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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 XVI | March 2005 | Number 1 |
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President's Message:
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do to assist them in gathering accurate records to be recorded and preserved.
We are planning a “Renaissance Faire” on June 25th in Mt. Pleasant, to honor the life of Robert Seely 1602-1667. We will have activities for the whole family--and lunch will be provided. If any of you have expertise on this time period in England, please give us a call; we could use your help!. I will look forward to seeing each of you in Mt. Pleasant. Sincerely, Camille Seeley Bell 
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| MARSHA JAY’S LETTER |
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| The next item you’re coming to is a letter from Marsha Foster Jay. Before you read her letter, you need some introduction. Below I have written out the SEELY line on Marsha’s pedigree. The first thing I want you to do is start with Marsha’s name, and then read each name, along with that person’s relationship to Marsha. As you read, also notice the number written below each name. That number tells you how many ancestors Marsha has on that particular generation level. For example, she has 2 parents; 4 grandparents; 8 great-, etc. |
| Mother | Grandma | G-Grandma | GG-Grandma | GGG-Grandma | GGGG-Grandfather | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marsha | Gloria | Florence | Hettie | Elizabeth | Elizabeth | Justus Azel Seelye |
| Foster | Thompson | Johnson | Staker | Young | Seely | |
| Jay | Foster | Thompson | Johnson | Staker | Young | |
| (2) | (4) | (8) | (16) | (32) | (64) |
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Now I want you to realize that on the generation level when her first Seely name appears, [Elizabeth Seely Young], there are 32 ancestors. There are 31 other ancestors besides Elizabeth. And on the generation level with Justus Azel Seelye there are 64 ancestors.
It will be significant for you to know that Marsha is a great-great-great-granddaughter of Elizabeth Seely and James Young. Also notice that every ancestor on her Seely line is a woman, until you come to Justus Azel Seelye. And now, read the letter that Marsha sent to us. Woops! Hold on. There is one more tidbit. Marsha sent this letter to us in 1999. I saved it, with the intention to use it in the next newsletter. But I’m embarrassed to confess that I am untroubled with being well-organized, and her letter was misplaced–and just recently “surfaced.” It has eternal value, so it’s still applicable. Now the letter: 22 March 1999 Dear Cousin Montell, I don’t expect you to remember me. I met you at a Seely Family Reunion in the southwest part of the Salt Lake Valley at a Church in February of 1993. I was expecting my twelfth child at the time. I first heard of you in the summer of 1992. My husband and children and I were spending the summer at my parents’ home in Mt. Pleasant while they were |
on a mission. One day I came across a “A Legacy of Love” newsletter. It was in a stack of papers on the nightstand by my parents’ bed. I was just dusting, and there it was. It caught my eye, so naturally I had to stop and read it. I became intrigued, and wanted to start receiving all future newsletters, so I mailed in my “dues.” Everything in those newsletters was news to me. I didn’t know anything at all about the Seelys before that. I remembered the name of an ancestor, Elizabeth Seely, and that’s all.
One newsletter told about the reunion of 1993. I wanted to go to it, but I felt overwhelmed by my responsibilities, and I decided that “someday” I would go to one of those reunions, in the distant future. Then one night, about a week before the reunion, I had a dream. I dreamed about the family reunion. Hundreds of people were there. I didn’t recognize anyone. But I knew we were all in the same family. Many of them lacked “light.” They were in darkness. And they looked “malnourished,” and many were of an expression that they were “yearning” for something, but seemed lost, turning this way and that, and milling around. They looked (generally) unhappy for the most part, but not all of them. When I woke up I felt troubled by the dream. I then knew that nothing could keep me from attending that family reunion. I HAD to go to it. |
