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The Diary   1808-1813

967, 14 Feb 1808. [en route to Chatham, overnight at brother Samuel's in Milford.]  My brother gave me some writing to leave in the Clerk's office in New Town and also two deeds from Maher Wigton and Samuel and William Wigton.  19th [in Chatham] I got Nelley to write for me to Pamelia Wigton and Joseph Seely [in Danbury, CT].  I went to James Ward's for dinner and after went and looked at B. Bonnel's mill and like her very well.  I ate some donuts made of the first flour that ever she ground.

968, 20 Feb.  Found a line from brother Samuel and he says that he spoke to Esq. Ames about his son working for me and Ames is satisfied that he shall.  23rd.  I slept at James Ward's last night.  I heard James Ward and Sophia dispute which grieved me much. [They later divorced.]  24th.  After breakfast, Dr. Budd came and took me in his chair to Lawyer Ford's.  I gave him $2 for counsel and he looked over the article I have from the heirs of my father's estate and he advises me to prove it and have it recorded and he is of the opinion that I have the right to sell the land.  Dr. Budd proved the deed that I have from brother Samuel and I paid Judge Doughty 50 cents.  26th.  Went to E.Town, paid toll 10 cents.  I found my niece Pamelia there and got her to prove the article of my brothers and sister before Judge Kollock.  I gave her $4 and told her to take what she thought right out of it and credit the residue on my note.

969, 28 Feb 1808.  Mr. Aaron Brookfield called on me and gave me the account of his lands in Wayne County and $15 towards paying his taxes.  29th.  I arose early, bought some thread, etc., paid 21 cents, paper 3 cents.  I settled with Eliphalet Miller and gave him a due bill for $51.50 which is the balance.  I went to Capt.John Bonnel's [a tailor] and got my pantaloons cut, 12 1/2 cents.  Went round to Capt. Nathaniel's, saw Sylvanus Bonnel, paid him 50 that he says he paid Kollock for me.  Sylvanus was married last night to Capt. Nathaniel's daughter Nancy.

973, 1 Apr. [Seely's Mills]  George agreed with Capt. Arnol for his  son John to work one year for us.  6th.  This day I advertised Tink Meadow place for sale on the third day of May next.  To be sold at Mr.Torrey's in Bethany.

978, 10 May.  We got to Lancaster at half past 3 and I went immediately to the land office.  I paid for my patent for Nathanial Cogswell's tract on Dyberry in full, $235 and took up my mortgage.  In the evening, Mr. John M Miller, clerk in the Receiver General's office called at my lodging and I gave him a dollar to pay the expense of examining the Surveyor General's office for the survey of my brother Joshua's tract on Middle Creek.

979, 22 May.  [Seely's Mills]  Came on home and found Esq. Bunting here.[1]  Soon after young Mr. Hole[2] came and brought letters from Miller and Susan, in which I was informed of the death of my old friend Thaddeus Day.  I gave Mr. Hole the contract between the heirs of my father's estate to take with him to the lakes to get John Lacy to prove it.

989, 6 Aug.  I wrote to Esq. Woodward to enter me bail for Thomas Schoonover in an action brought against him by Samuel Seely Jr.  11th.  About 8 this morning Mr. Hutchinson came express from Chatham with the news that my daughter Miller being at the point of death requests her mother to come down immediately.   This is heavy news.  About one pm my wife, son Thomas and Mr. Hutchinson started for Chatham and I sent 7 deeds by them to John Bonnel that I got recorded for him at Wilkes-Barre.

1000, 16 Oct.  Towards night my wife came home and brought me the melancholy news of the death of my daughter Betsy Miller.  She departed this life on the 19th of September last.

1002, 6 Nov 1808.  Arose early and wrote to brother Rutter, son John and Silas Woodward and gave them to my son Thomas and a ten dollar bill, and about 10 took a heavy leave of him and he set for Ohio.  8th.  I went to Bethany to settle with the Treasurer on account of my back tax.  I settled and paid John Bonnel's tax of $3.12 on a tract of land taken up by John Hester which pays it up to 1807, both County and road tax for a tract in my brother Joshua's name that I sold part to Hole.  Mr. Dimmick then drew off the account of all the County and road taxes due on the following tracts of land up to the year 1807:  Samual Brant, David Brant, Nathaniel Cogswell, Daniel Cogswell, William Darling, Sam Frost, Joshua Seely, Jane Seely, Silvanus Seely, Joseph Seely, Thomas Darling, Christopher Seely, Samuel Seely, David Seely and Jonathan Seely, the whole of which amounted to $209.73.

