James Andrew Seddon (July 13, 1815 - August 19, 1880) is best remembered to history for being one of the men who served as Secretary of War of the Confederate States (1862-1865) during the American Civil War. James Seddon was born in Falmouth, Virginia, on July 13, 1815. After graduating from the University of Virginia in 1835 he was admitted to the bar and practiced law in Richmond. A member of the Democratic Party, Seddon was elected to the U.S. Congress and served for two spells (4 March 1845-3 March 1847 and 4 March 1849-3 March 1851).