Francis Seward’s Role in Womens Rights

Although often overlooked under of the national shadow cast by Secretary of State William Henry Seward, the women of the Seward family contributed greatly to the spirit of reform that swept through mid-19th century New York State.

Mrs. Frances Seward, for example, worked to gain property rights for women in New York and made several contributions towards womens suffrage.

Seward House Museum Director of Education Jeffrey Ludwig is an expert on the largely unknown legacy and story of Frances Seward. Located in downtown Auburn, N.Y., the Seward House Museum is the historic home of William Henry Seward and his family.

Serving as a New York State Senator, Governor of New York, a U.S. Senator, and as Secretary of State in the Lincoln and Johnson administrations, Seward was one of the foremost politicians of nineteenth century America. A National Historic Landmark, the site houses one of the largest original Seward collections in the United States.

Photo of Mrs Seward reading in her gardens courtesy Seward House Museum.