Looking for the parents of Keturah Seeley who m. 16 Jun 1772 Jonathan Cornwell by Rev. Greene of the Deerfield, NJ Presbyterian Church. Keturah was said to be an aunt of Jesse Seeley. Keturah and Jonathan Cornwell’s daughter, Keturah Cornwell, m. 5 Aug 1809, Cumberland Co., NJ, William Sayre of Bridgeton, NJ. Any thoughts, ideas, pathways to information most appreciated. She has visited the area several times and picked up various sources/documentation of some events. She has consulted the NJ Genesis newsletter profiles of Cumberland Co. Militia etc. recently she visited the Vineland Historical Society and came to the same point as researchers in 1934 found – nothing – she found their correspondence in the family files in safe. I appreciate any help.

Nancy Pexa | NANPEXA@aol.com

After years of search with little to go on, I have almost given up hope of finding any family connections for my many times great grandmother, Matilda Seeley Austin, wife of Philemon Austin. Matilda d. 17 August 1824 aged 32 in Yates, Orleans Co., NY. The tombstone provides a 1792 birthdate.

One of her sons was named Justus which is not an Austin name. However, it is a Seeley name. I have been searching, without success, through all of the Justus Seeley families.

Matilda’s first two sons indicate Canadian birth in the region of Rideau. A Joseph Seeley with wife, Coziah is listed on the LDS Ancestral File as having a daughter, Matilda. This family is said to be living in Elizabethtown, Leeds, Ontario, Canada.

Betty Shelhamer | BShelhamer@aol.com

I have Elizabethtown Census records from 1796 -1850
There were two Justus Seeleys in Elizabethtown, a Joseph and others.

1801:

• 330 Selee, Joseph – adult male
• 331 Selee, Coziah – adult female
• 332 Selee, Coziah – adult female
• 333 Selee, Olive – female child
• 334 Selee, Charlotte ” “
• 335 Selee, Matilda ” “
• 336 Selee, Sarah ” “
• 337 Selee, Subrina ” “
• 347 Selee, Justus – adult male
• 348 Selee, Matilda – adult female
• 349 Selee, John – male child
• 350 Selee, Orrilla – female child
• 351 Selee, Peter – male child
• 352 Selee, Guy – male child

1802:

• Justus, Matilda, Jno, Orilla, Peter, Sui, Malinda [Matilda?].

1803:

• Kesiah, Olive, Charlotte, Matilda, Sara, Niahah, Mercy.
• Justus, Matilda, John, Orrilla, Peter, Guy, Betsey, Joseph.

1807:

• Justus, John, Peter, Henry, Matilda, Orila, Betsy, Cahrlotte (sic), Mercy.

May I suggest Leeds & Grenville Branch OGS, Box 536, Brockville, Ontario K6V 5V7
Elizabethtown is now Brockville.

Responder: SGS Query Editor

Hi, I am looking for any information about William Herman Seely my husbands 2nd great grand father. We are not sure about his birth date.
William H. Seely joined Co. B of the 13th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, December 1861. His stated age was 21 Years. Therefore, he would hove been born in 1840 in New Canaan, Connecticut. He was discharged from the military in 1863 and came to Philadelphia where he married Mary Jennie Munday on June 11, 1871. According to the marriage certificate, William stated that his age was 27 therefore he was born in 1844.

In the 1880 Census for Philadelphia PA I found:

• William H. Seely 40 born CT Shoemaker
• Mary J. Seely Wife 32 born PA
• Arthur Seely Son 10 born PA

William and Mary Jennie had 4 children: Arthur born 1870, Mattie born July 1874, Sara J. born abt 1875 (2 girls died young) and Corson Herman Seely born September 7, 1880.

William H. Seely died September 24, 1888 and is buried at the Knights of Pythasis Greenwood cemetery in Philadelphia, PA

We would love to find Williams parents any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You, Stephanie Seely

Stephanie Seely | SBeach5050@aol.com

I found the following in the 1860 census for New Canaan, Fairfield Co. CT.
Head of household: Jos. T or F. Seeley, age 22, b. CT, Shoemaker

• Lean Seeley, age 45, b. CT
• William H. Seeley, age 19, b. CT, shoemaker
• Chas. A. Seeley, age 17, b. CT shoemaker apprentice
• John E. Seeley, age 15, b. CT
• Samuel Seeley, age 11, b. CT
• Arthur Seeley, age 8, b. CT

In the 1850 census for New Canaan, Fairfield, CT

• Fitch Seely age 48, b. NY shoemaker
• Anna age 40, b. NY
• Harriet 17 b. NY
• Joseph 15, b. NY
• Harry 12, b. NY
• Charles 10, b. NY
• Edgar 7, b. NY
• William 3, b. NY

There are discrepancies but I’ve seen worse.

If this holds up Fitch Seely matches SGS # 3150:

1349 SIMEON SEELY (7) (Abijah; John S.; Obadiah; Obadiah; Obadiah)

• (b 15 Oct 1769, Stamford, CT; d 22 Jan 1841, New Canaan, CT;
• will probated 16 Apr 1842)
• m 1st, Sarah How/Howe.
• m 2nd, Mary Hanford. Widow of Simeon Hanford.
• Resided New Canaan, CT.

Note: We are unable to determine who was the mother of these children.

Children (8)

3148* MARY SEELY (b 27 Dec 1798; d 1877)

• m 26 Dec 1833, Henry R. Weed.
• Resided New Canaan, CT.

3149 Simeon Hanford Seely (b 1800)

3150* JOSEPH FITCH SEELY (b 1803)

• m Anna Bell. Resided New Canaan, CT and moved to CA in 1862.

3151 Delia Seely unmarried.

3152* THOMAS NEWTON SEELY (b 12 Aug 1807)

• m 24 Feb 1841, Clarissa M. Schofield (b 1813; d 4 Apr 1878)
• Resided in Stamford, CT.

3153* ELIZA AUGUSTA SEELY (b 13 Feb 1817)

• m 11 Feb 1849, Lewis Schofield of Chicago, IL.

3154 Matilda Seely (dy)

3155 John Bartlett Seely (b 1820; d before 1838)

3156* GEORGE BARTLETT SEELY (b 1824; d 1854, Bridgeport, CT)

• m 1845, Martha Bailey (d before 1855). Resided Bridgeport, CT.

References:

• Howe Genealogy, Vol. 2
• Seely, Raymond Hoyt collection
• Stamford Town records
• White, Elizabeth S. research
• Will of Simeon Seely

The above information is from the 3rd volume of the Seeley Genealogical Society publications on the descendants of Robert and Obadiah Seeley.

Responder: SGS Query Editor

I am trying to find any information on my great-great-great grandfather who was Obadiah Seely married to Betsey listed on the l850 Census. I don’t know and can’t find who his father and mother were and the line, can you help me. I an the daughter of William Clarence Randloph Seely & Allie Loraine Turner. He is the forth generation, his father, James Walter son of Warren Austin, son of Walter and he is the son of Obadiah/Obidiah Seeley. As you can tell I am very new at this. Thank you for any help you can give.

Betty Carolynn Seely Wilson | cnwilson@flash.net

Norma Carolynn Seeley Wilson’s query didn’t list ages of either Obadiah Seeley or his wife Betsey that would probably have been part of the data in the 1850 census data, but a possible match for her great-great-great grandfather is:

SGS 3176, OBADIAH SEELEY, (8) (Obadiah, Obadiah, Obadiah, Obadiah, Obadiah, Obadiah) (b 3 Jun 1781, Stamford, CT; d 25 Jan 1864, Syracuse, NY. m Betsey Hendrick (b 1785; d 10 May 1864, Syracuse, NY. Resided Syracuse, NY.

There is another Obadiah Seeley b. in 1794 in NY and d. in 1853 who m. Betsey Ferguson in 1818. This info was taken from the SGS Ancestor File Index on the SGS CDROM.

