Jennie Seelye

Jennie Taylor, daughter of William and Mary Writesel Taylor, was born February 9, 1874, in Cheever township, Dickinson County, Kansas. After the death of her mother, when Jennie was two years old, she was reared in the home of the Rev. and Mrs. John Curts of Abilene.

She attended the local schools and, for a short time, the high school in Chapman.

On August 10, 1893, she was united in marriage to Alfred Barns Seelye in Chicago and two daughters were born to this union.

Mrs. Seelye was active, with her husband, in the operation of his business and continued after his death, as long as her health permitted. Mr. Seelye passed away in February of 1948.

She was interested in civic affairs, history and politics, having assisted with Red Cross activities and with the establishment of the local hospital. She was one of the organizers of the Dickinson County Historical Society and, for many years, has been in charge of compiling its records. Genealogy was her particular hobby; she spent much time in working out her family tree and in assisting others to complete their lineage.

For the past six years, she had been in failing health, but had been bed-fast only about two months.

Mrs. Seelye passed away at her home December 23 at the age of 77 years.

She leaves the two daughters, Marion and Helen of the home and other relatives.

Mrs. Seelye was a member of the Abilene chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, of the Kansas Chapter, Daughters of the Founders and Patriots of America, of the Dickinson County Historical Society and a life member of the State Historical Society.

Funeral services with Dr. David Townley in charge were held from the home, 1105 N. Buckeye, December 27, at 2 o'clock. Mrs. Walter Mustard was at the piano and Clifford Asling sang "The Lord's Prayer" and "Abide With Me".

Pallbearers were H. M. Howard, Arch Davis, Chester Hutchinson, Homer Strowig, George Harrison and Roy Shearer. Burial was in Abilene Cemetery.

Contributed by: John Robert Seely