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News of the JUSTUS AZEL SEELYE FAMILY ORGANIZATION Objective: To "turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers." - Malachi 4:5-6 A LEGACY OF LOVE |
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| Volume XV | December 2004 | Number 4 |
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President's Message:
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wall with majestic trees overhanging it and a winding walkway. The church was open, and we went in as a group and milled around. Then we did a little "role play." We sat in the pews, and several of us "stood for our ancestors" and we talked about each one. William Seely and Grace Prett (father and mother of Robert), were christened in that very church around 1563. They were married there in front of the altar in 1584. It appears that William's father and mother, Thomas Seely and Elizabeth Mitchell (christened in 1539), and his grandparents, William and Elizabeth Seely were also christened, married, and buried there. Imagine! We were in that very spot! I wondered if they were there with us that day and glad we had come to visit. As I sat there I wished that my children could be there and that each of you could be there and have that same experience we were having.
I hope you can imagine "Robert Seeley's England" and feel the spirit of our ancestors as you read the pages of this newsletter. Sincerely, Camille Seeley Bell P.S. Here's a quote from Pres. Boyd K. Packer that I like: "Genealogical work in one sense would justify itself, even if one were not successful in clearing names for temple work. The process of searching, the means of going after those names, would be worth all the effort you could invest. The reason: You cannot find names without knowing that they represent people. You begin to find out things about people. When we research our own lines we become interested in more than just names or the number of names going through the temple. Our interest turns our hearts to our fathers--we seek to find them and to know them and to serve them. In doing so we store up treasures in heaven." from The Holy Temple. |
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August 7th Conference in Castle Dale 1-Kathie Olsen wrote: What a great experience it was to be together with other members of the Seely family to celebrate and honor the lives of our pioneer ancestors at our recent family conference in Castle Dale. Thanks to Kathryn, Montell, Camille and many others who made this activity possible for the rest of us! The parade was fun and uplifting. The brunch was well attended and something like feeding the 5000 because all were well fed for being there. I love to see descendants represent their valiant ancestors at their final resting places. The homes constructed by the people of the pioneer era are especially inspiring. The springs which were directed towards the property of the Jeffs in pioneer times caused a direct fulfillment of the prophecy of the "desert blossoming as a rose." The lamb fry was spectacular. Every part of the meal was delicious. Sadly we couldn't eat any more. The pageant is wonderful in all aspects but has a particularly touching closing scene where one of our numbers is welcomed back to Jesus Christ and other saints. What a wonderful day! Let's do it again soon! Kathie M. Olsen, Salt Lake City, Utah [Lineage: Madeline Mills, Zella Gertrude Seely Merrill, John Henry Seely, Justus Wellington Seely, Justus Azel Seelye ] 2-Judy Downey wrote: Hello Montell and Kathryn! Our visit to Castle Dale, the pageant and the family reunion was an incredible experience that we will never forget. It was great leaving the hustle and bustle of the "big city" and come to a place where people still know how to live, laugh and love! I sure did enjoy telling my family and friends that I was in a parade that went right down main street- dressed as a pioneer, behind a handcart, in the heat, wearing my fancy sandles (because I didn't plan to walk in a parade) dodging horse manure but loving the whole experience! Mom, Dad and I are still talking about it! We truly enjoyed meeting you and were in awe at the service you perform in behalf of our family organization and for the church! What monumental instruments you are in building His kingdom! I have also enjoyed reading the book about the pageant. It certainly stands as a witness that the Lord's hand has been involved from the beginning and when He wants something to come to pass, it will come to pass--through faithful, hardworking people. Thanks for your dedication and sacrifice. My parents enjoyed it so much that they want to plan OUR immediate family reunion next summer around the pageant and Seely family reunion so we can bring the whole lot of us! It would be about 25-30 people. We will have family coming from NC, OH, and maybe even Korea. Do you know the dates for the pageant and family reunion for next year so we can make our family plans? Thank you so much! Judy Downey, Youngsville, NC, OH, and maybe even Korea. Do you know the dates for the pageant and family reunion for next year so we can make our family plans? Thank you so much! Judy Downey, Youngsville, NC, 919.562.6954 [Lineage: Narvol Leo Hanson, Justus Leo Hanson, Clarissa Seely Hanson, Justus Wellington Seely II, J.W. Seely I, Justus Azel Seelye] |
3- Cousin Craig Otterstrom provided some historical data on the red brick house where he grew up, built by his (and my) grandfather, J.W. "Wink" Seely:
