Abner Hazeltine

Abner Hazeltine was a prominent attorney, politician, and judge from New York, who served as a U.S. Representative for the 31st congressional district from 1833 to 1837. A member of the Whig Party, Hazeltine's political career was marked by his opposition to slavery and advocacy for temperance. He held various public offices throughout his life, including serving in the New York State Assembly and as district attorney and judge in Chautauqua County. Hazeltine's legal career spanned over six decades, during which he remained active until his death in 1879.

Early life and career

Abner Hazeltine was born on June 10, 1793, in Wardsboro, Vermont, to Daniel Hazeltine and Susannah (Jones) Hazeltine. He received his early education in the common schools of Wardsboro and furthered his studies under the guidance of a local pastor. Hazeltine's academic journey continued at Williams College, where he graduated in 1815. Following his graduation, he relocated to Jamestown, New York, where he began his professional life as an educator. He played a significant role in founding the Jamestown Academy and taught there for several years while simultaneously studying law.

Hazeltine's legal education was conducted under the mentorship of local attorneys Jacob Houghton and Samuel A. Brown. He was admitted to the bar in 1819, marking the beginning of his legal practice in Jamestown. His career took him briefly to Warren, Pennsylvania, where he became the first lawyer in the county. However, he returned to Jamestown in 1823 to continue his law practice. In addition to his legal work, Hazeltine contributed to the local community as an editorial writer for the Jamestown Journal from 1826 to 1829. His involvement in local affairs extended to business, where he served as a director of the Chautauqua County Bank.

In the mid-1820s, Hazeltine was an advocate for the construction of a canal that would connect the Erie Canal to the Allegheny River, facilitating transportation to Pittsburgh. His early career was characterized by a commitment to both legal practice and civic engagement, laying the groundwork for his future political endeavors.

House tenure

Hazeltine's political career began in earnest when he served as a member of the New York State Assembly for two terms from 1829 to 1830. His legislative career expanded when he was elected to the United States House of Representatives as an Anti-Masonic candidate for the Twenty-third Congress. He was subsequently re-elected as an Anti-Jacksonian for the Twenty-fourth Congress, serving from March 4, 1833, until March 3, 1837. During his time in Congress, Hazeltine was known for his advocacy of temperance and his opposition to slavery. He actively participated in discussions regarding anti-slavery petitions, opposing motions to ban their reception in the House.

Hazeltine's tenure in Congress was marked by his commitment to social issues, particularly those concerning moral reform and civil rights. He did not seek re-nomination in 1836, concluding his congressional service after two terms. His departure from Congress did not signify an end to his public service, as he continued to engage in various legal and political roles throughout his life.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his legislative career, Hazeltine focused on issues that reflected his personal convictions, particularly in the realms of temperance and abolitionism. His involvement with the Congressional Temperance Society as a vice president underscored his dedication to promoting temperance legislation. Hazeltine's opposition to slavery was a defining aspect of his political identity, aligning him with the growing abolition movement of the time. His shifting party affiliations—moving from Anti-Masonic to Anti-Jacksonian and eventually to the Whig Party—illustrated his adaptability to the evolving political landscape of the early 19th century.

After his congressional service, Hazeltine continued to hold significant positions in the legal and political arenas. He served as the district attorney for Chautauqua County from 1847 to 1850 and later as a judge of the Chautauqua County Court from 1859 to 1863. His role during the American Civil War as a state commissioner overseeing the Union Army draft in Chautauqua County further demonstrated his commitment to public service during a tumultuous period in American history.

In 1873, Hazeltine was appointed as a special judge of the Chautauqua County Court, a position he held until 1874. He also served as the United States Commissioner for the courts of the Northern District of New York from 1873 until his death. His extensive legal career and public service reflect a lifelong dedication to the law and the community.

Abner Hazeltine passed away on December 20, 1879, in Jamestown, New York. He was interred at Lake View Cemetery in Jamestown. Throughout his life, Hazeltine was married twice, first to Polly Kidder, with whom he had four children, and later to Matilda Hayward, with whom he had three children. His family included individuals who pursued various professions, including teaching, medicine, and law, indicating a legacy of public service and community involvement.