Augustus Zieley/ Seeley

Also spelled Cely, Scellie, Seley, Seeley, Seelye, Zieley

• Son of Obadiah Seely and Mary Angell
• Birth: circa 1739 in Boston, New England, United States
• Death: 1811 in Elizabethtown, Upper Canada
• Augustus Seeley (Seelye) and Mary Brisbin Loyalists in Elizabethtown Leeds, Upper Canada.
• Military Service: Joined the New York Provincial Troups serving under Jeffrey Amherst on April 9,1760 in Queens County, New York, United States
• Residence Date: 1776 in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer, New York, United States

Married

• Married: Mary Sarah Brisbin in 1759 in Albany, Albany, New York, United States, born in 1740 in Ireland. Daughter of Admiral James Brisbin and Margaret C. Carruth.

Children

• Margaret Seeley (1761, married Philip Lebbeus Wickware and Benjamin Salts), born in 1761 in Albany County, New York, United States. Margaret Seeley Wickwire: To his Excellency the Governor in Council The Petition of Margaret Wickwire Daughter of Augustus Seely Most Humbly Shewith That by virtue of an order of His Excellency the Governor n Council for the 9th of November 1787 your Petitioner being married and the Daughter of Augustus Seely who joined the Royal Standard before the Treaty of Separation in 1783 conceives herself entitled to Two Hundred acres of land. An Prays it might be granted her. County of Grenville Augus 20 1793] Margret Wickwire X, RG 01, Series C13, Vol 080 p 002
• Carrie Seeley (1763), born in 1783 in Saratoga, Albany, New York, United States. She must of died early.
• James Seeley (1765, married Elizabeth Manhard), born about 1764 in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer, New York, United States. 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.
• Ruth Seeley (1768, married Samuel Judson), born about 1766 in Albany, New York, United States. Ruth Seely Judson: Her petition is so light it can't be read. It is recorded in National Archives RG 01, Series C 14, Vol 002, p 037.
• Jane Seeley (1771, married John Elliot), born in 1771 in Albany County, New York, British Colonial America. Jane Seely Elliott: RG 01, Series C 14, Vol 001, p 132. Her 200 acres were in Wolford Twp on Concession 3, Lot 19.
• Mary Seeley (1774, married Joseph Falkner), born on October 20, 1774 in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer, New York, United States. Mary Seely Falkner: RG 01, Series C13, Bol 080, p 011, Her 200 ares were in Elmsley Twp. Her children were christened in St Andrews Presbyterian Church at Glengarry, Williamstown.
• Elizabeth Seeley (1776, married Samuel Nichol), born on February 5, 1776 in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer, New York, United States.
• Anny Seeley (1779, married David Lakin), born on April 14, 1779 in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer, New York, United States. Anna Seely Lakin: In the property owners book for Leeds and Grenville, Co. Kitley Twp… there is an Anna Lakin noted on Concession 5, Lot 19, 200 acres 30June 1801. Her petition is the same as the others. 166a.
• Sarah Seeley (1780, married Hazard Wilcox). born on November 16, 1780 in Saratoga, Albany, New York, United States. Baptized on Baptism Record: June 14 1783 in Albany, Albany County, New York, United States. Sarah Seely Wilcox: The Petition of Sarah Willcox, wife of Hasard Willcox, of Loughborough in the Midland District, Yoeman, Humbly Shewith…That you Petitioner is the daughter of Augustus Seeley deceased, a U. E. Loyalist, that she is if the age of twenty one years, and that she has never received any land, or order for land from the Crown. Your Petitioner, therefore, prays your Excellency will be pleased to grant her 200 acres of the Wasteland of the Township of Earnest Town [now Bath] and permit William Willcox of the Twp of Earnest Town, Yeoman, to…take on this…when completed… Ernest Town, Jany 30th 1811…Sworn before me at Etnest Town …William Faifield JP [William's wife was Sabra Fairfield daughter of William Fairfield, whose house is still standing in Bath.] William Willcox maketh oath and saith that she is the person she describes herself to be…signed by Wm. Willcox.
• Joseph Seeley (1781). Born on May 21, 1783 in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer, New York, United States. Joseph Seely: "Joseph…was a Militiaman. In 1801 took the Oath of Allegiance. In 1807 he petitioned for 200 acres of land (as a loyalist son), and received a patent for a lot on Lake Gananoque in Leeds & Landsdowne Twp., on March 24, 1812. Here Seely might have spent a life toiling in happy obscurity but for the intervention of the War of 1812. "As became a good subject, "he volunteered for duty and served nine months with Captain Charles Jones' dragoons. He then enlisted in the 1st Leeds Militia., enticed by Captain Adiel Sherwood's "promise of a Sergeants situation and rations for my small family." The higher pay must have seemed a boon to a prospective young farmer and the supply of provisions essential to a family dependent upon the male to clear, sow, and harvest the land. In Qpril 1813 the newly enlisted men were ordered to Prescott where they were divided into companies the following month, Seely's hopes were quickly scotched. Since Sherwood had failed to recruit the required quota for his unit, Seely was assigned to Captain Archibald McLean's company as a private. The promotion to sergeant was not forthcoming and the rations for his family were never issued. After serving briefly under McLean, Seely was transferred to the "Engineer Employ". Aggrieved, dispirited, and no doubt anxious about his family, the young soldier deserted in late August. About 20 November he was captured in the enemy's camp on the American shore by a party of Leeds and Grenville militia led by Captain Herman Landen…Charged with desertion to the enemy while aiding "in piloting the enemies boat he was tried before a court martial at Kingston on 10 Dec. 1813. The court was composed of 13 of the leading militia officers of the Johnstown, Midland and Eastern Districts. The prosecution was handled by the acting judge advocate general. Seely was left to conduct his own defense – a daunting task for a mere private; he pleaded not guilty…he handled his defense with marked aplomb. He did not deny the charges but emphasized a family and personal history of loyalty, a laudable record of military service and a reasonable motive for desertion – the breaking of the promise that occasioned his enlistment. Seely's previous record was not disputed. In testifying to his loyalty, Landen who had known the prisoner for 16 or 18 years, stated, "No one would I have ventured my life with sooner…" He also mentioned that Seely had fought with "some Americans…on account of their celebrating the independence." After his capture Seely's behavior was extraordinary. Landen related how he "cried very much and said although you were a prisoner, you were going to a Country you loved, and that you had not been contented since you left it." Seely's speech in his own defense did not attempt to prove his innocence but rather addressed the circumstances of the case. His loyalty was instinctive, inspired by the attachments of family and by traditions learned from a loyalist father . "I reluctantly left the Country in which I have been brought up from my childhood and to which I was attached by all the ties of Loyalty. Friends and Kindred not with the smallest or most distant ideas of aiding or assisting in the service of an enemy that I have always been taught to detest…With such a parent to instill the principles of loyalty into his family, it is almost impossible for any member of it to have any attachment to any other government than to which he belongs…"His motivation was simply a sense of injustice – "I considered my promise to serve as void." All the conditions of his enlistment had been broken. Although he had been an acting sergeant for a few days. Seely's

