Joseph Carter Abbott

Republican Senator of North Carolina

Senator
North Carolina
July 17, 1868 - March 3, 1871

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1825 (56 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1881

Death

Served as a Union Army colonel during the American Civil War and was awarded the grade of brevet brigadier general of volunteers.
Was a Republican United States senator for North Carolina from 1868 to 1871.
Worked as a lawyer, newspaper editor, and businessman in private life.
Held the position of collector of the port of Wilmington and served in various roles under the Rutherford B. Hayes Administration, including inspector of posts along the eastern line of the southern coast and special agent of the United States Treasury Department.
Graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, in 1846 and was admitted to the bar in 1852.
Owned and edited the Daily American newspaper in Manchester, New Hampshire, from 1852 to 1857, and later edited the Boston Atlas and Bee from 1859 through 1861.
Served as adjutant general for New Hampshire from 1855 to 1861, reorganizing the state militia and was a member of the commission to adjust the boundary between New Hampshire and Canada.
Joined the Know Nothing Party early in his career and was interested in historical matters.
Participated in significant battles during the Civil War, including the second battle of Fort Fisher and the capture of Wilmington.
Remained active in North Carolina politics post-war, serving as a delegate to the State constitutional convention in 1868 and was elected to the U.S. Senate that year.
Advocated for the rights and political organization of the black population during his political career.
His efforts in the Senate included speaking on matters of suffrage, army administration, and improving the harbor of Wilmington.
His most notable legislative achievement was the imposition of a duty on peanuts.
After leaving the Senate, he engaged in lumber manufacturing and served as editor of the Wilmington Post.
Established the town of Abbottsburg, North Carolina.
Died childless and his political legacy is largely criticized in historical accounts.