Public Service:
Abernathy was selected to be Mayor when Harvey Moore resigned to run mills in Concord, N.C. Prior to his appointment, Abernathy was a City commissioner and as the City Tax Collector. The other commissioners drafted him to become Mayor.

Personal:
Abernathy was a former school teacher and principal.

During his Administration:

• The Carolina Theatre opened at the corner of Sixth and North Tryon streets.
• Babe Ruth played in an exhibition game in Charlotte's Wearn Field on South Mint Street. More than 4,000 people attended the game.
• The Federal Reserve established a branch in Charlotte on December 1, 1927.