1004, 19 Nov. Esq. Bunting, who lodged here last night, went with me to Bethany and he and Torrey appraised the tracts of land that I got from my father's estate, viz., the tract applied for in the name of Christopher Seely Jr. on Dyberry branch at $441.75; and one applied for by Joseph Seely, commonly called Tink Meadow at $155.62.

1006, 2 Dec.  Last night about 11 my daughters Susan and Nelley came here accompanied by William Austin Seely [son of Joshua] and Charles B Seely [son of Samuel]

1014, 25 Jan 1809.  William Austin Seely came here, brought me a line from my daughter Susan.  Austin gave me a line from his mother [Bethia Camp Seely] enclosing $15 to pay Joseph Seely's tax. [This would be her son, Joseph Camp Seely, undoubtedly the Joseph referred to on the 8 Nov. entry.]    27th.  My nephew Austin and I went to Bethany on foot and I looked at a number of tracts of land for him to buy at the sheriff's sale for taxes.  

1017,  21 Feb.  Miller and my granddaughter Jane made ready and started for Chatham and the parting is sore on me as the loss of my daughter comes fresh in my mind.   24th.  In the night past, Charles B Seely and his sister Maria came here.  26th.  Arose early and Austin Seely came along and he, Charles and sister took breakfast and they all started for home about 8 am.

1028, 6 May.  [In Philadelphia]  Called at Wilson's, spent 6 cents.  I am informed brother Samuel has got out of jail and gone home.

1029, 9 May.  I got stuff for trousers and vest, paid $3.22, bought pair hose 75 cents, handkerchief 37 1/2 cents, I wrote Miller, got box of wafers 6 cents.  12th.  Major Wood went early to survey the road.  I got a hearing trumpet, paid 75 cents, bought pair of spectacles 50 cents.

1031, 25 May.  [Chatham]  I went to Esq. Lum's and borrowed Griffith's treaties and wrote a will for Prince.  After breakfast I went to Capt. Blanchard's and stayed to dinner.  I returned to Nelley’s about 3 pm.  I let James Ward have 25 cents and let him have the same once before.  I expect it all went for rum. 27th.  I breakfasted at Esq. Ward's.  Afternoon I went to Poole’s, Capt. Crane's and Major Day's where I drank tea.  Nelley got a line from Capt. Howell, dated 15th of April past.  28th.  I lodged at Israel Bunnel's.  Arose early, went to Nelley's and Miller has come home.  I took Miller's horse and went to Prince's and read the will to Prince and he said it was right as signed and pronounced it and left it in the hands of one of the witnesses to keep.

1034, 14 June 1809.  Miller gave me a certificate to pay me the remainder of $400 on my bond in one year so that it may appear that I had only $130 out of $400 if either of us should be taken away.  Miller went for Rockaway.  Nelley went for New York in the stage by which I sent $100 to Pamelia Wigton.  16th.  I bought James Ward's horse for $40.  Paid Noe the Constable $18.80 towards the horse and I gave Zacke 6 cents for bringing the horse down.  Got him shod, paid Nelley 217 1/2 cents for it.  17th.  I went up to James Ward's and he came down with me and got me a saddle and bridle for which I allowed him $7 which I gave him credit on the note that he owes me.  19th.  Miller took me in his chair and little [Samuel] Seely his son and came to James Ward's with me.  I bought the carpet for $7, a set of curtains for $6, two candle sticks $1.75, and a table for $3, which nearly made what was due from him to me and I gave him up his note in the presence of Miller and Esq. Ward.  I then took leave of them and Barber Howell [Nelley's son] took my horse and Miller and all came to Morristown.  Miller came a little out of town where I took a heavy leave of him and his son, and Barber and I came on [towards Seely's Mills].

1045, 25 Aug.1809  My wife and I went to Samuel Seely's and there I met Capt. Arnol, Isaac Seaman, John Bunting, Capt. Spangenburg & Samuel Seely and we all viewed the piece for a road, and after dinner went to Col. Stanton's and stayed for the night.  18th.  George and both pair of oxen are gone to help Charles Seaman [Isaac's son] haul logs.  About 9, Isaac went to Wilder's rolling frolic.  Sally Seely was here and my wife gave her a pig.

