Israel Washburn Jr.: Maine's Little Giant of the Civil War

Israel Washburn Jr.

Israel Washburn Jr.

Item Contributed by
Washburn Norlands Living History Center

Being the eldest son took a toll on young Israel. Due to his father’s constant financial ruin, he often had to clean up his father’s mistakes, which left him without a formal education. Despite his lack of schooling, Israel was still considered the most "bookish" of his siblings.

He was frequently excused from farm chores to assist his father at his dry goods store. When the store was foreclosed on, Israel and two of his brothers were sent away to neighboring farms to work off their father’s debt.

Israel persevered and studied to be a lawyer under his Uncle Reuel, and in 1834 passed the bar exam. From there, Washburn pursued public office.

Washburn played a crucial role in the formation of the Republican Party while he served in Congress for five terms in the 1850s. His 1854 gathering of Republican-minded representatives in Washington, D.C., was one of the first of its kind in the United States.

Israel Washburn participated in the war his own way - through politics. On January 1, 1861 Washburn was elected governor of Maine, as the candidate of the Republican Party.

Elihu Benjamin Washburne

Elihu Benjamin Washburne

Elihu, a Congressman from Illinois, was Israel's younger brother.

Item Contributed by
Washburn Norlands Living History Center

While in office, Governor Washburn often wrote to his brother, Elihu Washburne, a Congressman from Illinois. Elihu was friends with Abraham Lincoln.

Gov. Washburn used his brother as a portal to Lincoln’s opinions and to convey messages to the president. Gov. Washburn was especially concerned for the Republican Party, and Lincoln's election and inauguration.

He begged Elihu for information regarding Lincoln in January 1861, writing, "I wish you would see General Stuart & learn from him of confidentially for me (if such information can be given) how things stand at Washington; & particularly what the danger is now of an attack upon Washington, or of an attempt to prevent the inauguration of Lincoln."

Additional letters indicate his disdain for prominent individuals from other political parties such as General George B. McClellan. On July 12, 1862 Gov. Washburn wrote to Elihu about his dislike for McClellan. He wrote, "How many more men must McClellan send to their death in swamps & because he won’t have negroes employed to save their lives in guarding rebels & other kindred philanthropic efforts?"

Gov. Washburn earned the title of Maine's "Little-Known Giant of the Civil War" by raising a significant number of troops, volunteers, arms, and equipment. He was also was concerned about the well being of the troops. In August 1861, he made trips to Virginia to check on the welfare of Maine troops and had clothing, shoes, and other necessities sent to the 7th Maine Regiment.

During the 19th century, Maine's governors served one-year terms. In the two years Washburn was governor, he helped unite the Maine Legislature. During his second election he garnered more votes than both his Democratic opponents combined. Due to exhaustion, Governor Washburn opted not to run for a third term and left office in 1863.

In 1863, Israel Washburn Jr. was appointed by Lincoln as Collector of the Port of Portland, a position he held until March 1877.

He then spent time with his second wife, Robina Napier Brown, and sons, Israel and Charles Washburn, at their home in Portland until his death on May 12, 1883. He was buried at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor.

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