Hamlin, Hannibal. American statesman. Born in Paris, ME, in 1809. Practiced as a lawyer, and became a member of the state legislature. In 1842 Hamlin was elected as a Democrat to Congress; was United States senator from 1848 to 1857, when he was elected governor on the Republican ticket, but resigned immediately on again being elected senator. In 1861 Hamlin became vice-president under Lincoln, whose views he shared. He was again senator from 1869 to 1881, when he was named minister to Spain. He was chiefly instrumental in passing the "Wilmot Proviso" through the House of Representatives. Died 1891.

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