Joseph Owen Seeley
The death of Joseph Owen Seeley occurred at his home, 521 Forrest street, Thursday morning after a brief illness. His age was 77 years and he was one of the old and respected citizens of this community. Mrs. Seeley passed away a year ago last October. Both Mr. Seeley and his wife occupied a prominent place in religious and literary circles in the city and will be greatly missed.
Mr. Seeley was of the eighth generation of the descendants of Robert Seeley, who came to this country with the Winthrop colony in 1630 and was later one of the founders of the New Haven colony. (**editors note) Mr. Seeley was born May 7, 1823, and in his earlier years taught school in Mississippi. In 1849 he was married to Miss Harriet A. Johnson and in April, 1854 came to Kalamazoo and engaged as clerk in a banking house, running a private bank of his own for several years later. He formerly owned what is known as the Humphrey place, but later secured part of the Axtel place and platted Seeley’s addition to the city. In politics Mr. Seeley was always a republican since the organization of that party.
For many years Mr. Seeley had been a deacon in the First Congregational church, and took a great interest in Sunday school work. He has been president of the County Bible society, the County Sunday association, and has also been identified with many benevolences. Mrs. Seeley was for many years secretary of the Ladies’ Library association, and both have written many newspaper and magazine articles of note.
Mr. Seeley leaves three sisters – Mrs. Ellen Gridley of Chicago, Mrs. Eddy and Mrs. Hillar, who are in the east, and three brothers – George, Isaac and Henry Seeley, who are all in advanced age.
Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette, February 15, 1901 page 4
J.O. Seeley
The late J.O. Seeley was laid at rest Monday afternoon at Mountain Home cemetery. The services were held at his late home, 521 Forest street, Rev. R.W. McLaughlin officiating. Miss Kate Johnson sang “One Sweetly Solemn Thought,” by request of deceased previous to his death, and also “Under His Wing.” There were many beautiful flowers attesting the love and respect in which the departed friend was held. Two sisters and a nephew, Mrs. D. Eddy of Middlebury, Vermont; Mrs. J.T. Gridley, of Chicago, were in attendance. The nearers included Messrs. H.J. Brownell, G.H. Harris, W.E. Johnson, H.F. Weimer, A.C. Kent and Morse.
Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette, February 19, 1901 page 4
[Son of SGS #3100 - Joseph Owen; Joseph Owen (#3100); Gideon (#1332); Gideon; John S.; Obadiah; Obadiah; Obadiah]
** Editors Note: Recent DNA testing has determined that Obadiah is not closely related to Robert Seeley of the Winthrop colony.
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