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.
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: Bill McKern
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