1047, 8 Sep.  I borrowed $3 from Billy Budd and gave it to Barber and he and Charles Seely set out for Minisink, and Barber is to bring up his aunt Susan [Sylvanus' youngest daughter] if there.

1049, 9 Sep.  Major Torrey told me that if Kimbell would settle with me and the 200 acres, that he would also compromise with us all and have the affair settled so that there need not be any law suits about it, which I think is reasonable.  13th.  After breakfast George, William Budd and I went to Bethany and about noon Mr. Dan Dimmick came and soon after Walt Kimbell and I met and he brought Salter to  represent him but they declined articling and we broke up without settling anything.  I let D Dimmick take the article between my father's heirs and me that he may give me his opinion on it.  14th.  About noon my daughter Susan and Robert Seely [Samuel's son] came much to my satisfaction.  And Barber stayed at my brother's as he was unwell.  I received a line from Miller, Sophia, and one from my niece Mary Ann Seely [perhaps a daughter of Joshua Seely who lived in NYC] who is in New York at No. 7, --- Street.

1058, 7 Dec. 1809.  I went to Bethany and got a petition drawn and signed by about 30 people to get my creek made navigable up to Esq. Kellogg's.  I gave it to Col. Coolebought to send down.  I looked over Caleb Blanchard's land and the valuation of it.  I paid E. Day's tax $3.30.  I agreed with John Spangenburg to make him a frame like Wilder's and at the same price and deliver it on his lands near Capt. Spangenburg's.  11th.  Jabish Baldwin came here from Chatham and wanted me to quitclaim a part of the copperas mine at Rockaway [NW of Morristown] unto him which I refused to do as I know not whether it would be right.

1059, 12 Dec.  Mr. Jabish Baldwin took breakfast and I told him that if he would give me $15 to pay my expenses I would go immediately to Chatham and look over my writings there and have the affair settled and give a quitclaim wherever it ought to go but that I could not do it here as I was afraid I might do something that was wrong and unjust in the business.  I gave him letters to Nelley, Miller, Sophia, and James Ward and he started before sunup for Chatham.  16th.  Settled with Charles Seaman and turned $2.12 that I owed his brother John, and is to pay Elijah $1 that I owe him for helping raft last summer, after which he owes me in cash $3.88 and to be paid in shoe making $5.73.

1061, 25 Dec. [Christmas] Isaac killed two shoats that we have been fattening.  My wife, daughter Susan, Sally, Isaac, Little Susan and self all dined on roasted shoat.  Towards night George came home and brought me 3 newspapers and a letter from my sons John and Thomas dated 14 November past wherein they propose moving over here.  It rejoiced my heart to hear from them.  30th.  I am this day 66 years old.  Blessed be God for preserving me so long and may he please give me wisdom to spend the remainder of my days in doing good to my fellow mortals and acting justly to all men.  31st.  Samuel Seely's Sally came here last night and stayed.

1062, 4 Jan 1810 [trip to Orange County, NY then on to NJ]  Made ready and started about 9, came on without much stop to William Halbert's, about 15 miles.  Little snow, weather warm, I took with me $15.  Came on to ten mile river.  Here I saw Lt. Schoonover who treated me.[3]  The country through which I came was very rough.  6th.  Arose at light, came on six miles to Neversink Creek and the whole road yesterday and this day is a rough barren except a few small pieces which are small patches that are improved.  Here I crossed in a flat.  I then came on 5 miles over Shawangunk mountain to Deerpark, then kept on a mile to my cousin's, David Seely's and put up.  Here I saw my uncle Charles Seely who is in his 89th year and his wife in her 84th and they are both hearty and have their faculties well and appeared glad to see me.  Here is a nice village and appears to be a good settlement around it and is called Deerpark.

1063, 8 Jan.  I started at half past eight and took a heavy leave as I never expect to see my uncle and aunt again.  I came on about 8 miles to Middletown, a small village, another 3 miles to old Col. Phillips', from there 4 miles and stopped to see my cousin Elijah Seely [son of Charles].  9th.  This morning I talked of taking two barrels of pork from Mr. Elijah Seely.  He offers to let me have them delivered at Shield's ferry for $45 and if I conclude to take them I am to write him from Chatham.  Started at 9 into the Goshen road about 2 miles from Seely's and near the 4 mile stone.  Kept on about 12 miles, took a right hand road, the left leading to Newburg.  Left the New Windsor road, crossed the turnpike near Ellis's and 3 miles brought me to the mouth of Murders Creek.  I kept down the north river side to Cornwall and put up at Major Sayre's.  In the evening Samuel Sayre Jr. and wife were here.  10th.  Mayor Sayre and I went down to his son's store house and landing.  Maj. Sayre's house is in a delightful situation on a high bank commanding a view of the north river for several miles.  13th.  I wrote a deed to Maj. Sayre's son.