Our family spent the night at the old brick home. All our children and grandchildren were there, 17 in all. The setting brought back many memories of Jorgensen, Seely, and Otterstrom families. . . .The old brick home is certainly a place where the cycle of life has been seen. Probably seven of "Wink's children" were born in the ground floor southeast room. [And Grandfather Seely died there in October, 1931.] Three people close to me died in the home. Uncle Will [Jorgensen] and Grandma Mary passed away in the small bedroom on the ground floor. My brother Paul died in Aunt Etta's arms in the living room while she was relieving my parents from their exhausting caretaking duties. Whatever the house is called, "Wink's house," "Montell's house." or any other name, it brings back memories for individuals with many different surnames, most descending from "Wink Seely." Whatever the house is called, "Wink's house," "Montell's house." or any other name, it brings back memories for individuals with many different surnames, most descending from "Wink Seely." The reunion was well organized and enjoyed. We also attended the pageant Friday night. It's amazing how it has been developed into a destination point for many people... Thanks for your interest and work for the Seely Family. The Otterstrom Family [Craig's lineage: Dora Seely Otterstrom, J.W. Seely II, J.W. Seely I, Justus Azel] 4-LouAnn Crisler wrote in behalf of her husband Jesse and their family, who joined us at the Family Conference, for their first time: [Please take note, all you Committee people, that they are thanking YOU for all your good works!] Dear Montell and Kathryn, I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for all the hard work you put into the reunion on Saturday. Jesse and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and our family who were there had a great time. We were able to introduce our new daughter-in-law from Taiwan to a lot of new experiences. We loved the parade, the brunch, the visit to the cemetery, the home tours, the County Fair and exhibits, the museums and craft fair, the lamb fry, and, of course, the Pageant. It was a full and happy day. . . .I have written a complete run-down to our children on the East Coast and they are all sorry that they missed it. I know all the work and organization that went on to pull off such a successful event. Thank you for all you do to keep the family organization running. Jesse is always glad to hear from you and see the work continue....The pageant was a great experience. I am telling everyone here at BYU that they should take the opportunity to see it next year. Of course, our Chair is Ed Geary [from Huntington], and he was interested to know all that we had done on Saturday. I even recognized his voice in several museum exhibits. Again, Thanks. It was a great reunion. Lou Ann Crisler, Provo, Utah. [Jesse's lineage: Valentine Mireen Rogerson Crisler, Inez Hurst Rogerson, George Arthur Hurst, Elizabeth Wilcox Hurst, Mary Young Wilcox, Elizabeth Seely Young, Justus Azel Seelye] |
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TO LOVED ONES Editor's note: We are passing along the news of the deaths of some of our beloved "cousins." Any time we receive a notice of one who has passed away, we will include it in a Newsletter; we welcome such notices. Please give us the benefit of your thoughts. And by all means, if we need to honor someone, please write up the tribute and send it along to us. We'll be glad to publish all the news. Please keep us informed. John L. Jorgensen, 78, a stalwart family history worker, passed away August 29, in Price, Utah. He was a family man, survived by his seven children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His wife, Yvonne, preceded him in death in 1997. John's parents were Lester and Adela Seely Jorgensen. John was an educator-both a teacher and a principal in the local elementary schools in Castle Dale and Orangeville, where he was affectionately known as "Mr. J" or "Mr. 36" because he usually carried a yardstick! He was a past mayor and city councilman of Castle Dale City. He was a past Bishop, having served from 1972 to 1976, the last one to be Bishop over the whole town as one ward. And he was a member of the Castle Dale Stake high council for 18 years. He and his wife were ordinance workers in the Manti Temple for many years. And in recent times he has been "on duty" at the local Family History Library every Tuesday morning. He was one of the JASFO honorees in 2003, when we first honored some of our older members who have been faithful in the work for our deceased ancestors. With his passing, it seems that a bygone era in Castle Dale is being laid to rest as well. Funeral services were conducted by Bishop Bill Dye at the Castle Dale Stake Center on September 2, and burial was at the Castle Dale Cemetery. John's son Joshua dedicated the grave. We send our condolences to his sister, brothers, sons, daughters and other loved ones. John's lineage is: Adela Caroline Seely Jorgensen, Joseph Seely, JW Seely I, Justus Azel Seelye. Blanche Seely Olson, age 93, passed away October 24, 2004.. Born in 1911 in Mt. Pleasant to Justus Lehi and Margaret Jensen Seely, she was the youngest of a family of ten children. Only one sister survives: Verlie Seely Kirk, age 99, of Salt Lake City. Verlie and her only daughter, Mary Ann, were able to attend the funeral service, conducted by Bishop Bryan Mecham, in Mt. Pleasant on November 2. Blanche, widow of Ray Jacob Olson, whom she married in 1933, had lived all her life in Utah. She was a farm wife who helped her husband and their four sons with the farm work. She milked cows and drove the tractor. She was an excellent cook. When the history books were being compiled Blanche was a member of the committee. She was active in gathering many stories and photos; and sending them to be preserved in the "Big Red Books." |
A faithful Relief Society Visiting Teacher, Blanche appreciated her membership in the DUP-her grandmother, Ellen Jackson Carter Seely, had crossed the Plains with the Martin Handcart Company!-- a legacy Blanche passed on to her posterity. Blanche and her husband Ray had served as officiators in the Manti Temple for several years.