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The reunion was somewhat different from my dream. I didn’t know a single soul there, but a great number in attendance seemed very happy and friendly, and full of “light.” Those that I saw in my dream were not those that I saw at the actual reunion. But I wondered if there might be many in attendance who were “unseen” to the rest of us there, because of what I had seen in my dream. Anyway, it was a wonderful reunion. Because of your newsletters we were able to insert a little item about our family in the big red book [Volume II]. And we were able to obtain one of the books, which is priceless to me, about the Seely family. Your newsletters have meant a great deal to me, especially the issue where you made quotes from Dallin Oaks. I will never forget the story about Hanna, who was sent from Mt. Pleasant to Emery County and raised nine children in a log cabin with a dirt floor. This Hanna said, “Damn a man who would bring a woman to such a place!” Her expression of feelings made me like her instantly. And just that little bit of her hard life has given me so much courage to press forward when I wanted to give up. We have been raising thirteen children in a mostly plywood house. And I have to admit that I used to feel sorry for myself and my little ones fairly often, until I read your words, wishing you had been raised in a log cabin. I realized how lucky we are; and I have taught that to my kids. (I have to laugh when I read back over that.) But I’m really glad we are free to choose how to see things. And I’m really glad the Lord hasn’t seen fit to “ruin” us with wealth–yet. Also, last May we all wanted to attend the family trek to Big Mountain. We feel cheated that we didn’t get to go. It sounds like all of you had an unforgettable time. But we had to stay home and finish getting ready to send our third child on a mission. He has been in Russia (St. Petersburg) since last summer. Our second child just returned from his mission in Finland last week. And our oldest child is on a mission in Korea. She will return at the end of July. I believe all of this is due to the “Spirit of Elijah” which you mentioned in your newsletter. And I believe the tool which carries that forth is The Book of Mormon. We have raised our children on it. I would have to say that the little ones have literally “cut their teeth” on it. We read the words to them, and they repeat the words, from the time they learn to talk. Then, when they learn to read, they all take turns reading every day. My purpose in writing is to thank you for your newsletters. Who can know how far-reaching the EFFECTS of your work will be? And already have |
been? I can’t measure how much it has strengthened me. None of what has happened is just chance; that I know. I hope to meet you again in May. And thank you again. Sincerely your cousin, Marsha Foster Jay Notice that Marsha is six generations down from Justus Azel and Mehittabil, but now that she knows them, she feels a kinship and love for them. Two factors have to be present for such a relationship to blossom. 1) Marsha has to have the innate spirit of Elijah in her bosom. 2) She has to know their names and something about them and how she is connected. In this case, she learned who they were through the newsletter, but it doesn’t have to happen through a newsletter. It can happen through a book, through personal letters, word of mouth, one’s own research, etc. But the two factors have to be present. She has to have the spirit of Elijah, and she has to receive the information. I want to make one more comment in reference to Marsha’s 64 ancestors on the Justus Azel Seelye level. The Seelyes have a family history book and a newsletter. Of the other 63 family names, I wonder how many of them have a family organization? I wish they all did. How many of them have a family history book? I wish they all did. Also, how many of them publish a newsletter? I wish they all did. Now, let’s suppose that there is a newsletter from EACH of the other 63 family lines! Is that mind-boggling? Did you have the reaction, “A person could not cope; could not digest; could not read–all such newsletters!”(??) If you had those thoughts, think again. Do you subscribe to a daily newspaper? Do you get a weekly newspaper? Do you get a few monthly magazines? Would we not be a happier society–and better people–if we read family newsletters rather than all the worthless “stuff” and trivia that we are bombarded with daily? We are much better off when we fill our souls with family stories, than when we are pumped full of stress and tragedy and trivia. Sealed In Temple by Barbara Jean Allgood Snow The Bountiful Temple was the site, February 10, 2005, of a most incredible experience for the nearly fifty family members and friends who attended. Some had traveled across the country, from Maryland, Oklahoma, Washington State, Idaho, and southern Utah. We were thrilled to have Kathryn and Montell Seely join us. |
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Hollis Marie Day and Marvin Lester Allgood and their youngest daughter, Barbara, received their endowments. Then Hollis and Marvin were married for time and all eternity to each other, and all seven of their living children were sealed to them–as well as their two deceased sons. Daughters are: Donna Marie Williamson, Betty Joan Kingsbury and Barbara Jean Snow. Sons are, Marvin Dee, Harold Bruce, Thomas Wayne and Robert Delwayne Allgood, and Larry Grant and Jerry Neldon Allgood who died in infancy. Then Marvin was sealed to his parents, Arva Mitchell Allgood and Lester Rees Allgood. (Marvin’s four siblings had earlier been sealed to their parents.)
