in New York and Texas, and finally settling in New Orleans about 1840. The mother died of yellow fever in 1841. Young Hahn was educated in the public schools of the city, and after finishing his course entered upon the study of law. In April, 1851. he graduated from the law department of the University of Louisiana with the degree of LL. B. This diploma admitted him to practice in all the courts of the State. He immediately engaged in the practice of his profession. When but twenty-two years of age he was elected a school director and served for several years, being at one time president of the board.
Politically he identified himself with the Democratic party, adhering to that wing of the party whose recognized head was Stephen A. Douglas, whom he supported for the Presidency in 1860. He was a member of the Douglas State committee.
After the disruption of the Charleston convention a large Union mass meeting was held at Lafayette Square, New Orleans, May 8, 1860, at which Hahn made a strong Union speech and offered the resolutions adopted by the meeting.
He continued zealous and persistent in his opposition to secession. The State seceded. After secession the legislative authorities required all officers of the State to take a new oath of office, which prescribed a pledge to be faithful "to the constitution and laws of the Confederate States." He refused to subscribe to the oath, and on the arrival of Farragut and Butler at New Orleans was prominent in forming Union associations and in reconstructing the State.
In December, 1862, there was an election for Congress in the two districts of the State then entirely within the Federal lines, and Hahn. after a candidacy of but a few days, was elected from the second district, receiving more votes than the other three candidates together. He was not admitted to his seat until February, 1863. During his short stay in Congress he voted for all the war measures of President Lincoln, and he and the President very soon became close friends. After the expiration of his Congressional term he was appointed prize commissioner of New Orleans.
