John Abbott ran stage lines in the Willamette Valley until 1859, when he brought his Concord coach to Walla Walla and established the first stage line in the Walla Walla Valley. His first line here connected Walla Walla with the steamers on the Columbia River at Wallula. His mining experience in California helped him recognize the value in establishing a stage line from Walla Walla to the Boise gold fields, as the town was a major supplier of goods for the miners. Abbott later went into farming and stock raising here.

John Abbott is portrayed by retired educator Rod Hahn.