Biography

Lewis Benedict is mentioned more often in the Autobiography than Spencer Benedict. See also: RBSC Seward Manuscript Register, 31.

18341123WHS_FMS1: Probably features Lewis Benedict, who is a political associate of WHS in Albany. Visits Seward along with one Mr. Hart. 

"Lewis Benedict is said to have been born in November 1785. He was the first son born to the marriage of Uriah and Ruth Rockwell Benedict who had migrated west from Fairfield County, Connecticut. By 1790, his father had settled their budding family in Ballstown.

In January 1812, Lewis married Albany native Susan Stafford. By 1830, the marriage had produced at least eight children.

Beginning with the first issue in 1813, the Albany city directories listed his residence at 51 Lydius Street and his store at 3 State Street. At the same time, the "widow of Uriah" Benedict (probably his sister-in-law) was listed nearby at 38 Dock Street.

This individual was a merchant in partnership with his in-laws, the Staffords, until 1825 when finally he left that business. He was months shy of his fortieth birthday. We must summarize his subsequent life and career after that time.

Mentioned in 18341201WHS_FMS1. Lived in Albany, NY. Married Susan Stafford (07 Jan 1791 in Albany - 1869-12-30 in Albany).

This Lewis Benedict bought and sold real property alone and with others in the first ward but also along what became Washington Avenue in the newly opened western part of the city.

He is said to have been the Albany postmaster during most of the 1850s.

Lewis Benedict is said to have died in July 1862 and was buried at the Albany Rural Cemetery - his grave marked by a substantial monument. His widow survived until 1869."