15th.  I drew a deed to Major Sayre as he chooses to have it in his own name.  I charged him on a tract in brother Joshua's name $19.91, office fees $1, surveying $13, expenses $10, making draft 50 cents, office fees for patenting $25…etc., whole $101.60.  Credit by cash received $60, I paid taxes on the whole up to this year, $68.71 his half.

1064, 16 Jan 1810.  This morning I gave Major Sayre a deed for 352 acres of the land that we took up in partnership which is his part of the tract surveyed to us in brother Joshua's name which is in full for his half and we settled and he paid his son Samuel what I owed him in full, $45.19, and gave me his own note for $39.20.  I gave his little daughter Margaret Mary Sayre [b 1799] 25 cents and the little black girl 12 1/2 cents.  His other daughter's name is Mehitable [b 1790].  I took leave of the family, Maj. Sayre came about 6 miles with me on the road.  I continued 12 miles further and fell into the Goshen turnpike near a cut nail factory, then came on down the Ramapo.  17th.  Continued to Pompton [in Passaic Co, NJ], stopped a little at Esq. Debooes [Dubois?], turned off at the meeting house, came the back road to Salter's, got to Hanover at dark having come 29 miles today.  18th.  Came on to James Ward's and so to my daughter Howell.  22nd.  I wrote my wife by post this morning.  I went to Morristown in Miller's chair, gave Mr. Ford $2 for counsel and after looking over my writings he advised me to let the proving of my brother Christopher's will rest until I talk with the heirs.  He advised me to present the appraisal of lands to the Surrogate and get his refusal on the back of it to prove that I had done my part which I did.  I returned at sunset.  Nelley talked to me about marrying [David] Bruen and I objected much.

1065, 26 Jan.  Barber came down for me and I went to my daughter Nelley's and soon after Kiats Broadwell and Joseph Casterling came and they agreed to give me £5 to make them a title for the Copperas mine and I am to do it on Tuesday next, all to Broadwell but the 48th part of 2.78 acres and that I am to quitclaim to Casterline.

1066, 5 Feb.  Dr. Budd showed me a letter that he received from one Joshua Crane of Cincinnati that informs him that Capt. J. Howell is dead.  It is dated on the lst of January and put into that office the same day by the post mark and says that Howell died about two weeks before at Hartford.  [Ohio Co, KY.  Not so, but Howell had evidently left Nelley.  No mention of divorce.]  9th.  I had a great deal of talk with Nelley about her marrying [David] Bruen and find that she is set upon it and if Howell is dead I think it is best to give up although it is much against my feelings and desire.  10th.  I let Nelley have my order on Wade for $7.50 out of which she is to pay David Bruen $1 for a pair of shoes that he made for Jane Ward and for Barber's hat and keep the rest.  11th.  I wrote my wife and Elijah Seely that I did not want his pork. 13th.  I received a line from daughter Susan, dated 30th ult.., all well there.  She informs me that my son Thomas is married to the widow Bell.  15th.  Miller and I went to Morristown and I gave Miller a deed for my Hole place and acknowledged it before Judge Doughty.  I saw Major Sayre's son at Morristown.

1067, 20 Feb 1810.  I gave Barber $1 and he went with some wagons to Bethany.  Mr. King wrote me that Condits says that he thinks Howell is not dead by a letter that Condits has received.  21st.  This day I talked to my daughter Nelley and used my best endeavors to dissuade her from a union with D. Bruen but I fear it will not prevent it and my heart sickens at the thought of it.  I made a settlement with my son-in-law Miller as follows:

            dr. the place     $750.00                              misc. credits   $235.97

            to Burnet's note    25.00                              by your note     538.00

             total                   775.00

He has given me his note of this date, payable in one year with interest.

I received a line from my niece Rachel W. Seely (Joshua's daughter) enclosing one for my daughter Susan.  I gave a note of $100 to Silas Ward, payable the first of May 1811 with interest and left it in my daughter Nelley's hands to give to Ward when he gives her a sufficient deed for me for a quarter acre lot 40 feet from joining the road and David Bowers.

