Horatio Seymour
Born: May 31, 1810
Birthplace: Pompey, New York
Father: Henry Seymour 1780 – 1837
Mother: Mary Ledyard Forman 1785 – 1859
Wife: Mary Bleecker 1812 – 1886
(Buried: Forest Hill Cemetery, Utica, New York)
Political Party: Democratic Party
Education:
Attended Geneva College
1828: Graduated from American Literary, Scientific, & Military Academy
Occupation before War:
Manager of his family business interest in New York
1833 – 1838: Military Secretary and Colonel of New York
Investor in Real Estate, Banks, Mines, and Railroads
1842: Member of New York State Assembly
1842 – 1843: Mayor of Utica, New York
1844 – 1845: Member of New York State Assembly
1845: Speaker of New York State Assembly
1850: Unsuccessful Democratic Candidate for Governor of New York
1852: Campaigner for Franklin Pierce Presidential Campaign
1853 – 1854: Governor of New York
Won approval as Governor to finance enlargement of Erie Canal.
1854: Supporter of the Kansas – Nebraska Act
1856: Considered as a possible compromise candidate for President
1856: Supporter of Stephen A. Douglas for Democratic Nomination
1860: Supporter of Stephen A. Douglas Presidential Campaign
1860: Endorsed the Proposed Crittenden Compromise
Civil War Career:
1861: Unsuccessful Candidate for United States Senator
At the start of the war, took a middle position on the Civil War
Criticized President Lincoln’s conduct of the War.
Critical of Lincoln’s wartime centralization of power and restrictions
1863 – 1864: Governor of New York
One of the most prominent Democratic Opponents of Lincoln.
Opposed the Lincoln administration institution of the military draft.
Opposed a bill giving votes to soldiers on legal grounds
1863: His efforts to conciliate draft rioters was used against him.
1864: Permanent Chairman of Democratic Party National Convention
1864: Refused to be nominated as Democratic Presidential Candidate
1864: Unsuccessful Candidate for reelection as Governor of New York
Occupation after War:
1868: Permanent Chairman of Democratic Party National Convention
1868: Unsuccessful Democratic Party Presidential Candidate
Chancellor of Union College in New York
1874: Turned down to be a candidate for United States Senator
1876: Turned down a chance to run for Governor of New York
1879: Turned down a chance to run for Governor of New York
1880: Receive 8 votes at the Democratic Party Nomination
1885: Elected to the Society of Cincinnati
Died: February 12, 1886
Place of Death: New York City, New York
Age at time of Death: 75 years old
Burial Place: Forest Hill Cemetery, Utica, New York
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