It is almost impossible to express the emotions we all shared. The sweet Spirits that were felt in the sealing room brought tears to nearly every eye. To see our 86 year old Mother/Grandmother and nearly 90 year old Father/Grandfather, who was in a wheel chair, joined at the alter, brought overwhelming joy to all present. Mom and Dad always said that their wealth was their family. On page 380 of Seely History Volume I, Mom wrote "We feel we have truly begun a great and grand posterity for ourselves. We are very proud of and love them all. May they live and prosper in happiness." There are now134 people in our family. This includes 9 children, 28 grandchildren, spouses, and 59 great-grandchildren. Mom and Dad have now taken their rightful place as Matriarch & Patriarch of this family. We, as their posterity are, literally, eternally grateful to become an Eternal Family. Mom and Dad grew up in the depression years, so their lives were not easy ones. Dad was born 23 May, 1915 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He spent most of his childhood in Grand Junction, Colorado. He lost his left arm as a result of an accident when he was 14 years old. That never deterred him from doing anything he chose to do. He played trumpet in his high school band, was singles and doubles tennis champion in college. He was an underwater swimming champion. He excelled in figure skating, golf, fishing and hunting. He even hunted deer with a bow and arrow. That's tough when you have only one arm! The words, "I can't" were not in his |
vocabulary! He taught us all that everything is possible, to work hard, give a full day's work for a full day's pay, and be honest. He is a great example.
Our Dad [Marvin] was brought up in the church as his mother was an active member, but his father was not a member until his baptism at the age of 84. Mother was “Born in the Covenant” and has always wanted a temple marriage, but she waited until Dad was ready. Recently, through the efforts of some exceptional home teachers, and the promptings of his family members, Dad has felt the “urgent” need to progress. Our Mom [Hollis] was born 6 January, 1919 in Moab, Utah. She spent most of her childhood in Moab and La Sal, but also lived in Hiawatha and Huntington when her father worked in the coal mines. She was active in drama and music, and worked for local businessmen in various jobs. She attended Ross Business College, in Grand Junction--where she and Dad met. They fell in love and were married the summer of 1938. She spent most of her time rearing her children, caring for her aged mother-in-law, and fulfilling church callings. She also worked hard outside the home to help support us. She now spends her time caring for her sweetheart of nearly 67 years. We will be forever grateful for the sacrifices she made for us. She has been such a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother and has taught us to love and support each other. There is no greater example of loving and giving than our Mom. She has taught us to love unconditionally and to give freely. To us, she is an Angel on earth.  |
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1. Dale Harmon Anderton wrote her Red Book story and presented it at our January 29, 2005, luncheon in Salt Lake City. [Dale’s lineage: Hazel Ellen Wood Harmon, Eliza Ann Stevens Wood, Elizabeth Seely Stevens, William Stewart Seely, Justus Azel Seelye.] Following is the written version of “How I Heard About the Red Book”: Both of my maternal great-grandparents were born in Canada–William Stevens, Jr., in Mount Pleasant, London District, Upper Canada and Elizabeth Seely in Whitby, Home District. Their parents joined the Church, and both families went to Nauvoo. The Seelys lived in Nashville, Iowa Territory; and the Stevens’, in LaHarpe, Illinois. Later, when they came to Utah, both families settled in “Battle Creek,” later known as Pleasant Grove. William Stevens, Jr., and Elizabeth Seely married there, and then went with the Stevens family to Fillmore. Later, they were the original settlers of Holden (where I was born). The Seelys went to Mt. Pleasant. When I was growing up in Holden, I was aware that we had relatives in Sanpete County, but I never had the opportunity to meet them–even after I became very active in doing genealogy work on the Seely line. In July, 1990, my husband, Cloyd, and I went on a BYU-sponsored Church History Tour. In the group was a lady and her daughter from Flowell, Utah, which is about 17 miles from Holden. (I was now living in Bountiful.) I had never met her, but as we got acquainted, it turned out that she knew about me, as she had married my old boy friend. [Editor’s Note: This was Shirley Jorgensen, who grew up in Castle Dale and married Archie Christensen. Shirley’s lineage is Adela Seely Jorgensen, Joseph Seely, Justus Wellington Seely I, Justus Azel Seelye] As we chatted, she told me that her mother was a Seely from Sanpete County and that the Seelys had a fine organization and had published a book about the Family; that Montell Seely was the author; and that he lived in Castle Dale. As soon as I got home, I called Montell. He told me about the organization and that if I wanted a book, there was a Cloyd Seeley in Bountiful who had one for me. Would you believe it?–when I looked Cloyd Seeley up in the phone book for the number to call, he lived right in the next block from me. (Our back fence is the boundary of the Stake, so I didn’t know anyone |
in that block.) I called , and he invited me to come over. He and his wife, Zada, were so gracious. They invited me in, and we talked about the Seelys. I’ll tell you, it was wonderful to have someone tell me about the Seelys. He told me to take the book home and look it over. I did, and one hour later I went back and bought the book and mailed my dues to join the Seely Family Organization. My life has never been the same since. I am grateful to all of you and for the “red book.”