1068, 22 Feb.  Took a heavy leave of my daughter and family and started at 8.  Stopped at my daughter Ward's a little.  Came on, stopped at Mr. King's and he requested me to pay his tax.  I stopped at one Cundit's [Condict?] and his wife showed me a letter from Kentucky which makes me think Capt. Howell is not dead as reported.  24th.  Got to my brother's and found my niece Meriah [Maria] married to John Annis [Ennis].  Saw my brother Jonathan.

1081, 29 May. [In Philadelphia after rafting down lumber.]  Went and saw Messr. Dimmick and Ridgeway.  I gave Esq. Dimmick an advertisement to put in the Northampton Farmer for the sale of the tract of land taken up in the name of Joseph Seely called Tink Meadow and one other tract on the northeast branch of Lackawack called Dyberry, taken up in the name of Christopher Seely Jr. to be sold at Bethany on the 14th of July.

1089, 14 Jul.  I went with Isaac Seaman for a deer, did not get it.  About 11 George and I went to Bethany and got Mr. Moore to cry my vendue and Dyberry Falls tract taken up in name of Christopher Seely Jr. was struck off to my son George at $310.  And Tink Meadow in the name of Joseph Seely stood at $60 on one John Keey's bid and we adjourned the vendue on his bid until next Sep 4.

1093, 3 Aug 1810.  I sent Barber early to ask hands to our raising and all set to work to make ready for it.  Last evening the millwrights finished framing all except the loose beams.  And this forenoon we laid the foundation on the wall and fixed for the raising.  I went to Bethany and got 6 plates and 6 pounds of sugar from Torrey & Moore.  I borrowed a dozen knives and forks and 4 tin pans from Mrs. Torrey.  Brought Susan home to see the raising.  4th.  Mr. N. Thomas came early and underpinned part of our work and Lester Adams came and made our pike for us and about 11 we raised our first bent next to the stream and about 1 there were sufficient hands and we put up our second bent and everything went well and we got done about sunset.  There were just 50 hands including my own.  We used 4 canteens and 5 bottles of rum.

1096, 20 Aug.  I told my brother [Jonathan] that if he would help me a spell I would allow him $1 per day.

1098, 4 Sep.  I sold Tink Meadow at vendue.  Capt. Spangenburg cried it and it was struck off to my son George at $220.  6th.  I found my brother Jonathan in jail for debt and I gave Dr. Smith a note for $16.67 payable on the first of May next with interest, and took him out of jail.

1103, 11 Oct.  My sons John and Thomas took leave of us and started for home.  21st. I settled with my brother Jonathan Seely and gave him an order on James Wallis for $9 and he set off for home.

1111, 23 Dec.  Mr. Moore and our Sheriff Ridgeway were here to tea and brought me a letter from my son John dated 19 November in which he informs me his wife is melancholy, a thing I am exceeding sorry to hear.  25th.  I received a letter from my son John, dated 3d instant, in which he says that his wife is better.  I received a line from NY for Joseph Seely, I suppose from his sister and one from her to daughter Susan.  26th.  I directed Joseph Seely's letter to Danbury [CT][4].

1114, 1 January 1811.  The last account I had from my brother David he lived in St. Thomas Parish, South Carolina.   I must direct to the care of Robert Quash or Thomas Dougherty, Charlestown, SC.        About 11 my wife and I went to Isaac Seaman's as they invited us, where we found Daniel Kimble and wife, Mrs. Abiah Woodward and Mrs. Jennings, and soon after Mrs. Adams came and we all dined together.  About 3, Seaman gave me five heads of cabbage and we took their little granddaughter with us and came home.  2nd.  Mrs. Seaman came here and informs me that her old father and mother [Charles Seely and Mary Horton] are both dead. Which makes me feel heavy as he was the last uncle I had by my father's side and he was in his 90th year.

1116, 9 Jan 1811.  Towards noon, George Green came here and brought me a line from my daughter Susan and one from my cousin Sarah Huling.  And he informs me that he married her daughter, the widow Hillbriath Huling.  17th.  I signed my will and George Hisen and Charles and Caleb Hole and Isaac Oakley were witnesses.

1119, 3 Feb.  Sally Seely came here to work for us.  4th.  Letter from Maj. Sayre in which he says he paid Pamelia Wigton $20 on account last spring and I paid D Dimmick all that I owed her so that she has that sum of mine in her hands.  5th.  I saw Esq. Dimmick and he tells me that he sent Pamelia Wigton's money to NY by Barton but that he could not find her and brought the money back.

