Home > Canada > New Brunswick > Charlotte County > Saint George > St. George First Community Cemetery > Stuart “Stewart, Steward” Seelye

Stuart “Stewart, Steward” Seelye

Birth	:	28 Jan 1771 New Milford, Litchfield County, Connecticut, USA
Death	:	5 Aug 1838 New Brunswick, Canada
Burial	:	St. George First Community Cemetery, Saint George, Charlotte County, Canada
Description	:	Cemetery Record: Stewart Seelye d. 5 Aug 1838 ae 68 yrs *** PARENTS: Justus Seelye birth: 1745 New Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA death: 18 May 1812 Markham, Pickering, Ontario, Canada Sarah Stuart birth: 7 April 1745 East Haddam, Middlesex, Connecticut, USA death: 17 November 1826 St George, Charlotte, New Brunswick, Canada **** From Daniel Johnson's Transcription Date September 19 1878 County Charlotte Place Saint Stephen Newspaper Saint Croix Courier The following is a biographical sketch written to a friend in New Brunswick by the late Edward SEELYE, relative to some of his race, the peculiar trials they endured at the time of the old French War and the American... Read More	Cemetery Record: Stewart Seelye d. 5 Aug 1838 ae 68 yrs *** PARENTS: Justus Seelye birth: 1745 New Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA death: 18 May 1812 Markham, Pickering, Ontario, Canada Sarah Stuart birth: 7 April 1745 East Haddam, Middlesex, Connecticut, USA death: 17 November 1826 St George, Charlotte, New Brunswick, Canada **** From Daniel Johnson's Transcription Date September 19 1878 County Charlotte Place Saint Stephen Newspaper Saint Croix Courier The following is a biographical sketch written to a friend in New Brunswick by the late Edward SEELYE, relative to some of his race, the peculiar trials they endured at the time of the old French War and the American Revolution, trials common to many of the loyalists who landed in St. John, May 18th, 1783 which we believe will in some measure solve the problem of their indomitable perseverance in settling and improving the country. - About the year 1690 during the time of the French war, Dominicus JORDAN was the owner of Cape Elizabeth, the peninsula which now forms the Harbour of Portland, Maine, and owing to his position, a man of some influence, became a mark for the Indians who were instigated by the French to deeds of cruelty towards the British settlers. They surrounded his house in the dead of night when he was aroused from his slumbers by their war whoop to behold his infants dashed against the walls and himself and the rest of the family reserved for the torture of the tomahawk and scalping knife. The entire family was slaughtered with the exception of two children, his little son, Dominicus, eight years old and his sister, six. These two children were taken from Cape Elizabeth through the woods in winter time on snowshoes to Quebec. They grew up to man and womanhood among the Indians, the boy always retaining the memory of his early home and the murder of his family and fostered in his mind a desire and determination to return to the place of his birth, but dared not entrust his sister with his secret design lest through her imprudence his thoughts might be divulged. She seemed to have had no recollection of the place of her birth and was contented to remain with the Indians. She married an Indian chief and became lost forever to her kindred. Dominicus Jordan became an active and skilful hunter and was highly esteemed among the tribe with which he was connected and by stratagem effected his escape. He never spoke of having any recollection of his former home to the Indians, yet they were suspicious that he had not forgotten all, and seemed to fear that he would attempt to escape and some years after he became of sufficient age to hunt alone they would not allow him to do so, but after watching his maneouvers for a long time their suspicions were allayed by his punctual return to the encampment at night. Then he commenced to prepare for his escape by concealing each day he went to hunt a part of his lunch in a hollow tree and also a small portion of his ammunition, and occasionally he would prolong his stay in the woods to a late hour in the night, and upon one or two occasions remained in the woods all night, until at last when his magazine contained sufficient store for the journey, he took his leave of the Indians, after a residence with them of 13 years, sought his way back to his native place. But Oh! how changed the scene. He alone of all his race stood stranger on the spot of his once happy home with vivid collections of the past, sat down and wept o'er his dead father's bones. In short time however, with manyly fortitude peculiar to his race, he formed new acquaintances, married, and joined the inhabitants in their farming operations which was carried on at great disadvantage owing to the Indian aggression which still continued. A log garrison was built in which the inhabitants took shelter at night; the men were obliged to keep their fire-arms by their side while working in the field. One day while Dominicus Jordan was at work in his field in sight of the garrison, he was surrounded by the Indians, a hundred in number who had been watching some time for an opportunity to take him alive if possible. He seized his gun and in the act of cocking it a bullet from the Indians shot his thumb. The blood wet the powder in the pan which circumstance saved him from being taken. The Indians did not know that the powder was wet, and knowing his skill as a marksman, they feared to approach too near while he ran towards the garrison, and as the foremost Indian neared him, he would turn and threaten the Indian in their own tongue until he drew near the garrison, with almost supernatural speed and with a matchless bound sprang into the window which was raised by his faithful wife, fell to the floor with the blood flowing from 21 wounds caused by the Indian tomahawk which was thrown at him. The garrison windows were closed and the Indians retired to the woods and watched three days expecting to see him carried out dead, in the event of which they intended to storm the garrison. They entertained a superstitious fear of Dominicus Jordan more than of fifty ordinary pale face. He understood their tongue and mode of warfare and after the peace they often spoke of him to the English settlers, making known their design of storming the garrison etc., saying of him, 'Sarlain no kilum he all one devil.' Phebe JORDAN was a granddaughter of Dominicus Jordan and the wife of Benjamin MILLIKEN who lived at Castine, Penobscot River, at the time of the American Revolution, he was comparatively in affluent circumstances. An officer of the American army offered to procure a commission for him in the American service, he indignantly refused to take up arms against his Sovereign upon which the officer demanded his sword, a gold hilt, the