This furniture manufacturer was founded in 1846 by Alonzo Duretto Seaman. In 1892, Alonzo's son, William Steward Seaman, invented and patented the first pantograph-style 3-D carving machine. In 1897 Alonzo patented a freehand-style carving machine. There is evidence that these machines were manufactured for sale, either by Seaman Co. or by a subsidiary (Seaman Corp.?) set up for the purpose.

During World War I Seaman Co. segued into making automobile and truck bodies, eventually entering into an exclusive relationship with Nash Motors Co. of Kenosha. In 1917 Nash purchased a half interest in the company, which became Seaman Body Corp. In 1936 Nash bought the oustanding shares in the company.

Information Sources

• An 1892 patent provides the full name of Mr. Seaman.
• Thanks to Mary Salstrom for providing evidence that the Seaman carvers were manufactured; see the entry for Salstrom Carving Machine Co. for more details.
• A University of Wisconsin biography of alumnus Irving Seaman (grandson of Alzonzo Seaman) provided much of the Seaman Co. history given here. Another University of Wisconsin page (now extinct) mentions A. D. Seaman Furniture Co. and W. S. Seaman Co. as related companies.
• Philip S. Hibbard's genealogy web page provided the full names of Alonzo and William, and confirmed their familial relationship.