David Randolph Seely

Death Claims Pioneer Who Came in Covered Wagon From Salt Lake

D.R. Seely Take at Age of 92; First Home in Stockade Where Courthouse Stands

HIGHLAND, Feb. 11 – D.R. Seely, one of the oldest pioneers of Highland and the San Bernardino valley, passed away in the early hours this morning at his home on Cole avenue. Death came during his sleep.

Mr. Seely would have been 92 years of age in April. Practically all of his life had been spent in San Bernardino county, and he had a colorful and a prominent part in the early history of the valley.

David Randolph Seely was born in Salt Lake City April 17, 1850. With his parents, David and Mary Seely, he came to San Bernardino in one of the big covered wagon caravans. They settled and lived in the stockade which stood on the site of the present courthouse. The young Randolph, as he was called, grew up in San Bernardino and attended school there. When a young man he returned to Utah, and about 1874 he was married to Mary Elizabeth Tidwell at Mt. Pleasant, Utah. They resided in Mt. Pleasant for several years and their three older children, Randolph Jr., Edwin H. and Florence, were born there. With the lure of California calling him back, Mr. Seely with his wife and children came to Highland, and settled on Base Line east of Palm in 1883.

Here the Seelys established one of the earliest homes of this community. Mr. Seely planted a part of the acreage to seedling orange trees, these being among the oldest citrus trees in Highland. From these old seedlings Mr. Seely started a nursery and raised the young trees which set the remainder of the place. In 1906, Mr. Seely sold the 20 acres to Frank and James Cram. Frank Cram still owns the south 10 acres but James Cram sold the north 10 to the late E.L. Ranney. When the citrus property was sold Mr. and Mrs. Seely built the home on Cole avenue where he has since living. Mr. Seely passed away in 1928 and since then Victor Seely has made his home with his father.

Mr. Seely, though totally deaf and nearly blind for some time has enjoyed good health until four weeks ago when he became ill.

He was up and around, however, yesterday. He told members of his family good night, and stated that he was “well and comfortable.

Mr. Seely leaves a daughter, Mrs. Florence E. Wells, two sons Victor Seely and William H. Seely, two daughters-in-law, Mrs. William H. Seely and Mrs. Betty Seely, all of Highland, four grandchildren, Miss Elaine Seely of Highland, Mrs. John Eitel (Barbara Lee Seely) of Manette, Wash., Ensign James R. Wells with the navy, and Mrs. Howard Scott of Glendale. Mr. Seely is also survived by one great grandchild, William Scott of Glendale and two sisters, Mrs. Caroline Barton of San Bernardino, and Mrs. Isabelle Corbett of Seattle.

Mr. Seely was a member of San Bernardino lodge, No. 290, I.O.O.F., and of the San Bernardino Pioneer society. For several years (about 50 years ago) Mr. Seely served the community as school trustee. He enjoyed telling of his early experiences in the valley, especially of the days when he hauled lumber with ox teams from his father’s mill in the mountains from what is now Camp Seely.

Mr. Seely’s father was one of the men instrumental in farming San Bernardino county. He for a number of years owned and with his family lived on the Highland avenue property here, now owned by John Poppett, and known as the old Hidden place. The home was built before Highland avenue was laid out and with a view overlooking the valley with the result that the back of the house was on the highway when it was put through.

Funeral services will be held on Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Stephens and Bobbitt chapel in San Bernardino. Burial will be in Mountain View cemetery.

Published in The San Bernardino County Sun (San Bernardino, California), Thursday, February 12, 1942

SEELY – At Highland, California, February 11, 1942, David Randolph Seely, 91, native of Salt Lake City, Utah: resident of San Bernardino county 90 years. Funeral services Friday 2 p.m. from Stephens & Bobbitt chapel; interment Mountain View cemetery.

Published in The San Bernardino County Sun (San Bernardino, California), Thursday, February 12, 1942

DAVID R. SEELY, PIONEER, GIVEN FINAL TRIBUTE

Man Who Came to Valley During Covered Wagon Days, Spent Life Here Laid to Rest

HIGHLAND, Feb. 13. – Relatives and friends throughout the San Bernardino valley today joined in farewell tribute to David Randolph Seely, who is the last of the covered wagon pioneers who played such an important part in the early history of San Bernardino valley.

The Rev. Paul Edward Babbitt, pastor of the Highland Congregational church officiated, the service being brief in accordance with the wishes of the family. Mrs. Lee Clark sang “Face to Face” and “No Night There.”

Pallbearers were Albert Miller, Everett Fowler, C.B. Mignot, Walter Sewell, Louis Johnson and Roby Hagy.

Beautiful flowers in great profusion bespoke the sympathy of many friends throughout the valley.

Out-of-town relatives who were here for the service were a granddaughter, Mrs. Howard Scott, and son, William of Glendale; Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Pettit of Los Angeles and Mrs. William Pettit of Pasadena, cousins of Mr. Seely, and a niece, Mrs. Ila Anderson of Los Angeles.

Burial was in Mountain View cemetery.

Published in The San Bernardino County Sun (San Bernardino, California), Saturday, February 14, 1942

[Son of SGS # 2339 – David Randolph; David (#2339); Justus Azel (# 836); Justus William; Joseph; John; Benjamin; Nathaniel, Robert]