266. David Lowrey Seymour

266. DAVID LOWREY⁷ SEYMOUR (Ashbel⁶, Ashbel⁵, Bevil⁴, Thomas³, John², Richard¹), born at Newington Parish, Wethersfield, Conn., 2 Dec. 1803, died at Lanesboro, Mass., 11 Oct. 1867; married 27 July 1837, MARIA LUCY CURTISS, born at Derby, Conn., 11 Aug. 1813, died 11 Oct. 1867, daughter of Sheldon Clarke and Hannah (Bradley).

He was graduated from Yale College in 1826; tutor at Yale College 1828–1830; studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1829, and began practice in Troy, N.Y.

Mr. Seymour was a warm supporter of Gen. Jackson's administration, and soon became associated with local politics in Troy. His fluency and ability as a speaker gave him considerable prominence at once. In 1836 he was elected to the New York Assembly. The Democratic party in the State was split between wrangling factions, and Mr. Seymour allied himself with the Conservatives.

In 1842 he was elected to the Twenty-eighth Congress (4 Mar. 1843 to 3 Mar. 1845) by a narrow margin over his Whig opponent.

In general, he supported the Tyler administration. He was again a candidate in 1844, but was defeated. In 1850 he ran and defeated Russell Sage, and served in the Thirty-second Congress (4 Mar. 1851 to 3 Mar. 1853). He ran a fourth time in 1852 but was defeated by a wide margin.

He had public service also as District Attorney and Master of Chancery; and in 1867 was a member of the Constitutional Convention of New York. He was partial to public life, and had many qualities which well fitted him for it. He was able and brilliant in debate; familiar with political history, and at home in dealing with business facts. At Washington he wielded his full share of influence, and was popular in political and social circles. As chairman of the committee on commerce, he distinguished himself by the elaborateness and value of his reports, and more especially by his agency in effecting the Canadian Reciprocity Treaty.

As a lawyer, Mr. Seymour occupied a front rank. He was a fine advocate and also a safe, cautious counsellor. He was a terrific worker, and it is probable that excessive labor shortened his days. It was his habit to spend his days in transacting ordinary business, and much of his nights in continuous, wearing mental labor. He was a man of great caution, and had the foresight which made him fortunate in pecuniary ventures. From small beginnings, he accumulated a considerable fortune. As husband and father, he was an idol in his household.

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