An American Family History

James Seeley was born in 1765 in Albany County, York. His parents were Augustus Seeley and Mary Brisbin.

He married Elizabeth Manhard.

David Seeley (1793),
Mary Seeley
Elizabeth Seeley
James Seeley, Jr.
Jane Seeley
Lewis Seeley

His second wife was named Mary Polly

Margaret Seeley
Joseph Seeley,
Philip Seeley
Augustus Seeley
Anna Seeley
Peet Seeley

During the American Revolution, James served with his father. When he was 12 or 13 hedrove cattle to General Burgoyne's army.

When he was 16 he enlisted as a private in Rogers Corp.

He received land in Lancaster with his father.

James Seely: …Maketh oath and saith that his Father's name was Gustice Seely his brother's name is Joseph his sons are as follows: David Seely, James Seely, Joseph Seely Philip Seely Gustice Seely and Peet Seely. My daughters names are as follows. Polly Jane Margrett and Anny Seely . All the above vhildren drew land from the government with the exception of my son James that was killed and…that now maketh appreciation James X Seely. 

They later settled in Elizabethtown.

In 1801 he was listed in the Elizabethtown census with Elizabeth and 4 children.

In 1807 James sold his Lot 25 in Lancaster to John McLennan. 

During the War of 1812, he served in the militia, On July 25, 1814 he was taken prisoner at the Battle of Lundy's Lane (also called the Battle of Niagra Falls). He was disabled because of severe cold caught while on his escape from the U.S.

James Seeley: Land Petition: James Seely of the Township of Elizabethtown in said District…personally appeared before me …at the commencement of the Revolutionary War in the Colonies of Great Britain in North America he was between twelve and thirteen years of age and together with his Father and several …British …he was employed to drive cattle to the Army of Gen'l Burgoin, …stationed at Saratoga and upon one occasion was with his Father made a prisoner…affected his escape after a detention of about three weeks. This deponent …that by his advice of his Father he enlisted in Col Rogers Corps in which he served till the end of the war a period of 2 about two years that immediately previous to his … he was … by his officers at Isle Aux Noix 2 to carry letters between there and St… L.C. [Lower Canada]. This deponents petition…that all his children with the exception of Peet Seely … statement of fact……James X Seely (his mark) [133f] Sworn before me at North Augusta in said District the 25 day of April 18?6 having been first duly read over and explained the above Sam'l H Bellamy J.P.