2. Lance E. Lewis wrote this story, and it was presented by his mother, LaVona Lewis, at the January 29, 2005, luncheon in Salt Lake City. [Lance’s lineage: LaVona Seeley Lewis, Cloyd D Seeley, Azel Ward Seeley, Don Carlos Seely, Justus Wellington Seely I, Justus Azel Seelye]: I had the fortune to serve my mission in Connecticut, a place rich with Seeley history. One of my first few days in Danbury, Connecticut I found myself knocking on doors on Seeley Street. My mom made sure to include the thick red Seely History book in my suitcase as I left Salt Lake. For the first 18 months of my mission, I kind of regretted having a “25- lb. book” that I never took out of my suit case, but as I moved to Danbury I became truly interested in my ancestors. I read the first 70 pages of the red book, and realized that I had served in many of the towns that Captain Robert Seely, and his son Nathaniel had lived in. Robert was even the founder of several towns that I had served in. About this time I met the Stake President of the Newtown Connecticut Stake. I was particularly excited to meet him, because his name was President Seeley. I was floored when he introduced himself as President Robert Seeley. He could see my excitement as I asked, "You aren't related to Captain Robert Seely who was the founder of nearby Wethersfield?" He confirmed that he was indeed a relative, but he wasn't sure how we were related. He invited me and my companion to dinner the next week, which gave us both time to review the red book to see where we fit in. As President Seeley introduced me to his wife at dinner, he said, "Elder Lewis is on page 588 of that red Seely book (Volume I). [President Robert Seeley’s story and photo are on page 783 of Volume I.] We both wanted to clarify that our red book pictures were not our best. Inasmuch as I was a young missionary, far from home, it was heartwarming and reassuring to meet a Seeley kinfolk in far-off Connecticut. It was remarkable that we could spend some time talking about our common ancestors. |
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As a final note, when my wife Bobbi and I moved into our first home, the mail box for our next door neighbor had "Seeley" engraved on it in big bold letters. When I first met my neighbor, and he told me his name was VaLoy Seeley. I thought, That's a Seeley relative name if I've ever heard one. VaLoy is the nephew of Robert Seeley, whom I’d met in Connecticut.
Editor’s Note: Our objective, for collecting the “Red Book” stories, is to show that there is, and has been and will continue to be, benefit to many people as a result of having a family history book. People’s lives are enriched as a result of making connections with kinfolk. It is food for the soul every time it happens. It lifts your spirit every time you discover a “new cousin.” This benefit is even more pronounced when you are in some far away place and find a new relative. The action of making kinfolk connections is a whole new and different dimension than the action of honoring ancestors; or the action of writing down and preserving historical data. When we were working on Volume I, we didn’t know that this would happen. It has been a pleasant and wonderful surprise to us, and a blessing to many people. Do you know which part of the book makes this action happen? It is the living stories. If there were no living stories in the books, there would be no “Red Book” experiences. 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. [We might need to edit the stories in order to make them fit into the available space.] Last April, only two days after his 92nd birthday, Hugh Seely passed away. [His lineage is David Randolph Seely, Orange Seely I, Justus Wellington Seely I, Justus Azel Seelye.] On April 14, 2004, at the age of 92, Hugh Seely made the final leg of his earthly journey. One of five children, Hugh was born on April 12, 1912 in Castle Dale, Utah, to David Randolph and Elva Singleton Seely. Born into the life of a ranching family in Southern Utah, he learned lif'e's lessons well. As life was primitive, Hugh came to understand early in his life that one had to have great strength and heart to survive in the rugged old west. As a boy, he had many |
experiences with his brothers and father in the desert of southern Utah. Thus began his journey to developing an uncommon wisdom, respect for others, and a great love of life. He attended school in Castle Dale, Utah, graduating from high school in 1930. Hugh obtained a degree in Forestry in 1938 from Utah State Agricultural College. After working for the United States Forest Service for a short time, he joined his father in the family livestock business. The knowledge his father shared was simple: Pick a good horse, work a full day, and respect the land.