Blanche was buried in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Her grandson, Kevin Olson, dedicated the grave. We send our condolences to her sister Verlie, her niece Mary Ann, her four sons, Gerald, Scott, Robert, and Kent, and all her other loved ones. Blanche's lineage is: Justus Lehi Seely, William Stewart Seely, Justus Azel Seelye. Stella Mayer Liddiard, age 81, passed away November 23, 2004. Born April 6, 1923, in Fountain Green, Utah, to Charles Clifford and Ora Seely Mayer. Married James LaVar Liddiard on February 10, 1942 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He passed away November 18, 1984. Stella was a very talented pianist; she was called to play the piano for most school and community events. She taught many children who grew up in East Carbon to play the piano. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served as ward organist for most of her life. She was a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She is survived by her children, James LaVar (Mary) Liddiard, Brenda L. (Stanley) Richardson, Mark Clifford (Rose) Liddiard, Marilyn (Jeffrey) Jensen, and Julie (William Jon) Elicher; 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Lamar Mayer; sisters, Geniel Gottschalk, Maurine Byers, and Elaine Cannon. Preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services were held December 1 in East Carbon LDS Ward. Burial was at Vine Bluff Cemetery, Nephi, Utah. We send our coldolences to her siblings and her children. Stella's lineage is: Ora Seely Mayer, Justus Wellington Seely III (Jess), Justus Wellington Seely II ("Wink"), Justus Wellington Seely I, Justus Azel Seelye Frances Bushman Peel, age 72, died November 27, 2004. She was born January 26, 1932, to Edith Smith and Alonzo Bushman in Joseph City, Arizona. She married Paul R. Peel September 20, 1956, in the Mesa Temple. She was a homemaker and mother to a large family. Frances was a devoted school teacher and church worker, specializing in family history work. She and her husband Paul served missions together in Nauvoo, Illinois, and at Adam-ondi-Ahman in the State of Missouri. Frances is survived by her husband and children: Glen (Detina), Dale (Maren), Sylvia (Mike) Randall, Larry (MaKayla), Michael (Dorothy), Chris, Amelia (Jason) Hurst, and Gayle (Andrew) Jackson; 30 grandchildren; one great-grandchild, three siblings. She was preceded in death by daughter Ruth Ann, a grandchild, Lora, her parents and three siblings. The funeral was conducted by Mt. Pleasant 3rd Ward Bishop Thomas Boekweg; her grave in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery was dedicated by her son Michael Dec. 1. We extend our love and sympathy to her husband, Paul [lineage: Orange Fredrick Peel, Mary Miranda Seely Peel Oman, Justus Wellington Seely, Justus Azel Seelye] and all their loved ones. |
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Back to Robert Seely by Montell How do you know that you are a descendant of Robert Seely, the Immigrant? In the process of doing our detective work to see for sure if we are descendants of Robert the Immigrant, we will first examine the document called A Brief History of the Seely Family. I have a typed copy. Paul Peel, in Mt. Pleasant, has a handwritten copy. The author did not put his name on it, nor did he date it. Some of the grandchildren of John H. Seely feel that it was written by Will Clos, who was a secretary and bookkeeper for John H. Seely, of Mt. Pleasant, Utah. And I think they are correct. In the opening paragraph it reads as follows: "Compiled from the Family Record made under the direction of Justus Azael Seely, annexed to this book, and also from the verbal recollections of Mrs. Clarissa Jane Seely." It is my opinion that the author was not a descendant of the Seely family, on account of his use of the phrase, "recollections of Mrs. Clarissa Jane Seely." A descendant would have said, "recollections of Grandma Seely (or GrandmotherClarissa Jane)." Also, Will Clos was John's bookkeeper there in Mt. Pleasant while Clarissa Jane was living, also in Mt. Pleasant. So, until we know something different, we'll credit Will Clos as the author. Notice that the Brief History was compiled from the Family Record made under the direction of Justus Azael Seely . . .That tells me that Justus A. directed a Family Record to be made. He didn't direct the Brief History to be written. It was written long after he died. But he personally directed a family record to be made. Justus A. died in Pleasant Grove in April 1859. Will Clos was secretary to John H. Seely much later. I don't know the exact years, but it would have been during the prime of John H. Seely's days as a prominent sheepman. It would have been before his mother, Clarissa Jane Seely, died in 1908-something like from 1890 to 1908. We can be sure that there were copies of the "Family Record" in possession of family members from 1859 to 1908. Somewhere along the way, all the copies of the Family Record were lost. Fortunately, the Brief History document survived. Next, let's examine what it says. The second paragraph reads: "According to Justus Azael Seely, the oldest ancestor of his family known was John Seely, a Welshman, who died in Connecticut USA, but no date is obtainable either of his birth or death. This John Seely had a son named Joseph, of whom again we have no other knowledge except that his wife's name was Margarett, and they had a son named Justus and five other children, Abner, Joseph, Margarett, Thankful and Kesiah. This Justus Seely was born and lived in Connecticut, USA, where he married Sarah Stuart, and with her raised a family of five children named Orange, Stuart, Philo, Philo and Justus Azael Seely, the last-named being born Nov. 17, 1779." [end quote] Now we will dissect this paragraph. Remember, it was compiled from Justus Azael's family record. Notice that Justus Azael identified his father as Justus Seely and his mother as Sarah Stuart. |
He said his grandparents were Joseph and Marga-rett.[Pay attention to that! If you're a genealogy buff, you have a family group sheet for this Joseph Seely, and it lists Thankful Bartlett as Joseph's wife. My theory is that Joseph married Thankful after Margaret, his first wife, died.] He did not say that his grandmother was Thankful Bartlett Weller, as some authorities have assumed. My opinion is that Thankful Bartlett Weller was his step-grandmother. Again: Justus Azael identified his grand-father as Joseph Seely and his grandmother as Margarett. He knew that they were his grandparents, no doubt about it. He knew no birthdate for either of them. A second witness that these were his parents and grandparents was their baptism record. In 1841 Justus A. was baptized in the Mississippi River by proxy for each of them.
