Governor Abner Colburn

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abner_Coburn

Abner Coburn (March 22, 1803 – January 4, 1885) was the 30th Governor of Maine from 1863 to 1864 and a prominent individual in Skowhegan, Maine until his death.

Born on a farm in Old Canaan (later renamed to Skowhegan), Maine, Coburn served three years in the Maine House of Representatives before being elected Governor in 1863.

He became prominent in Skowhegan society, serving as the president of Skowhegan Savings Bank and becoming president and director of the Maine Central Railroad.

He was the uncle of the writer Louise Helen Coburn. Many of his historical items can be seen in a museum she began, the Skowhegan History House.

Upon his death in 1885, Coburn left 12 acres (49,000 m2) to the town of Skowhegan to make a public park. Coburn Park was opened in 1907.

Abner Coburn's life and achievements were honored with the naming of a sailing ship after the governor.

In Popular Culture

Rapper V.G. Varun references Colburn in his song "Watts" in the 3rd verse.

Maine Governor. Educated in Skowhegan, Maine, he became a surveyor, joining in 1830 his father and brother Philander in a surveying, land selling and lumber business. After their father's death the business continued to be run by the brothers as "A & P Coburn", which eventually became the largest land owner in Maine and included holdings throughout the United States. The Coburns expanded their interests to include railroads, banks and insurance, making them among the wealthiest people in Maine. In 1830, 1840 and 1844 Abner Coburn served as a Whig in the Maine House of Representatives. He joined the Republican Party at its founding and won terms on Maine's Governor's Council in 1854 and 1856. In 1862 he was the successful Republican nominee for Governor and served a single one year term, January 1863 to January 1864. His term was marked by efforts to maintain Maine's participation in the Civil War, including raising and equipping new regiments and maintaining troops already in the field. After leaving office, he returned to his business interests. He and his brother were noted philanthropists, donating to high schools, academies and colleges throughout Maine, as well as Somerset County's courthouse, Skowhegan's town hall, and a public park in Skowhegan. Abner Coburn was the brother of Congressman Stephen Coburn and the uncle of author and scientist Louise Coburn. (bio by: [fg.cgi?page=mr&MRid=46817687" target="_blank Bill McKern)]

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: May 2 2017, 22:37:11 UTC

Maine Governor. Educated in Skowhegan, Maine, he became a surveyor, joining in 1830 his father and brother Philander in a surveying, land selling and lumber business. After their father's death the business continued to be run by the brothers as "A & P Coburn", which eventually became the largest land owner in Maine and included holdings throughout the United States. The Coburns expanded their interests to include railroads, banks and insurance, making them among the wealthiest people in Maine. In 1830, 1840 and 1844 Abner Coburn served as a Whig in the Maine House of Representatives. He joined the Republican Party at its founding and won terms on Maine's Governor's Council in 1854 and 1856. In 1862 he was the successful Republican nominee for Governor and served a single one year term, January 1863 to January 1864. His term was marked by efforts to maintain Maine's participation in the Civil War, including raising and equipping new regiments and maintaining troops already in the field. After leaving office, he returned to his business interests. He and his brother were noted philanthropists, donating to high schools, academies and colleges throughout Maine, as well as Somerset County's courthouse, Skowhegan's town hall, and a public park in Skowhegan. Abner Coburn was the brother of Congressman Stephen Coburn and the uncle of author and scientist Louise Coburn. (bio by: [fg.cgi?page=mr&MRid=46817687" target="_blank Bill McKern)]

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: May 2 2017, 22:42:04 UTC