1129, 27 Apr.  Towards night my nephew Joseph C Seely [Joshua's son] came here much to my satisfaction.  28th.  Charles B Seely [Samuel's son] came here.  29th.  William Budd came and brought me a line from daughter Susan who is lame from being overturned in a chair.  May 1st.  Joseph, George, Budd and Capt. Cole all went for Court and about 10 George came home and sent a subpoena by little George for Coleman to attend as a witness in Joseph C. Seely's trial.  I wrote to the Rev. Samuel Wigton, E Miller, Caleb Blanchard, James Ward, Austin Seely and my daughter Susan.

1161, 13 Jan 1812.  This morning George Spangenburg[5] asked my consent to marry Sally C. Seely. [This probably was Sarah Seely, dau of cousin Samuel, who later married John Loncor.] 14th. My son George stayed out all night which troubled my mind so that I slept little. He came home early and informed me he was voted one of the turnpike managers yesterday and was obliged to stay on that account.  He brought Sophia a letter from her sister Nelley.

1162, 19 Jan.1812.  About 11 am Wm. Schoonover and wife came to George Spangenburg and Sally C. Seely's wedding.  Soon after Esqr. Spangenburg, his wife, daughter, John Spangenburg & Brother came.  Also John Arnol, Charlotte Seaman, Polly Headly, Miss Coleman and Mr. Moore and some others and about half past one Esqr. Spangenburg married them.  20th.  About 11 George Spangenburg and his bride and daughter Sophia went for Capt. Spangenburg's to hold wedding.

1163, 31 Jan.  Received a line from my grandson Sylvanus Seely [John's son, b 1795].

1165, 18 Feb.  Little George gone to Bethany with a load of Boards for Mr. Moore.  Isaac making a big gate.  Mr. Moore came here towards evening and stayed.  He also asked my consent to marry my daughter Susan.

1167, 1 Mar, 1812.  Last evening my daughter Susan was married to Solomon Moore[6] by the Rev. Mr. Purdy.  Maj. Torrey and wife, Col. Dimmick and wife, the parson's wife and Charles Kimble were all the persons present except Mr. Moore's brother and those of our household.

1180, 6 Jun.  Our people settled with Salley Loncor and owe her 450 cents.  8th.  Afternoon John Loncor was sick and went away.[7]     End of volume, listing of employees: Wm. Loncor began to work Feb 1812.  George Spangenburg worked several days a month from March 1811 to Feb 1812.  Addresses:  J. C. Seely, Somers Village, Westchester County, New York. [Joseph Camp Seely, son of B. Joshua]; A. W. Seely, 1872 Courtland Street, New York [prob. his brother, William Austin Seely]

1186, 27 Jun 1812.  I received a notice of Trial between Walter Kimble and Charles Kimble to be held at John Newman's at Milford.  Little George and wife were here.  28th.  My son George came home, bringing me the unpleasing news that War is declared by us against England.  29th.  I went to Esq. Woodward's and settled with him and he paid me $8 and gave me up a note that I gave Dr. Smith for a debt of my brother Jonathan's for $16.67.

1187, 5 July 1812.  Afternoon I went to my corn and found Seaman's cattle in it and they have entirely spoiled it as I do not think they have left 50 hills in the whole piece. [This suggests that Seaman was an immediate neighbor.]  9th.  I received a line from my Nephew Charles B. Seely that informs me that his father [Samuel Seely] drinks without measure and abuses his wife and family.  It cuts me to the heart although it is what I expected.

1196, 16 Sep.  I wrote Seely Huling.  My son John left with me a $50 dollar bill of the Farmer's Bank Lancaster, to be paid unto W.W. Woodward, Bookseller, of Philadelphia for and on account of Mr. Ephraim Quimby.  My sons and I went early to Bethany and signed our writings respecting the land I let them have and my older son set for home and George convoyed him a piece.