An American Family History, Augustus Seeley

Transcript

Augustus Seeley was born about 1739 in Massachusetts. His parents were Obadiah Seeley and Mary Angle Miller. He was a hatter. He married Mary Brisbin. Mary was born in 1740 in Ireland. Margaret Seeley (1761, married Philip Lebbeus Wickware and Benjamin Salts), Carrie Seeley (1763), James Seeley (1765, married Elizabeth Manhard), Ruth Seeley (1768, married Samuel Judson), Jane Seeley (1771, married John Elliot), Mary Seeley (1774, married Joseph Falkner), Elizabeth Seeley (1776, married Samuel Nichol), Annie Seeley (1779, married David Lakin), Sarah Seeley (1780, married Hazard Wilcox), and Joseph Seeley (1781). They lived in Albany County, New York,

Detail

Name, names of children and their birthdates, Augustus military history, Other information In 1775 he was listed among the first men to join the Loyalist leader, Sir John Johnson. September 14, 1777 James and Augustus were hired to herd General Burgoyne's cattle during the Battle of Saratoga. On October 14, 1777, Burgoyne realized that the loyalist troops were surrounded and advised them to escape to Canada. Augustus and James did not escape and were confined for several weeks until they escaped. He was in Captain James Campbell's unit during the American Revolution. In 1783, Sir John Johnson organized an evacuation to Canada with 800 United Empire Loyalists. The families made their way through the wilderness. They used canoes to ford the streams and carried their possessions on their backs. When they got to Montreal they took bateaux up the St. Lawrence River. The Government land office was located at New Johnstown near Cornwall, Ontario. The Loyalists showed their military records and received land grants for their service. In 1784 Augustus and his son James signed the Land Petition. "That your Petitioners were amongst the first settled on His Majesty's Lands, the year 1784." In 1792 Augustus Cely, John Ceas, and James Selely signed "The Petition of the Inhabitants of Lancaster Township." That your petitioners have always been loyal Subjects, and were the first who joined Sir John Johnson, Baronet, the year 1775 and followed him to Canada the year 1776 and served in his Regiment all the time of the late Rebellion, that your Petitioners were amongst the first who settled on His Majesty's Lands, the year 1784, … They settled in Elizabethtown, Leeds County, Ontario. He was listed on the Elizabethtown census 1796, 1801, and 1802. In 1804 Augustus sold Lots 20and 21 in Lancaster to Jacob Snyder and Josef Snyder. Augustus died in 1811 in Elizabethtown.

Augustus Seeley Timeline & History

Original Document downloaded from jhow.org/genealogy/histories/AugustusSeeleyTimeline.doc, 1 Sept 2013. Augustus Seeley Timeline with some Hazard Wilcox historical entries. Augustus Seeley has been identified by DNA as likely a descendant of Obadiah Seeley, christened 5 June 1614 in St Martins Parish, Birmingham, England. Son of William Seeley and Alyce Bissell. He married Mary Angel Miller in Stamford CT, died 25 Aug 1657 Stamford. (See Seeley Genealogical Society #4)

