Abner Coburn

Abner Coburn
30th Governor of Maine
In office January 7, 1863 – January 6, 1864
Preceded by	Israel Washburn, Jr.
Succeeded by	Samuel Cony
Member of the Maine House of Representatives
In office 1860–1863
Personal details
Born	March 22, 1803 Skowhegan, Maine, U.S.
Died	January 4, 1885 (aged 81) Skowhegan, Maine, U.S.

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.

Early years

Coburn was born on a farm in Old Canaan (later renamed to Skowhegan), Maine.

Career

Sailing Vessel Abner Coburn

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 served as the Chair of the Colby College Board of Trustees from 1874 until his death in 1885.^[1] 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 as governor were honored with the naming of a sailing ship.^[2]

References

1. "Mayflower Hill, A History of Colby College." Appendix C. Earl H. Smith. University Press of New England. 2006.
2. Abner Coburn: Narrative, Dyal 2008

• The Interesting History of Skowhegan and Abner Coburn
• Abner Coburn: Narrative, Dyal 2008