William L. Abingdon

William Lepper Pilgrim (stage name Abingdon; 2 May 1859 – 17 May 1918) was an English stage actor who settled in the United States. As well as enjoying a lengthy theatre career, he appeared in four silent films during the 1910s. William L. Pilgrim was born in Towcester on 2 May 1859. He attended private school, and worked as a bank clerk until age 18. He then left to pursue a career in theatre.He married twice, first to British actress Rachel de Solla, and then to American actress Bijou Fernandez on May 29, 1906.He committed suicide at his home in New York City on 17 May 1918, and was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery.His son William (1888–1959) also took the surname Abingdon and became a stage director.