Augustus Henry Seward facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Augustus Henry Seward
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| Personal details | |
| Born | October 1, 1826 Auburn, New York, U.S. |
| Died | September 11, 1876 (aged 49) Montrose, New York, U.S. |
| Resting place | Fort Hill Cemetery, Auburn, New York |
| Parents | William H. Seward Frances Adeline Miller |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1847–1876 |
| Rank |  Brevet Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
Augustus Henry Seward (born October 1, 1826 – died September 11, 1876) was an American military officer. He was the son of William H. Seward, a famous politician. Augustus served in the United States Army for many years. He reached the honorary rank of Brevet Colonel.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Augustus H. Seward was born in Auburn, New York, on October 1, 1826. He was the first child of William H. Seward and Frances Miller. His father, William H. Seward, later became the Secretary of State.
Augustus had several siblings, including Frederick W. Seward and William H. Seward Jr.. His grandfathers were also important figures.
In 1847, Augustus graduated from the United States Military Academy. This is a famous school for training army officers. He finished 34th in his class of 38 students.
Military Career
After graduating from West Point, Augustus Seward became a Second Lieutenant. He joined the 8th Infantry Regiment. His first assignment was in Mexico during the Mexican–American War.
After this war, Augustus continued his army career. He served in many different places. These included East Pascagoula, Mississippi, and forts in Indian Territory. He also took part in the Utah War expedition. Later, he was stationed at forts in New Mexico Territory.
He was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1853. In 1859, he became a Captain.
Service During the Civil War
In 1861, Augustus Seward joined the Paymaster Corps. This part of the army handles money and payments. He was promoted to Major that same year.
During the American Civil War, he worked as a paymaster. He also performed other staff duties. He served in New Mexico Territory, Arizona Territory, and Washington, D.C..
He received special honorary promotions for his service. These were called brevet promotions. He became a Brevet Lieutenant Colonel in May 1865. In November 1865, he was made a Brevet Colonel. These ranks recognized his good work during the war.
Protecting His Father
On April 14, 1865, Augustus Seward was at his father's home in Washington, D.C. On this night, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. At the same time, an attacker named Lewis Powell tried to assassinate Augustus's father, William H. Seward.
William H. Seward was in bed, recovering from an accident. Augustus, his brother Frederick, and others in the house tried to stop Powell. They bravely stepped in to protect William H. Seward. Augustus was stabbed seven times during the attack.
He stayed in Washington until 1868 to recover. He also gave testimony at Powell's trial.
Later Army Work
After recovering, Augustus Seward continued his army service. He kept working in paymaster and staff roles. He was stationed in several cities.
From January to October 1868, he was in Boston, Massachusetts. He then moved to New York City from 1868 to 1869. He later became the Chief Paymaster for the Department of the Cumberland. He also served as Chief Paymaster for the Department of the South. His last major posting was as Paymaster of the Department of Dakota. He served there from November 1871 to May 1876.
Death and Legacy
In May 1876, Augustus Seward became ill. He took time off from the army. He died on September 11, 1876, at his brother Frederick's home in Montrose, New York.
He was buried at Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn, New York. A street in Auburn, called Augustus Street, is named after him. It is one of four streets named for members of the Seward family.
