Joseph Benn SEELY

JOSEPH BEM SEELY CALLED BY DEATH

Grim Reaper Takes Early Oregon Pioneer

Joseph Bem Seely, one of Oregon’s early pioneers, passed away Friday, July 12, at 5:50 P.M. Joseph Bem was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Lucius Alexander Seely and was born near Farmington, Illinois, August 27, 1849; making his age at the time of his death 79 years 10 months and 15 days.

With his parents he crossed the plains by ox team and after a journey of six months landed in Baker’s prairie (now Canby) in October, 1851 where the family resided for six years then moved to Linn City, only remaining there one year, and then moved to Wilsonville where his father bought 320 acres of land which became the old family home.

February 3, 1873 Joseph Bem Seely was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Smith. They bought a home near Wilsonville, where, with his family around him, he has resided until his death.

To Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Seely were born thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters. Five of the children preceded Mr. Seely to the great beyond, Sophia, Logan, Herschel, Mrs. Ruby Fawcett of Anoka, Minnesota and Delmar.

Besides numerous friends and other relatives Mr. Seely leaves to mourn two brothers, J.L. Seely and R.J. Seely of Wilsonville, his widow and eight children, Fred at home, Mark of Hood View, Arthur of Wilsonville, Edd in the U.S. Navy, Mrs. Pearl Snyder, and Mrs. Roma Murray, all of Hood View. He also leaves twenty-three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Mr. J.B. Seely was strong and vigorous; always enjoying the very best of health and able to work until the age of 70; then as age came health and strength failed and the last few years was spent in a life of leisure. His health failed gradually until about a year ago and since then he had been confined to his home.

Mr. Seely was a member of the Congregational church.

Published in the Sherwood Valley News (Sherwood, Oregon), July 18, 1929, Front Page