US Congressman. He was born in Franklin, Vermont, to Nathan Wakeman and his wife, Phoebe Johnson Wakeman. The family eventually moved to Pembroke, New York, where Seth's father left home and joined the New York Militia at the start of the War of 1812. He sadly died the following year in Malone, New York, while on military duty leaving his wife and son to fend for themselves. With his father's death, Seth was now the man of the house. While growing up he had limited advantages for acquiring a proper education so he studied diligently and persevered gaining some entry into local common schools. A self-made man he pushed himself to the limits to achieve what he wanted in life and this helped him in his future goals most notably becoming a well-respected lawyer and attorney. His mother eventually remarried to a man named Dennis Powers in 1832 when Seth was twenty-one years old. He later moved to Batavia, New York, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar. He eventually began to commence the practice of law and was named to the post of District Attorney for Genessee County, New York, serving in that capacity from 1850 to 1856. He then entered politics and served as a Member of the New York State Assembly from Genesee County representing the 1st District from 1856 to 1857. He also served as a Member of the New York State Constitutional Convention in 1867 and again in 1868. A Republican, he then served New York's 29th District (representing the Forty-Second Congress) in the United States House of Representatives from 1871 to 1873. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1872. A Whig, he also served as Genesee County, New York, Treasurer. After his time in politics ended he resumed his practice of law until his retirement due to ill health in 1875. He passed away in Batavia, New York, at the age of 68. He was a fourth cousin of United States Representative Abram Wakeman who served in the United Congressman from 1855 to 1857 and was also a highly respected lawyer.