WE would very much like to have the descendant information on Norma’s great-great-great grandfather. It should be sent to Mr. Terry Tietjens, Director of the Seelye Research Center, P.O. Box 337, 1105 N. Buckeye, Abilene, KS 67410. The 3 SGS Publications can be ordered from Terry by mailing him a check payable to SGS.

Responder: SGS Query Editor

According to the SGS database Betty’s Walter is a son of the Obadiah Seeley b. in 1794 and married to Betsey Ferguson in 1818. He is one of the few unidentified Obadiah’s in the database. Has anyone looked into this to determine his link to the rest of the Seeleys?

Responder: SGS Query Editor

I’m trying to close in on one of my brick walls, and this has been on my mind for some six years. I’ll spare you the travels of it.

My 2nd great grandfather, OSCAR A. SEELY, b. 29 Sept., 1842, N.Y. (Pos. Monroe Co.) Civil War; Company C., Illinois, 75, Inf., 7 Aug. 1862, Morrison, Il. — 12 June, 1865, Nashville, TN. He m. Emeline A. Armstrong, (aka. EMMA) 24 Oct. 1867, Whiteside County, Illinois. (Illinois License # 00001909)

He d. 19 March, 1903, Havre, Choteau, Co., Montana.
Buried in Round Grove Cemetery, Whiteside Co., Illinois.

Tracking him:
1. First find, (other than family records, scrap books etc.) 1860 census, Mt. Pleasent, Twp. Whiteside Co., Illinois. Age, 17, b. NY. Listed with an older Seely, DAVID SEELY, age 45, b. NY. (No wife) Farm labour. I have assumed this to be his father, but it could have been an uncle. (No proof)

2. 1870 census, Mt. Pleasent again Oscar with wife Emeline, and children.
(I might add, pretty much incorrect on names.) This census says he was b. Illinois. SO…. I have always tried to track him through the Seely/Seeley’s that arrived in Prophetstown, Illinois, 4 June, 1834.
Norman B. and Alexander Seely. Yes, these Seely’s had David’s in there families. But it never tracked, and now I know why.

3. In the 1860 census, west of Morrison there is a small place we call Union Grove. In this Union Grove census we find Mrs. Ellen Childs,
(single) age, 29, b. Vt. Two children. One b. NY and one b. Illinois.
(ages 6 and 3) Death records found in the genealogy room, O’Dell Library, Morrison, Il., state that Ellen’s husband was Joseph Childs, d. 8 Jan., 1857, age 26 yrs. Buried in the Union Grove Cemetery. Census for Mt. Plesant and Union Grove taken in the summer. (July) 1860.

4. State of Illinois, Whiteside Co., marriage license # 470. Issued 10 Sept. 1860, Morrison, Illinois, DAVID R. SEELY & MRS. ELLEN A. CHILDS. They were married 11 Sept. by, Minister of the Gospel, John W. White.

I’m going to track David R. before going back to NY. 1850.

5. 1870 census, I now find in Westfield Twp., County of Fayette, State of Iowa, David R Seely (laborer, and was recorded in Westfield Twp. yet in
1878) and wife Ellen. Her Childs children, and theirs. Yes, David and Ellen started their own family. They are found in the town of Fayette, 1880, and again in 1900. His occupation is now Blacksmith. His parents are recorded as b. Connecticut. His birth month is July. He was buried in Grandview Cemetery, Fayette, Iowa, on 27 Sept., 1901. Death date is not recorded, but I have access to the cemetery caretaker records for the burial.
1878 History of Fayette Co., Iowa, p. 504…..”Seventh Day Adventist. The germ of this Society dates from a tent meeting held at Fayette in Aug.
1867, the services being conducted by Elders T.T. Bordeau and George R. Butler. At this time, the only professors of this faith in Fayette were D.R. Seeley and his wife Ellen A.”.

Now you know a little about Oscar A. and David R. Seely. Coming next is why I believe them to be father and son.

6. 1850 Census, Town of Irondequoit, Monroe Co., N.Y.
DAVID SEELY, age 38, occ. Blacksmith, b. N.Y.
Laura Seely, age 28, b. N.Y.
Oscar Seely, age 8, b. N.Y. (No other children listed) I have yet to find records on Laura Seely in Whiteside material. I assume she died/divorced in N.Y., or in travels west.

From here on, I’m talking undocumented genealogy, or better known as “Mythology”.
I would love to be connected with the wonderful lines of Seely/Seeley, etc., but I cannot make the connection with any certainty. I have census records at Ancestry, and the Library at Genealogy dot com. I did a 1850 census, Seely/Seeley search on Monroe County, N.Y. and looked for a older Seely family that were recorded as b. Connecticut. One shows up.

Henrietta, Monroe Co., N.Y. Isaac Seely, age 63, b. CT., farmer; Wife, Hannah, age 64, b. CT., a presumed son Isaac, age 26, student. Also, Samuel Havens (spl.) age 12.

One other thing that I’m coasting on is a woman with the first name RHODA.
You will know why in a few minutes.

Names, ages, and locations make the above a possible for parents of David R. Seely. Or, should I say a father for David R. and a step mother. The following is why.

US Gen web. Cemetery records for Monroe County N.Y.
I have names and dates for a Seely family, but the same family data is foretold twice. Once it is called “Whitaker Cemetery” and the other name is “Calkins Cemetery”, Henrietta, N.Y. Located on the southeast corner of Calkins Road and East Henrietta Roads in the town of Henrietta. The Whitaker data includes a CHARLOTTE SEELEY, 5 Dec. 1832 a dau. of Isaac and Mercy Seeley. (This says that Isaac and Mercy were in the area, 1832.)SEELEY

Deacon Isaac; died May 17, 1858, aged 70 yrs. 11 months.
Mercy, wife of Deacon Isaac; died July 28, 1825, aged 59.
RHODA, wife of Nathaniel; died May 18, 1834, aged 90.

The Hannah (possible 2nd wife) showing in the census, could have been buried with a first husband. Who knows????

I believe she could be HANNAH CARR TROWBRIDGE, SGS # 1908.

I believe the above Mercy, could be MERCY LEE, 1786 – 1825, SGS # 1908.

I believe the Isaac mentioned above could be SGS # 1908.

I believe the above mentioned RHODA wife of Nathaniel, to be Rhoda Bennett, b. ca. 1746 and died OH NO! your web site says 1841. Typo maybe?????, or am I all wrong. Remember, I’m coasting here. What is your source for Rhoda (Bennett) Seely’s death?

Another question….. How many of the Nathaniel Seely/Seeley’s in this time frame had a wife Rhoda?

Couldn’t it be that Rhoda going on age 90, was living with a son and family there in Henrietta, while husband Nathaniel could be buried back in CT? I have put a lot of hours looking for another Nathaniel and Rhoda, in the many CT records in the library at Gen. dot com., and nothing has showed up.

I also spent hours trying to find Isaac and Marcy in your Seely/Seeley web site, but I have to say, it didn’t prove user friendly at all. I tracked Nathaniel and Rhoda, in the library (one of many sources, Connecticut, 1600s-1800s Local Families and Histories Families of Fairfield, Vol. II.) coming down from Robert, through all the Nathaniel’s.

It’s a Nathaniel track all the way. Six of them in a row. I have them pretty well sourced, but then as to why I don’t know, because I cannot make a solid connection from Nathaniel and Rhoda to a son ISAAC. Isaac would have been a real easy name for them to use, as I believe Nathaniel had a brother Isaac, and Rhoda’s father was also an Isaac.

On going here….

In the ciber world there is a place that lists ‘Wills’ for sale. One that is listed is SEELY, ISAAC, Henrietta, N.Y. Does anyone have a comment on this? With my luck, I’ll make the payment and receive something like the following………… “Isaac lived. He died, and left word that you should look into the family of Sucker.” So goes today’s world. I love the internet, but I’ve been around the block before.

If anyone out there has information that would be in my interests, I would dearly love to exchange it.

Thanks for reading and happy hunting……

Jack | stetson@cin.net

The essential information is that we are trying to find information about Oscar Seely as described in the first paragraph and his probable parents David and Laura Seely as described in 6. below. I found that David is listed as David Sealy in the 1850 census. I believe I may have also found him in the 1840 census for Rochester, Monroe Co. 4th Ward: David R. Seeley age 20-30 and one female with him also age 20-30.

