SEYMOUR, WILLIAM

(1851-1933)

Born in New Orleans, William Seymour began a successful career as actor, director, and stage manager as a child actor. In 1865, he became acall-boyatBooth's Theatreand acted withEdwin Booth, Joseph Jefferson, Charlotte Cushman, and Edwin Forrest, after which he managed several theatres, including theUnion Square Theatre, theMadison Square Theatre, the Metropolitan Opera House, and the Empire Theatre. His directorial credits includeClydeFitch'sBarbara Frietchie(1899) and an all-star revival ofTrelawny of the"Wells" in 1925. Seymour also managed the Boston Museum from 1879-1888 and was married to E. L. Davenport's daughter, May.