Next comes Justus Azel's reference to John Seely, his great-grandfather. He knew his name. He said he was a Welshman who died in Connecticut, and that's all. He didn't know the name of his great-grandmother. It is a sad phenomenon that in our society the general run of our people don't know their great-grandparents. We each have 8 great-grandparents, but as a rule we don't know their names. Can you sit down right this minute and name all 8 of yours? All of you who CAN do it, write their names on a piece of scratch paper and send me a note. I'll bet that not more than 5 people can do it. [By the way, did I ever tell you that I was WRONG in my prediction about the number of our people who keep a journal. I predicted I'd get 5 responses. Well, fortunately I was wrong! I received 25 responses. Out of 535 Newsletters sent out, 25 responded.] Here's a little side note that will surprise you. It surprised ME! While we were on our England hegira, one evening we were seated at the dinner table next to John Bauer (pronounced Bower). He is a Seely descendant but not a member of the LDS Church. He has been a member of the SGS for a number of years, and since he was on this England trip, that is a sure sign that he is into genealogy. I asked him, "What was your motivation to pursue this genealogical stuff?" He answered that many years ago he began wondering who he was-and who his progenitors were. He wondered, "Where did they live? And what did they do?" [He didn't use this phrase, but "his heart was turned to his fathers."] He knew why he did genealogy. It satisfied a longing in his bosom to seek out his parentage. He wanted to know his roots. I asked John Bauer, "Can you write down the names of all eight of your great-grandparents?" [Of course, I was thinking, "He can't do it."] He said, "I think I can!" And he did it right then and there! I was impressed, I'll tell you! So, back to the original question, "How do we know that we are descended from Robert Seely?" Can we trace our lineage back to him? Excuse the personal example. But mine are the only experiences I've had! In my own case, I start with myself. I know who I am. I know that my father was Karl Seely, and my mother was Cora Guymon. I knew them personally. |
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I know that my grandfather was Justus Wellington "Wink" Seely. I didn't know him personally, but my parents did, and I'll take their word for it. I know that my great-grandfather was Justus Wellington Seely (the first). There is plenty of written evidence. However, I'm disappointed that he didn't write any of it.
