Samuel J. Barrows began to work for William Henry Seward as his secretary. Barrows became ill, though, soon after he began employment. His wife, Isabel Chapin Barrows took over her husband's position. She thus became the first woman employed by the State Department. Samuel Barrows went on to become a Congressman for the 55th Congress. He was a pacifist, believed in rights for African Americans, Native Americans and was a prison reformer.