title: Joseph Florence Abbott
text: # Joseph Florence Abbott
  
  Joseph Florence Abbott (March 3, 1888 – November 17, 1961) was a lawyer, who served as President of the American Sugar Refining Company, then the largest sugar producer in the United States. During World War I, he served as a lieutenant in the United States Army.
  
  ## Early life and education
  
  Abbott was born on March 3, 1888, in Clarksville, Tennessee, to Florence and Elizabeth Abbott. He graduated from St. Mary's College and then studied law at Georgetown University from 1907 to 1911.
  
  ## Career
  
  Abbott was admitted to the bar in the District of Columbia in 1912.
  
  During World War I, he served as a lieutenant in the field artillery in the United States Army.
  
  After serving in the military during World War I, he returned to practice law. He served as the General Counsel for the American Sugar Refining Company from 1926 to 1929. He became its President in 1929 and served as such until 1953.
  
  ## Personal life
  
  Abbott married Laura C. Griswold on June 5, 1920. Together, they had 2 children: Charles Griswold Abbott and Joseph Alan Abbott.
  
  ## Death and legacy
  
  Abbott died on November 17, 1961, and was buried in Putnam Cemetery, Greenwich, Connecticut.
  
  