On November 25, 1937, Hugh married the love of his life, Margaret Cox. They were blessed with three children, Bruce, Kathleen, and Patricia. Their marriage was solemnized for eternity in the Manti Temple on July 22, 1952. In 1948, the Seely family moved from Vernal, Utah, to the beloved ranch on the South Fork of the Williams Fork River. Hugh purchased the ranch from his Father ten years later. Hugh was a successful rancher and had a great passion for and knowledge of horses. He was known for his ability to pick a keen horse from a herd in seconds and knew by the look in the horse’s eye whether it had any buck. Hugh was past President of the Routt-Moffat Wool Growers and Colorado Wool Growers. In 1986, he was named Wool Grower of the Year by the State Association. For many years, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Rifle Production Credit Association. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held many callings within the church. Hugh's big heart, love for life, and most of all integrity, has touched the lives of all who knew him. He showed us that some of life's best meals were cheese and bologna cut with a pocket knife and served on the tailgate of a truck covered with sheep paint. That horses rein just as well with two pieces of quarter inch rope as with expensive leather. That you can snowmobile just as well in carhart coveralls as with color co-ordinated suits with company logos. That lambs with broken legs heal much better with sticks and twine for a splint than space age casting material. That not all real cowboys wear fancy boots, some wear lace up work shoes. And that all great story tellers need not write books. Hugh Seely lived 92 wonderful years and the hole his passing will leave in all our lives is immense, yet a part of him will live on forever in our hearts and memories. He embodied all that has made this country great . We are better today because of men like him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Margaret, his daughter Patricia, a sister Sara and a brother Preston. Hugh is survived by a son Bruce (Ann) Seely; a daughter Kathleen (Loyle) Brennise; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; a brother, Lowry (Gwen) Seely; and a sister Marjorie Reeve. Services were held at the LDS Church on April 17, 2004. Interment was held at the Craig Cemetery, with dedication of the grave given by Mike Seely. |
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Mildred Morley Seely, age 101, passed away January 8, 2005, in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. With the support of family and loved ones, she was able to remain in her own home all her life. Mildred was the 11th child born to HanCena Hansen and Amasa Allen Morley on August 9, 1903. She was the great-granddaughter of Isaac Morley Sr. and enjoyed a rich pioneer heritage. She married Ray Edwin Seely in the Manti Temple on January 4, 1922. [Ray’s lineage is Joseph Seely, Justus Wellington Seely I, Justus Azel Seelye] They were devoted to each other and moved in the same shadow until Ray’s passing in May of 1981. They had eight children. Millie had a wonderful positive attitude, and her pet saying was always “super duper.” She was a member of the LDS Church, serving in Primary and Relief Society organizations and as a visiting teacher for many years. She was a hard worker and enjoyed her home and beautiful yard. Millie enjoyed doing handwork and made many beautiful crocheted items.
Millie was the famous “pizza lady” at her son, Terrel’s, grocery store in Mt. Pleasant; she worked there until she was 97 years old. She was featured in a Cream O’ Weber TV commercial. Her great loves were her husband and family. She was preceded in death by her husband and two sons, Robert and Cherron. She is survived by Velores (daughter-in-law), Miriam (Kenneth) Young, Norma (Boyd) Larsen, Marlane (Bruce) Harless, Marilyn (David) Sorensen, Sue Ann (Roger) Croshaw, and Terrel (Glenda) Seely. She has 32 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted January 12 at the Mt. Pleasant LDS 4th Ward by Bishop Ted Seely. Interment was at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Cousin DalMarr Hurst Hellstrom’s husband, Fred Hellstrom, age 85, of Bicknell, Utah, died January 17, 2005, in Gunnison, Utah. Carl Fredrick “Fred” Hellstrom was born April 4, 1919, in Randolph, Utah, a son of Leonard Leroy and Luella Vilate Longhurst Hellstrom. He graduated from South Rich High School, Class of 1937, where he excelled in basketball. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Utah State and his Master’s from Colorado A& M. Fred married Dal Marr Hurst, April 24, 2942, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. In the fall of 1942 he went into the army and served during World War II from October 1942 to December 1945. He served in Hawaii and Iwo Jima. Fred taught school in Cokeville, Wyoming, for two years and then moved to Bicknell, Utah, where he taught Vocational Agruculture at Wayne High School for 32 years, retiring in 1984. Fred and DalMarr worked at the Manti Temple as Ordinance Workers. They served a mission in the Missouri St. Louis Mission in 1987. Fred served as a counselor in the Thurber Ward Bishopric and a counselor in the Wayne Stake Presidency. Fred is |
survived by his wife of Bicknell; children, Cordell (Donna) Hellstrom, Henderson, Nevada; Sonja (Kyle) Burdash, Layton, Utah; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers: Delmar and Leora Hellstrom of Ogden, Evan and Jennie Hellstrom of Clearfield. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Reed, Myron and Hubert. Funeral services were held January 21 in the Thurber LDS Ward Chapel, in Bicknell, and burial was in the Randolph City Cemetery in Randolph, Utah. [DalMarr’s lineage is George Arthur Hurst Jr., George Arthur Hurst Sr., Elizabeth Wilcox Hurst, Mary Young Wilcox, Elizabeth Seely Young, Justus Azel Seelye. See story on p. 284 in Volume II.]