gift of his father, Benjamin Milliken. He took down his sword, laid it upon a block and with an axe chopped off its blade, presented it to the officer saying, 'You can demand no more than the execution part'. The officer was vindictive and subsequently came with a band of rebels and made him prisoner, put him in irons and sent him on board one of the sloops of war that composed the fleet of 21 sail that had commenced the seige of Penobscot, when the fort in progress of building was but three logs high. The British troops built the fort and fought the enemy three weeks, during which time Benjamin Milliken remained prisoner in irons and his house was being plundered by the rebels, while his wife was in a feeble state of health, near her confinement. Their silver plate and other valuables were concealed in her bedroom when the officer of a gang entered the house and attempted to force his way into the bedroom, one of the female domestics placed her hand upon the latch of the door, the officer drew his sword and nearly severed her fingers. She stood firm holding up her dripping hand before his face saying, 'There sir is better blood than runs in your veins.' They succeeded however in plundering the house of every comfort and then drove the cattle belonging to the estate into the kitchen and slaughtered them leaving the offal in the floor. On the 21st day of the seige three British frigates of war hove in sight. The American fleet, unable to escape, ran ashore, released their prisoners, set fire to their fleet and made their escape into the woods. That night, the 2nd Oct. 1779, Rebecca MILLIKEN daughter of Benjamin and Phebe Milliken was born. In a few days after Benjamin Milliken reached home to share the afflictions of his family. After the war Benjamin Milliken's property was confiscated and he, with his family sought a home in the wilds of New Brunswick, in a state of abject poverty, and after a few years of care and toil, rested his bones in St. Patrick, County of Charlotte, no more to endure the miseries of civil war. - Justus SEELYE was of English descent, his wife, Sarah STUART of Scotch descent. They were natives of Hartford, Connecticut and at the time of the American Revolution, in affluent circumstances. Justus Seelye was offered a commission to join the rebels. He contemptuously refused, saying he would stake his life and fortune in behalf of his Sovereign, and in consequence thereof was compelled to leave his home and take refuge in the woods armed with a brace of horse pistols and after several hairbreath escapes succeeded in reaching a British garrison and voluntarily listed a common Sargeant in Thompson's Light Horse Dragoons. He served through the war and was rewarded with confiscation of his property, his real estate said to be worth $4,000 and with a distressed and persecuted family sought refuge in New Brunswick, and on the 18th day of May 1783, landed from the transport ship "Sally" at Saint John before there was a house built within the bounds of the present city and only one house in Carleton opposite the harbor where Justus Seelye laid the foundation and built the first saw mill in the Province of New Brunswick. His family consisted of his wife Sarah Stuart and three sons, Orange SEELYE, Stuart SEELYE and Justus SEELYE, the two former settled in St. George, N.B. The writer's father, Stuart Seelye married Rebecca Milliken who was born at Castine, as before noticed, she was the mother of 18 children of whom some mention will be made at the close of this narrative. My grandfather, Justus Seelye removed to Upper Canada with his wife and youngest son Justus. He visited New Brunswick in 1812 and at that time Canada was threatened by the United States, he refused to prolong his visit in St. George, but hastened in return, saying that he must go and help defend his family and dear bought country, and when he arrived home his son Justus was drafted for actual service. His father volunteered to take his son's place and was accepted. He was employed making gun carriages, served some nine months but owing to a threatened demonstration of the enemy, he wrought beyond his strength; his once iron frame gave way under mental care and bodily toil; he died in camp the night of the memorable battle of Lundy's Lane. Thus passed away the spirit of a brave man, devoted to his family, his country and his God. The writer's father, Stuart Seelye, cultivated a farm in St. George, followed lumbering in the winter and by industry supported a very large family while the country was in a wilderness state, but for want of efficient schools were deprived of the ordinary means of education, which he lamented as one of the greatest afflictions connected with leaving his native country, but he hoped better privileges would attend his posterity. Thus he lived in hope and died in hope of a glorious mortality, the 15th August 1838 in the 69th year of his age. About six years after the death of Stuart Seelye, his dwelling was consumed by fire and the youngest branches of the family, with the exception of one, subsequently settled in the United States and our widowed mother took refuge under the roof and protection of the writer, where she enjoyed comparative repose ten years, resigned to the will of God, and on the 22nd of September 1854, in the 76th year of her age, fell asleep in the arms of her Redeemer. The three eldest sons of Stuart and Rebecca Seelye were subject to great hardships in the lumber woods from an early age. The writer camped out twenty winters in succession and in common with his two elder brothers stood in the breach of political strife. ... The late Colonel Henry SEELYE was the eldest of the family, he was eventually unsuccessful in business and moved to California and in 1858, 64 years of age, rested his bones on the Pacific Shore. All of his family, with the exception of two. have settled in the States. Philo SEELYE was the second son of Stuart and Rebecca Seelye. He held the deacon's office in the Baptist Church in St. George some thirty years, on the 9th Jan. 1857, passed away in the 62nd year of his age. His family has also settled in the States. The writer, Edward Seelye, is the third son, 62 years of age, he claims to have his share of afflictions, has buried six children, two only survive, a son and a daughter who with their mother remain in St. George, N.B. The writer was successful in business, built a mill in St. George at the expense of $ 4,000, mortgaged his property to pay the bill. Owing to his integrity refused to support some political aspirants, incurred displeasure and some of the baser sort of the community were prompted to deeds of daring and crime. The operation of the mill was conducted by his son and was the principal means of support, it took fire and was consumed. The writer sought employment in the United States. (abridged)

