Augustus Henry Seward

Augustus Henry Seward (October 1, 1826 -- September 11, 1876) was the son of William H. Seward and Frances Adeline Seward. He was a career officer in the United States Army, and attained the rank of brevet Colonel.

Early life and start of career

Augustus H. Seward was born in Auburn, New York on October 1, 1826, and was the first child of William H. Seward and his wife Frances Miller.^[1][2] Augustus Seward graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1847, ranked 34th of 38th students.^[3] While at West Point his roommates included Henry Heth, who ranked 38th.^[4] After graduation Seward was appointed a Second Lieutenant in the 8th Infantry Regiment, and he served with his regiment in Mexico during the Mexican-American War.^[5]

After the war Augustus Seward continued his military career, serving with the 5th Infantry in: East Pascagoula, Mississippi; Forts Towson and Washita in Indian Territory; on the Utah Expedition; and at Forts Defiance and Union in New Mexico Territory. He was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1853 and Captain in 1859.^[6]

Civil War

In 1861 Augutus Seward transferred to the Paymaster Corps and was promoted to Major. Later that year he declined an appointment in the 19th Infantry. During the American Civil War he carried out paymaster and staff duties in New Mexico Territory, Arizona Territory and Washington, D.C. He received brevet promotions to Lieutenant Colonel in May, 1865 and Colonel in November, 1865 in recognition of his Civil War service.^[7]

Attempted assassination of William H. Seward

Augustus Seward was staying at the home of his father in Washington, D.C. on April 14, 1865 when Lewis Powell attempted to assassinate William H. Seward at the same time John Wilkes Booth was carrying out the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.^[8][9]

William H. Seward was in bed recovering from injuries sustained in a carriage accident, and a jaw splint he was wearing as a result likely deflected Powell's knife and saved Seward's life.^[10]

Augustus Seward, Frederick W. Seward and others in the house were attacked by Powell as Powell attempted to gain access to William H. Seward's bedroom, as they intervened in Powell's attack on Seward, and again as Powell made his escape. Augustus Seward suffered seven stab wounds. He remained in Washington until 1868, testified at Powell's trial, and performed staff duties while recovering from his wounds.^[11]

Later career

Augustus Seward continued to serve in the Army and perform paymaster and staff duties. His postings included: Boston, Massachusetts, from January to October, 1868; New York City from 1868 to 1869; leave of absence from February to December, 1869; Chief Paymaster of the Department of the Cumberland from December, 1869 to May, 1870; Chief Paymaster of the Department of the South and Paymaster of the department headquarters from May, 1870 to October, 1871; and Paymaster of the Department of Dakota from November, 1871 to May, 1876.^[12]

Death and burial

In May, 1876 Augustus Seward was diagnosed with an affliction described as paralysis of the eye. He took a leave of absence of the Army and died at the home of his brother Frederick in Montrose, New York on September 11, 1876.^[13][14] He was buried at Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn.^[15]

Augustus Street in Auburn, one of four streets named for members of the Seward family, and which form a city block, is named for him.^[16]

Family

In addition to being the son of William H. and Frances Seward, Augustus Seward was the grandson of Judges Elijah Miller and Samuel S. Seward, and the brother of Frederick William Seward, Cornelia Seward, William Henry Seward, Jr. and Frances Adeline "Fanny" Seward.^[17]

References

External links

Augustus Henry Seward at Find a Grave