Alvane Cary SEELY

Veteran Roseburg Doctor Dies Saturday At Age 89

Dr. A.C. Seely, 89, who retired 12 years ago after 42 years of practice in Douglas County, died at his home at 1108 SE Cass Ave., Saturday night.

Funeral services are scheduled Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Long & Orr Mortuary.

Dr. Seely was born Jan 6, 1870 at Carysville, Ohio.

The physician came to Myrtle Creek in 1904 after serving six years in the Army Transport Service. He started practice there and shortly after moved to Roseburg to take over the practice of Dr. J.C. Twitchell, one of the community’s early day physicians.

In the ensuing 42 years, he became county health officer, member of the City Council, Chamber of Commerce president, president of the Rotary Club, one of the two men who served two terms as exalted ruler of the Elks Lodge, charter member of the Eagles Lodge and a Mason. He was also president of the Douglas County Medical Society for a number of years, was a president of the state Medical Society for a number of years, was president of the state Medical Society for the Southern Oregon Medical Society.

Doctors Join Forces

Dr. Seely came to Douglas County in 1904 to visit an aunt in Myrtle Creek. He found a community in need of a physician and decided to stay. He later met Drs. A.F. Sether and E.B. Stewart, who also had just started practice in Glendale.

They formed an office in Roseburg in 1908. This partnership continued until 1918 when Seely was commissioned by the Army as director of public health in Oregon and Stewart entered the military service.

Returning in 1919, Seely set up his own practice and became on of the organizers of the group which constructed and occupied the Medical Arts Building in 1929.

He was married at Myrtle Creek to Florence DeLacey Hall, June 7, 1905. They had one son, Dr. Hall Seely.

In addition to his heavy practice, Dr. Seely found time to take part in civic affairs and to do considerable writing for magazines.

The Rev. Alfred S. Tyson, rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church will officiate at the Tuesday funeral services. Following services, his body will be taken to Eugene for cremation. His family said that friends may contribute to a memorial at the Douglas County Library. Donations may be left at Long & Orr Mortuary.

Published in The News-Review (Roseburg, Oregon) Front Page, Monday, March 23, 1959

[Great Grandson of SGS # Jachard/Jacob Pease # 1962 – Alvane Cary; Samuel McMoran; Rockwell Harrison; Jachard/Jacob Pease (#1962); John (#611); Hezekiah; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Robert]