I know that my 2nd great-grandfather was Justus Azel Seelye. There is an abundance of written material which shows that he was the father of J.W. Seely I. Again, I'm disappointed that J.A. didn't write any of it. However, to his credit, he was instrumental in having a family record written. And from it I know that my 3rd great-grandfather was Justus Seelye the Loyalist. It says so in the "Brief History" we've already referred to. Now we are talking about my 3rd great-grandfather who was born about 1734 and died in 1812. He lived during the Revolutionary War. In fact, he was loyal to his mother country-England. Do you want to hear a true confession-one that I'm ashamed of? Well, here it is, like it or not: I did not want to have a grandfather who was a Loyalist. Yep, that's my confession. In fact, when I was first told that my Justus Seelye was a Loyalist, I set out to prove that it was not so! Great balls of fire--There must have been an error in the research! No great-grandfather of mine would be a Loyalist! You see, I am passionately patriotic. I was 7 years old when the enemy bombed Pearl Harbor, and I grew up during the Second World War. During this time period, Patriotism was at its peak; EVERYONE was patriotic. There were no war protests during World War II. There was no bad-mouthing the President for getting us into the War-there was none of that. In our homes, in our schools, and in our Church we were taught and we practiced patriotism-respect for the flag, and the whole show. I have intense feelings about things. I was, and still am, intensely in love with my country-America!-and I didn't want one of my great-grandfathers to be a traitor to America. While I was wrestling with this issue, the realization came to me that Justus was patriotic to his mother country in the same way I am patriotic to mine. He was not a traitor. It was the men who were leading the rebellion who were the traitors-if you want to get technical about it. Anyway, I now feel just fine about that-I feel love and a warm heart for my Loyalist great-grandfather, Justus Seelye. I know that my 4th great-grandfather was Joseph Seelye. Justus Azel told the clerk, on the banks of the Mississippi River in the year 1841, that his grandfather was Joseph Seelye, and Justus Azel was baptized as his proxy. Next we go to my 5th great-grandfather, and his name was John Seelye. In the Brief History, it says: "According to Justus Azael Seely, the oldest ancestor of his family known was John Seely.. . . This John Seely had a son named Joseph . . ." The evidence used to make the connection from this John Seelye to our Joseph is that John had a will, and in it he listed his wife and twelve children, one of whom is Joseph. The authorities say that this is our Joseph. |
By the way, it appears that it was this John who started using the Seelye spelling. Early on, he signed his name Seely, but on deeds later in life he always signed Seelye. The only way to be sure how a man spelled his name is to see his signature. Land records, and other legal documents, for the most part, spell the person's name exactly as he spelled his signature. It was mandatory that the clerk copy the document into the legal record, verbatim et literatim (word for word and letter for letter). A document written by a second party (someone else, as a recorder) is not evidence. Church records are the worst when it comes to accurate spelling of names. Church people spelled names according to their whims. Well, this John Seelye is my 5th great-grandfather.
My 6th great-grandfather was Benjemen Seely. There is written evidence that Benjemen is the father of our John. My 7th great-grandfather is Nathaniell Seely. The evi-dence that Nathaniell is the father of our Benjemen comes from land deeds in which Nathaniell conveyed land to his five sons, one of whom was our own Benjemen. And Robert Seely, the Immigrant, is the father of this Nathaniell. An entry in the Parish register of St. Stephen's Church on Coleman Street in London says that on September 16, 1627, Nathaniell Seely, son of Robert Seely and Mary Mason, was christened. So I know that Robert Seely the Immigrant is my 8th great-grandfather. I'm in the 10th generation from Robert-but he is my 8th great-grandfather. What a great little exercise! We're glad to be Robert's descendants! Second Edition Prepared by Katherine M. Olsen Updated October 22, 2004 There are many variations of the Seeley name. The records of St. John's Parish, Huntingdon spell the name, Seley. The original records of St. Stephen's Church, Coleman Street, London spell the name, Seely. The information from England is based on research conducted by Alan Phipps. The New England information comes from the Seeley Genealogical Society Publication, Descendants of Robert Seeley (1602 - 1667) Generations One Through Five. 4 Jul 1602 Robert Seley christened at St. John Parish Church, Huntingdon, Huntingdonshire,England. Son of William Seley (christened 23 Feb 1563/4, St. Bartholemew's Parish Church, Great Gransden, Huntingdonshire, England; buried St. Mary's Parish Church, Bluntisham cum Earith, Huntingdonshire, England) and Grace Prett Seeley (buried 5 June 1614 St. Mary's Parish Church, Bluntisham cum Earith, Huntingdonshire, England). William and Grace were married 30 Sept 1584 St. Bartholemew's Parish Church, Great Gransden, Huntingdonshire, England. It seems likely that William Seeley was the son of Thomas |
