Abraham Hanson

Abraham Hanson: U.S. diplomat, pastor, municipal official

Abraham Hanson(1818 – 1866) was anEnglish-born American pastor and U.S. diplomat.

Personal life

Hanson was born nearBromleyinSouth Yorkshireand was educated at Bromley College.

He moved to theUnited Statesto become a pastor in theMethodist Episcopal Churchpastor, serving in parishes inAurora, Illinois,Chicago,MilwaukeeandRacine, Wisconsin.He left the ministry in 1851 due to poor health and relocated toKenosha, Wisconsin,where he became involved in local politics and was elected city treasurer for several terms.

Professional career

In May 1862, he became a U.S. Commercial Agent in Liberia and on June 8, 1863, he was appointed by PresidentAbraham Lincolnto become the first U. S. Commissioner/Consul General toLiberia.TheUnited States Senateconfirmed the appointment on January 12, 1864. He presented his credentials to the Liberian government on February 23, 1864. In 1866, Hanson became ill during his diplomatic service. He died on July 20, 1866, and was buried inMonrovia,the Liberian capital.

References

• Abraham Hanson papers, 1840-1866,David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
• "History of First Methodist Episcopal Church, Racine, Wisconsin" (1912), pages 53 and 70; published by E. W. Leach in 1912. Page 70 and 53.