W.J. SEELY, M.D., is a skillful surgeon and successful medical practitioner of Red Bud. A native of New York, he was born in Sullivan County, and during his early boyhood accompanied his parents to Washington County, Ohio, in 1838. In the Buckeye State he was reared to manhood, and began to earn his own livelihood by teaching school, which profession he followed for six years. He was educated in the common schools and in an academy. He then took up the study of medicine, wishing to make its practice his life work, and after completing his studies, he practices for one year in Ohio, in the spring of 1861, he came to Illinois, settling in Evansville, Randolph County, where he engaged in the prosecution of his profession for five years. In the spring of 1866, he came to Red Bud, where he has since made his home. In the long years of his residence here he has won an enviable reputation and secured a very large practice.

The Doctor comes of an old New England family, which was probably founded in America during Colonial days. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Seely, was a native of Connecticut. His parents, William G. and Hannah (Ferris) Seely, were both natives of New York. The former served for two years in the War of 1812, and after the close of that struggle became a sea captain. His only brother was also a sea captain. In the Seely family were five children, of whom the Doctor is the youngest.

In 1864, Dr. Seely was united in marriage with Miss M. Elvie Robbins, a native of Washington County, Ohio, and to them have been born a son and daughter. The former, Guy, is now married and resides in Fairbury, Neb.; Edna is still with her parents.

On coming to Red Bud, Dr. Seely formed a partnership with Dr. A>B. Beattie, which continued for one year. The connection was then dissolved by mutual consent, and since that time our subject has been alone in practice. He is widely and favorably known throughout the county, and has the high respect of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact. He is a member of the Southern Illinois Medical Association, and is a Knight Templar Mason. He takes great interest in the workings of that fraternity. In politics, he is a supporter of Democratic principles.

Pages 512- 513 “Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois” Published by the Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago 1894.

[William is SGS # 3638 – William J.; William Gedney; Joseph, Jonas, Ebenezer, Jonas; Obadiah]