William Seward
Q. Was William Seward ever in Alaskan history? Thanks. -T. Seward
A. Well, Mr. Seward, I can only think you are enquiring because perhaps he is an ancestor of yours? I’m happy to report that, yes, William Seward certainly did figure into the history of Alaska. Who knows? We might not even be a state today except for his efforts.
William Seward was born in New York in 1801. He was a lawyer first and then served as both a state senator and as governor of New York. He was a member of the Whig political party.
When Abraham Lincoln was elected president, he wanted Seward for Secretary of State. He accepted, and served in that position both during Lincoln’s presidency, and following his assassination, as Secretary of State for Andrew Johnson. History tells us he had a lot of influence over Lincoln.
In 1867, Seward was very instrumental in buying Alaska from Russia for $7,200,000.00 Some people thought he was crazy, but time has proved them wrong…..and William Seward right! If he is your ancestor, you can be rightly proud of him. -BJ