• 1739 - Augustus Seeley, born in New England, probably Boston. Birth date estimated from his age [19] when he joined the New York Provincial Corps.
• 1760 - April 9 Joined the New York Provincial Troops in Queen's County New York during the French and Indian Seven Years War. He listed his occupation as a hatter. His son Joseph later stated that his father had served under Jeffery Amherst during the Seven Years War. And in the Corps of Capt. James Campbell during the American Revolution. "Augustus was on the United Loyalist list for Lancaster TWSP in Upper Canada (U C) and was called Gustus." Robert Seeley Ottawa, Canada
• 1758 - 63Amherst's (Lord Jeffrey) 15th Regiment of Foot Soldiers – Capture of Louisbourg and Gaspe, Siege of Quebec including Plains of Abraham, Battle of Ste. Foy, Surrender of Montreal. British Regiments in North America 1755 – 1763 Compiled by Robert Henderson Met and married Mary Brisbin while serving with her brothers. A daughter of James Brisbin and Margaret Carruth, she was born in Ireland.
• 1761 - June 18, listed with Provincial Troops again in Albany in Capt Lents Co, age 22 from Boston, 5' 9 tall, a hatter, with Lt. Bardrick.
• 1761 - child Margaret born in Albany Co. In 1801 she was listed in the Elizabethtown census as Margaret Wickwire with Labroris and four children: Philip, Mary, Labroris Jr and Jane. In 1804 census Labroris was missing. 1762Carrie born in Albany Co. there is no evidence she came to Canada. Nothing more is known about her. It is likely she died young.
• 1765 - James born in Albany Co. Listed in 1801 Elizabethtown census as spouse of Elizabeth (Manhard) with 4 children. He married (1) Elizabeth Manhard – children: David, Mary Elizabeth, James JR. Jane, Lewis. Mrd (2) Mary Polly – children: Margrett, Joseph, Philip, Augustus, Anna & Peet.
• James served with Augustus during Revolutionary War. Earliest mention of him was at age 12/13 driving cattle with his father to Gen. Burgoyne's army. At 16 he enlisted as a private in Rogers Corp., his fathers old unit. (Augustus would have become acquainted with Col. Rogers during the French & Indian War.) He received land in Lancaster along with his father, Sir Johnston and Sir Johnston's Scots. He later settled in Elizabethtown. He served in the War of 1812 in the Militia, was taken prisoner at the battle Lundy's Lane, declared he was a cripple because of severe cold caught while on his escape from the U.S.²
• 1766 - Ruth born in Albany Co. In 1801 census listed as spouse of Sam Judson with three children: Lewis, Samuel & Abigail. By 1807 there were other children Silus, Labeus, Anna & Rebecca.
• "Hazard and Eunice Wilcox came to the Hoosic Valley from Rhode Islnad with two or three children after the end of the French and Indian War." War Over Waloomscoick, Phillip Lord JR. 1771
• Jane born in Albany Co. In 1801 census listed as spouse of John Elliott with John Jr. By 1807 there were three more children: Jane, Sarah and Clarinda.
• 1772 - Augustus was listed in Loyalists of the American Revolution as living in Saratoga.
• 1774 - 20 Oct, Mary baptized in Schaghticoke Protestant Dutch Reformed Church. In 1801 census she is listed as spouse of Joseph Faulkner with four children. Interestingly, the children's names were Eleanor, William, Augustus and Mary – her parents, his parents respectfully. "It should be noted that English families occasionally had children baptized in the Dutch churches, and the records should be checked for their name (often written phonetically in Dutch). Religious Records of Queens and Nassau Counties, by Harry Macy, Jr., F.A.S.G.,F.G.V.S. [Note: this was true of the Scaghticoke Dutch Reformed, as evidenced by the number of other than Dutch entries. The other entries did not include witnesses as required by the Dutch. Zieley is pronounced Seeley by the Dutch]
• 1775 - Augustus among the first to join Sir John Johnson, Baronet…and followed him to Canada the year 1776 and served in his Regiment all the time of late Rebellion." The Petition of the Inhabitants of Lancaster Township, dated June 23, 1792.
• During the winter of 1775-1776 - Sir John Johnson, was given the task of forming a battalion from those of his settlers who had escaped with him. As month followed month and the war continued more and more of his settlers made their escape form the Mohawk Valley and joined his battalion. This battalion grew large enough to be split into two battalions which formed a regiment officially known as the King's Royal Regiment of New York and unofficially called the Royal Yorkers or Johnson's Greens. History of Glengarry, by Royce MacGillivray and Ewan Ross.
• 1776 Feb 2 or 5th - Elizabeth baptized in Schaghticoke Protestant Dutch Reformed Church. In Elizabethtown census listed as spouse of Samuel Nichol.
• May 6, 1776 - I joined the Kings Royal Regiment of New York (KRRNY) on May 6 1776. From Dec 24, 1777. We were at LaPrairie. We were quartered at Lachine, Quebec, from Oct 25 – Nov 1780. I had served with the Royal Yorkers Regiment from Mar 25th – Apr 24th and from Aug 24, 1781 to Sept 24, 1781, still receiving provisions at Lachine, Que. My son, Hugh was taken off the provisions list as he was 13 years* old and was fit for service." [italics added] From the journals of a family that had migrated to America from the Scotland Highlands with Sir John Johnson. They occupied Johnson's rental lands in Tryon Co until the beginning of the American Revolution, The Haldimand papers - Return of the Loyalists.* [* This is significant because Augustus' son James, age 13, in the military, accompanied his father while driving cattle from Saratoga to Burgoyne's troops. It was likely he had reached an age to be taken off provisions.] June 8"Guy Carlton, later known as Lord Dorchester, appointed Sir John Johnston Lieut. Col. Commandant and ordered him to organize the Kings Royal Regiment of New York [KRRNY] from the frontiers of New York. Letter from Guy Carleton to Barrington
• 1777 - June 6, The Battle of Oriskany, "The bloodiest battle of the Revolution". A mixed force of regulars, Loyalists, and Indians ambush the Tryon County militia on its way to relieve Fort Stanwix (Oriskany). After hours of fighting, the militia withdrew, taking their mortally wounded leader Nicholas Herkimer with them. The Tryon County militia under Herkimer with about 200 men from Tryon were ambushed by Col Sir John Johnson with a large force of Indians and loyalists also known as Kings Royal Regiment of New York. (Johnson was returning from a forced exile in Quebec.)
