Seth Wakeman
American politician (1811–1880)
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Seth Wakeman (January 15, 1811 – January 4, 1880) was an American attorney and politician from Batavia, New York. Initially a Whig, and later a Republican, he was most notable for his service in the New York State Assembly from 1856 to 1857 and the United States House of Representatives from 1871 to 1873.
Seth Wakeman | |
|---|---|
| |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 29th district | |
| In office March 4, 1871 – March 3, 1873 | |
| Preceded by | John Fisher |
| Succeeded by | Freeman Clarke |
| Town Supervisor of Batavia, New York | |
| In office 1861–1862 | |
| Preceded by | Martin F. Robertson |
| Succeeded by | Harry Backus |
| Member of the New York State Assembly | |
| In office January 1, 1856 – December 31, 1857 | |
| Preceded by | Ambrose Stevens |
| Succeeded by | Franklin G. Kingman (Genesee County at-large) |
| Constituency | Genesee County 1st District |
| District Attorney of Genesee County, New York | |
| In office 1850–1855 | |
| Preceded by | John H. Martindale |
| Succeeded by | George Brown |
| Treasurer of Genesee County, New York | |
| In office 1845–1846 | |
| Preceded by | Pardon C. Sherman |
| Succeeded by | Brannan Young |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 15, 1811 Franklin, Vermont, U.S. |
| Died | January 4, 1880 (aged 68) Batavia, New York, U.S. |
| Resting place | Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia, New York |
| Party | Whig (before 1855) Republican (from 1855) |
| Spouse(s) | Demis Powers (m. 1832–1836, her death) Laura Winans (m. 1856–1880, his death) |
| Children | 6 |
| Profession | Attorney |
Early life
Wakeman was born in Franklin, Vermont on January 15, 1811, the son of Nathan Wakeman and Phoebe Johnston.[1][2] The Wakeman family soon moved to Pembroke, New York, where Nathan Wakeman joined the New York Militia for the War of 1812.[2] He died in Malone, New York while on military duty.[2] Seth Wakeman attended the local schools of Pembroke and became a farmer.[1][3] He served in local offices including constable and justice of the peace, and studied law.[2]
In 1844, Wakeman was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Batavia, New York.[1] Originally a Whig,[4] he served as Genesee County Treasurer (1845 to 1846), and Genesee County District Attorney (1850 to 1855).[5] He was also active in several business ventures, including serving as secretary of the Batavia and Lancaster Plank Road Company.[6] He was also a member of the board of directors of the Batavia and Oakfield Plank Road Company.[7] In 1852, Wakeman was appointed secretary of the Buffalo and Batavia Plank Road Company.[8]
Continued career
Wakeman became a Republican when the party was founded in the mid-1850s.[9] He was a member of the New York State Assembly (Genesee Co., 1st D.) in 1856 and 1857.[1] Wakeman was also a delegate to the State constitutional convention of 1867 and 1868.[1]
In 1868, Wakeman was a candidate for the Republican nomination for a seat in the United States House of Representatives, which was won by John Fisher, who went on to win the general election.[10] In 1870, Wakeman was elected to the 42nd United States Congress.[1] He served one term, March 4, 1871 to March 3, 1873.[1]
Later life
After leaving Congress, Wakeman resumed practicing law.[11] In 1875 his health began to decline, and he retired from most of his legal and business interests.[11] For the last few years of his life, Wakeman was nearly invalid and largely confined to his home.[11]
Wakeman died in Batavia on January 4, 1880.[12] He was interred at Elmwood Cemetery in Batavia.[12]
Family
In 1832, Wakeman married Demis Powers of Pembroke.[2] They were the parents of two children, Eugene (b. 1834) and Demie (1836–1904).[2] In 1856, Wakeman married Laura Winans of Cleveland.[2] They were the parents of Mary Emma (1860–1919), Bryan Seth (b. 1862), Henry Clay (1864–1870), and William Sprague (1868–1954).[2]
