William Abraham studied for the priesthood in
St. Patrick's College, Maynooth and following ordination he taught in St. John's College, Waterford. In 1830 he was appointed Bishop of Waterford and
Lismore, and consecrated on 21 March 1831 in Waterford.
Mount Melleray Abbey was established under his jurisdiction in 1833. As bishop he was unpopular with Irish Nationalists and other Catholic clergy and was seen as favouring British government policy on a number of issues. He even voted for the anti-
Catholic emancipation candidate in the famous
Stuarts Election. Bishop Abraham died on 13 January 1837. He was succeeded by
Nicholas Foran as bishop, Foran having been the favourite to get the bishopric when Abraham was appointed. He is buried in the chapel of the
Holy Trinity,
Waterford. == References ==