William Seaver (1789 - 1871)

Born 10 Oct 1789 in Berkshire, Massachusetts, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Naomi (McCleary) Seaver — married 10 Jan 1814 in Rupert, VT

Descendants

Died 25 Aug 1871 at age 81 in Batavia, Genesee, New York, United States

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Biography

"Col. William Seaver, one of the most prominent citizens of Genesee County, was born in Berkshire County, Mass., October 10, 1789, and died at Batavia, August 25, 1871, in the 82d year of his age. In early life he taught school, and subsequently embraced the medical profession. This, however, he abandoned for mercantile ventures, and in 1817 emigrated from Albany to Genesee County. For nearly half a century following his removal he was at the head of a large drug. book and printing establishment. Col. Seaver grew up with the country. He was essentially a "man of affairs," and possessed to an unlimited degree the confidence of the public. His ideas were broad and liberal, his knowledge of men and things was extensive, and during his day and generation his influence was hardly second to any one in Genesee County. For many years he was editor and proprietor of the Batavia "Spirit of the Times," and aside from being a forcible writer brought dignity to the editorial profession. In public life he was a natural leader, and occupied many local positions. In 1822 he took charge of the Batavia post office, first as deputy, but soon thereafter as postmaster. His administration of that office covered a period of 29 years, and was deservedly popular. In 1823, upon the incorporation of the village, he was appointed first captain of the first fire company, and subsequently first chief engineer of the department. Later he was president of the village. He was a man of the highest social standing, and for 40 consecutive years, ending only with his death, was senior warden of St. James Episcopal Church. With the advance of years he withdrew from active business, grew old gracefully, lived beyond the allocated four-score, and at the conclusion of an honorable and useful life in every sense of the word was held in the highest esteem by his fellow townsmen. Col. Seaver had five sons, all of whom were brought up to practical work and became well known business men." ^[1]

Sources

1. ↑ *Beers, Frederick. Gazetteer and Biographical Record of Genesee County, N.Y., 1788-1890. Syracuse, NY: J.W. Vose & Co., 1890. Page 195.

• *Beers, Frederick. Gazetteer and Biographical Record of Genesee County, N.Y., 1788-1890. Syracuse, NY: J.W. Vose & Co., 1890.