SEELEY – At Esperance, N.Y., Dec. 2, 1872, “entered into rest,” FRANCES MESSINGER SEELEY, relict of the late Rev. Anson H. Seeley. Mrs. Seeley at an early age became a devoted disciple of Christ. In June 12, 1860, she was united in marriage to Mr. Seeley, becoming a co-worker with him for her Savior. Never was that first trait of woman’s nature more fully illustrated – having for the husband of her youth – than was exemplified in her whole life. Where he labored she also labored with faithfulness and great sacrifice for the upbuilding of the Church. It was thus that her heart pulsated with his in his ministry, continuing to the close of her life the same unostentatious woman, natural and unaffected in her intercourse with high and low, having ever a kind work to one and a look of interest in the communication of all. If adorning the doctrine she believed, if filling her place at home and in the Church of Christ worthily, if an intense love of relatives, if true friendship and pure charity, are the signs of the Christian lady, she was one in an eminent degree. Her artless simplicity is more charming to-day than the most glaring qualities could have made her, and our memory will for years to come be rendering up features of her character which passed by almost unnoticed while she was with us. Her death was sudden and unlooked for until within a few days. Though ill, she was seemingly better, when at once a chill seized her feeble frame, the premonition of a near end. Internal inflammation was the cause which removed her hence, and left a wide circle of mourners in a state of startling amazement. Of her spiritual frame of mine she would have been the very last to speak. The confidence of those who knew her best is far greater than ever she would have ventured, in her humility, to have express of herself. To the mourning parents and sister, speechless with grief, you will miss her ready response to heighten your cares, and the willing hands making easy life’s burdens. As you gather around the fireside there will be “one vacant chair,” and a “chord missed in the music” you will listen in vain to hear. God help you in this time of bitter anguish to say “Thy will be done!” May her departure to the sprit-land help you to lead the dear orphaned ones into the narrow path she so early trod, that at its ending you may all with rejoicing meet, and unitedly praise Him who hath brought you our of much tribulation to sit down at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Published in the New York Evangelist, April 17, 1873, page 5
[Wife of grandson of Nathaniel Freeman SGS # 1904 – Anson Henry; Anson; Nathaniel Freeman (#1904); Nathaniel (#601); Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Robert]
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