He was raised with Puritan values and worked on his family farm from a young age which lead to him being known as an exceedingly industrious man.

[1] Coburn's family were Federalists and he cast his first vote for president in 1824 for John Quincy Adams.

Coburn served three years in the Maine House of Representatives before being elected Governor in 1863.

Upon his death in 1885, Coburn left 12 acres (49,000 m2) to the town of Skowhegan land for a public park.

Abner Coburn's life and achievements as governor were honored with the naming of a sailing ship.