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Seth Wakeman

American politician (1811–1880) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Seth Wakeman
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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.

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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]

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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]

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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]

References

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