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Seeley (buried 6 Oct 1579, St. Bartholemew's Parish Church, Great Gransden, Huntingdonshire, England) and Elizabeth Mitchell/Michell Seeley (christened 11 July 1539; buried 24 Feb 1563/4 St. Bartholemew's Parish Church, Great Gransden, Huntingdonshire, England). Thomas Seeley was the son of William (buried 8 Dec 1565, St. Bartholemew's Parish Church, Great Gransden, Huntingdonshire, England) and Elizabeth Seeley (buried 6 Sep 1650, St. Bartholemew's Parish Church, Great Gransden, Huntingdonshire, England). 10 Mar 1623 Apprentice record is recorded for Robert Seley in the Cordwainer (originally one who worked with cordovan leather - a shoemaker) Company Records. "Robert Seley ye sonne of William Seley of Hunt in ye county of Hunt bound to John Plomer citt[izen]Y" (Now at Guildhall Library, London, Ancient Apprentice and Freedom Book. p. 7, L37 M5/S 7351-1) Normally an apprentice was about 14 years old but it appears that Robert was older and experienced because he only served three years instead of the customary seven. Between 1 Aug 1626 - 17 July 1627 Robert Seley released from apprenticeship by payment of silver spoon. He was authorized to work in London and also to become a citizen of London. 15 Dec 1626 Robert Seely married at St. Stephen's Church, Coleman St., London, England to Mary Mason (died between 10 Mar 1646 and 1651, New Haven Colony, Connecticut). Possibly this Mary (born about 1590) was a widow having previously married a Mr. Heath and Walter Mason (buried 1 Sep 1625, St. Stephen's Church, Coleman St., London, England). Mary, the widow, had at least ten children, all of whom were dead before or during 1626. 1627/30 Robert Seely paid tythe; living quarters at 7 Coleman Street. He also paid for 1628/29 and 1629/30. 16 Sep 1627 Son Nathaniel christened St. Stephen's Church, Coleman St., London, England. 29 Mar 1630 Robert left London 8 Apr 1630 Robert sailed from the Isle of Wight as a part of the John Winthrop Fleet. It is not known if Mary and Nathaniel accompanied him or came at a later time. 12 Jun 1630 Winthrop Fleet arrived Salem, Massachusetts. |
Jul 1630 Robert was one of forty organizers of The First Church of Watertown, Massachusetts. 18 May 1631 Robert admitted as a freeman in Watertown, Massachusetts. Robert joined a small group that colonized Wethersfield, Connecticut. Robert appointed a Lieutenant and second in command in an expedition against the Pequot Indians. 26 May 1637 Robert was severely wounded with an arrow to the eyebrow. He carried the scar for the rest of his life. Fall, 1638 Robert joined the "Quinpiac" or New Haven Colony. John Davenport, former Curate of St. Stephen's Church, Coleman St., London is leader of group. Jun 1639 Robert was one of the church members who signed the Fundamental Agreement for the New Haven Colony, and he was appointed Marshall of the Colony. He was reappointed to the office for 1640, 1641 and 1642. 1645 Robert Seeley was requested by the court as to prices and quality of the leather being used by the inhabitants, "that some course may be taken of it to moderate the price of leather and shoes." Feb 1646 Brother Seeley was assigned to sit in the 4th seat in the middle row and Sister Seeley was assigned the 6th seat in the women's seats in the middle row of the New Haven Church. May 1646 Robert Seeley was appointed "sealer of leather." June 1648 As "sealer of leather" Robert Seeley complained to the Court that leather not fit to be sealed was being used and named persons doing so. 3 Aug 1651 Robert gave his son, Nathaniel, his house and lands. No mention was made of Mary Mason Seeley, so it is assumed that she had died before this transaction. 23 Mar 1652 Robert was present on Long Island, New York, when Indian Chief Yokes gaves possession of Shelter Island. Robert was appointed Captain of New Haven forces fighting against the Dutch and the Indians on Long Island. 1655-61/2 Robert apparently returned to England. |
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Feb 1662 At a town meeting in Huntington, Long Island, it was ordered that a boat be sent to Connecticut to bring Captain Seeley to Long Island.
28 Apr 1662 New Haven General Court requested encouragement for Captain Seeley to settle among them. 14 May 1663 The Court ordered the Town of Stratford to pay Robert 25 pounds in exchange for him giving up all rights and titles to land holdings there. At the same session, Robert was appointed commissioner for the town of Huntingdon, Long Island. 1665 Robert and several others settled Elizabeth, New Jersey. About 1666 Robert married Mary Manning Walker. It is believed that they lived on the Manning Estates on Manning's Island off the coast of New York City. 11 Oct 1667 Robert died intestate in New York City. It is believed he was buried at Manning Estates. 19 Oct 1668 Letters of administration were given to his widow, Mary Manning Walker. 2 Nov 1668 Robert's land holdings in Elizabeth, New Jersey, were sold. 15 Jul 1669 Robert's land holdings in Huntingdon, Long Island, New York, were sold. "When Am I Finished?" by Katherine M. Olsen, Genealogist,JASFO When am I finished? This is a question that sooner or later comes to everyone who is engaged in genealogical work. The truth of the matter is that you are never finished because there will always be more to do. One question or one answer will lead to another one. There are, however, things that should be completed along the way. Within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we know that an important purpose of "doing genealogy" is to ensure that the Temple Ordinances have been completed for each our ancestors who have died and did not have the opportunity to do the work for themselves while here on the earth. What are the steps to take to ensure the work has been done? |
Step 1 Use the International Genealogical Index
