Edwin Delivan Seeley
Personal
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: June 25, 1833
Birth Place: Cattaraugus County, NY
Edwin Delivan Seeley, a prominent and highly-respected citizen of Reynoldsville, has for many years been connected with the history of Jefferson county, and few, if any, have done more for its upbuilding. He has been a champion of every movement designed to promote the general welfare, a supporter of every enterprise for the public good, and has materially aided in the advancement of all social, industrial, educational and moral interests.
Mr. Seeley was born June 25, 1833, on the Indian Reservation in Cattaraugus county, N.Y., and is a son of William and Polly (Eastman) Seeley, the former a native of Batavia, Genesee Co., N.Y., and the latter of Chautauqua county, same State. The father, who was a farmer and lumberman by occupation, died in the latter part of the year 1876, and the mother was called to her final rest in 1878.
During his boyhood Edwin D. Seeley attended the public schools of Warren county, Penn., where his parents had removed when he was but five years of age, and there he was reared upon a farm. At fourteen he began work in the lumber woods, and two years later took a raft of logs to Cincinnati, being at that time able to perform a man’s work and command a man’s wages. He successfully engaged in the lumber business until reaching the age of forty years. He was fifteen when he first came to Jefferson county, but three years later he returned to Warren county, where he remained until he had attained the age of twenty-seven years. Since that time, however, he has made his home in Reynoldsville, where for a number of years he engaged in the grocery business and also in the hardware trade, but is now practically living a retired life on his farm.
In 1861 Mr. Seeley was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Reynolds, a daughter of Tilton Reynolds, of Jefferson county. Nine children blessed their union, four of whom are now living, namely: Helen M., Ella E., Todd L., and Arthur. The wife and mother departed this life in 1882. Mr. Seeley was again married, this time in September, 1890, to Mrs. Clara (Reynolds) Scott, a cousin of his first wife. They are now living in a pleasant home in the outskirts of Reynoldsville, where they are spending the twilight of their lives in peace and retirement, surrounded by many loving kindred and friends, who delight to do them honor. In his political views Mr. Seeley is a stanch Republican, and has unbounded faith in sound money and protection. He has never aspired to official distinction, preferring to give his time and attention to his individual affairs.
Pages 1335- 1336, ”Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, etc.” Chicago: J.H. Beers, 1898.
