illiam Seton, Sr. was born in Scotland but came to America at the age of seventeen. He was to become one of the most influential men of his time in New York City. At twenty-two years old, he was a charter member of the first Chamber of Commerce of the City of New York which had just been formed in Fraunces Tavern at Broad and Pearl Streets. Years later, in 1784, the elder Seton was named Cashier of the Bank of New York, the State's first such institution. He was a close friend and financial advisor to Alexander Hamilton.

William Seton shared a very loving relationship with his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth. At his death she, awaiting the birth of her third child, took on the responsibility for his seven youngest children!