• 16/17 Aug - Battle of Bennington at Waloomscoick. The Battle was fought in Walloomscoik, much of it on Loyalist Spy Hazard Wilcox's property. The battle under General John Burgoyne was lost and Hazard and his family were forced to flee their homes. He fled to Quebec.
• 14 Sep - while living at old Saratoga Augustus and son James were hired along with several Loyalists to herd General Burgoyne's cattle during The Battle of Saratoga.
• 19 Sep - First Battle of Saratoga. Continentals under Horatio Gates try to turn back Burgoyne's advance at Freeman's Farm.
• 16 Oct - Gen. Burgoyne, realizing the Loyalist troops were surrounded, advised them to escape to Upper Canada, as he was going to surrender the next day. Many did escape but Augustus & James decided to stay as Mary and the girls were too young or weak for the hazardous trip north. Augustus & James were confined to a camp but escaped after two weeks.
• Dec 10 - Peter Van Alstine was listed as a Captain in a Return of Conventioners in Quebec City. A good number of the twenty-six men accompanying Van Alstine were associates of the Captain during the militant struggle around Kinderhook. From Quebec City, the Van Alstine group moved up the St Lawrence river to Pointe au Tremble. However, "There being no accommodation for further employ [ment] in Canada, " Van Alstine prepared his group to leave for New York City where they could again be useful in the war effort. They returned to Quebec City after their first winter of exile and prepared to depart during the summer of 1778. Described as a "Party of Royalists under command of Peter Van Alstine going to New York on the Mary." [ Hazard Wilcox is listed as Captain along with Captain Peter Van Alstine. Voyage of a Different Kind, Larry Turner]
• 1779 Apr 14 - Annie baptized in Schaghticoke Protestant Dutch Reformed Church. Born in Albany Co. Listed in 1802 Elizabethtown census with spouse David Laken and three children: Heman/Hiram, Eunis and John.
• 1780 - James Seeley testified in land petition: "He was between 12 and 13 years of age and together with his father [Augustus] he was employed to drive cattle to the army of Gen'l Burgoins (sic) then stationed at Saratoga, and upon one occasion was with - his Father made a prisoner, (illeg) effected his escape after a detention of about two weeks…that by the advice of his Father he enlisted in Col Rogers Corps in which he served till the end of the war a period of about two years."
• Feb 3 - Battle at Young's House. Hazard Wilcox was mortally wounded…"the same day as his wife and five children arrived to be with him. He died several days later. Eunice languished for a couple of months and then died." Sarah Wilcox's land petition to the Crown. Battle at Young's House (Four Corners) under the command of Lt Col. Norton, a Guards officer, with the 1st and 2nd Regts. Of Guards, 100 Hessian infantry…and 40 of Col. James de Lancey's Westchester Tories, all mounted…cut off and captured a nine-man outpost and opened a long-range fire while waiting for the main body to come up. Within 15 min's Norton had enveloped Thompson's, who with five Conn. companies were patrolling turbulent White Plains. Norton had five killed and 18 wounded. Encyclopedia of American Revolution.. by Mark M. Boatner III p1250 Johnson's raiding force leaves Oswego. His troops consist of men from the 8th and 84th regiments, his Royal Greens Rangers. Artillery and Indians totaling about 600 men.
• Nov 16 - Sarah born in Albany Co. There is no evidence that Augustus lived in Schaghticoke so it may be assumed the children baptized in Schaghticoke church were born in Saratoga. In 1801 census Sarah and Joseph were only children living with Augustus and Mary. She was gone from 1802 census which establishes approximate marriage date to Hazard Wilcox JR. Sarah and Hazard's children were Mary, Sarah, William Augustus, Eunice, Sabrah, Jonathan, James & Joseph (twins), Stevens, Clarissa Jane & Lemuel (twins), John Henry Owen & James & Hazard twins.
• 1783 - After the war was over Sir John Johnson organized a trek to Upper Canada with 800 United Empire Loyalists. These families had to make their way through wilderness, using canoes on the streams. They carried as many household goods as possible on their backs. From Montreal they used military bateaux [flat bottom boats] to carry them up the streams of the St Lawrence River until they reached the vicinity of Lake St Francis. The Government land office was located at New Johnstown near Cornwall, Ontario. The Loyalists showed their military records before receiving their deeds for land grants which were given to the soldiers for their service. Mc McGillis was listed on Oct 16, 1784 , a return of disbanded soldiers. McGillis Family by Clarence A Kipling. The signing of the Treaty of Paris (1783), which recognized the independence of the United States, was the final blow for the Loyalists. Faced with further mistreatment and the hostility of their countrymen, and wishing to live as British subjects, Loyalists who had remained in the Thirteen Colonies during the war now were faced with exile. Those who wished to remain in North America had two choices: Nova Scotia (Maritimes) or Quebec (Ontario-Quebec).
• 21 May - Joseph³ baptized in Schaghticoke Protestant Dutch Reformed Church. In Canada he was granted land near Lake Gananoqui. He lived at home with Augustus & Mary until 1807 when census listed him living with sister Anny, her husband David Lakins and their two children. During the War of 1812 Joseph would be tried for desertion & treason. He talked his way out of the charge by telling of his father's high values on loyalty. He said that no member of the family would even think of anything but loyalty to the Crown. He stated that his loyalty was instinctive, inspired by the attachment of family. He received a conditional pardon. Military C series: C166 p 53 Apr 1814, letter Lt Gen Drummond to N. Fleet. See also McMillan Dictionary of Canadian Biographies by S. Stewart Wallace.³
• May 26 - Governor General, Sir Frederick Haldimand, gave orders to his surveyor general Samuel Holland to lay out new townships along the St. Lawrence River beginning at Point au Baudet, the western boundary of M.de Longueil's seigneury (territory). Here the former tenants of Sir John and Sir William Johnson drew the numbers of the lots of their new homes in Canada from a hat. They appear to have traded among themselves with old neighbours in Canada." History of Glengarry, Royce MacGillivray and Ewan Ross
