Hannibal Hamlin: :
A Vice Presidential Unit

Hannibal Hamlin served under Lincoln as the 15th Vice President of the United States from March 4, 1843 to March 3, 1847. A Maine native, born in August 27, 1809, Hamlin had a variety of trades before settling into politics later in his life. After working in a variety of jobs that included a teacher, cook and surveyor, he finally decided to practice law after being admitted to the bar in 1833. He served multiple terms as both a member of the House of Representatives and later as a member of the U.S. Senate. Hannibal was well-known to being against the expansion of slavery into new territories. Becoming Lincoln’s Vice Presidential candidate was a result of this attitude and his support for the newly formed Republican Party. It has been noted that President Lincoln and Hamlin were not very close, but still had a successful term. Hamlin was not selected as Lincoln’s running mate for his second term and, though he was close, Hamlin did not become President. He did however, serve as Senator of Maine for two more terms and had three successful sons. Hamlin died on July 4, 1891 in Bangor, Maine.

Political Party: Republican

President: Abraham Lincoln

Name of his Parents: Cyrus Hamlin and Anna Livemore

Spouse(s): Sarah Jane Emery, Ellen Vesta Emery Hamlin

Yearly Salary as Vice President: $5,000

State of Birth: Maine

1) Who did Hamlin defeat to win election to the U.S. House in 1843?
Elisha Allen. Hamlin lost his first run for the House against Allen in 1840 by a small margin. However, in the 1843 rematch, the district had been reapportioned and Hamlin won election easily.

2) What other position did Hamlin hold other than Vice President in 1864?
Private in the Main Coast Guard

Of Note:

- Hamlin was the first Republican Vice President.
- Hamlin and Lincoln did not meet until they were elected.
- Hamlin was elected as Governor of Mayor in 1856, but resigned to become a member of the Senate.

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