Abigail Charlotte Jones

Mama Abigail Jones was a legend in her own time, establishing a reputation as the queen among "Big Market" traders. Known as Abi Jones, she was the grand daughter of a Yoruba recaptive called Abarimokoh. Motherless at age 9, she and her sister were educated by Methodist missionaries at the Female Educational Institute. Growing up in a business environment, she soon made her mark at the Big Market, maintaining for years the largest stall. As a successful merchant in 1893, she embarked on and became the first Femal Ship Chandler. Of her 11 sons, the seven who survived were a credit to her upbringing: Radcliffe (Doctor), Rowland (Photographer), Percy (Anglican Bishop), Clarence (Business Manager), Rogers (Customs Officer), Teddy (Customs Officer) and Ulric (Dispenser).