In the Seeley database there are a couple of entries for David Ross Seeley.

They both seem to show the marriage to Ellen A. Bannister Childs. I was able to find Ellen A. Bannister and her future husband Joseph Childs in the 1850 census for Madrid, St Lawrence Co., NY.

Responder: SGS Query Editor

My 12 year old son, Harry Seeley, is interested in learning a little about his family tree and especially the origins of the surname “Seeley.”
If you have some history that would be easy to pass along, we would very much like to read it!!

For your information and edification, my son is Harry Lane Seeley, IV, was born in 1993—and is the son of Hugh Kenton Seeley, born 1960—who is the son of Harry Lane Seeley, Jr., born in Elizabeth City NC in 1933. (Harry Jr. had a son Harry III who only lived a few days.)

Harry Lane Seeley Jr. was the son of Harry Lane Seeley—who was the son of Harry Miller (and Susan Lane) Seeley–who was the son of Jarvis (and Ann Miller) Seeley. I am under the impression that most (if not all) of these ancestors lived in and around Elizabeth City NC. My son’s grandfather (Harry, Jr.) was apparently the “last” Seeley to move away from Elizabeth City.

Is there any chance that we are connected to one of your two branches??

I appreciate your time and consideration of our request!!

Sharlee (formerly Seeley) LaBrecque and son Harry Lane Seeley, IV | sharlee.labrecque@deca.mi

Looking at the SGS cd it seems that Jarvis is descended via Alson Baum Seeley, Sanford Seely and Phillip Seeley from Jeremiah Seeley b. 1749 RI and m. 1771 Pasquotank Co. NC Rebecca Davis. A brief look at the census found Philip Selah in the same county in 1810, a Philip Sell in NC in 1800 and Jeremiah, Edmund, Elizabeth and Frederick Stealy or Steely in the 1790 and 1800 censuses of NC.

John, can you send Sharlee a copy of the SGS data on this family please. Does anyone else have information on these people, especially to establish Jeremiah’s birth in RI and migration to NC?

Responder: SGS Query Editor

I’ve had a couple of telephone conversations with a respected genealogical researcher by the name of Jerome Anderson (formerly with the New England Historic Genealogical Society) who gave his interpretation of the origins (meaning) of the Seeley surname, but it has been some time ago. I will look for his words and pass them on to you and Harry rather than try to depend on my old memory. Jerome is a possible distant cousin. His ancestor Obadiah Bruen married a Sarah Seeley, daughter William Seeley of Birmingham, England), and possible sister of Obadiah Seeley. Obadiah Seeley appeared in the Stamford, CT records in the 1640s but we have been unable to clearly identify his origins. If the Obadiah Seeley of Birmingham is our Obadiah, then he was christened in 1614. Through DNA testing, I have learned that I am a descendant of Obadiah Seeley.

Geographically, I believe we can state with considerable certainty that most of the Seeley families now living in North America descend from ancestors who lived in England. In fact, in 2004, several SGS Members took a trip to England to visit the sites of our Seeley ancestor Robert Seeley (who was born 1602) in Huntingdon, Bluntisham, Earith, and Great Grandsen, England. However, there are some Seeleys (our Society contains members who spell their surname a number of ways) who believe their ancestors lived in France and/or Germany. You can assure Harry that we have a lot of work to do before we can prove the origin of ALL the Seeleys of North America.

Responder: SGS Query Editor

Is there an Edsall connect to Seeley? like a Samuel Barton Edsall about 1768?

Robert Edsall | rledsall@saber.net

Husband: Samuel Barton EDSALL #10484
Born: 14 Feb 1768 in Hardystown, Sussex Co, NJ
Baptized:
Christened:
Died: 3 Jul 1845 in Wells Twp, Bradford, PA
Buried: in Coryland Cemetery, Wells Bradford, PA
Ref number Occupation
Father: Jacobus EDSALL #10486
Mother: Charlotte BARTON #10485
He was a brother of Richard Edsall who married
her Aunt Jemima Seely SGS#505.
Date of birth also recorded as 1756 OCGS Vol 18,
No4 p 30, Feb, 1989

Wife: Sarah SEELY #10483 Also known as Sally
Married: ABT 1788 in
Ceremony:

Born: ABT 1784 in Cornwall, Orange County, New York
Baptized:
Christened:
Died: 11 Apr 1853 in Wells, Bradford, PA
Buried: in Curren/Seely Cemetery, Tioga Co, PA
Ref number Occupation
Father: James SEELY #10473
Mother: Nancy WESTLAKE #10474
Sarah was located in the 1850 Census for Granville,
Bradford Co, PA at age 78, living with her
daughter Hila (Edsall) Alvord
Note on Families fo Bradford Co, PA. This is not the
Sarah Seeley who married Samuel Barton
Edsall. This Sarah may of married, Reuben
LaFever and died in New York State.

Page 66,
7th Generation book , Obadiah,.
by the Seeley Genealogical Society

Note: It seems unlikely that Sarah/Sally Seely was the
first wife of Samuel Barton Edsall.
She would have been only 4 years old at the birth of
Parmelia Edsell.

m, about 1800, (perhaps as2nd wife), Samuel Barton
Edsall (b, 14 Feb 1757; dies, 3 July 1845.
He was abrother of Richard Edsall who
married her aunt Jemima Seely )SGS#505),
Son of James/Jacobus and Charlotte Barton
Edsall.

Resided Warwick, New York in 1800, lived in Wells
Township, Bradford County, Pennsylvania
and settled in Chemung, Tioga County,
New York ( now Southport, Chemung
County New york), In the 1850 Census, Sarah
was living with her daughter, Hila Edsall Alvord
in Granville, Bradford County, Pennsylvania.

F Child 1: Hila EDSALL #10487
Born: 1 Aug 1801 in Warwick, Orange County, New York
Baptized:
Christened:
Died: 8 Apr 1877 in Southport, Chemung County, New York
Buried: in Pine City Cemetery, Southport, NY
Ref number Occupation
Spouse: Nathan ALVORD , Jr. #10488 b. 1798
Married: 16 Nov 1823 in
Ceremony:

F Child 2: Elmira EDSALL #10489 Also known as Lemira
Born: ABT 1806 in Wells, Bradford County, Pennsylvania
Baptized:
Christened:
Died: 10 Nov 1886 in Westfield Twp,Tioga County,
Pennsylvania
Buried: in Troy, Bradford, PA
Ref number Occupation
Spouse: Solomon BOVIER #10490
Married: ABT 1829 in
Ceremony:

M Child 3: James M EDSALL #10491
Born: ABT 1808 in Wells, Bradford County, Pennsylvania
Baptized:
Christened:
Died: 19 Oct 1876 in
Buried:
Ref number Occupation
Spouse: Jerusha G GLADDING #10492
Married: 30 Apr 1840 in
Ceremony:

M Child 4: Andrew Jackson EDSALL #10493
Born: ABT 1810 in
Baptized:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Ref number Occupation
M Child 5: Seely EDSALL #10494
Born: 9 Dec 1812 in Wells Twp, Bradley Co, PA
Baptized:
Christened:
Died: 27 Jan 1843 in Bradley Co, PA
Buried:
Ref number Occupation
M Child 6: Lewis EDSALL #10495
Born:
Baptized:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Ref number Occupation
Not listed in the group sheet sent by Donald D Farnus,
P O Box 275 Big Bear City, Ca 92314,
Phone 909.585.3455 M Child 7:
Jackson EDSALL #10496
Born:
Baptized:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Ref number Occupation
Not listed in the group sheet sent by Donald D Farnus,
P O Box 275 Big Bear City, Ca 92314,
Phone 909.585.3455 May be the same as
Andew Jackson Edsall

Responder: seelyedaniel@msn.com

In response to Robert Edsall’s Email regarding a Seeley connection to Samuel Edsall, to the webmaster, Seeley website, of 5 May 2005, the following is provided: [Note the two different birth dates listed for Samuel Barton Edsall.]

