Profession: US Secretary of State
Why Famous: Secretary of State for the Union during the American Civil War, Seward was widely praised for his work in this role and in the same position for the United States until 1869.
A leading candidate for the 1860 presidential nomination, Seward's outspoken opposition to slavery and his support for immigrants helped him lose the position to Abraham Lincoln, who selected him as Secretary of State.
Seriously wounded by Lewis Powell as part of the same plot that killed Lincoln, Seward continued in his role under Andrew Johnson. In 1867 he finalized the Alaska Purchase which added 586,412 square miles to the United States.
Born: May 16, 1801
Birthplace: Florida, New York, USA
Star Sign: Taurus
Died: October 10, 1872 (aged 71)
Articles and Photos
Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln is shot in the Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C. by John Wilkes Booth
April 14, 1865Alaska Purchase
The check used by the United States to purchase Alaska at less than 2 cents an acre
October 18, 1867
Historical Events
- 1865-04-14 U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward and his family are attacked in his home by Lewis Powell as part of the same conspiracy to assassinate Abraham Lincoln
- 1868-07-28 US Secretary of State William H. Seward announces 14th Amendment ratified by states, grants citizenship to ex-slaves
Colin Powell
Henry Kissinger
John Foster Dulles
John Kerry
Mike Pompeo
William Jennings Bryan