1204, 14 Nov.  Snows a little this morning. When we arose from dinner the hands told me that somebody was pulling down the house that we were at work on.  I went down and found Walter Kimble throwing down the plate and logs and his son Charles with him who forewarned me from building and ordered me to take away our boards and stuff that we had there to finish our building with.  I talked to him and told him I did not mean to fight, that I look to the law for my support, and as my mill was standing I came away and my son and hands stayed behind.  After my grist was out I went down again and told my hands that as they kept us from our work by force they had best come away and we all came off.  George Spangenburg  told me that Charles Kimble said that John Woodward was to run it out on Monday.  I therefore took horse and went to Esq. Woodward's and asked him if John had any authority.  He said no but that they wanted John to trace some old lines.  16th.  After breakfast I went to Bethany and stayed all day.  On my return home my son tells me that Walter Kimble, John Woodward Jr., Elijah Seaman, Jekee Thomas, Agusos Collins and Buckley Barsely all went into my field and ran a line across it although my son George forbid them in my name from doing it.  Witnesses present:  Isaac Oakly and George Spangenburg.

1214, 3 Feb 1813.  This evening daughter Susan came here with my niece Harriet and her husband [Isaac Burrell].  Stayed a few hours and went away.  4th.  My niece Harriet and husband and Charles came here and stayed.

1222, 22 Mar, 1813.  I wrote to my nephew Samuel Wigton [Jr.] and gave it to Mr. Moore with a deed that brother Joshua gave me for lands joining Hole's that Wigton may prove it to get it recorded here.  27th.  I went to Ephraim Torrey's and paid Aaron Brookfield's tax on the following tracts of land for the years 1811 and 1812: George Plumstead, Sale Township, Robert Mead and Gilbert Ogden of Delaware Township.

1227, 28 Apr.  [Philadelphia]  I went to the widow Davis' and found two men from Washington County but could get no intelligence from my son Thomas.  I got shaved, paid 6d.  I put my letter into the office for widow Huling.  I bought an abridgement of the history of England for 37 1/2 cents.  29th.  Major Wood and I went through Market St. and tried to hear from my son but heard no news of him.  Afterwards we went along the wharves and saw the ship Neptune taking stores on board for our Ambassador to go to Russia.  I got a key to Isaac's watch, 12 1/2 c.

1232, 30 May 1813.  [Home]  Towards day, Capt. Hole came for my wife to go to Bethany as my daughter [Susan] Moore is to go in labor.  About sunset George came home with the pleasing intelligence that my daughter Moore was safely delivered of a daughter about 3 this afternoon.

1235, 20 Jun.  I wrote to the postmaster in Greenesburg requesting information of my son Thomas or his family.  Towards evening my wife came home having been gone three weeks nursing my daughter Moore.  23rd.  I received a line from D. Dimmick, Esq., informing me that he has received part of the money due Joseph Seely from Jacob Corriell.

1239, 22 Jul.  Went to Bethany, Esq. Dimmick paid me $152.75 for my nephew Joseph C. Seely which he collected from Jacob Corriell and there is still behind half the expenses of the witnesses, which he will collect when I make out an account. 26th.  Sally Ross came home this evening from Mt. Pleasant where she went yesterday with our horse.  27th.  Received a letter from the postmaster at Greenesburg who informs me that my son Thomas' family is well.  28th.  Major Torrey's wife departed this life about sunset last evening.  My wife, George, John [employee], Susan, Jane [granddaughters] and Sally Ross [employee] are all gone to the burying. 

1240, 7 Aug.  Last evening my daughter Nelley and husband and Samuel Conduit brought me the disagreeable news that my last son-in-law Miller is broke and he, Miller, sent me his account and an order to pay David Bruen $80 and the residue that I owe to Miller to Samuel Conduit.

1242,  24 Aug 1813.  Gave my daughter Bruen $130 to take to my nephew Joseph C. Seely and took her receipt for it.  She set off for home.

1245, 13 Sep.  I looked over the advertisements that Moore printed for me for the sale of my lands on Dyberry and found one dated wrong and I altered it with a pen. I wrote my nephew William A. Seely [Joshua's son, who had married the month before] at No. 263 Greenwich Street, NY.  About 3, went to Bethany and put up several of my advertisements. 17th.  George has gone to Bethany to give evidence for Isaac Brink in a trial between him and S. Moore.

1250, 4 Nov.  Major Sayre came here and I am heartily glad to see him.  6th.  Maj. Sayre and I went onto the tract of land that he and I took up together and he likes it well.