Either at a Family History Library or on your own computer at Familysearch.org, select the Search tab and then the International Genealogical Index tab. In order to view the ordinance data, you will be asked to submit your LDS Church membership number and your confirmation date. Your ward clerk has this information. You will search by individual name. If you don't find the information immediately, search by variant spellings of the name, variant spellings of the surname, various dates and various locations. If you find an ancestor in the IGI with variant information, the ordinances are still valid, and you do not need to submit his or her name for temple ordinances again. Update your records to reflect the information you located. If you searched the IGI but found no matching records of your ancestors, then go to Step 2. Step 2 Use TempleReady for Windows Take a PAF or GEDCOM file of the names to a Family History Center. It is recommended that you prepare small files, not more than you could complete within the next two months. Open the PAF file in TempleReady, and run the Update My Records feature. Update My Records compares the names in your database with those contained in the IGI. It will show split screen displays of possible matches of completed ordinance work so that you can see for sure whether the work has been done. Select those names whose work has not been done to submit for ordinance work. Again, keep these numbers small. Click on Submit Family Names for Temple Ordinances. Create a submission and temple backup disk. Step 3 Take the submission disk to the Temple or Family History Library Obtain the ordinance cards, and complete the ordinance work. As you do so, update your PAF database to reflect the completed ordinance work. Those of us who had the opportunity recently to attend Seely sealing sessions know what a sweet feeling there was in the temple as we completed sealing families together. Some of these families have been waiting a long time. We had the feeling that Justus Azel and Mehittabil were smiling as members of their family were gathered into their family circle. To your adult children, give gift memberships in the Justus Azel Seelye Family Organization (JASFO). We continue to offer a special: Two for the price of one! Ten dollars will buy two memberships for two years! What a deal! This is a great opportunity for you to share family history with your grown children, with the hope that they will learn the names, hear the stories and love their heritage! Don't delay! Send your order to Treasurer Charles Astle. [See his address on p.10] |
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JUSTUS AZEL SEELY: Great balls of fire! We have a huge problem. Maybe we have uncovered a chapter in the life of Justus A. Seelye that none of us knew about-until now. I just received from Jesse Crisler, copies of four documents, which tell that on October 1, 1839, Justus A. Seely purchased four parcels of land (a total of 120 acres) in Cook County, Illinois. At first, I didn't think much of it-maybe Cook County was near Nauvoo. Well, I commented to Kathryn about this, and she said, "Cook County? Why, Chicago is in Cook County. I remember that from my high school history class." So that set me back on my tail feathers. What in the world was Justus Azel Seely doing buying land up in the Chicago area? Each document is a printed form where the clerk filled in the blanks-a copy of the form is on page 9. [The underlined parts are the items written in by the clerk.] There are four certificates, all with the same date. On two of the certificates, the clerk spelled his name "Seely," and on the other two the same clerk spelled his name "Seeley." You know that the only sure way to know how a person spells his name is to see his signature. But before we fly off the handle, we'd better make sure that this Justus A. Seely is our Justus Azel Seelye. Maybe there is a different Justus A. Seely. What we need to do is contact the General Land Office, in either Illinois or Washington, D.C., and ask them for a copy of his application-if there is one. For, you see, it would show his signature. This government land became available to be sold to the public through an Act of Congress dated April 24, 1820. Since this was government land, "they" would have made it necessary that a person first file an application(standard government procedure). If we can find his application, we will have his signature, which we can compare to his signatures that appear on page 8 of our Seely History book. These documents are all dated October 1, 1839. Keep that date in mind while I refresh your memory as to the comings and goings of our Justus Azel in that time period. On February 15, 1838, Justus Azel and Mehittabil and some family members were baptized into the Church in Canada. On August 28, 1838, Justus Azel and family members set sail on Lake Ontario-headed for "Zion." On the last leg of their journey they landed at the wharf at Chariton, Missouri. This was along in the latter part of 1838. One source says that it was December 11, 1838, when the Mob came upon "our" little Seelye contingent and ordered them out of the State. They sailed down river and in due time they settled in Calhoun County, Illinois-near the confluence of the Missouri River and the Mississippi River. Here they spent the winter. For more details of this chapter, see pp. 90-104 in Seely History. The Brief History says that in the Spring of 1839 they moved from Calhoun County (north) to Burlington, Iowa. The Brief History doesn't give any specifics about what they did in Burlington-where they lived, what they did, how they earned money, or how long they stayed. |
Then in 1841 the Justus Azel Seelye contingent moved to Nashville, Lee County, Iowa. So this leaves 1839/40 unaccounted for. Maybe Justus A. and Grandma Hettie went to the Chicago area on a land speculation venture. But before we go "jumpin' ta any seclusions," I want to verify that this Justus A Seely who bought these parcels of land is our Justus Azel Seelye. [Now turn the page and read the certificate.]
