Maine Memory Network

Israel Washburn Jr. recommendation for Charles Washburn, Portland, 1863

Contributed by: Washburn Norlands Living History Center Date: 1863-12-19 Location: Portland Media: Ink on paper

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Israel Washburn Jr., Portland, ca. 1860

Contributed by: Washburn Norlands Living History Center Date: circa 1860 Location: Portland Media: Carte de visite

The Washburns of Livermore

Members of the Washburn family of Livermore participated in the Civil War in a variety of ways -- from Caroline at the homefront, to Samuel at sea, Elihu, as a Congressman from Illinois, and Israel governor of Maine. The family had considerable influence politically on several fronts.

Port of Portland's Custom House and Collectors of Customs

The collector of Portland was the key to federal patronage in Maine, though other ports and towns had collectors. Through the 19th century, the revenue was the major source of Federal Government income. As in Colonial times, the person appointed to head the custom House in Casco Bay was almost always a leading community figure, or a well-connected political personage.

Rev James Wells Appointment as Chaplain for Maine in Civil War
by David Woodward

Certificate for Rev. Wells commissioned by Gov. Israel Washburn Jr. to serve in Maine 11th Regiment