I partnered with a judge in an established law firm. A few years later I married the judge's daughter and my wife and I moved into the judge's house at his invitation.
My controversial friend Thurlow Weed introduced me to politics. I was elected to the state senate and later served two terms as governor.
My parents owned slaves until 1827, but I always had strong resentment and opposition to slavery. I recognized the senseless inequality of it as a boy. My wife and I were abolitionists. We helped rescue and transport fugitive slaves.
In the course of my law practice, I defended two convicts who were murderers. I used a novel "insanity" plea. However, both men were convicted and one was executed.
I was a Republican with an appetite for politics. Eventually I ran for the Republican nomination for president but lost.
Although I came up short in my bid to become president, I was given a cabinet appointment by the new president. Thurlow Weed was involved in that appointment process. While serving as a cabinet officer, a politically motivated man tried to kill me. I survived the attempted murder and went on to serve three presidents as a cabinet officer.
Two years after a severe government crisis ended, I became the subject of ridicule and derision for my cold and calculated diplomacy in connection with the president's acquisition of a "snow and ice garden."
I travelled around the world after I left office. I returned to my house in New York State, and a year later I passed away.
My wife and two children survived me.
Who am I?
My name is William Henry Seward, former Secretary of State.
Editor's note: Identity, photo and links added 36 hours after initial post.
References:
1) Wikipedia--William H. Seward
2) Seward House Museum
3) University of Rochester--William Henry Seward Papers
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