Addison H. Laflin

Addison Henry Laflin (October 24, 1823 – September 24, 1878) was an American printmaker and politician. He served in the New York State Senate in 1858 and 1859.^[1] He was then elected as a Republican to the United States Congress, holding office from 1865 to 1871.

Addison H. Laflin

Early life

Laflin was born in Lee, Berkshire County, Massachusetts on 24 October 1823,^[1][2] the son of Walter Laflan, a prominent print maker.^[3] He attended common schools and graduated from Williams College, Massachusetts in 1843.^[1]

Career

Laflin moved to Herkimer, New York.^[2][3] With his brother, Bryon,^[4] Laflin became a prominent paper manufacturer.^[3][5] He developed a method of watermarking using a wire belt.^[4] However, the method wasn't very popular and in 1857, they sold the Herkimer Mill for a sizeable sum of $70,000.^[4]

Laflin served in New York State Senate (20th D.) in 1858 and 1859.^[1][6] He was elected as a Republican to the United States Congress and held office from March 4, 1865, to March 3, 1871.^[1][2] He was also a delegate to the Republican state convention of 1867.^[1]

Laflin was appointed Naval Officer of the Port of New York by President Ulysses S. Grant^[3][7] on April 3, 1871.^[1][2] He served in that position until he resigned in 23 January 1877.^[1][2]

Death

Laflin who had been ill, died of suicide in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on 24 September 1878, aged 54.^[3] He was buried at the Oakwood Cemetery, Syracuse.^[1][2]