Abel Clemmons was born around 1772 and resided near Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia), on the lands of Colonel George Jackson. He lived with his pregnant wife and eight children, maintaining a reputation for honesty and industry. In the weeks leading up to the murders, Clemmons exhibited signs of melancholy and gloom, possibly due to anxiety over his family's welfare. He had plans to relocate to Ohio with his brother.​

On the night of November 10, 1805, Abel Clemmons committed a horrific act by murdering his entire family. Using an axe, he killed his pregnant wife and eight children—ranging in age, with the eldest being about 12 years old—while they slept in three separate beds within the same room. The victims were struck on the head, likely resulting in instant death. A niece, who was also in the house, remained unharmed and unaware of the events.

The following morning, a man named Neisly visited the Clemmons residence and found Abel in a state of agitation, but left without suspecting anything amiss. Later, Clemmons' brother arrived, discovered the gruesome scene, and alerted neighbors. Abel fled but was apprehended after hiding in nearby rocks for several days.​

Clemmons was arraigned on November 28, 1805, and pleaded not guilty. He was tried in Morgantown in May 1806, found guilty, and executed by hanging on June 30, 1806, near Decker's Creek.​