Abram Wakeman

Abram Wakeman was a prominent American attorney, businessman, and politician who served as a U.S. Representative for New York's 8th congressional district from 1855 to 1857. A significant figure in the early development of the Republican Party, he was known for his support of the Union during the American Civil War and for his involvement in various business ventures. His career spanned law, politics, and business, reflecting a multifaceted approach to public service and economic development.

Early life and career

Abram Wakeman was born on May 31, 1824, in Greenfield Hill, Connecticut, to Jonathan and Clara Wakeman. He pursued his early education at Fairfield Academy in Connecticut and later graduated from Herkimer Academy in Little Falls, New York. Demonstrating an early interest in education, Wakeman taught school while simultaneously studying law. His legal education began with the firm of Capron & Lake in Little Falls, and he later completed his studies under the mentorship of Horace Holden, a well-known attorney in New York City. Wakeman was admitted to the bar in 1847, marking the beginning of his legal career.

Following his admission to the bar, Wakeman began his practice as a junior partner with Horace Holden. He eventually became the senior partner of the law firm Wakeman, Latting & Phelps, where he worked alongside Edward John Phelps. In addition to his legal practice, Wakeman was actively involved in various business enterprises. He held directorial or executive positions in several banks, railroads, and insurance companies. Notably, he was one of the original incorporators of the Irving Savings Institution and served as an incorporator and director of the Hamilton Fire Insurance Company. His involvement in the transportation sector included a directorship with the New York and Hempstead Plains Railroad and later the New York, Bay Ridge and Jamaica Railroad.

Wakeman's early political engagement began in the 1840s when he became active in the Whig Party. He aligned himself with notable figures such as Thurlow Weed, William H. Seward, and Henry Jarvis Raymond, who were prominent leaders of the party in New York. His political career commenced with his election to the New York State Assembly, where he served from 1850 to 1852. Following this, he was elected to the city's Board of Aldermen, serving from 1854 to 1856. His political trajectory set the stage for his subsequent election to the U.S. Congress.

House tenure

Wakeman was elected to the 34th Congress as a Whig, serving from March 4, 1855, until March 3, 1857. His tenure in the House of Representatives came during a tumultuous period in American politics, characterized by the decline of the Whig Party and the rise of the Republican Party. As a member of Congress, Wakeman was involved in the early efforts to establish the Republican Party, which emerged in response to the growing sectional tensions over slavery and other national issues. His commitment to the party was evident when he served as a delegate to the 1856 Republican National Convention, where he played a role in shaping the party's platform and direction.

Despite his active participation in the founding of the Republican Party, Wakeman faced challenges in securing re-election. He ran for a second term in the 35th Congress as a Republican but was unsuccessful. His single term in the House of Representatives was marked by his alignment with the party's principles and his advocacy for issues pertinent to his constituents and the nation.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in Congress, Wakeman's legislative focus was influenced by the political climate of the mid-1850s, particularly the issues surrounding the American Civil War and the evolving political landscape. Although specific details of his legislative contributions are not extensively documented, his alignment with the Republican Party and his previous political experience suggest that he was likely engaged in discussions and initiatives related to the Union's preservation and the party's anti-slavery stance.

After his congressional service, Wakeman continued to be active in public life, particularly during the Civil War. He raised the 81st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment and briefly held the rank of colonel, a position typically given to those responsible for recruiting and equipping military units. However, he resigned before the regiment was deployed to the front lines. His support for the Union was further demonstrated through his appointment as Postmaster of New York City from 1862 to 1864, a position that allowed him to exert influence and support the war effort.

Wakeman's involvement in the Republican Party extended beyond his congressional term. He presided over the New York State convention of the National Union Party in 1863, which represented a coalition of Republicans and pro-Union Democrats during the Civil War. He also participated as a delegate in the party's national convention in 1864, further solidifying his role in the political landscape of the time.

In addition to his political endeavors, Wakeman was involved in various business ventures, including the development of Coney Island as a resort and amusement destination. His entrepreneurial activities culminated in a profitable sale of his interests in Coney Island to a syndicate of investors.

Abram Wakeman passed away on June 29, 1889, in New York City. His contributions to law, business, and politics, particularly during a pivotal era in American history, reflect a career dedicated to public service and community development. He was interred at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the formative years of the Republican Party and the challenges of the Civil War.