All pictures are from the Abeln Abstract library.
Abeln Abstract & Title Company
Serving Dubuque County, Iowa continuously for over 125 years
Locally Owned and Operated
Abeln Abstract & Title Company has a history nearly as long and rich as Dubuque County itself. With records dating back to the very first sales of land in Iowa, our archives are as extensive as they are accurate. With the latest technology and business practices, the service you receive is prompt, precise, and hassle-free.
Discover our company’s proud history below, or dive into frequently asked questions, or place an order today.
Our storied past
Anthony P. Abeln, born in 1866, immigrated from Oldenburg, Germany at the age of four and founded Abeln Abstract in 1893.
After Anthony died in 1934, his daughter, Irene (Abeln) Eulberg, inherited the company and was president until her death in 1975.
Donald L. Conlon enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II where Donald served in two theatres—Africa and Italy. Don was awarded the Bronze Star, among other accommodations, and upon his return from overseas, he attended Bayless Business College located in Dubuque, IA.
Upon graduation from Bayless Business College, Don began working at Abeln Abstract, eventually becoming one of the premier abstracters in the state.
The building third from left, with the awning is the former Ablen Abstract building, located on part of what is the current location
In 1969, the original building was razed and the current building was built at the same location in addition to abutting parcels. This building has special significance since it is the first built by private enterprise in the urban renewal area.
After Irene’s death in 1975, Don purchased the remaining shares of stock and became president of the company.
In 1997, Don sold the company to two of his sons,
Luke E. Conlon (president), a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in management, and
Daniel J. Conlon (vice president), a graduate of the University of Iowa with a degree in management.
To this day, Abeln Abstract remains locally owned and operated.
Funded entirely by donations from Don's friends and business associates, this bench in memory of Don Conlon sits outside the Dubuque County Courthouse today. Engraved is the following:
In Memory of
Donald L. Conlon
Respected Abstracter and Admired Friend
1921 – 2002
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