Ian Galligan, son of May Seely McKinnon, passed away in Canada. [Their lineage is Shirley Lafayette Seely, George Lafayette Seely, Moroni Seely, William Stewart Seely, Justus Azel Seelye. See stories on p. 389 in Volume I and p. 416 in Volume II, Seely History.] Ian Edward Galligan, age 33, died January 19, 2005, in Cranbrook, B.C., Canada. Ian was born July 28, 1971, in Golden, BC. The family moved in 1974 to Sylvan Lake, AB, where Ian started school. They lived in the Red Deer area until about 1984, when they moved to Cranbrook, where Ian graduated in 1989. After graduation Ian moved to Golden, where he worked at Evans Wood Products (later Louisiana Pacific) until 2001 when he broke his back in a bike accident, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. However, he never looked back. He was living on his own within days after leaving the hospital. Ian was driving again by November. In 2002 he bought his own house, where he and his daughter Candace lived until his passing. Ian is survived by his daughter Candace, his mother May (Hugh) McKinnon of Red Deer Alberta, his father Don (Jean) Galligan of Cranbrook, his brothers Jim (Jennine) of Edgewater and Leslie of Fairmont, his grandmother Frances Sims of Drayton Valley Alberta, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. He was predeceased by his uncle Burl Galligan, and his grandparents Leo and Myrtle Galligan and Shirley Seely. Ian lived for his daughter. She was the brightest star in his universe. In everything he did, he considered first what was best for Candace. They each had a quad and loved to go out riding together. Ian was a fun loving person who looked on adversity as a challenge. He lived life to the fullest. He loved to drive, and drove his family to many places: Yellowstone, California, Vegas, and the East Coast. He participated in sports. In later years he played from a wheelchair or quad. He even learned to ski, using the equipment used by the Special Olympic skiers. Ian could often be found in his back yard or carport with a motor half in or out of a car. |
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He joined the Kinsmen of Cranbrook and enjoyed helping others. Many people have told how he helped them, or what an inspiration he was with his bright smile! In Spring, 2004, Ian enrolled at College of the Rockies to take training to become a Human Services Worker and was pursuing that when he became ill and dropped out in November. He passed away in Cranbrook January 14, 2005, at the age of 33. Services were held Wednesday, January 19, at Eagles Hall in Cranbrook. Donations to Kinsmen or Canadian Cancer Society. Celebration of Ian’s life was Saturday, January 22, at Eagles Hall, Cranbrook.
Pearl Seely Tolley, age 82, passed away in January, 2005. She was born February 25, 1922, at Stirling, Alberta, Canada, daughter of Ovedia Fawns and Artie “J” Seely. Her father, Artie (1894-1984) was born in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, the youngest son of Moroni and Alice Barton Seely. Moroni was the son of William Stewart and Elizabeth DeHart Seely.Pearl married Ray Lovell Tolley in 1942. They worked as farmers and school bus drivers in Fort Macleod, Alberta. They were parents of seven children. Ray passed away 18 July 1981. Pearl was very active in Church, as Relief Society president and in other callings, and as Stake Genealogical Librarian. She is survived by a large posterity, including one daughter, Eloise, and five sons, Calvin, Verl, Grant, Warren, and LaRon. Preceded in death by her husband and one daughter, Colleen. [See Pearl’s story on p. 420 in Volume I, Seely History.] Ann Wilcox Armstrong Tays, age 102, died January 27, 2005, in Auburn, California. Funeral and burial were Feb. 12 in Price, Utah. Ann was born September 29, 1902, in Castle Dale, to James Henry and Harriet Ann Day Wilcox. Her lineage is James H. Wilcox, Mary Young Wilcox, Elizabeth Seely Young, Justus Azel Seelye. She married Frank Armstrong in 1928; he preceded her in death in 1965. Married Havelock E. Tays in 1967; he died in 1994. Ann was sealed to her first husband, Frank, in the Provo Temple in 1980. Ann is survived by her son, Jack W. Armstrong, and wife Nadine; son-in-law, Jim Domire; grandchildren, Mark Armstrong, Vickie Van Hook, Carrie Beck, Rollin and Douglas Domire; great-grandchildren, Alec and Christopher Armstrong, Jimmie Stewart, Deanna, Jamie and Dallas Domire. Preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Harriet “Hattie” and Olive, and seven brothers, Ephraim, Henry, Edgar, Hazard (Bill), Quinton, Truman, and Arden . Her daughter, Frances Ann Domire, preceded her in death in 2000. [Read more about Ann on pp. 306-7 in Seely History Volume II.] Let me say it again. This is NOT a religious organization. Any person who is a descendant of Justus Azel and Hettie is a member and is welcome, without regard to his private lifestyle, or his personal code of conduct, or the way he chooses to live his life. Some famous person said, “I may not agree with what |
you say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” ... Sometimes Church people have a tendency to be self-righteous–and, without intending to do so, they alienate non-Church-attenders. We must not do that in our family organization. Persons of all lifestyles are welcome and wanted.
