Query Number: 1111-3 November 2011
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Requested Information:
Pat’s query is about Jennie A. Seely, youngest daughter of Col. Ebenezer Seely and Dolly (Maynard) Seely.
Jennie was born in 1846 in Whiteside County, Illinois.
Jennie A Seely md Charles E. Moulton October 12, 1867 Whiteside Co. IL (IL Marriage Index)
Mrs Jennie A Moulton md Addison Bates Crosby April 23, 1874, Whiteside Co. IL (ILMI)
Mrs Jennie A Crosby md George W. Sutton July 3, 1893, Whiteside Co. IL (ILMI)
7 July 1893 Sterling Gazette – Married on Monday evening surrounded by a few friends, George W. Sutton to Mrs. Jennie Seely Crosby. Rev. E. Brown performed the ceremony which was followed by a nicely laid lunch.
Another mention of Jennie:
22 May 1900 Sterling Standard – Mr. and Mrs. George Sutton of Antioch, Illinois have arrived here to attend the Seely Golden Anniversary tomorrow. They were accompanied by their little dog, Fannie.
Jennie and Addison Bates Crosby adopted a son, Walter Percy Crosby.
Walter Percy Crosby was born in 1876. Addison Bates Crosby died in April 1881 and daughter Dolly M Crosby was born, according to New York Births and Christenings 1640 – 1962, 28 October 1881 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.
Jennie named her daughter after her mother Dolly (wife of Ebenezer Seely). Her brother S. M. Seely also had a daughter, Miss Dolly Seely of Chicago. Jennie must have been pregnant with Dolly when Addison died in April 1881.
Pat says that in the family, Jennie is referred to as “the woman who raised Walter” which makes her wonder if Dolly died very young, as she seems to disappear after the record of her birth. She also says that the family talked about Walter having a (half) sister named Dolly, as it has always been told that Addison was Walter’s real father, that he was left on the doorstep by the birth mother, and that Jennie raised him and loved him as her own.
Pat asked for any information on Jennie A. Seely Moulton Crosby Sutton, any information on the adoption of her son Walter, any information on her daughter Dolly?
Requester: Pat Casey | sisterpatcasey@yahoo.com
Initial Response Information:
I found Jennie and George Sutton in the 1900 census of Antioch, Lake, IL It says they have been married 17 years and that she has had 2 children but none are living. Jennie b. Apr 1848 IL, parents b. NY
In 1910 in Jacksonville, Morgan, IL Jennie and George are both in their 2nd marriages, md 17 yrs, she has had 3 ch., 1 living…. Perhaps the difference is that she is counting Walter as a child this time. I imagine the 17 years is a census taking mistake in 1910 and should read 27.
I also found Addison and Jennie Crosby with adopted son Walter age 3 in the New York City census in 1880. It says Walter’s parents were b. in Ireland and he was b. in NY. I also found him later settled in Van Buren County MI, married to Matilda and they had 3 children.
I have not been able to find any records for Dolly Crosby. Please contact me if you have any information on Jennie Seely Moulton Crosby Sutton and her family.
Responder: Query Editor
