Israel Washburn (1813-1883) was one of seven unusually successful sons born to Israel and Martha Washburn of Livermore.

He studied law with an uncle and was admitted to the Bar in 1834. He entered politics winning a seat in Congress in 1850.

His brothers Cadwallader and Elihu represented Wisconsin and Illinois in the same Congress.

Israel was a founder of the Republican Party and in 1861-62 served as Maine's Governor.