• 14 June - Sarah baptized in Schaghticoke Protestant Dutch Reformed Church. November "The British acquired the land from Cataraqui to the Trent River from the Missisaug Indians." Sir John Johnson The Cataraqui Settlement included Kingston, Ernestown, Adolphustown, Marysburgh, Sophiasburgh, Ameliasburgh, Sidney, Thurlow and Richmond Townships. Most of the stranded Associated Loyalists went to New Brunswick except for those with Michael Glass, John Johnson and Edward Jessup. They were the Cataraqui (now Kingston), Adolphustown settlers (Glass statement) Surveying of townships began late in 1783. It was not until June 1785 the plan was complete. The evolution of a typical Loyalist homestead. A rough-hewn shanty was the first priority, followed by a barn, a log cabin and other out buildings.
• 1784 - Augustus signed the Land Petition along with Thomas Ban Ross, John Snyder, James Young and James Seeley . "That your Petitioners were amongst the first settled on His Majesty's Lands, the year 1784." [Both Augustus and James signatures are written with an 'X'. The petitioners include the name of David See. However the person who entered both Augustus and David's names spelled them with a "C". James name is spelled 'Seeley'.]
• 1785 - First grist mill was built on the Cataraqui River at Kingston and provided free milling to farmers from Brockville through to the Bay of Quinte. 1786 Apr 15August Seeley, American Loyalist claims of 2nd March 1786 rejected.¹
• 1787 Nov 9 - In Margaret's petition to the Crown she stated she was married and the daughter of Augustus Seely who joined the Royal Standard before the Treaty of Separation in 1783.
• 1788 - Anglican Missionary John Langhorn came from New York and walked through Ernestown and Fredericksburg. He walked because he couldn't trust his great weight on a horse.
• 1792 - The Petition of the Inhabitants of Lancaster Township. "That your petitioners have always been loyal Subjects, and were the first who joined Sir John Johnson, Baronet, the year 1775 and followed him to Canada the year 1776 and served in his Regiment all the time of the late Rebellion, that your Petitioners were amongst the first who settled on His Majesty's Lands, the year 1784, …" The signatures include: Thomas Ban Ross, George Sutherland, John Snyder, James Young, Augustus Cely (sic), John Ceas (sic), and James Selely. [Augustus Seeley and John Sees signed with an 'X'. Both names are entered by someone else with a C and is evidently a misspelling.]
• 1796 - Augustin listed in the Elizabethtown census. Other Selee (sic) heads of families were Justus and Peet. Also listed was Wickwire (Margaret) & Falkner (Mary).
• 1700 - Lancaster Twp. Third Concession, Lots 20, 21, 25 granted to Augustus Sealey. It is not likely he lived there. He was listed on the Elizabethtown census 1796, 1801 1802. There was no census in 1797-99, However all of his children and their families are included in the various censuses. Sarah was listed in 1801, but not 1802. [Mrg to Hazard Wilcox Jr,]
• 1804 16 July - Augustus sold Lot 20and 21 in Lancaster to Jacob Snyder and Josef Snyder respectfully. 1807 16 Apr Augustus' son James sold Lot 25 in Lancaster to John McLennan.
• 1804 - Elizabethtown census listed 'Fam No' 272, Mary Selee & Joseph Selee. [It seems the spelling of the names on the census varied, yearly by the recorder.]
• 1808 - Elizabethtown head of house census listed Mrs Seely living alone near Joseph Seely, Joseph & Mary Falkner, David & Anny Laken and John & Jane Eliot.
• 1811 - Augustus died in Elizabethtown, Upper Canada. [May have been living with his son James.
• Oct 1873 - Augustus proxy baptism by John Henry Wilcox in the Endowment House, (GS ser. No 183385, Book D, pg 377, #17314.)
• Augustus Seeley is a descendant of Obadiah Seeley of Birmingham England, who settled in Stamford CT, near Bedford, N. Y. I haven't found a connection between Augustus Seeley of Saratoga and the Van Ziele's of Schenectady or Schoharie. Nor a connection to the French Uzieles. The only connection to the Dutch Reformed Church is the baptisms of the younger children in the Schaghticoke Protestant Dutch Reformed Church. I didn't find Van Zieles in Schaghticoke Augustus is not listed among the members. "It should be noted that English families occasionally had children baptized in the Dutch churches, and the records should be checked for their names (often written phonetically in Dutch)." NYG&B Newsletter, Spring 2003, page 9
• [In old documents I have made minor spelling a initial cap corrections to make them easier to read. Also if the entries are illegible I have inserted three dots. Dian Wilcox Little.]
• ¹American Loyalist Claim: Public Record Office, London, copy on behalf of Public Archives of Canada (now called the National Archives) Claims, American Loyalists, Series II, Number 81, New Claims, Canada. Augustus Seely, 15 Apr 1786, Rejected.
• Estimate of the Real and Personal Estate of Augustus Seley in the County of Albany in the Province of New York according to the value thereof in April 1775. Patents Sarratoga (sic): Quantity of Acres )none listed) Descriptions 07 (?) acres wheat, 5 acres of Good meadow, 3 cows, 4 Oxen, 1 heifer, 5 sheep, 1 hog, 1 horse and saddle, 1 iron post. Total Value New York currency (Pounds) 106…16, Sterling 60 -1 6. Augustin Seely X his mark. Augustus Seley late of Province of New York, but now of the Province of Quebeck (sic) maketh oath and saith that he resided at Sarratoga in the Province of New York from the 15th July 1783 to the 25th March 1784 and this Deponenet further saith that he is utterly incapable of preferring or Delivering to the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament (sic) passed (?) in the 23 (?) year of his present Majesty entitled an act for Appointing Commissioners to Enquire into the (illeg) and Services of all such persons who have suffered in their rights, properties & professions during the late unhapply dessentions in America in consequence of their Loyalty to his Majesty and Attachments to the British Government or at their Office. Any memorial, claims or request for aid or relief on account of the Deponents before and during the late unhapply dessentions in America within the time allowed (sic) by the said Act for the receiving of such claims by reason that this Deponent during all such time Viz between the 15th July 1783 and the 25th March living or residing at Sarratoga as a Loyalist. Augustus Seely X his mark. Sworn 2nd March 1786. [Received courtesy of Joan Seeley Mushka)