“Getting Our Family Organized” by Katherine M. Olsen, Genealogist, JASFO At our recent family get-together (January 29 in SL), an updated chart was presented of the children and grandchildren of Justus Azel and Mehittabil. There were 10 children in the family, 8 of whom married and had children. There were 73 grandchildren. This chart represents the work of the executive board over several years to verify the names and dates and to ensure that the temple work has been completed. We are happy to report that we feel that the names and dates have been verified and the temple work has been completed except for two names, both spouses of grandchildren. If you would like a copy of this chart, please let me know. Make a telephone call (801-355-0301) or send an email (katherinemolsen@comcast.net) and give me your mailing address. ...Also distributed that day was a similar chart of the children and grandchildren of John Henry (one of the grandchildren of Justus Azel and Mehittabil) and Margaret Peel Seely, my great-grandparents. It, however, still needs to have names and dates verified and temple work completed. As the Executive Board of JASFO, we would like to challenge the descendants of the 72 other grandchildren to compile and verify a similar chart. Let me know if you would like a copy of this chart. ...We divided into groups that day and we appreciate those who agreed to lead up this effort for their ancestors. The representatives are: Elizabeth Seelye Young – Lucille Anderson Mary Young Wilcox – Rick Samp William Stewart Seelye – Enid Cox Justus Wellington Seely – Dianne Higgins Orange Seeley – Dixie Richens Don Carlos Seeley – LaVona Lewis C. Sybil Seeley Jones – Marie Durney Marion Carlos Seeley – Dal Seeley Azel Ward Seeley – Dianne Higgins Justus Wellington Seely II J. W. Seely III – Winona Thorderson Karl Antone Seely – Dorothy Barlow William H. Seeley – Edna Seeley Bridge, Doyle Justus Seeley John Henry Seely – Katherine M. Olsen Mary Miranda Seely Peel – LaRue Petty Eva R. Seely D. Christensen – Cheryl Spence If your ancestor who appears on the chart as a grandchild already has a representative, do what you can to help him/her complete the task. If your ancestor is not represented, perhaps you could volunteer to compile and verify a chart. Call or email me. We hope to share some of these charts at the next gathering (June 25 in Mount Pleasant)! |
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Rosenberg’s House The descendants of longtime Castle Dale resident, Crystal Olsen Rosenberg [Lineage: Hannah Seely Olsen, Orange Seely, Justus Wellington Seely I, Justus Azel Seelye], recently fulfilled her wishes and made a gift of her home for the benefit of all Emery County. Nad Peterson of San Diego, California, Crystal’s son, signed the deed to his mother’s birthplace over to the Emery County Community Foundation on September 26, 2001. “I want you to consider this a gift from my mother to the community and to treat it accordingly,” Peterson said to members of the foundation after signing the deed. The large white house, located on the corner of Main and Center Streets in Castle Dale, has been in the [Olsen] family for most of its history, which spans more than a century. The house, built in approximately 1896, was first owned by Nad and Hannah Seely Olsen, Crystal’s parents. In 1909, it was sold to David and Elva Seely, who lived there until 1944, when it was sold to Crystal and Angus Rosenberg. Crystal lived in the home from 1944 until her death (1988), when it was transferred to the family trust. The decision to make the home a gift to the Emery County community was a unanimous decision by all of her seven grandchildren: Anne Carroll Darger of Idaho; Christian Peterson of Salt Lake City; Elizabeth Ingersoll of California; Robert Peterson of California; F. Lane Peterson of Salt Lake; Patti Young of Virginia; and Matthew John Peterson of Illinois. Also supporting this gift are Crystal’s daughter, Elaine Cunningham of Atlanta; and daughter in law Joan B. Peterson, Palo Alto, California. Crystal’s house is to Castle Dale like the Temple is to Salt Lake City. No one drives through our town without seeing it, and when they do–they have the thought, “That would be a wonderful house to live in!” The house, which is eligible for the National Historic Registry, is in excellent condition. The Emery County Foundation and the local Chamber of Commerce have offices there. Volunteers are creating a beautiful rose garden and brick walkway in the yard. The generosity of Crystal Rosenberg and her family is commendable. Great-Grandfather? By Montell The other day I went over to Ferron to the Junior High School, at the invitation of the Utah History