A political colleague of William H. Seward and Thurlow Weed , Wakeman became active in politics as a Whig and served in the New York State Assembly ( 1850-1852 ) and as a city Alderman ( 1854 – 1856 ) . In 1854 , Wakeman was elected to Congress , and he served one term , 1855 to 1857 . He helped found the Republican Party in 1855 , and was a delegate to the 1856 Republican National Convention . During the American Civil War , Wakeman was a strong supporter of the Union , and provided important organizational and financial aid . His support for the Abraham Lincoln administration resulted in lucrative political appointments as Postmaster of New York City ( 1862 – 1864 ) , and Surveyor of the Port of New York ( 1864 – 1869 )
1856 Republican National Convention
1856 Republican National Convention
Abram Wakeman