Gideon Hiram Hollister

Gideon Hiram Hollister (December 14, 1817 – March 24, 1881) was an American politician, diplomat, and author from Connecticut. He served in the Connecticut State Senate and Connecticut House of Representatives. He wrote books and poems, including History of Connecticut.

Early life Gideon Hiram Hollister was born on December 14, 1817, in Washington, Connecticut, to Gideon Hollister. He was educated in Washington Academy. He graduated from Yale College in 1840. He was class poet and was editor of the Yale Literary Magazine. He was first president of the Linonian Society. He studied with Origen S. Seymour in Litchfield and was admitted to the bar in April 1842.

Career Hollister began practicing law in Woodbury but moved to Litchfield shortly after. In 1843, he was appointed clerk of the courts. He held the role until 1852, except for one year. In 1856, Hollister was elected to the Connecticut State Senate, representing the 15th district. In February 1868, he was appointed Minister of the United States to Hayti by President Andrew Johnson. He was recalled by President Ulysses S. Grant in September 1869. They had four children.

Hollister died of heart disease on March 24, 1881, at his home in Litchfield.