The Sixth Generation book lists a Samuel Barton Edsall (b about 1756), married to Sarah Seely (SGS#1705), b about 1784. Samuel Edsall is listed as the brother of Richard Edsall who was married to Sarah’s aunt, Jemima Seely (SGS#505). Sarah Seely’s7 line is James Seeley6, Nathaniel5, Ebenezer4, Jonas3, and Obadiah.

The Seventh Generation Book says:
Sarah is likely the 2nd wife of Samuel Barton Edsall since she would have been only 4 years old at the birth of Samuel’s oldest listed child, Parmelia Edsall. The book lists Sarah’s marriage about 1800 to Samuel Barton Edsall [b. 14 Feb 1758, d. 3 Jul 1845]. They resided in Warwick, NY in 1800, lived in Wells Township, Bradford Co., PA and settled in Chemung, Tioga Co. (now Southport, Chemung Co.), NY. In the 1850 Census, Sarah was living with her daughter, Hila Edsall Alvord in Granville, Bradford Co., PA.

Children by Samuel’s 1st wife, who is unknown
3762 Parmelia Edsall (b20 Nov 1788/29 Dec 1789;
d 6 Sep 1866/86;
buried Pine City Cemetery, NY)
m Benjamin Seeley (b31 Dec 1778;
d 8 Sep 1864). Parentage unknown.
3763 Jesse Edsall (b 27 Oct 1790;
d 2 Oct 1861/2 Dec 1871;
buried Coryland Baptist Cemetery)
m Clarissa.
3764 Barton Edsall (b 11/23 Dec 1794;
d 1 Feb 1780/1830)
3765 Richard Edsall (b about 1795)
3766 Charles Edsall (b about 1799;
d 1879) m Mary Kinner.

?Children by Samuel’s 2nd wife
3767 Hila Edsall (b 1 Aug 1801,
Southport, Chemung Co., NY;
d 8 Apr 1877, age 75 years;
buried Pine City Cemetery, NY)
m Nathan Alvord, Jr.
3768 Lemira/Elmira Edsall (b about 1806,
d 10 Nov 1886, Westfield, Tioga Co., PA;
buried Troy, Tioga Co., PA)
[note this is in error – Troy, PA is located in
Bradford County, PA which is adjacent to
Tioga County, PA] m about 1829,
Solomon Bovier.
3769 James M. Edsall (b about 1808)
m Jerusha B. Gladding.
3770 Andrew ? Jackson Edsall (b about 1810)
3771 Seely Edsall (b 9 Dec 1812/19 Dec 1813;
d 27 Jan 1843)
3772 Lewis Edsall
3773 Jackson Edsall, perhaps this is a
duplication of SGS #3770, Andrew
Jackson Edsall.
References:
Farnum, Donald D. family group and pedigree submission Houtz, Esther S. research Seely, John R. database Seelye, Eugene correspondence

I do not know what the two sets of dates mean unless they came from two different sources.

Responder: SGS Query Editor

My great great great grandmother was Aletha Seely Carson. I was wondering if you can help me find out more about her ancestry. The source of nearly everything I know about her is from my late aunt, as passed down through the family. Here it is:

Generation 1:

John Seely

John Seely’s father came to America from England with his French wife to flee religious persecution and entered the mercantile business in Philadelphia. John came to Missouri when it was under French and Spanish government, and owned a large tract of land. He was highly educated, a physician, and an alcoholic.

Generation 2:

Jacob Seely. He married Mary…

Jacob and Mary Seely were first cousins. They settled on a farm near his father’s, but when Mary and the rest of the family died of “milk sickness”, he moved to Ralls County and became a grocer. Jacob died on a trip to St. Louis, and is buried in Louisiana, Missouri.

Generation 3:

Aletha Seely

Aletha (sometimes “Alethia” or “Altha”) Seely was born October 2, 1807 in St. Louis, Missouri, and died November 2, 1880 in Palmyra, Missouri. She married Capt. William Carson on October 2, 1823 (her 16th birthday) in St. Louis. He was born March 11, 1798 in near Winchester, Virginia, and died November 13, 1873 in Palmyra. She is listed in the 1880 census as Aletha Carson, age 79, born in Missouri, father born in Pennsylvania, living with her daughter Lena (Ellen) Carson Mallory and son-in-law, William Mallory, in Nickerson, Kansas.

Tom Saunders | t.c.saunders@worldnet.att.net

My ancestor was Thomas Seeley born probably about 1700.

He married Sarah Campbell before 1730 in New Castle Co., DE. She was b 1705, daughter of John.

Thomas was still alive in 1754 according to a land record, however a short time after that his wife married secondly Thomas Murphy, so he must have died.

Twenty or more years ago I belonged to your society, but it was pretty obvious that my man was not a descendant of either Robert or Obadiah. It seems possible he was of the Isle of Shoals family, but I have never been able to solve this puzzle.

Has anyone come across Thomas in the last twenty or so years?

Phyllis Miller | phyllism19@aol.com

I am attempting to research my husband’s direct ancestor, James Seeley, b Jan 13, 1828 in Ohio. My information includes knowledge of three marriages to Martha Machel (sp?), Adeliza Brooks & Kate Mires. James resided in Boston Twp, OH during marriage to Martha, and Brecksville, OH from 1870 to time of death after 1900. He is buried in the Brecksville Highland Drive Cemetery. He was a Civil War veteran of the 115th Oh Regiment. He was an Andersonville POW. There was a Civil War pension awarded.

In the 1880 census, his father’s pob is noted as PA, and his mother’s as NY. In the 1890 and 1900 census, his father’s pob is noted as NY and his mother’s as OH. Consistently, James pob is noted as OH. I have no knowledge of his siblings.

I am attempting to rule out the Seeleys who migrated from CT. To date, I have been unable to determine the birth place of Eli L Seeley. He is listed as Eli L Seely in the 1820 census for Medina Co. He is buried in the Cleveland Amherst Cemetery (June 24,1790- May 14, 1867).

In the 1830 and 1840 census for Medina County, I found Nehemiah Seeley and Levi Seeley. Both men had married in Geauga County in the 1820s. I have been unable to determine their whereabouts after the 1840 census.

Please advise me if you have information on the place(s) of birth for Eli L, Nehemiah and Levi Seeley.

Thank you kindly.

Carolyn Sheridan | Cgenhosheridan@aol.com

The Seeley Genealogical Society’s 7th Generation Book lists Eli Lewis Seeley (SGS#1133), b. 24 Jun 1790, Chathan, Columbia Co., NY; d 14 May 1867, North Amherst, Loraine Co./Elgria, OH. He m. 2 Dec 1813, Charlotte Isabel Downs (b 7 Oct 1795; d 15 Sep 1872), daughter of Nathaniel and Betsey Downs. They resided at Mt. Morris, NY and North Amherst, OH. Eli Lewis Seeley descended from immigrant Robert Seeley through Nathaniel (SGS # 2), John (SGS#9), Joseph (SGS# 43), David (SGS#123), and his father, Eli (SGS#373 b. 11 Feb 1763, Stratford, CT; d. Elgria, OH). Eli Lewis Seeley and his wife Charlotte Isabel Downs had 8 children: Minerva (1814-1869), David Marks (1816-1853), Walter (1818-1883), Marietta (1821-1890), Hannah (1823-1824), Sally Ann (1824-1828), Morton C. (1825-1883), and Eli (1831-1842). The references given for this family group were: Family Bible, Esther Houtz research, Elizabeth S. White research, and Old Cemetery, North Amherst, OH.

It may be noteworthy that the SGS Ancestor File Index lists the birthplace for Eli Lewis Seeley as Fairfield County, CT. The source of this info was listed as (1) Esther Houtz Walter’s Obadiah Notebook, (2) Elizabeth S. White Compilation, and (3) Nancy Desmond. No postal or Email address is available for Nancy Desmond and she is not on our SGS Membership list. According to the SGS Publications, Eli Lewis Seeley’s father and grandfather were both from CT.

