Abner W. Files was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 1829. He began his career in public service as the State Auditor of Arkansas from 1883 to 1887, where he played a key role in state financial oversight. Files served in the Confederate Army, indicating a commitment to military service and defense. He transitioned from the Democratic Party to the Populist Party and later to the Bull Moose Party, reflecting a dynamic approach to political alignment. Additionally, Files worked as a newspaper editor for the Ashley County Times, showcasing his involvement in media and communication.

Abner W. Files's political journey, marked by shifts from Democrat to Populist and finally to Bull Moose, reveals an ideologically agile approach. His advocacy for agrarian interests and economic reforms as a Populist contrasts with his military service in the Confederate Army, suggesting a complex interplay between regional defense and economic populism. Files's tenure as State Auditor and newspaper editor further underscores his multifaceted engagement with both state governance and public communication.