Death of W.R. Seeley
The many friends of W.R. Seeley were shocked to learn of his sudden death last Saturday evening. In company with his wife he had that day driven from Alden, where they had been visiting for several weeks. He had no sense of illness, but was active and attentive to his duties as usual. He left his wife at his son’s home across the street from his own, while he went over to care for his horse and get the house in readiness. Not returning, his people went to look for him, and found him in the rear entry with life extinct. Death had come suddenly and it is likely that an attack of heart trouble to which he was subject, came upon him and he sat down to relieve himself in the hallway, not having strength to reach a chair, and in that position passed away.
Father Seeley was born Nov. 15, 1825, in Ondago county, N.Y. He spent his boyhood in Chautauqua county. He married Miss Sarah A. Robinson, of Cayauga county, N.Y., in 1849 and in 1853 they moved to Milledgeville, Ill. They came to Iowa in 1869, settling at Iowa Falls, from where, after two years, they came to Alden, where they lived until 1892, when they came to Webster City, which has since been their home. Father Seeley became a member of the Methodist church in 1841, and has been a devoted member ever since. In 1849 he was licensed to preach and served the following circuits: Paw paw, Earlville, Shavony, Grove, Somanauk, all in Illinois. He followed the business of church building and erected a great many, including Grundy Center and Hampton, Ia., and Pekin, Ill., which was the last one he erected.
Father Seeley was well respected, possessing the confidence of people in a high degree, loved for his gentle and helpful spirit. His convictions were deep and true and everybody always knew where to find him. He celebrated his golden wedding last month and took great delight in the pleasures it afforded. He leaves a widow and several sons and daughters to mourn the loss of a true father and husband. Funeral services were held at his late home Monday afternoon at 3 o’clock by Dr. Day and interment was made at Alden Tuesday.
Published in the Webster City Tribune, February 2, 1900 page 10
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