William Henry Seward

Seward began his law practice in Auburn, N.Y.; this practice, however, was secondary to his interest and activity in politics. He was elected to the state senate in 1830, and was elected governor in 1838 and 1840. He entered the U.S. Senate in 1849 and served two terms. Although defeated by Lincoln as the Republican party's candidate in 1860, he supported Lincoln and after the election was named secretary of state.