teacher and spoke to two of her classes–telling them how Utah became colonized by the Mormon pioneers. ... After the first period, a girl came up to me and asked if I knew her grandmother, Sally (not her real name). I did. She is active in County history activities, and a former President in the DUP. She is a former RS president, YW president and Primary president. The girl’s father is a former bishop and currently on the Stake high council. ... After telling this girl that I knew her parents and grandparents, I decided to do a little test; I asked her if she knew her great-grandparents’ names. She did not. She thought for a few seconds and answered, “No, I don’t know their names. I vaguely remember that my great-grandmother died |
when I was a little girl, but I can’t remember her name.” ... Her great-grandmother served as President of the Emery County Historical Society. She was on a committee that put the Emery County History book together. She was one of the most dedicated DUP members–and President in the County organization. Everyone in the County knew her, but now her great-granddaughter doesn’t remember her name. This saddened my heart all the rest of the day.
Now, here is a related story: Several years ago I met Pete (not his real name) in the Post Office. He grew up in Castle Dale, but after getting married had lived elsewhere. But now he was moving back here to make his home. I sorta knew who he was, but to confirm it, I said, “You’re Henry’s son, right?”
He said, Yes. ... I asked, “Then your grandfather was Bill?” ... Again he said, Yes.
I knew his great-grandfather, but decided to do a little test, so I asked, “Who was your great-grandfather?” ... He said, “I don’t know. He died before I was born” As I drove home after that brief visit, I felt sad that he didn’t know his great-grandfather’s name. You see, I knew George. I admired him. He and I were good friends, though he was much older. He was a lifelong sheepman and a very good friend of our family. I had gone to him for counsel on several occasions. I looked up to him. But now, to his great-grandson he was a forgotten person. It is ironic that George was a forgotten person–because Pete’s parents were history-minded people. They were on the county history book committee. They wrote up a memorial history on George and put it in the county book. George was well-known throughout the county, but now he is a forgotten person to his great-grandson–and very likely to all his great-grandchildren. Now, here is the sobering part: If you don’t know your great-grandparents’ names, then your great grandchildren won’t know your name. Where they are concerned, you will be a “non-person.” ... Is there a solution? Yes, there is, but it isn’t easy. Step One: Write a daily journal. (Did your jaw drop?) Step Two: Put in writing your childhood and teenage and young adult experiences. Step Three: Your early childhood memories may not be classified as experiences. That doesn’t matter. Write down your very earliest memories. Remember, you are writing this for your great-grandchildren, and they will be reading your stories when they are children–so they will relate to you, knowing that you were once a child. Don’t whitewash the bad things–and don’t exaggerate the morbid. As you tell your stories, be a humble winner and a positive loser. Step Four: Write your life history. First, put it on sheets of paper in 3-ring binders. Second, publish it in a hard-bound book. If you will do all of the above, I promise you this–you will not be a forgotten person. Did I hear your thoughts?–which went something like, “I don’t have time to do all that.” Well, okay, if that’s your mindset–but here’s a promise: “If you don’t leave a written history of yourself, you will end up as a forgotten person. The Lord commanded us to keep records. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Rev. 20:12 |
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In previous newsletters, I’ve “rattled yer slats”about paying some dues, to help us cover expenses, but in so doing I got myself into BIG TROUBLE! So I’m not going to say anything about dues today. So don’t talk to me about dues; don’t ask me how much they are; don’t ask me when they are due. I don’t want to talk about it “no more.” We want you to know that WE APPRECIATE your help and support over the years. We know you’re out there, and we want to say a great big “THANK YOU” for all the times you’ve attended and participated and shown your support and paid your dues and brought cakes and casseroles. You are loved; you are super-duper–just the greatest! |
JASFO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
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