Emma J. Seeley

Publication

EARLY DEAD

EMMA J. SEELEY. Sad are the ravages of death. The young and old alike are subject to his assaults. We have to record the early departure of Emma J. Seeley from our midst by death. She was the only surviving daughter of Francis R. and Ann C. Seeley, was born in Oxford, N.Y., July 1, 1860, and died June 24, 1880, a few days before her twentieth birthday. It is said “truly death loves a shining mark. Miss Seeley was blessed with kind parents and numerous friends, yet she did not trust in what is considered by the world a favored allotment. She turned her attention to a religious life, asked the prayers of the church, became a scholar and teacher in the Methodist Episcopal Sabbath-school; but, some time in February was attacked with serious illness, which never afterward permitted her to resume these public religious duties. She was prompt and faithful as a Sabbath-school teacher, and a zealous worker in all plans of church advancement and usefulness. Life was bright before her. But when convinced that death was near, she submitted cheerfully to the Diving will. At her request her friends sang,

“We shall meet beyond the river
Where the surges cease to roll

The funeral was impressive in its solemnity. The floral tributes were simple and beautiful. A band of young girls dressed in white attended her to her last rest in the grave. The choir sang with deep emotion,

“There we laid our loved one
In her mossy bed.”

The glorious June day, the restful city of the dead, the solemn service, all seemed to say “Though the young die, yet may they live again.” May sorrowing parents and surviving friends give utmost care to prepare for that heaven which our young friend were she now living on the earth, would urge all fully at once to secure.

L.W. PECK Oxford, N.Y., July 7, 1880

Published in the Northern Christian Advocate (Syracuse, N.Y.), Thursday, July 15, 1880, Page 7