This area was part of Greene County at the time of his birth to Reuben and Ann McGee Seay.

There he attended Southern University (Greensboro) until the outbreak of the American Civil War interrupted his studies.

This administration is noteworthy for Seay's success in reducing taxes, increasing social services, and running state government in the black.

An advocate for social welfare programs, the central Alabama native supported crucial legislation.

Seay was also supportive (in the context of late 19th century standards) of measures to improve the rights and education of Alabama's black citizens.

An especially exciting event to occur while Seay was in office was the 1887 visit of President Grover Cleveland to Montgomery.

He did not run for office again, although he helped Thomas G. Jones in his campaign for governor against Populist Reuben Kolb.