1251, 7 Nov.  I promised to send Maj. Sayre a deed agreeable to the draft I got from Torrey yesterday.  He took an early breakfast and went for home.  8th.  Received a line from my son Thomas dated at Detroit on the 10th ult. [Probably on military service in the War of 1812.]  14th.  S. Moore and wife came here and brought Jane S. Ward home and understand they have moved to Sol. Jones' 

1252, 17 Nov.  Got to Milford at 11 and put up with George Bohonnon.  I called on Mr. Mott and spoke to him to carry on my suits against Jesse Woodward and we went and talked with Messrs. Dimmick and Cross about it.  Came on to my brother's and found Isaac Cosin Burrell who married my niece Harriet and after talking with my brother and wife a while I walked to Burrell's which is about 2 miles and stayed there.  Here I saw my nephew Samuel and his youngest sister [Sarah] and I was glad to see them.  18th.  After breakfast I came on to John Ennis' who married my niece Maria and he came on with me to the ferry.  John Ennis came over with me to where my horse was and here I found my nephew Charles.

1260, 30 Dec. I am 70 years old this morning.  My birthday was on the 19th day of December, old style, and when the style was altered it brought it to the 30th, and since the 18th century to the 31st day.  I drew an order on S. Moore in favor of Isaac Brink to pay him $4.40.   2 Jan 1814.  Towards noon my two daughters and Mrs. Kellogg came here and took dinner and a gentleman by the name of Thomas Fulton who says he was in the regiment with my son Thomas all summer past.  3rd.  After breakfast Mr. Fulton and I went to my big flat and viewed it.  4th.  I told Mr. Fulton that I would take $5 an acre for the tract that includes my flat and he is to write me from Philadelphia soon.


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[1] John Bunting, a Quaker, was an early settler in Canaan Township.  All of his neighbors were German and the area was known as the Dutch Settlement.  In 1802 he was appointed the first justice of the peace in Canaan. –Goodrich, op cit, p 174

[2] Capt. Charles Hole was an early resident of Bethany, supervisor of roads, and had the first brick yard where all the bricks in the town were made.  His two sons were John and Washington. –do, p 316.

[3]  There was a William Schoonover in Wayne County as early as 1794, father of Daniel, Levi, Jacob and Simon. –Goodrich, op cit.  This is probably a branch of the Dutch family that came down from Ulster County into the Minisink and Sussex County area.  Lt. Schoonover referred to here would be in Pike County near the Delaware River or across the river in Orange County.  Ananias Seely (wife Abigail) bought land in Sussex in 1779 (Deedbook A-197); some of the land was sold in 1806 (Deedbook O-385) by their heirs: Joseph Seely, John Seely (of Sangerfield;, Oneida County, NY), Ananais Seely and Rachel Seely, wife of James Schoonover.  These Seelys are not recognized in the Seely Genealogical Society Records.  In terms of location, it would seem that the first Ananais might be a grandson of Samuel and Charlotte Seely, however Sylvanus never mentioned them although he frequently passed through Sussex County where they lived.  Perhaps they descended from Samuel’s half-brother, Ebenezer.  Similarly, I have found nothing to indicate who this James Schoonover was, though there probably was a relationship with the Schoonovers in Wayne or Pike Counties, since this was not a terribly large family.  There was a James Schoonover in Blooming Grove, Orange County, who signed as a patriot in 1775.  That might be the father of the man who married Rachel. 

[4] SGS says that Joseph Seely son of Christopher lived in Danbury, CT.  But the known sisters, Pamelia Wigton, Deborah Little and Mary Seely were all dead by this time.  It doesn’t seem likely that there was another sister, since none was mentioned in the diaries.  Therefore it would seem that this was a different Seely, probably Sylvanus’ nephew, Joseph Camp Seely, son of Joshua.  Joshua lived in NYC and Joseph Camp Seely married a girl from Pawling NY, near Danbury.  It may be this Joseph who was in Danbury, not the other one so identified in the SGS Sixth Generation book.

[5]  Son of Thomas Spangenburg, Esq., born in Sussex County, NJ and moved to Wayne County in 1794.  Thomas gives an account of his life in Goodrich, op cit, pp 309-11.  He doesn’t mention George but does mention John and says he had other children, no longer alive in 1864.

[6] Solomon Moore came from NY (probably Orange County where there were many Moores).  He kept the first store in Bethany, in partnership with Jason Torrey, and was afterwards the first postmaster.  He was elected sheriff in 1820 and afterwards was appointed clerk of the several courts of the county.—Goodrich, op cit, p 307.

[7] Cousin Samuel Seely's (son of John) dau. Sarah subsequently married John Longcor.

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