Land Petitions

• To His Excellancy Gen'l Simcoe Governor of Upper Canada The Petition of the Inhabitants of Lancaster Township most humbly shewith That your petitioners and have always been loyal subjects and were the first who joined Sir John Johnson, Baronet, the year 1775 & followed him to Canada in 1776 and served in his Regt all the time of the late Rebellion, that you Petitioners were amongst the first who settled on his Majesty's Lands the year 1784, that notwithstanding our repeated application to have our land surveyed it is still undone, for the most part. Your Excellency will soon discover by the enclosed that we have taken every step we could in order to have the land for which Recd Certificates (5 years ago) Surveyed but to no purpose. We humbly pray your Excellency will be pleased to order the said Township to be surveyed, and to give direction that the Surveyor will begin at Lot No 14, 3 concession where Mr Patrick McNiff and…left off. Then to run between us & the late Emigrants on that side and at the same time to run our family lands in the 9th Concession, at which time it will appear whether of not the Emigrants have been placed on our lands or not. Resting satisfied that your Excellency will be pleased to grant our request, when your Excellency will have been pleased to peruse the within, which will show our situation and how we have been dealt with. Your Petitioners will in duty bound for ever Pray [36 signatures headed by the following] William Faulkner, Walter Sutherland, Duncan Murchison, John McDougald, David Green [6 of the name Ross] James Young, David See, Jacob Snyder Jer X Snyder, Jas X Seely, George Sutherland, Jos, Sutherland, Jno Curry…NB four of the inhabitants will assist the surveying party. Vol 306, Petition 30½c; Lancaster 23 June 1792.
• 1 Margaret Seeley Wickwire: To his Excellency the Governor in Council The Petition of Margaret Wickwire Daughter of Augustus Seely Most Humbly Shewith That by virtue of an order of His Excellency the Governor n Council for the 9th of November 1787 your Petitioner being married and the Daughter of Augustus Seely who joined the Royal Standard before the Treaty of Separation in 1783 conceives herself entitled to Two Hundred acres of land. An Prays it might be granted her. County of Grenville Augus 20 1793] Margret Wickwire X, RG 01, Series C13, Vol 080 p 002
• 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.
• Ruth Seely Judson: Her petition is so light it can't be read. It is recorded in National Archives RG 01, Series C 14, Vol 002, p 037.
• Jane Seely Elliott: RG 01, Series C 14, Vol 001, p 132. Her 200 acres were in Wolford Twp on Concession 3, Lot 19
• Mary Seely Falkner: RG 01, Series C13, Bol 080, p 011, Her 200 ares were in Elmsley Twp. Her children were christened in St Andrews Presbyterian Church at Glengarry, Williamstown.
• Anna Seely Lakin: In the property owners book for Leeds and Grenville, Co. Kitley Twp… there is an Anna Lakin noted on Concession 5, Lot 19, 200 acres 30June 1801. Her petition is the same as the others. 166a
• Sarah Seely Wilcox: The Petition of Sarah Willcox, wife of Hasard Willcox, of Loughborough in the Midland District, Yoeman, Humbly Shewith…That you Petitioner is the daughter of Augustus Seeley deceased, a U. E. Loyalist, that she is if the age of twenty one years, and that she has never received any land, or order for land from the Crown. Your Petitioner, therefore, prays your Excellency will be pleased to grant her 200 acres of the Wasteland of the Township of Earnest Town [now Bath] and permit William Willcox of the Twp of Earnest Town, Yeoman, to…take on this…when completed… Ernest Town, Jany 30th 1811…Sworn before me at Etnest Town …William Faifield JP [William's wife was Sabra Fairfield daughter of William Fairfield, whose house is still standing in Bath.] William Willcox maketh oath and saith that she is the person she describes herself to be…signed by Wm. Willcox.
• 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.
• Joseph Seely: "Joseph…was a Militiaman. In 1801 took the Oath of Allegiance. In 1807 he petitioned for 200 acres of land (as a loyalist son), and received a patent for a lot on Lake Gananoque in Leeds & Landsdowne Twp., on March 24, 1812. Here Seely might have spent a life toiling in happy obscurity but for the intervention of the War of 1812. "As became a good subject, "he volunteered for duty and served nine months with Captain Charles Jones' dragoons. He then enlisted in the 1st Leeds Militia., enticed by Captain Adiel Sherwood's "promise of a Sergeants situation and rations for my small family." The higher pay must have seemed a boon to a prospective young farmer and the supply of provisions essential to a family dependent upon the male to clear, sow, and harvest the land. In Qpril 1813 the newly enlisted men were ordered to Prescott where they were divided into companies the following month, Seely's hopes were quickly scotched. Since Sherwood had failed to recruit the required quota for his unit, Seely was assigned to Captain Archibald McLean's company as a private. The promotion to sergeant was not forthcoming and the rations for his family were never issued. After serving briefly under McLean, Seely was transferred to the "Engineer Employ". Aggrieved, dispirited, and no doubt anxious about his family, the young soldier deserted in late August. About 20 November he was captured in the enemy's camp on the American shore by a party of Leeds and Grenville militia led by Captain Herman Landen…Charged with desertion to the enemy while aiding "in piloting the enemies boat he was tried before a court martial at Kingston on 10 Dec. 1813. The court was composed of 13 of the leading militia officers of the Johnstown, Midland and Eastern Districts. The prosecution was handled by the acting judge advocate general. Seely was left to conduct his own defense – a daunting task for a mere private; he pleaded not guilty…he handled his defense with marked aplomb. He did not deny the charges but emphasized a family and personal history of loyalty, a laudable record of military service and a reasonable motive for desertion – the breaking of the promise that occasioned his enlistment. Seely's previous record was not disputed. In testifying to his loyalty, Landen who had known the prisoner for 16 or 18 years, stated, "No one would I have ventured my life with sooner…" He also mentioned that Seely had fought with "some Americans…on account of their celebrating the independence." After his capture Seely's behavior was extraordinary. Landen related how he "cried very much and said although you were a prisoner, you were going to a Country you loved, and that you had not been contented since you left it." Seely's speech in his own defense did not attempt to prove his innocence but rather addressed the circumstances of the case. His loyalty was instinctive, inspired by the attachments of family and by traditions learned from a loyalist father . "I reluctantly left the Country in which I have been brought up from my childhood and to which I was attached by all the ties of Loyalty. Friends and Kindred not with the smallest or most distant ideas of aiding or assisting in the service of an enemy that I have always been taught to detest…With such a parent to instill the principles of loyalty into his family, it is almost impossible for any member of it to have any attachment to any other government than to which he belongs…"His motivation was simply a sense of injustice – "I considered my promise to serve as void." All the conditions of his enlistment had been broken. Although he had been an acting sergeant for a few days. Seely's
