Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1912-07-13

University a year, then entered
Union College at Schenectady. N.
Y, where he graduated in 1859. lie
began the study of.law in Washburn
and Marsh's Office in Woodstock. Al
the outbreak of the Civil War he re.
cruited Co. T. of the Third Vermont
regiment, of which he was made
captain June 10, 1861. His rise to
command was rapid, being promoted
to major Aug. Is, 1861, to lieutenant
colonel in September. 1862, and on
Jan ID, 1868, BECAME colonel of the
regiment. For month previous he
had been in command of the Twenty
sixth New Jersey, a new regiment
brigaded for time time with the
Vermont troops.
Benedict's Vermont in the Civil
War" says:
Colonel Seaver, its new COM
mander, was young man of high
intelligence and spirit. He had en-
listed from the town of Pomfret, at
the age of q, in response to the first
call for three years troops, and was
chosen captain of his company at its
organization in May, 1861. He had
reached the colonelcy\ through all
the successive grades to promotion,
and had shown himself cool and
brave in action, and faithful to every
duty. He had the confidence and
respect of the regiment, and under
his command it won some of its
brightest laurels.
The Third Vermont was famous
as a +" fighting regiment" 1t saw
as much service-from the first as any
body of troops in the army and
contributed it's full share to the hon
ors won by the old Vermont brigade.
At the storming Of Marye's Heights
at fredericksburg, May 3, 1863, the
regiment formed part of the third
.storming column which, under COM
mand of COLONEL Seaver gallantly
carried portion of the crest, with
the loss of one killed and six
wounded. lie was at the head of
the regiment al the battle of Anfie-
tam, and at Lees Mills, Frsdericks-
burg, Gettysburg, Spottsylvania. the
battle of the Wilderness and in
other bloody engagements he dis
tinguished himself as an officer of
unquestioned bravery and skill,
winning the highest Communications
of his superiors in whatever position
he was placed.
Colonel Seaver was mustered out
in July, 1864, returning to his law
studies in Woodstock, and was adj
mitted to the Windsor county bar
in December of that year. lie began
the practice of law at Cavendish,
and in 1873 came to Woodstock,
where he has since made his home.
For two years from December, 1880,
he was states attorney and in 1886,
on the death of Judge Porter, was
Judge of probate for this
district, a position to which he has
been successfully elected and has
filled capably.
On August %, 1897. Judge Seaver
was shot by William w. Lawrence,
the attempted murder being inspired
by Lawrence's dissatisfaction over
the appointment by Judge Seaver of
a guardian for one of his children
Two shots were fred, one bullet
piercing the right lung and lodging
in shoulder blade. the other pass
ing harmlessly through coat
sleeve. Lawrence was tried at the
following term of court, found guilty
and sentenced to 10 years in the
state prison, from which he was
afterwards transferred TO the Water
bury insane asylum, where he now
is.
Judge Seaver married.. on June
80, 1861, Nancy j. Spaulding of
Ouechee, who survives him, and l,e
leaves one son, Kenneth. of Pitts
burgh, Pa. Two daughters, Ethel
l.. and Gertrude E., died some years
ago, fourth child dying in infancy.
A grandson. Roland Ely, has always
made his home with Judge and Mrs.
Seaver. OF Judge Sewers four
brothers, three are living = Francis.
Owen. both of Taftsville, and Rich
ard, who resides in Quechee. a.
sister, Eva, is living in Taftsville.