Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-07-14
THE NOMINATIONS.

The nominations made by the National
Democratic Convention last week, have been
we'll received so far as We have seen any
exnrcssions of sentiment from the Democratic
press of the county.
Hon HoRAT1o SEYMOUR the candidate
for the Presidency, was born in Onondasa
county, New York, in the year. 1871, and is
consequently about 81 years old.
Mr.. Seymour received liberal and thorough
education in the best institutions Of the State:
His instincts and preferences led him to the
study of the law, which he pursued with great
yigor and industry. lie was admitted to the
bar when little more than twenty years of age,
and az once commenced the practice of his
profession in the city of Utica. The death
of his father, however, soon afterwards de-
yolved upon him so great responsibilities in
connection with the settlement of the family
estate, as to require the most of his time and
attention, obliging him, much against bis
wish. to relinquish the practice of his profess
sion. Up to this time Mr.. Seymour had
acted no prominent part in political life,
although from his youth, as we're his ancestors
before him. he had always been strongly
attached, through sympathy and taste, to the
Democratic party. In the fall of 1871, when
not thirty years of age, Mr.. Seymour consent
ed to the use of his name as Democratic
candidate for member of Assembly. Although
the Wings were at that time largely in the
ascendancy in Utica, Mr.. Seymour was tri-
umphantlv elected by large majority.
In the spring of 1912. Mr.. Seymour was
elected Mayor of the city of Utica, despite
the continued hostility and opposition of the
Wings. In the fall of 1913 he was again
elected member Of the lower House of the
Legislature, and was e.elected to and served
in the same position during the session of
1914 and 1915
For the succeeding five years Mr.. Seymour
vas not prominent in public life, having
resumed the practice of law in the city of
Utica. BY the action of the Legislature of
1850, providing for the enlargement and i'm
provement of the Erie Canal, and appropria-
ting the revenue of the State in contravention
to the provisions of the constitution, Mr.. Sey-
mour again assumed leading position in
State politics. and most earnestly resisted this
effort 10 override the provisions of a consti-
tuition so recently adopted. On account OF
his strenuous opposition to that measure he
was that year 1850 for the first time, placed
in nomination for Governor of this State, in
opposition to Washington Hunt. The result
of the elections wa: For Seymour, 2l4352
votes for Hunt, 214,6l4. Mr.. Seymour
having been defeated by 262 votes.
In 1852 Mr.. Seymour was again placed in
nomination by the Democratic party, in oppo-
sition- to Washington Hunt (Whig) and Min
thornc Tompkins Free Soil,) with the follow
ing result:
seymOur,. 26d 1S1 TOmpkins''.'... 1929
In 1851, Mr.. Seymour was again candi-
date for Governor, but was defeated by d.
vision in the party.
In 1852 Mr.. Seymour was for the fourth
time placed in nomination for Governor Of
this state by the Democrats, against General
Wadsworth, the Republican nominee. The
result of the election was follows:
Seymour. U66i9:
Wadsworth ............... '.'2So'o'f
Mr.. Seymour was thus for the second time
elected Governor of the State by the hand
some majority of 1882. Alter an able adj
,ninistration of two years he was, in 1864,
nominated for recollection; this time against
Reuben E. Fenton, by whom he was defeated.
OF the candidate for the Vice Presidency,
Hon. Francis P. BLAIR, VIC have not the
room in this issue to furnish a biographical
sketch. His present position is admirably
set forth in a letter which we publish else
where today.