Carolyn asked for places of birth for Eli L., Nehemiah, and Levi Seeley. Eli Lewis pob is listed above. There are no siblings or children of Eli Lewis Seeley listed in the SGS Publications as Nehemiah or Levi Seeley.

Responder: Jim Seeley, SGS President

My husband’s maternal great grandmother was Lucy Parker Freeman (b.13 Oct 1841 in Sumpter County, AL) m. Orlando Stinson Holland (b.06 Oct. 1827 in Thomaston, Upson, GA) married 01 Feb 1859 in Enterprise, Clark Co., MS Lucy’s parents: George Freeman & Theresa Tartt who had another daughter – unknown name who married a Seeley and they had a child Minnie Seeley. Minnie Seeley married Sam Post of newton, CT who became a state senator. Her second marriage was to Frederick M. Ward of New Haven, CT.

Lucy Parker Freeman Holland is buried in the Seeley Plot in New Haven. The above information was on the back of a professional photo of the two sisters. Lucy is the younger of the two. Have another professional photo taken of Lucy when older with her brother – name unknown – supposedly taken at college.

Query: 1. Lucy’s sister’s name 2. cemetery where Lucy is buried 3. Minnie’s first name Matilda??

Evelyn Marsh | o_e_marsh@sbcglobal.net

May, 2005, I found a George and Theresa Freeman in the 1850 census of Sumter Co. AL but their daughters don’t correspond to your information. I found Minnie listed as Minnie S. Post in the 1910 census of New Haven, CT, age 50 and a widow working as a housekeeper for Alexander M. Ward Age 93) and his son Frederick M. (age 54).

Lucy Holland (age 59) was with Kate Holland (age 25) in the 1890 census in Bibb Co. GA both lodging with Julia Goodall, a widow age 66, her 3 daughters Jessie,42, Minnie, 24 and Julia, 21 and a son Jno.

In the 1860 census of Mobile, AL I fiound Seth D. Seeley, age 26, b. CT with his wife Julia, age 20, b. AL and dau.. Mary, 3 mos., b. AL. In 1870 the family is in New Haven with Mary now age 10 and Julia age 6. Perhaps Minnie is Mary and Lucy’s sister is Julia??? So far I haven’t been able to find Lucy and Julia together as sisters in a Freeman family. I did find a Lucy Freeman, age 10, by herself with John Parker (age 56) in the 1850 census of Greene Co. AL.No relationship was indicated.

Also, who is Seth D. Seeley?

Responder: SGS Query Editor

Can anyone identify Laura Seeley?

Hi everyone I’m triing to locate the parents of Laura Seeley b abt 1803 in Fairfield County Connecticut. She marries Zalmon Coley abt 1828 in Fairfield County Connecticut. Laura dies March 16, 1869 in Bridgeport, Fairfield County Connecticut. She and her husband and many of her children are buried in Stepney cemetery Stepney, Fairfield County Connecticut.

Stepney is a little town between Newtown, Connecticut and Monroe, Connecticut. Death records at Bridgeport town hall just give date of death no parents or cause of death mentioned. Death notice in Bridgeport Post dated March 17, 1869 also doesn’t mention parents of Laura.

Census records for 1830 have Zalmon & Laura Coley living in Trumbull, Fairfield County Connecticut with 1 male under 5, 1 male 20-30, 2 females under 5, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 20-30. Because of this census report I assume that Zalmon Coley and Laura Seeley were married in Trumbull, Connecticut. In 1840 they were living in Weston, Fairfield County Connecticut. In 1850 & 1860 they were living in Newtown, Fairfield County Connecticut. Zalmon & Laura moved to Stepney, Connecticut sometime between 1860-1865.

Is it possible that my Laura Seeley Coley is the Laura Seeley b 1801 in Weston, Fairfield County Connecticut, daughter of Nathaniel Freeman Seeley & Ann Haines?
(Nathaniel Freeman Haines is SGS# 1904)

Any help in locating my Laura Seeley Coleys’ parents will be apprecated. I am connected to the Seeley family through other families and lines, but finding Laura’s parents would give me a direct Seeley line. Hope someone can help.

Judy Laslo | Juteshouse@comcast.net

My name is David Seeley. I am the great-grandson of John Byron Seeley (1843-1926 ) and Jane Ann (Wasson) Seeley (1855 –1939 ). John B’s father was Austin Seeley (circa 1803 – early 1850’s). Austin spent many years in Inverness County in Nova Scotia near the River Denys Basin where he operated a sawmill.

He married Lucy Vaughn in 1836-37. Their children were James W. (1838), Hiram H., John Byron (1843), Ann, Jane, Walter, and Benjamin Franklin. The family left Nova Scotia in the early 1850’s and moved to Refrew, Ontario. Austin died in 1858 (or so) and many family members moved to Illinois. Census records from some of Austin’s children indicate that they believed their father was born in New York. However, my great-grandfather’s census records denote his father, Austin was born in Massachusetts.

Please note Austin Seeley of Vermont is not the Austin we are referring to.
I recently participated in the Seeley Genealogical Society’s DNA testing.

My results indicate I descend from the Obadiah line.

• Obadiah: 1630/31 ( England ? ) – Aug 25, 1657 ( Stamford, Conn)
• Jonas: 1653 Stamford – 1703 Stamford
• Ebenezer: Jan 18 1696/97 – 1767 Goshen, NY
• Ebenezer: March 19, 1720/21 New Canaan, Conn
• Ebenezer: 1745 – May 26, 1833, St John, New Brunswick, Canada.

We are looking for more detailed information on Austin Seeley and a link to Ebenezer. My uncle, Walter Leonard Seeley, has a theory. He believes that Austin’s father was James D. Seeley, son of Ebenezer Seeley. In 1783 Ebenezer, a United Empire Loyalist, was kicked out of Orange County, New York, and took his family to St. John, New Brunswick.

(Linda’s note: The James D. Seeley referred to is our SGS # 1646, Ebenezer is SGS # 476)

We would be interested in any information on Austin Seeley, his possible father James D Seeley, or his potential grandfather, Ebenezer. We would also appreciate any information on Lucy Vaughan (Austin’s wife), who we believe is from a shipbuilding family in eastern Canada.

PS Note that we posted a photo of John Seeley and Lucy Vaughan and his bio on the SGS’ website.

David Seeley | seeleyjh@comcast.net

Can anyone offer some further information on Phoebe?

Is there any more info on Danial Seeley 2nd wife Phoebe Ball Wood? They were my 3rd Great Grandparents.He was a Revolutionary War Vet.I have the seventh Generation book indicating she may be the daughter of Eliphalet Ball founder of Ballston NY.Their Son Hirman Seeley and Hester Selleck were my 2nd Great Grandparents. I have a picture from My grandmothers album of Her if You would Like a copy.Also have gravestone px’s of the Seeley line Buried in Belfast NY.Also have Px’s of Sarah Ann Seeley and Charles Davenport Gilbert My great Grandparents.They are buried in Oak Hill Cemetary in Bradford PA..Will be Eighty this April so don’t have much more time for research would like to follow the Ball Line if possible. I am a member of the Society.

Dick Kellerman | rkbk2526@aol.com

No new information has been received. Dick was encouraged to submit the photos to the Seeley Research Center. Anyone with information on Phoebe Ball should sent it to Dick and a copy to queries@seeley-society.net &.a copy to this website, please.

Responder: SGS Query Editor

Hello, my name is Roger T. Seelye, __ son Arthur B. Seelye___ son of Wilbur Seelye, looking for Wilbur’s parents,and siblings, ,__he was born around 1860-65?, married Elizabeth C. Morgan-who was born in 1866 – Grand Island ,NY, moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan with parents in 1876( she was 10), don’t know where or when Wilbur and she where married, they had three children , Wilbur, Agnes, Arthur (my father),all born in Michigan, Arthur born in Allegaen ,MI. in 1894.,– Wilbur died in 1901,don’t know where (in Mi) Elizabeth and the 3 children lived in Ann Arbor for some years my dad came to Kalamazoo, married my mother in 1919, my Grandmother moved to Kazoo some time after that -_ Wilbur had a brother Edgar who lived in Greenville, MI.(died around 1955-60) the story I’ve been told by my father is that his father had several brothers that scattered and were not kept track of,____ wouild like to find Wilbur’s father and siblings, (maybe came from Connecticut)———thank you for any help you might find.

