Samuel Fessenden

Samuel Fessenden (July 16, 1784 in Fryeburg, Maine – 13 March 1869 near Portland, Maine) was an attorney, American abolitionist, and politician, serving in both houses of the Massachusetts state legislature before Maine became a separate state. (At this time, Maine was a district of Massachusetts.) He was elected as major general in the state militia.

Fessenden was born in Fryeburg, Maine. His father was the Rev. William Fessenden, who graduated from Harvard College in 1768, and was the first minister of Fryeburg. He was also active politically, being elected more than once to the Massachusetts state legislature. (Maine was then part of Massachusetts.) The senior Fessenden also served as judge of probate. Samuel Fessenden's cousin Thomas Green Fessenden became a noted author and editor.

Fessendent received his early education at the Fryeburg Academy in his hometown. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1806. He studied law ("read the law") with Judge Dana, of Fryeburg, and Daniel Webster, and was admitted to the bar in 1809.

Fessenden began his law practice at New Gloucester, Maine. He became active in local politics.

In 1815-16, Fessenden was elected and served a term as a representative in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He was elected to the Massachusetts State Senate, serving 1818-19.

Fessenden joined the state militia. After leaving the senate, he was elected as major-general of the 12th division of the Massachusetts (later Maine) militia. He moved with his family to Portland, Maine, in 1822, which had more opportunities. About 1828 he declined the presidency of Dartmouth.

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