He was a Civil War soldier in Company "A", 83rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted August 5, 1862 and served through the war with his brother Noah Grant Abbey. He was mustered out July 5, 1865.
U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865. Name: George Abbey; Residence: Illinois; Enlistment Date: 5 Aug 1862; Rank at enlistment: Private; State Served: Illinois; Survived the War?: Yes; Service Record: Enlisted in Company A, Illinois 83rd Infantry Regiment on 21 Aug 1862. Mustered out on 26 Jun 1865 at Nashville, TN; Death Date: 23 May 1909; Sources: Illinois: Roster of Officers and Enlisted Men; GAR Dept of Illinois: Death Rolls; National Archives: Index to Federal Pension Records.