This Abraham Outten was the son of John Outten Sr., and Sarah his wife, and the grandson of John and Mary. He was born in 1722, and was about eleven years old when his father made his last will and testament August 29, 1733. The will is recorded at Princess Ann, and Annapolis, but is is plainly stated that his residence was in Somerset County.
It is worthy of notice that each of the three sons of John Outten, the Pioneer, Thomas, John, and Abraham, had a son named Abraham, but is so happened that each of these Abrahams lived in a different county. Abraham, the son of Abraham, lived in Wocester Co.; Abraham the son of John, lived in Somerset Co.; and Abraham, the son of Thomas, lived in Accomack Co.
In making his will John Sr. mentioned Abraham his son, but as he was one of the younger children, he only received an equal share with the other children in the personal property, and then he made this statement in his will:
ITEM: In case it should be the pleasure of Almighty God to take my son John Outten off the stage of this life, not having issue lawfully begotten and born in wedlock, I give and bequeath the above said land give to my son John, to my son Abraham Outten and to his heirs forever.
Now John being the eldest son of all the children, was to inherit his father's dwelling plantation, also a sorrel horse called johne, with bridle, saddle, pistols and holsters. That is twice as much as all the other children were to receive. This statement shows that John Sr. thought mighty well of his son Abraham.
However, when Abraham grew up he purchased a great deal of property, and he was perhaps one of the largest owners of real estate in Somerset County.
Abraham Outten and Betty White were married December 3, 1747, and they were the parents of seven children. Isaac, their eldest child was born September 13, 1748; Mary was born March 24, 1751; John was born October 28, 1753; Esther was born March 28, 1756; Abraham was born June 13, 1759; Obed was born December 22, 1760, and Betty was born May 10, 1767.
Abraham Outten died July 31, 1769 at the age of 47 years, intestate. In the Court proceedings that followed, his brother Purnell, and his daughter Mary appeared as nearest of kin, and an inventory of his property was ordered by the court. Isaac was appointed administrator of his father's estate. He was 21 years old at that time, and he probably began his duties at once, but Abraham had left so much property, and had loaned so much money on interest, that Isaac was more than a year settling the estate, and collecting the money that had been loaned.
In March, before his death, Abraham had sold two farms, but he still owned a considerable amount of real estate, besides all of his personal property. He had four negro slaves, and a schooner that was making regular trips on the water. Then it is rather surprising to notice the long list of people who had borrowed money from him. Some of those who owed money to Abraham Outten at the time of his death were the following; James Smith, William Wilson, Joseph Wilson, Bell Moddux, Purnell Outten, John Outten, Captain William Townsend, John Broughton, Smith Horsey, Nathan Riggen, Solomon Bensen, Jesse Wilson, Purnell Brittingham, Gessom Tilghman, Stephen Riggen, Samuel White, Shadrake Outten, Thomas Brown, Rachel Benson, James Benson, Rheodoah Anderson and Obed Outten.
He seems to have been a real banker, who loaned money to everybody. It is therefore not surprising that it should have taken Isaac more than a year to make satisfactory distribution of his property, and collect all the money that was due to his father's estate.
These are about all the facts that the writer has in his possession concerning Abraham Outten. Some of the old records were difficult to read, and almost impossible to understand. But the family connections are all very clear, and it seems evident that he was a man of considerable wealth for that day.
It is very probable that he died suddenly as he did not make any will, but whether he died by accident or from natural causes is unknown. We know when he died, but where he died, and where he was buried, no one living knows.