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John Voorheis Seeley was born in Pontiac, Michigan November 19, 1822, and passed peacefully away Thursday morning, March 12, 1908, aged 82 years and nine months. His parents moved to Pontiac in 1822 and for many years took part in the social, commercial and political life of the settlement, which has become a beautiful city. “They have labored and we have entered into their labor.” John was the eldest son of a family of eight children and was the last to depart. His education was received in the schools of Pontiac and a year in Romeo. The Seeley home, for the last years of the family life, was a large brick house, which later became the nucleus for the present Pontiac asylum. In the spring of 1850, with Marcus Sloat and the late Edwin Phelps, he crossed the plains to California, amidst the greatest dangers, but being well equipped for the then perilous journey and remarkably brave reached the gold fields in five months time. Just eighteen months from the date of their leaving home and saying their good-byes to the crowds who gathered to see them off, all returned safely, having been successful in their researches. They were indeed the “heroes of the hour.” The “fever” spread over the state and many travelled the long, weary miles to find only a grave. Mr. Seely purchased a beautiful farm lying partly in Farmington and partly in West Bloomfield. He married Helen Irish, who with an infant son, died one year from the time of the marriage. April 20, 1854, he was united in marriage to Esther Louise Riley of Farmington. To this union were born five sons. Edwin A., greatly beloved, passed to his reward when twenty-two years of age in Volcano, California. Those remaining are Clarence V. of Franklin, Mark R. of Northville, Webb W. of Berkley, California, and Jay J. Seeley of Pontiac. Ten grandchildren also mourn the loss of this indulgent man. The retirement from the farm which was hallowed by so many delightful associations, occurred in 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Seeley spent some time in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor and finally went to Colorado, returning to Pontiac with improved health. Their golden wedding anniversary was celebrated April 20, 1904. Mrs. Seeley, who survives her husband, has been all these years his constant companion and true helpmeet. Her friends extend to her heartfelt sympathy. This good citizen, this husband, father and friend always exhibited the highest type of honesty and fairness. He had the absolute confidence of all who knew him and his business integrity and honor were never questioned. He indeed followed the golden rule and his religious convictions were strong. During his gradual decline the past three years he placed implicit faith in Christ the Redeemer of the World. He was ready and waiting when the messenger came. “He was a man taking him all in all, when shall we look upon his like again?”
Published in an unknown newspaper in March 1908
[Son of SGS # 1967 - John Voorheis; Harvey H. (# 1967); John (# 611); Hezekiah; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Robert]
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