Injured in August 7th Accident [Editor's note: Do you remember that Ona Earl, her husband and son were injured in an auto crash on their way to Castle Dale to attend the Conference?] Ona Earl wrote in November from her home in McGill, Nevada, to thank us all for our cards and our concerns: "I brought [my son] Kenny home from Salt Lake on Saturday, November 6. He was unable to walk for awhile, but now walks with a cane. "I'm improving. I'm a little unsteady on my feet at times. The gash on my head is healed, but the fracture will take a long time, the doctor said. "[My husband] Jesse was released from the hospital and taken to a care center. On September 24 he almost died. They rushed him to the hospital. He was there for four days. They put a trachea in his throat. His lungs were filled with infection. "They removed the trachea two weeks ago and he is now breathing on his own and able to talk. He still isn't able to eat. He still has the feeding tube and he can't stand up. They are doing therapy for him. He has been in a rehabilitation center, but next week they will move him back to the care center. "I really appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. Love, Ona" We continue to show our love and support for this wonderful cousin, her husband Jesse and son Kenny. Write to Ona Earl, P O Box 936, McGill, NV 89318 You are invited to mingle with your cousins in the JASFO organization. We will have a dinner and program on Saturday, January 29, 2005, at 12:30 p.m. at the 21st Ward Church, corner of 2nd Avenue and K Streets, Salt Lake City. We'd surely like you to bring your family members and attend this dinner-there is no charge. RSVP to Camille Bell, <bellfam77@msn.com> or (801) 298-0279. Or, Kathie Olsen (801) 355-0301 or <davidkathie@mstar2.net> If you desire to join us, some of our members are meeting at 9 a.m. at the Salt Lake Temple, for the 9:30 session.. We will be welcoming our members to our summer event to be held in Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, June 25. Please reserve that date now, and plan to attend. The program will be focused on the life of Robert Seely. |
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Certificate No. 6198 To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas Justus A. Seely of Cook County Illinois has deposited in the GENERAL LAND OFFICE of the United States, a Certificate of the REGISTER OF THE LAND OFFICE at Chicago Whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Justus A. Seely according to the provisions on the Act of Congress of the 24th April 1820, entitled "An Act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands" for the southernmost fractional quarter of Section fifteen in Township thirty eight North of Range eleven East (south of Indian Boundary line) in the District of Lands subject to sale at Chicago Illinois containing forty threeacres and forty seven hundredths of an acre according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the SURVEYOR GENERAL , which said tract has been purchased by the said Justus A. Seely NOW KNOW YE. That the United States of America, in consideration of the Premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, HAVE GIVEN AND GRANTED, and by these presents DO GIVE AND GRANT, unto the said Justus A. Seely and to his heirs the said tract above described: TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities, and appurtenances of whatsoever nature, thereunto belonging, unto the said Justus A. Seely and to his heirs and assigns forever. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I , Martin Van Buren PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, have caused these Letters to be made PATENT, and the SEAL of the GENERAL LAND OFFICE to be hereunto affixed. GIVEN under my hand, at the CITY OF WASHINGTON, the first day of October in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine and of the INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES the Sixty fourth BY THE PRESIDENT: Martin Van Buren By M. Van Buren Jr. Sec'y H. M. Garland Recorder of the General Land Office |
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1- Cousin Trudy Seely [Lineage: Jerold Seely, Lee A. Seely, Lawrence A. Seely, William Hazard Seely, J.W. Seely I, Justus Azel] wrote: I run into Seely cousins from time to time, and we always ask, "Are you in the Seely book?" If we are distant cousins meeting for the first time, it is an instant connection and fun. Thanks for the newsletter...Trudy L. Seely, Spanish Fork, Utah. [See Volume II, p. 681] 2- Ryan Bell wrote: My wife Camille Traveller Bell (not my mom, Camille Seeley Bell) and I were traveling in Northern Wisconsin shortly after the September 11 tragedy of 2001 in order to escape medical school for a weekend. We had looked up the closest LDS Church to our campsite and found that it was located in Sturgeon Bay, about 45 minutes north of Green Bay, and we set off for a morning of fellowshipping with the Saints there. As we arrived at the building it looked nearly empty with only two cars in the parking lot, but a propped-open front door. We were informed that most of the branch had travelled to Stake Conference that morning several hours away, but the members who were not able to make the journey were meeting at a sister's home to have a small worship service and a potluck lunch. We were cordially invited and readily accepted the offer as an LDS potluck lunch was too tempting to pass up for us weary, wandering students! We had a beautiful meeting with about 12-14 people gathered in the living room of a large home facing the bay. The members were delighted we brought a piano player with us so we could sing patriotic songs and discuss the tragedies of September 11th, the state of the world, and the light the gospel sheds on our perception of life. A very kind man sitting behind me was introduced as Brother Seely, and my heart jumped; he looked too much like my grandpa Cloyd for it to be a coincidence, and we had a chance to visit during lunch. It turned out that he was Chesley Kent Seely, and we determined that we were both "Red Book" Seelys. [See Volume I, pp. 330 and 589.] Well, once again, it is a proven fact that Seelys feel a kinship to each other-even in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. [Ryan's lineage: Camille Seeley Bell, Cloyd D Seeley, Azel Ward Seeley, Don Carlos Seely, J. W. Seely, Justus Azel] Visit our Website: JASFO.org Castle Valley Pageant Dates for 2005: July 28, 29, 30; August 2,3,4,5,6 |
JASFO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
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