Roger T. Seelye | rsee246@msn.com

Wilbur Hill Seelye and his wife, Elizabeth Cordelia Morgan are in the 9th generation of descent from Robert Seeley through his son, Nathaniel.

Wilbur’s parents, according to the SGS Database are Barnabus H. & Mary Ellen (Hill) “Seeley”. Barnabus is SGS # 2628 in the Seventh Generation Families published by SGS. I was able to provide Roger with information on Wilbur’s siblings. I asked Roger to send along information on his mother, wife of Arthur.

Responder: SGS Query Editor

Roger Seeley (rsee246@msn.com) was surprised to learn that there were 2 Arthur Seelyes – his father and grandfather between him and his supposed grandfather Wilbur H Seelye and asked for details.

Census research:

1880 census Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, MI

• Seeley, Barney, b. abt 1821 NY (this would be SGS# 941, Barnabus Seelye)
• Seeley, Mary, b. abt 1835, NY
• Seeley, Bertie, b. abt 1859, MI
• Seeley, Wilbur H., b. abt 1864, MI
• Seeley, Edgar B., b. abt 1870, MI

1900 census Bear Creek, Emmet, MI

• Seelye, Edgar, b. June 1869, age 30, b. MI, parents b. NY
• Seelye, Mary E, mother, b. Apr 1835, 5 children, 3 living, married 35 years, widow b. NY, f. b. CT, m. b. NJ

1900 census Decatur, Van Buren, MI

• Se Lee (yes, it is entered this way), Wilber, b. Apr 1865, MI, parents b. NY
• married 12 years to Elizabeth, b. Jan 1866, NY, f. b. NY, m. b. Eng., 3 children all living:
• Agnes F. b. March 1892, MI
• Arthur V., b. Dec 1874
• Wilber M., b. Mar 1899

1910 census Ann Arbor Ward 6, Washtenaw, MI

• Seelye Elizabeth, age 44, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. Eng. widow, 3 children, all living
• Seelye, Agnes F., age 18, b. MI, father b. MI, mother b. NY
• Seelye, Arthur B., age 15, b. as above
• Seelye, Wilbur M., age 11, b. as above

1920 census Ann Arbor, Washtenaw, MI

• Seelye, Elizabeth, age 54, widow, b. as above
• Seelye, Agnes F, age 27, teacher – physical training
• Seelye, Wilber M., 20, attended school

1920 census Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, MI

• Seelye, Arthur, age 25, b. MI, dairy farmer
• Seelye, Almira, age 21, b. Il, f. b. IL, m. b. OH

1930 census Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, MI

• Seelye, Elizabeth, 64, widow, b. NY, etc
• Seelye, Ralph, 24, nephew, clerk, clothing store

1930 census, Oshtemo, Kalamazoo, MI

• Seeley, Arthur, age 35, b. MI, f. b. MI, mother b. NY, dairy farmer
• Seeley, Almyra, age 31, married at 21, b. IL, f. b. IL, m.b. OH
• Seeley, Avis, age 8, b. MI
• Seeley, Arthur Jr, age 8, b. MI
• Seeley, Carol, age 6, b. MI
• Seeley, Roger, age 1, b. MI
• Tolman, Alonzo, 62, b. IL, f. b. MA, m. b. NY boarder

Census information on Almyra/Almira Tolman, wife of Arthur and mother of Roger

1900 census Spring Rock, Clinton IA

• Tolman, George, b. Nov 1860 IL, parents b. CT married 4 years to
• Tolman, Emma, b. Oct 1865, OH, parents b. OH 1 child, 1 living (so this is husband’s 2nd wife)
• Tolman, Almira, b. July 1898, age 1 (census taken in June 1900), b. IL
• Tolman, Arthur E. July 1891, age 8, b. IL, parents b. IL
• Tolman, Glen, b, Dec 1884, age 15, b. IL, parents b. IL

1910, Green Valley, Shawano, WI

• Tolman, George R., age 49, b. Il, f. b. CT, m. b. NY runs creamery
• Tolman, Emma W., age 44, b. OH, parents b. OH, married 14 years, 2 children
• Tolman, Elmira, age 11, b. IL
• Tolman, Jean, age 9, b. IL

Responder: SGS Query Editor

Can you please identify the people in these pictures (one is supose to be Calista Price Seeley and ? ? ? ? and the other one is William A. Seeley?).

Thank you for your help.

The Seeley pictures male is ?William A. Seeley b.23 July 1778, d 24 Oct. 1858 relation if correct is Great Great Great Grandfather. The other only identify Calista Price Seeley b 9 May 1846 d 7 March 1947 is the daughter of Jonas Seeley b 30 Dec 1818. All are from city of Mattoon, Cumberland Co., Illinois.

Paul received these photos from Charlie and I got him to send us some dates. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks a lot.

Charlie Russell | c21charlie@cot.net

Anita Woods has contacted us via the website. She writes that she is mailing in a check to join and would like to know about…

Arthur William Seeley Sr. who may have moved to the Norfolk, VA area possibly in the late 1800’s. He may have moved here from Pennsylvania, but then again it may have been his father who moved here around 1887 around the time that AW Seeley Sr. was born. He was married to Florence Caroline Schmitt (not sure of date of marriage). They began farming vegetables such as turnips, but the women of the family wanted to plant flowers so they did. The flowers were selling really well so they began just growing and selling flowers. Thus began Seeley Florists on Tidewater Drive in Norfolk, VA. I believe that the florist business was in the family for about 70 years before it was sold, but even after it was sold, it was operated under the Seeley name. Arthur William Seeley Sr. had brothers named Melvin and Silas, and a sister named Ida. I am not sure of any other siblings.

Arthur William Seeley Sr. was born in 1887 and died in 1960. He married Florence Caroline (Schmitt) Seeley and they had 5 children:

Arthur William Seeley Jr. (Bud) born Dec 6, 1909 died April 3, 1981 – married Bessie Anderson and he also ran Seeley Florists for awhile; they had 2 children, Brenda and Dorothy Ann.

Bessie Elizabeth and Jessie Lydia Seeley (twins) born May 29, 1911 – Bessie died Nov. 24, 2004 and Jessie is still living. Bessie married Milton Leroy Hogshire and had 2 children, Milton Leroy Jr. and Edna Ellen. I am the daughter of Edna and James Homer Hester.

Harry Silas Seeley born May 25, 1913 died February 7, 2004 – married Ellen (Seay or Goodwin-not sure of maiden name) – no children

Margaret Gertrude Seeley born August 19, 1921 died April 23, 1998 – married George P. Miller from Ontario, Canada

Arthur William Seeley Sr., AW Jr., Bessie, Harry, and Margaret are all buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery on Granby Street in Norfolk, VA.

Anita Woods | awoods@cox.net

Linda Crocker found the following census information which she sent to Anita

In the 1910 census for Tanner(s) Creek, Norfolk Co. VA I find:

In household 110, District 78

• John S. Seeley, age 62, b.NJ (father b. NY, mother b. NJ)
• Eliza, wife, age 56, b. VA as were her parents
• Lawrence, son, age 18, b. VA
• Melvin, son, age 16, b. VA
• Ida, dau., age 14, b. VA
• John and Eliza have been married 35 years. She has had 9 children, all still living.

