Seeley, J. B.

SEELEY, WASSON

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 12/21/2012 at 09:24:11

The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa
Des Moines: Union Hist. Co., 1880.

SEELEY, J.B.—Bear Creek Twp—pg 849-50. Carriage and wagon-maker, Brooklyn. Was born in Malaquanatch, Island of Cape Breton, December 5, 1843. Was there raised until he attained the age of twelve years, when he moved with his parents to Canada. His father, Austin Seeley, was a mill-wright. The family located at Renfrew, where they resided until 1858, and where J.B. was partially educated. In 1859 they came to Princeton, Bureau county, Illinois, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, and where the subject of this sketch learned the trade he now pursues. In 1861 he tendered his services to the cause, enlisting in company H, Twelfth Illinois infantry, participating in many of the leading battles of the war, among which were Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, first and second engagements, Ball’s Knob, Jonesboro, Bentonville and others. At the second battle of Corinth he was severely wounded in the thigh and still retains in his person the lead. He was honorably mustered out as sergeant at Louisville, Kentucky, August 5, 1865, after which he returned to his home at Princeton, and pursued farming until 1867, when he came to Poweshiek county. He farmed for a number of years four miles northwest of Brooklyn. Moved to Brooklyn in 1874 and clerked in the mercantile house of O.F. Dorrance until 1878, when he embarked in his present business. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Anna Wasson, of Washington county, Iowa. They have four children: Elsie Maud, Jennie, James Austin and Ellen. Mr. Seeley is a Master of the A.O.U.W.; also member of the Brooklyn Veteran Union. Himself and family are identified with the M.E. Church.