• 3 application for permanent rank was rejected when Mc Lean called attention to his lack of education. The extra rations, which Landen stated were "the reason that many men with large families engaged were not delivered. Although Seely was on the ration list his family was not in consequence of their being such a number." The court found Seeley guilty of desertion, but acquitted him of the second charges. He was sentenced to be transported for seven years in spite of Rottenburg's approval to the Courts judgment, but he did not meet his fate. Rottenburg had intended to pardon Seeley on condition that he enlisted in the New Brunswick Fencibles. On Jan 29, 1814, Rottenburg wrote to his successor, George Gordon Drummond, who acting accordingly on April 18, 1814, issued a "Full Pardon" with the suggested provision attached. It does not seem that Seeley complied with the terms. Neither did he return to his land on Lake Gananoque; he might have fared worse; another militia private tried for desertion at the same court martial was promptly shot. [There were 11 convicted of desertion.] What distinguished the two cases was Seeley's adroit defense. His ability to combine a sense of just cause and personal loyalty, no doubt resulted in the mild sentence and later the pardon.
• History shows it is instructive to remember the case of Joseph Seeley." Canadian History, Article written by Robert Lochiel Fraser III Bold italics added. History of the New York Provincials: The King's request for additional troops to support the regular forces of the King caused the forming of the provincial forces. Provincial troops should not be confused with militia troops. The provincial forces were drawn from the population of the New York colony based on a levy from the King. Militia forces were raised by the various counties for their own protection. The provincial forces were raised, equipped, paid and supplied by the colony. If sufficient forces could not be raise, then the counties were expected to "detach ' men from their militia units to fill the provincial ranks. Clothing was issued to the Provincials, generally an annual issue. In Their clothing consisted of: one pair of breeches. In 1759 the Provincials were issued two pair of Osnaburg trousers, one shirt. This year, a checked shirt was issued in addition to the regular white shirt. One pair of shoes, one black felt hat. One pair of stockings and a "good lappeled coat". In 1759, the provincial forces of New York were split into two groups. One regiment was commanded by Colonel John Johnston and headed for Ft Niagara under Sir William Johnson. The other regiment traveled to Ticonderoga under Amherst. The coat of the Ticonderoga Regiment was a chocolate brown or a drab coat faced with red, blue or green. One blanket was issued to each man. They were encouraged to bring their own firearms with them in the service of the crown. "…a powder horn, shot bag with a case for the lock are thought more proper…"Gov. DeLancey. Their equipment, provided by themselves, however camp kettles, tents and poles, haversacks, rugs and blankets and canteens were furnished by the New York Assembly.
• Provincial troops were generally used as construction forces as members of the provincial forces possessed the skills and trades required, while the regular British troops generally lacked these skills. As construction workers, the troops were issued the required tools by the colony. The provincial troops were civilians much like the modern day army reserves. The militia could probable be more closely compared with the National Guard. As civilians, the provincial soldiers came from a variety of trades. The percentage of tradesmen in the clothing industry ranked second after laborers and were followed by farmers. Schuyler's Company of New York Provincials. Family Records indicate Augustus Seeley was with Amherst in the Provincial Troops. 4
• Associated Loyalists: When the Revolutionary War ended thousands of Loyalist refugees were stranded behind British lines in New York City. They were confirmed as exiles by the Treaty of Paris of 1783. Faced with the monumental task of evacuating a British stronghold in the heart of a new Republic, Sir Guy Carleton allowed civilians and unattached soldiers to create and join companies of militia called the Associated Loyalists to facilitate their abrupt departure. While most of the Associated Loyalists. A small but significant faction hailed a new course, that of inland migration to the headwaters of the St Lawrence River. (Italics added) Under the innovative and daring leadership of Michael Grass and the militant Peter Van Alstine, the Associated Loyalists of Kingston and Adolphustown embarked on a remarkable journey in 1783 and 1784. Docking the boat in New York and Quebec, Grass and Van Alstine led their companies through chaotic embarkation, winter internment at Sorel and finally spring release to the wilderness shores of Lake Ontario. They helped create the settlement that would be called Cataraqui. [pronounced cat-a-racky] There were many distinct groups of United Empire Loyalists awaiting re-settlement in the Province of Quebec during the winter of 1783-84. The Associated Loyalists of Michael Grass, Peter Van Alstine and others. The largest groups were the 3500 soldiers and dependents of Provincial Regiments, man of whom had already been in exile for more than two years already. The Regimental formations included Sir Johnson's two Battalions of the Kings Royal Regiment of New York, …and an assortment of Major Jessup's Corps of Loyal Rangers. Finally, there were the Unincorporated Loyalists, numbering over a thousand, many of whom had arrived in the Province of Quebec on foot following among others, the Mohawk Valley and Lake Champlain trails north. For the most part, Loyalists were housed and victualed in military installations along the St. Lawrence and its tributaries including posts at Yamaska, Machiche, and Fort St. John. Loyalist were also to be found in such major centers as Quebec and Montreal. The old seigneury [territory] of Sorel, nestled along the upper shore of Lake St. Peter on the south bank, was the winter home for most of the Associated Loyalists who arrived from New York City. Sorel was one of the key locations in