Based on info above and below they are Walter, Mamie, August S., Ralph A., Silas, Arthur, Lawrence, Melvin, Ida

In household 119, District 78

• Arthur W. Seeley, age 23, b. VA, father b. NJ, mother b. VA
• Florence, wife, age 20, b. MD as were her parents
• Arthur W. Jr, son, age 5 mos.
• Arthur and Florence have been married for 2 years, 1 child

In household 101, District 78

• August Seeley, age 30, b. NJ, father b. NJ, mother b. VA
• Maud F., wife, age 29, b. VA
• Clarence F., son, age 7, b. VA

August and Maud married for 9 years, 2 children, 1 living

In household 63, District 73

• Walter W. Seeley, age 34, b. NJ, father b. Nj, mother b. VA
• Margurett, wife, age 24, b. NJ as were her parents
• They have been married 6 years, no children

In household 44, District 73

• Ralph A. Seeley, age 29, b. VA, father b. NJ, mother b. NJ
• Emma M., wife, age 29, b. NC, father b. IN, mother b. NC
• GlennR., son, age 4, b. VA
• Frank S., son, age 2, b. VA
• Spaulding, Matha, mother-in-law, age 61, b.NC as were her parents
• Ralph and Emma married 7 years, 3 children, 2 living

In household 8, District 73

• Silas Seeley, age 27, b. VA, father b. NJ, mother b. VA
• Ethel, wife, age 25, b. VA
• Mildred, dau. age 5, b. VA
• Silas and Ethel married 6 years, 1 child

In 1880, Kearney, Hudson Co. NJ

District 57, household 9

• Seely, John, age 30, b. NJ
• Eliza, wife, age 26
• Walter, son, age 5
• Mamie (or Marnie), dau. age 3

District 57, Kearney Avenue, household 1

• Seely, John, age 66, b. NJ as were his parents and family members
• Mary, wife, age 62
• Charles, son, age 21, disab led
• George, age 19
• Arthur, age 17

In 1870, Kearney, Hudson Co. NJ
(Based on info from other censuses I think this census taker wasn’t so accurate – I think he mixed up wife and oldest daughter and didn’t spell well)

• Seally, John, age 59, b. NJ
• Octelia, wife , age 54, b. NJ
• Mary Ann, dau., age 30, b. NJ
• William, son, age 28, b. NJ
• Margaret, dau., age 26, b. NJ
• Catherine, dau., age 20, b. NJ
• John, son, age 22, b. NJ, farmer
• Mary, dau., age 16, b. NJ
• Lucinda, dau., age 14, b. NJ
• Charles, son, age 11, b. NJ
• George, son, age 9, b. NJ
• Arthur, son, age 7, b. NJ

In 1860, Harrison, Hudson Co., NJ (Kearney used to be part of Harrison)

• Seely, John, age 44 he and all family b. NJ
• Mary Ann, wife, age 42
• Delia, age 21
• William H. age 19
• Margaret, age 15
• John, age 13
• Catherine, age 10
• Mary E., age 6
• Levinia, age 4
• Charles, age 1, blind

In 1850 census, Harrison, Hudson Co. NJ

• Seely, John, age 34, b. NJ
• Mary, wife, age 30, b. NJ
• Delia, age 11
• William H., age 9
• Margaret Ann, age 5
• John Silas, age 3
• Catherine G. age 1 month

It’s unfortunate that there are gaps with the 1890 and 1900 census but I think I’ve got the right family. So, who is the John Seely in the 1850 census whose son John moved to VA and fathered Arthur W. among others?

Thanks again for your help. Remember if you respond to note the query number for me.

Linda

Responder: SGS Query Editor

I suggest that if you hit a brick wall that you look into having a DNA test done on a Seely-surnamed male descendant of John Seely.

This would be a way to focus your research in the right area if the test were to match other test results and link your Seely to either Robert Seeley or Obadiah Seeley.

Responder: Jim Seeley, SGS President

Requester is looking for information on Jacob Ostrander, husband of SGS#4170, Sarah Seely.

Loreen writes: My great grandmother was Sarah E. Seely, SGS#4170. She married Jacob W. Ostrander in New Canaan CT on September 30, 1850. Officiating was the Rev. Theophilus Smith of the New Canaan 1st Congregational Church. I am looking for information about Jacob – where he was born, who his parents were and where they were born, also the same information about Jacob’s siblings.

Jacob and Sarah are buried together in Lakeview Cemetery at New Canaan. According to headstones and cemetery records there I have the following information: Jacob was born September 2, 1823 and died July 19, 1911 in Bridgeport, CT. Sarah was born May 30, 1825 and died November 14, 1885 in New Canaan. Buried with them is Jacob and Sarah’s son Stephen, also Jacob’s brother, John Ostrander, and John’s wife Mary. Stephen was born June 30, 1851, probably in New Canaan, and died on February 15, 1883 in Norwalk CT. John was born November 7, 1821 and died February 9, 1892 in New Canaan. Mary died July 22, 1897 in New Canaan.

My grandfather is John Jacob Ostrander, born March 30, 1862 in New Canaan. He died June 13, 1932, in Enterprise Oregon. This John was the son of Jacob and Sarah, brother to Stephen. I have found no other children born to Jacob and Sarah, although an obituary claims John has a sister in the east. I believe this to be error due to a lack of information about John’s life. It is evident he did not talk about himself. I have found no siblings for him other than Stephen. Jacob’s brother John had no children that I can find. I have looked at all the census records I can find. Those records seem to say that Jacob was born in Connecticut and his brother John was born in New York, although there are some inconsistencies for both. Both parents of these two are consistently listed as born in New York. I cannot find Jacob in any census before 1860. I have looked at a good share of the 1850 Fairfield Co. CT census line by line looking for him. His brother John is listed in the New Canaan CT census in 1850, working as a shoemaker. In that census, John and Mary are living in the household of Harvy Monroe, age 64, along with two other Monroes aged 27 and 24. In census records from 1860 until his death, John works as a jeweler and has his own business in New Canaan. Jacob is in New Canaan from the 1860 census until his death in 1911. Those census records list him as a clock repairer/mechanic. Stephen is a plasterer. Stephen’s brother John lists various building trades. I find Ostranders in Salisbury CT,! but no way yet to connect my Ostranders to them.

I have Jacob’s death certificate, but it has essentially nothing on it. I think he outlived everybody who knew. It didn’t even have his spouse information filled out and he was buried with her. Sarah did not have a death certificate but her death record is in the Town Clerk’s book. I also got their marriage information from the Town Clerk. That office said they had no record of either Jacob or Sarah’s birth, although they did give me my grandfather John’s birth record. They also told me they had no information about either Jacob’s or Sarah’s parents. John’s death certificate has next to nothing on it, except his parents’ names and that they were both born in Connecticut. His census records consistently have Jacob and Sarah as born in CT. I contacted the New Canaan 1st Congregational Church, but did not get a response from them.

I have found a number of Ostranders who came to Oregon about the same time as my grandfather. I have researched every one of them by Oregon census, as well as Oregon death certificates and other records at the Oregon Archives, where I live. All of these Ostranders but one originated in New York. I have researched these Oregon Ostranders back as far as I can in New York without result. Most come from the Hudson River Valley. I have lots of suggestive and circumstantial evidence that there are connections between all these people. I find many repeat names, places, residence proximity, and occupations, but nothing concrete. I can get to one of them in the 1840 Orange Co. NY census, but that record doesn’t help me. A bunch of other Ostranders are also in that same census but of course no relationships between them.

There are other Ostrander researchers with whom I have corresponded. None of them recognize my Ostranders. One of those researchers told me she had my Jacob and his son John Jacob, but birth dates and places were not even close, and all the rest of her information didn’t fit. There is also an Ostrander Family Association which has a book published but the OFA people claim to not know my Ostranders. However, they also tell me that all Ostranders are descended from the same two people. The OFA book does have Cora Ostrander, my grandmother. They connect her to no one, including my grandfather. She was originally Cora Green, born and raised in Poughkeepsie NY.

I am open to any suggestions for further research. Of course, if someone has my information already, I would be deliriously happy.

Loreen Wells

I think I found Sarah living with Stephen Seely (SGS#1818) a distant cousin, in the 1850 census for New Canaan, Fairfield, CT, taken about 6 weeks after her marriage (Roll 132_38, page 347). Since Sarah’s parents died when she was quite young I’m wondering if she was raised by Stephen (and named her first child after him). Although the census taker still calls her Sarah Seely he also notes that she was married within the year. Maybe Jacob is off building a house for his bride? Can anyone corroborate that Sarah was raised by Stephen Seely? Any information on the Ostranders in Elizabeth White’s papers?

