmot Breedon.
Walter who was a widower died in 1941at 98 Ledsam Street, Ladywood, he was 63 years of age. Walter was buried 6 February 1941 Warstone Lane Cemetery, Hockley, Birmingham Jewellery Quarter.
It appears that no section or plot number was recorded for Walter's grave at the time of his burial in Warstone Lane Cemetery. After Walter’s burial his family placed a notice in the personal column of the Birmingham Mail newspaper on 10 February 1941.
Abbott,- Sons and daughter of the late Walter Abbott wish to thank Mr Breedon, workmates of Wilmot- Breedon Ltd, and customers of Ladywood House, neighbours, and all friends and relatives and expressions of sympathy and floral tributes in their sad loss.
Walter was living in the same street where Ladywood House stood at 88 Ledsam Street, Henry Ling was the publican in 1939.
Complied by J. Fielding