the defensive grid established by Governor Haldimand after his installation as Quebec's Governor in June of 1778. Haldimand then saw fit to establish a major post at Sorel; complemented with barracks for twelve hundred men, storehouses and mills. Despite recent construction, the facility at Sorel must have seemed remote from the customary amenities of home to a people already suffering under the confusion and dislocation imposed by their exile. The departure from Sorel (the new inland migration) and the vigorous climb up the powerful St. Lawrence ultimately opened new horizons to those Associated Loyalist who had persevered. For these people exile had also meant endurance and the new settlement would be fraught with difficulties and challenges. Between the 17th of June and 5th on July, 1783, Sir John Johnson and Surveyor – General Samuel Holland presided over a session of Loyalist leaders to arrange for the distribution of townships and perhaps lots in the new Cataraqui settlement. The loyalist military Settlement of Upper Canada (still the Province of Quebec before 1791) was divided into two major blocks separated by the intractable and rocky extension of the Canadian Shield through the Thousand Islands, known as the Frontenac axis. There were thirteen townships originally surveyed in all: Eight Royal townships on the St. Lawrence River and five Cataraqui townships on Lake Ontario from Kingston to the Bay of Quinte.
• The St. Lawrence townships were chosen by Sir John Johnson and Major Edward Jessup after they failed to acquire land on the lower Ottawa River and they settled the first battalion of the King's Royal Regiment and Major Jessup's Corps of the Loyal Rangers in these riverside townships. The Cataraqui townships, the chosen land of the Associated Loyalists, saw Michael Grass and what was left of his Companies settle in township No. 1 (King's Town or Cataraqui) and the followers of Peter Van Alstine put down in township No. 4 (Adolphustown)… In township No. 2 (Ernestown) the remainder of Jessup's Corps were settled and the second battalion of the King's Royal Regiment of New York shared a burgeoning township No. 3 (Fredricksburg) with Major James Rogers and his King's Rangers. Voyage of a Different Kind, by Larry Turner Cataraqui: Michael Grass had first seen the Cataraqui untouched forest in 1757 while a captive of the French at Fort Frontenac, the military post that preceded the town of Kingston. In 1784 he led a pioneer group of Loyalists to settle the British acquired the land from Cataraqui to the Trent River from the Missisauga Indians. In the spring of 1784, the first bateau loads of weary families arrived on the shore of Lake Ontario, armed with little more that axes to hew an existence out of the forests.
• The pioneers had lost their homes and livelihoods during the American War of Independence. They were victims of circumstances who were forced to choose sides in a dispute they would rather have avoided. Branded as undesirables in their own communities, they fled to New York City and the safety of British provincial regiments. In a period of 10 years they had become homeless refugees.
• In the early years in Upper Canada they lived in crude shanties, replaced by log homes. (The difference between a log cabin and a log house: The log cabin was generally one room with no windows, a dirt floor and a fire pit in the middle of the room with a hole in the roof for escaping smoke. The log house may have had board floor, windows and had a fireplace for cooking.) The first crops of wheat had to be harvested with axes. Ancient Mariners: If the covered wagon and horse team were responsible for opening up the American West, the bateau was the workhorse of Upper Canada's earliest settlers. These flat-bottomed boats were remnants of the French regime in Lower Canada and had plied the St Lawrence for generations.
• They were the logical form of transport during the Loyalist exodus of 1784, and they remained the popular choice until they were gradually displaced by the larger Durham boat. The bateaux were generally 20 or 40 feet long, manned by a French-Canadian crew of oarsmen and capable of carrying a cargo of three or four tons (although 10 tons was possible on some) within their four-foot-high hulls. Clumsy looking as they were, they were virtually untippable and drew only about 20 inches of water, making them an excellent craft for navigating rapids and shallow water. While some crews rigged a small canvas tent amidships to shelter their passengers, they rugged boats were usually left open to the elements, much to the chagrin of the passengers, who could only take comfort in the fact that if high winds or currents drove the bateau ashore, its flat bottom would prevent it from being smashed on the rocks the way a keeled boat would have been.
• Both the bateaux and the Durham boats plied the St Lawrence and Lake Ontario regularly, but few had schedules, so acquiring the services of a boat was a haphazard affair. Given the vagaries of winds and weather, there were many unscheduled stops, and passengers would find themselves spending their journeys' nights in haylofts and kitchens of obliging farm families along the route. The Smiling Wilderness, Lennox and Addington County by Frank B. Edwards. Note: In Bath I met the owner of the house on Lake Ontario where boats would have docked. Remnants of the dock are in the basement of his house and are protected by the Provincial Government. 6 Revised 10/16/04 Distribution: Faye Yelle 1/04 Louise Croft 10/04
• James Slankard Bill Lavery 8/04
• Hollis Allgood 10/4 Virginia Archer 10/04
• Augustus Seeley Cousins [email]10/04
• Robert Seeley 10/04
• Clair Seeley 10/04
• Alan Lindsay 10/04

Sources

Dian Little has researched the life of Augustus and his family. Much of her work is found on the Seeley Society website, http://www.seeley-society.net

A birth record for Augustus is not known to exist. However, Dian Little found his name in the Muster Roll of the French and Indian War in the New York Provincial Troops April 9, 1760 where he is listed at being 19 years old. This implies he was born in 1739 or 1740.

Dian's timeline of Augustus Seeley can be downloaded at:
http://goo.gl/bp1mR

The Fall 2005 Seeley newsletter has an article by Dian Little on page 2 about how Augustus Seeley was confirmed to be an ancestor of Obadiah Seeley through a combination of records research and DNA testing. http://www.seeley-society.net/news/2005feb.pdf

Results of the Seeley lineage DNA testing are found at: http://www.seeley-society.net/sgs-research-SeeleyDNAResults.html

Page 242: Augustin Seely Muster date Apr 1760, Age 21. Birth New England, Occupation Hatter. Queens Co.

Page 418: Augustus Sealey, Muster date June 1761, age 22, Birth place, Boston, Occupation Hatter, Albany County.

This was long before he lived in Saratoga and met and married Mary Brisbin who's family attended the Dutch Reformed Church in Schaghticoke, New York