Responder: SGS Query Editor

Requester is researching her husband’s family.

• Marshall Seeley lived in Salisbury NY, 1921-1987
• Edith Burke Seeley was his wife and also lived in Salisbury NY, 1925-2003
• Ward D. Seeley (Marshall’s father) also lived in Salisbury NY, 1870-1950

Corabella Bloodough Seeley was his wife and also lived in Salisbury NY, 1886-1951

Salisbury is in Herkimer County.

The parents of Ward Seeley are supposedly Merit Seeley and Harriet Barnes.

If anyone has information on this family please contact Roberta and send me a copy.

Requester has tracked down some more information that will hopefully help out:

Merit Seeley and Harriet Barnes were in fact residents of Salisbury, NY (Herkimer County). They had 3 sons that I can find.. Edson D. Seeley (1867-1943), Charles Seeley (1872-1948), and Ward Seeley (1870-1950). I also discover that the town name “Salisbury” originated from the Salisbury in CT. Apparently many of the settlers residing in Salisbury, NY came from Salisbury, CT. Hence the name. I thought that was something. I also found that Merits father was born in RI and his mother was born in NY, but I am at a stand still as to who they are. Have you heard anything yet?

Requester has tracked down some more information.

I have made a few more discoveries about the Seeleys’ of Salisbury NY (Herkimer county) Merit is also spelled Merritt/ Merrett, depending on which census you look at. Also discovered that Merit had two daughters, Blanche (Seeley) Shanahan and Ester (Seeley) Richmond. Ester moved with her husband Clarence to Randolph VT. I also found in the 1850 census that Merrit had 2 brothers George W. who at the time was reported to be 9 years old. and Joseph H who was reported to be 4 years old. Merritts father and mother were William Seely who, in the 1850 census stated his age to be 33 and Betsey Seely who stated her age to be 24. As far as I can tell, William and Betsey only lived in the Salisbury area long enough to be included in the 1850 census. That is the only time William and Betsey Seely shows up in a census for Herkimer county I believe they are the ones that lived in Otsego county, though I do not know where.

Roberta | Bertanward@aol.com

I found Maxon Seely age 25 and family living in the next house to William and Betsey in the 1850 census. There is also a Hulda Seely nearby who would appear to be Hulda(h), widow of Solomon Seeley, SGS #381a (see page 53 of the sixth generation families of Nathaniel Seeley.). In the 1800census of Salisbury there is a Solomon Sealy with several children. Can someone document a relationship between William Seely, father of Merit, and Solomon Sealy?

Responder: SGS Query Editor

Requester is looking for the Seeley mother of Angeline Cool (Lince) (Bullock). Barb says she is probably from Duanesburg or Stratford or Dolgeville areas of Fulton Co. NY.
Angeline b. ~1828, so mother would be born about 1800. There are many Cool and Seeley intermarriages and family reunions according to family history. She has found Angeline in the following census records:

• 1860, Brutus, Cayuga, NY: Angeline L.Bullock, b. 1827, married to Levi Bullock.
• 1870, Norway, Herkimer Cty., NY: Angeline, b. 1827, m. to Levi.
• 1880, Butler Center, Wayne Cty., NY: Angeline, age 53, married to Levi Bullock.
• She was buried in Grand Rapids, MI., d. 1890.

According to Barb it’s very possible that she and Levi lived in Stratford, Fulton Co., NY, before the above censuses. Also, Angeline seemed to have three sons from a previous marriage to ____Lince: Benson, Cpins(sp) (I think this is Caspius or Cassius) and Charles H.

Barb Zimmer | SkyHarbor@aol.com

I found them in the 1860 census. Capius M. is age 15, Charles H. is 11 and Bronson (Benson) is 8, all listed as Bullock. In the 1870 census it is Cassius M. Lince and Benson Lince. I can’t find them in the 1850 census. In the 1880 census there is a Margaret Cool aged in the 70’s with Angeline and Levi.

Does anyone recognise this family or have a record of a Margaret Seeley marrying a Cool?

Responder: SGS Query Editor

Requester is descended from #3903 Rhoda Jane Amelia Seely Pratt Nichols. She is trying to find death records for Rhoda, her paternal great grandmother. According to family records, she died at the home of her brother #3900 George Washington Seely, at Long Beach, CA, possibly before 1911.

Dan has sent the information in his files to Doris which is to do with Rhoda’s husbands and children. Does anyone know when or where Rhoda died?

Also, if anyone’s interested, the Daughters of the Amer. Rev. is considering Doris’s supplemental for possible patriot John Seely (1742-1795) (our #193), husband of Mary Corner/Carner/O’Connor (b.1740).

Doris Pratt | revdocdp@valstar.net

Family Group Sheet
—————————————————————
Wife: Rhoda Jane Amelia SEELY #43565
—————————————————————
Born: 19 Aug 1839 in New 1
Died:
Father: Charles SEELY #4488
Mother: Phoebe JOHNSON #4492
—————————————————————
Husband: Nelson Lorenzo DeForest PRATT 2 #43569
Married: 20 Apr 1859 in Arcadia, New York 1
—————————————————————
Born: 15 Jan 1821 in Pratt’s Hollow, New York 1
Died: 15 Feb 1966 in 1
Father:
Mother:
—————————————————————
M Child 1: Mark DeForest PRATT #55599
Born: 26 Aug 1855 in Newark, New York 1
Died: 14 May 1883 in Brooklyn, New York 1
—————————————————————
M Child 2: Lorenzo Seely PRATT #55600
Born: 11 Mar 1860 in Port Gibson, New York 1
Died: 1917 in 1
—————————————————————
M Child 3: Charles Nelson PRATT #55601
Born: 26 Mar 1863 in Newark, New York 1
Died: 30 Sep 1919 in Rochester, New York 1
Spouse: Flora J Fournier #55602 b. 1867 d. 19 Oct 1939
Married: 30 Sep 1887 in 1
—————————————————————
Husband: Mr. Nichols 2 #43570
Married: at home of George Washington Seely, CA.
—————————————————————
Born:
Died:
Father:
Mother:
—————————————————————
(1) Seely F Pratt, Jr., Compiled by Seely F Pratt, Jr.
27 Oct 2002
109 E Main Street, Leroy, New York.
weegie@hfent.com
data from Pratt Family Bible.
(2) The Seventh Generation Familes.
The Seeley Genealogical Society
Compiled, 2000, by Madeline M Mills
& Katherina M Olsen,
Obadiah=79.

Responder: seelyedan@att.net

California has a death index that started mid-1905 – not totally complied with initially, and in some counties not for quite a while but the 1905-1929 Death Index has a entry for a
NICHOLS, Rhoena age 78 died in Los Angeles County 5-31-1909.

Why this could be Rhoda- The index was made from a copy of the original/or the original copy of the death certificate, if the death certificate was hand written – oh boy, some of that handwritting was terrible.
Rhoena – Rhoda –
Long Beach is in Los Angeles County
pre 1911- 1909 qualifies …..

I am attaching the CADI header, and the line entry …. Click Here to view…
The pre 1940 CADI’s are available on line at www.vitalsearch-ca.com – lots on on-line ads unless you have a paid subscription or on microfilm at some FHCs and libraries when the state of California sold this information.

I would recommend that Doris spend the money to order a copy of the death certificate ….

The following http://regrec.co.la.ca.us/recorder/birth_death.htm describes how to get a certifcate in Los Angeles County.
Birth, Death and Marriage Records Section
P.O. Box 53120
Los Angeles, CA 90053-0120

In California, you want to order certificates from the County whenever possible. Turn around time is so much better. Personally, I have only had to wait 10-15 days for certificates ordered from LA County. True, before the last round of budget cuts, but the State of California’s wait time is measured at last count starting at 14 months.

Responder: SGS Query Editor