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Stuart “Stewart, Steward” Seelye's memorial?
Stuart “Stewart, Steward” Seelye's memorial is located at: St. George First Community Cemetery, Saint George, Charlotte County, Canada.
When did Stuart “Stewart, Steward” Seelye death?
Stuart “Stewart, Steward” Seelye death on 5 Aug 1838 in New Brunswick, Canada

Family Members:

Spouse

Rebecca Milliken Seelye

(1779 - 1854)

Children

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Cook Family Plot
Back Bay, Charlotte County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.0515340, -66.7918470

2. Crow Island Cemetery
Back Bay, Charlotte County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.1794310, -66.9882180

3. Hanley Family Plot
Back Bay, Charlotte County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.1802150, -66.9900210

4. Leavitt Head Cemetery
Back Bay, Charlotte County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.1755560, -66.9880560

5. Theriault's Field Cemetery
Back Bay, Charlotte County, Canada

6. Baillie Cemetery
Baillie, Charlotte County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.2086832, -66.8435003

7. Basswood Ridge Cemetery
Basswood Ridge, Charlotte County, Canada

8. Sandy Point Cemetery
Bayside, Charlotte County, Canada

9. United Baptist Old Cemetery
Bayside, Charlotte County, Canada

10. Harbour View Cemetery
Beaver Harbour, Charlotte County, Canada

11. Bethel Church of the Transfiguration Cemetery
Bethel, Charlotte County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.1178270, -66.8723510

12. Blacks Harbour Community Cemetery
Blacks Harbour, Charlotte County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.4101155, -67.4500838

13. Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church Cemetery
Blacks Harbour, Charlotte County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.0515340, -66.7918470

14. Bocabec Baptist Cemetery
Bocabec, Charlotte County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.1794310, -66.9882180

15. Bocabec Community Cemetery
Bocabec, Charlotte County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.1802150, -66.9900210

16. Bocabec Presbyterian Cemetery
Bocabec, Charlotte County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.1755560, -66.9880560

17. Turner Family Cemetery
Bocabec, Charlotte County, Canada

18. Campbell Family Cemetery
Bonny River, Charlotte County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.2086832, -66.8435003

19. Anderson Family Cemetery
Breadalbane, Charlotte County, Canada

20. Mann Family Cemetery
Breadalbane, Charlotte County, Canada

21. Dunham Field
Caithness, Charlotte County, Canada

22. Dunham Plot
Caithness, Charlotte County, Canada

23. McLeod Plot
Caithness, Charlotte County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.1178270, -66.8723510

24. Loon Bay Cemetery
Canoose, Charlotte County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.4101155, -67.4500838