Abijah J. Wellman facts for kids
Abijah Joslyn Wellman (born May 6, 1836, in Friendship, New York, and died there on June 8, 1889) was an American businessman, banker, and politician from New York.
Early Life and Military Service
Abijah Wellman was the son of Jonas Wellman and Keziah (Joslyn) Wellman. He went to Oberlin College for a short time between 1854 and 1855. After college, he became a merchant, which means he bought and sold goods. Later, he became a banker, helping people manage their money.
When the American Civil War began, Abijah Wellman joined the Union Army. He was made a captain in the 85th New York Volunteers. He was later promoted to lieutenant colonel. He bravely fought in the Battle of Seven Pines, where he was seriously injured in the chest.
In 1863, he married Kate Miner, and they had five children together. After the war, starting in 1864, he also got involved in the lumber business, which means he dealt with wood and timber.
Political Career
Abijah Wellman was active in his local community and state government.
- He served as the Supervisor for the Town of Friendship from 1866 to 1872. A supervisor is like a leader for a town's local government.
- He was also the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for Allegany County for three years. This meant he led the group of supervisors from all the towns in the county.
- In 1872, he was chosen as a delegate to the 1872 Republican National Convention. This is a big meeting where a political party chooses its candidate for president.
- From 1874 to 1877, he was a member of the New York State Senate. This is part of the state's law-making body, similar to the U.S. Senate but for the state of New York. He served in four different legislative sessions during this time.
Later Years
For almost 25 years, Abijah Wellman worked as the Cashier at the First National Bank of Friendship. A cashier in a bank helps manage the money and records. He passed away at his home in Friendship. His death was caused by health problems that came from the war wound he received many years earlier. He was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery.
