SEELEY – Eliza M. Seeley, relict of Manson Seeley, was born in Weston, Fairfield Co., Conn., April 3, 1804, and died in Palmyra, N.Y., Aug. 26, 1888. Nearly a half century ago she came to what was in those days familiarly called “York State.” Her husband purchased a large farm on the Ridge road in Williamson, Wayne county. Here for many years her family history is very closely woven with early Methodism. Her home was the acknowledged headquarters for the ministers on the circuit, and often for the transaction of important church business. Brother Seeley’s home was preferred to the place of public worship. His means were ample and he was as princely in his generosity as his prosperity allowed. In the prime of life no woman in Central New York entertained more Christian people than Sister Seeley. She was widely known through the old Genesee Conference, and at one time in the East Genesee Conference it was scarcely possible to find a prominent minister of layman who had not shared in her hospitality. Rev. Dr. John Dennia frequently complimented her on the delightful happy way in which she entertained her friends. She was a truly noble woman, a precious mother and an exemplary saint. The care of a large family, together with her interest in the church, brought to light all her excellencies, both of mind and heart. Her mental characteristics were singularly strong, being possessed of a remarkable memory, a bright intellect and an understanding that was exceptionally comprehensive; and what is quite unusual, she retained the vigorous use of these powers till within a short time of her death. Quite recently, while in Syracuse visiting her daughter, Mrs. Dr. J.D. Adams, she excited much interest and surprise among her friends by the interest she took in and the knowledge she possessed of current events. She bore a brave heart. The loss of her husband, though a great blow, was sustained with unfaltering Christian fortitude. Her conversion was in early life and her advance in divine things was uninterrupted to the end of her pilgrimage. Her sense of a personal responsibility for the salvation of her family was undisguised. It was due to her instrumentality that her husband became a Christian and a Methodist. She had the joy of seeing all of her children and grandchildren enter the ark of safety. Naturally she was very reserved, but at times in the Lord’s work her spirit would be set wonderfully free and then her appeals to an audience were well nigh irresistible. When she shouted “Glory!” her face shone transcendently beautiful and her voice was a power of indescribable sweetness. Her last illness was brief. With distinctive resignation and foresight she told her children that it was “the last sickness.” The only time she showed disappointment was when the physician expressed a hope for her recovery. During this illness she had what we call a baptism of love. It was truly “life going up into Heaven” to step up and see Mother Seeley. After all had been done that her affectionate children could do, God took her to himself. By the hands of sons and grandsons her mortal remains were tenderly born away to our beautiful village cemetery to await the resurrection morn.
A.W. BROADWAY
Published in the Northern Christian Advocate (Syracuse, N.Y.), October 4, 1888, page 7
[Wife of SGS #2901 – Munson/Monson (#2901); Abner (#652); Nathan; Nathan; James; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Robert]
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