The Death of John F. Seely
OGDENBURG, N.Y., June 18. – John F. Seely, one of the oldest and best known businessmen of this city, died suddenly, after a few days’ illness, at his residence, 60 Franklin St., Saturday morning, at 2 o’clock. The announcement came as a shock to the community, as few knew of his illness, and hopes of his recovery were entertained almost up to the moment of his death.
Mr. Seely is the last but one of a family of 10 children. He was born in this city, Sept. 23, 1823. He came of an old and honored English family, who in 1630 sent out a representative with Governor John Winthrop, of Massachusetts, in the person of Robert Seely, appointed by the crown surveyor to the Governor. A descendant, Steven Bishop Seely, born in Stockbridge, Mass., in 1766, settled at the age of 23 years in Waddington, N.Y., where he married Eveline Redington, sister of Hon. George Redington. His son, Joab Seely, father of John F. Seely, moved to Ogdensburg in 1820, where the family have since continuously resided.
Mr. Seely was one of the oldest jewelers in the country, having been continuously in the business without loss of a day since 1838. He learned the trade with Mr. Town, of Montpelier, Vt., who started in business there in about 1800. The present business in Ogdensburg was established in 1848 as Seely & Freeman, and the firm gained character and reputation as makers of solid silver spoons, napkin rings and cups, etc., and gold jewelry, all by hand, their work showing much originality and skill in design and workmanship. During the War of the Rebellion Mr. Seely aided very materially in equipping and forwarding the regiments from this section. He sent two brothers to aid in preserving the country he loved so well.
Mr. Seely leaves an elder sister, Mrs. Mary A. Pomeroy, who resided with him, and two sons, John A. Seely, of this city, and Hermon B. Seely, of Chicago, and one daughter, Mrs. Sears H. Grant, of Boston, to mourn the loss of a kind and loving father and brother. He had endeared himself to family and friends by his warm, loving, sympathetic heart, that responded to the troubles and trials of others and met every appeal with an utter forgetfulness of self. He was the absolute soul of honor and always had a good word for everybody. He was a public spirited resident, and took a deep interest in everything that pertained to the general welfare. As a business man he was easy of approach, genial and kind, and had the confidence of all.
Published in The Jewelers’ Circular, June 23, 1897 page 9
[Son of SGS #3051 – John Fine; Joab/Jacob (#3051); Stephen Bishop (#1323 ); John; John S; Obadiah; Obadiah; Obadiah]
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