 Seymor Lowman was born in Chemung, New York on October 7, 1868, the son of John Lowman (1832–1884) and Fanny (Bixby) Lowman.He was raised in Bainbridge, and completed his high school education at Bainbridge Union School.He then graduated from Lowell's Business College in Binghamton, and became a school teacher.