S. ALFRED SEELY, to whom belongs the honor of having built up and kept up the business standing of that interesting part of Spencer village which is frequently called Seely Town, has lived in Spencer nearly twenty-five years, but was a native of Newfield. He lived on a farm until about twenty years old, and was educated in the district school and the Ithaca High school. In 1863 Mr. Seely began his business life as lumberman in partnership with his brother, Seymour Seely, their mill being near Elmira. In 1874 the firm removed to Spencer where was purchased from Joshua Thompkins and B. Spaulding, a considerable tract of land on the west border of the village. At that time West Hill. as sometimes called, was densely wooded in places and elsewhere covered with “slashing.” The firm built a good sawmffl and began work; was in active service operation until 1886 and then dissolved, S. Alfred Seely continuing the miffing enterprises, which then comprised the large sawmffl and a fairly large gristmill. These properties are owned and operated by Mr. Seely at this time, and under him both have been materially enlarged in capacity and output. Mr. Seely is, withal, one of the busiest men in this part of the county; generous, public-spirited and liberal in every worthy cause. The new Grove Hotel, which he built in 1890 is one of the best in the county. As is fully mentioned in the history of the town, Mr. Seely is interested in several other business enterprises than those noted here, and has shown himself in all respects a useful and worthy citizen. These things may and must be said in justice to the man and work he has done for Spencer, and that despite the fact that he is comparatively young and full of business energy. In the county Mr. Seely is also known as an active temperance man, and a devoted member of the Baptist church, having been superintendent of the Sunday-school for twenty-one years. November 10, 1880, Mr. Seely was married with Mary S. Williams of Romulus, by whom he has had three children, Grace, Charles and Hart.

Biographies of men from Spencer, NY, Our County and Its People, A Memorial History Of Tioga County, New York, Edited by: LeRoy W. Kingman, W. A. Fergusson & Co. Elmira, N. Y., 1897

[Son of Seymour # 2454 – S. Alfred; Seymour [SGS # 2454]; Zadoc; Zadoc; Justus; John; Benjamin; Nathaniel; Robert]