Frances Adeline Seward facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frances Adeline Seward
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Frances Adeline Seward in 1844
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| First Lady of New York | |
| In role January 1, 1839 – December 31, 1842 |
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| Preceded by | Dolly Newell Marcy |
| Succeeded by | Catharine Lawyer Bouck |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Frances Adeline Miller
September 25, 1805 Cayuga County, New York |
| Died | June 21, 1865 (aged 59) Washington, D.C. |
| Spouse | |
| Children | Augustus Henry Seward Frederick W. Seward Cornelia Seward William Henry Seward Jr. Fanny Seward |
| Residence | William H. Seward House |
| Education | Troy Female Seminary |
Frances Adeline Miller Seward (born September 25, 1805 – died June 21, 1865) was an important woman in American history. She was the First Lady of New York from 1839 to 1842. She was married to William H. Seward, who was a Governor of New York and later a United States Secretary of State. He served as Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln.
Frances Seward was known for her strong beliefs. She was a quiet but active supporter of the movement to end slavery.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Frances Adeline Miller was born on September 25, 1805. Her birthplace was Cayuga County, New York. Her parents were Judge Elijah Miller and Hannah Foote Miller.
Frances went to school at the Troy Female Seminary. Today, this school is known as the Emma Willard School.
Fighting for Freedom: The Abolitionist Movement
Frances Seward cared deeply about the abolitionist movement. This movement worked to end slavery in the United States. She believed that all people should be free.
In the 1850s, the Seward family helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Their home in Auburn, New York became a safe place. It was part of the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network of routes and safe houses. It helped enslaved people travel to free states or Canada.
Frances was very active in these efforts. Her husband, William, traveled often for his political work. This meant Frances often managed the abolitionist activities at home.
She wrote letters about her work. In one letter, she shared news about two people who reached Canada safely. Another time, she wrote about a man needing help to buy his daughter's freedom.
In 1859, the Sewards sold a small piece of land. They sold it to Harriet Tubman. Harriet Tubman was a famous former slave and activist. She helped many people escape slavery through the Underground Railroad.
A Shocking Attack on Her Family
On April 14, 1865, a terrible event happened. Frances' husband, William, and three of their children were attacked. This happened in their home. The attack was part of a larger plan. John Wilkes Booth had shot President Lincoln on the same night. President Lincoln died the next morning.
The attacker was named Lewis Powell. He was one of Booth's helpers. He tried to kill William Seward. Frances' son, Frederick, was also badly hurt trying to protect his father.
This attack caused Frances great worry. She was very anxious about her family's safety. She especially feared that Frederick would not survive his injuries. Luckily, he did recover.
Family Life and Legacy
Frances Adeline Miller married William Henry Seward on October 20, 1824. They met through William's sister, who was Frances' classmate.
Frances and William had five children:
- Augustus Henry Seward (1826–1876)
- Frederick William Seward (1830–1915)
- Cornelia Seward (1836–1837), who sadly died very young.
- William Henry Seward Jr. (1839–1920)
- Frances Adeline "Fanny" Seward (1844–1866)
Frances Seward passed away on June 21, 1865. She died from a heart attack. This was just two months after the attack on her family. She was buried in Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn, New York.
Frances Seward is remembered for her quiet strength. She was also known for her dedication to important causes. These included ending slavery and supporting women's rights.
