SETON, Samuel Waddington, educator, born in New York city, 23 January, 1789; died there, 20 November, 1869. He was educated in the schools of New York, engaged in mercantile pursuits, and made a voyage to China. After his return to New York he was a banker till 1827, when he was elected agent of the Public school society, in which capacity he was visitor of their schools, and had charge of their extensive system of supplies and libraries. He held the office until the society was merged in the present board of education in 1853. He was then appointed assistant superintendent, which post he held till his death. He also took a warm interest in religious matters, and during the forty-eight years in which he held the office of Sunday-school superintendent was absent from his post only twelve times.