William Seward & Abraham Lincoln

A Timeless Friendship in a Turbulent Era

Early Life of Lincoln and Seward

• Seward’s Education and Marriage– Union College– Frances Miller

• Lincoln’s ChildhoodTo read books, “Was the main thing.” – Abraham Lincoln

• Similar Experiences

Seward Family Members

Frances Seward

Augustus Seward

Fredrick Seward

William Seward Jr.

Fanny Seward

President and Secretary of State

• 1860 Election• Secretary of State• Emancipation Proclamation

The government should not only recognize but “maintain the freedom it proclaims.”

Social Engagements• Calling on the Lincolns

“Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln dined with us privately last evening.”-Frances Seward

• Hosting Dinners–Mrs. Lincoln – Anna Seward

Opinions on Abolition• Seward and Freeman

“The color of the prisoner’s skin, and the form of his features, are not impressed upon the spiritual, immortal mind which works beneath.”

• Underground Railroad Activity• Compromise of 1850

• Lincoln’s Changing Views “Neither slavery nor involuntary

servitude…shall exist within the United States.”

-Abraham Lincoln

Opinions on Abolition

Life During the Civil War• Seward Family Roles

“The loyal women generally throughout the North organized ‘Soldiers’ aid societies.”

• Mrs. Lincoln and Robert Todd’s Roles

April 14, 1865• Assassination of President Lincoln• Assassination Attempt of William

Seward“Mother said gently to father—Henry—the President is gone.”-Fanny Seward

Life After Lincoln• Train Car for Mrs. Seward• President Johnson– Reconstruction– Impeachment

• Travel • Death

Documents