Biographical Sketch of

Nelson Seely

Transcribed by Joan Benner for the Marquette Co WI Pages



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 357 - 358


Nelson Seely, one of the prominent and enterprising merchants of Marquette,
Wis., and the senior member of the firm of N. Seely & Co., has been a 
resident of Green lake County since 1857, during which time he has been 
connected with the commercial interests of the community. He was born in
Bainbridge, Chenango Co., N. Y., Feb. 29, 1816, and is a son of Isaac and
Permelia (Banks) Seely, both of whom were natives of Westchester, N. Y.,
born of English ancestry. The father was a farmer by occupation and engaged
in that business throughout his entire life. By his marriage with Miss
Banks four children were born, three of whom are yet living--Banks, a
resident of Hammonton, N. J., Zipporah, wife of Horatio N. Andrews, of
Hammonton, N. J.; and Nelson of this sketch. Polly, the other member of the
family, became the wife of Uriah Yale, but both are now deceased. The
parents have also passed away. 

Our subject acquired his education in the schools of his native city, and
under the parental roof passed the days of his boyhood. He was in the tin
business one season, but when twenty-two years of age he left home and went
to Queens County, N. Y.  Afterward Mr. Seely was employed as traveling
salesman for six years by a tobacco house, and during that time was also
captain of a sloop. He returned to his home in 1843 and went to work upon
the old farm, continuing to assist in its cultivation until 1846, when he
became proprietor of a hotel in bainbridge. Following that pursuit until
1850, he then engaged in a patent-right business for a year, when he
returned tot he hotel of which he had charge until 1853, when he sold out.
His next venture was as a manufacturer of sash, doors and cabinet ware in
which line he carried on operations for four years. At the end of that time
he had determined to try his fortune in the West, and acting upon his
resolve located in Marquette, where he has resided continuously since. Soon
after his arrival, he erected a building for the purpose of engaging in the
same business which he had quitted prior to his emigration. This was the
first manufacturing establishment in Marquette and until 1874, Mr. Seely
did a flourishing business. From the beginning his trade constantly
increased until he netted a handsome income, but at length he sold out and
embarked in the mercantile business. Some years previous to that time, in
1863, he was appointed Postmaster of Marquette, which position he held
until 1887. For about two years the office was then occupied by another,
but in July, 1889, he was again appointed to the position, and is the
present incumbent. For about a quarter of a century he has now served as
postmaster of Marquette, and is needless to speak of the prompt and able
manner in which he has discharged his duties as his long continued service
plainly indicates that fact. A more popular officer could not have been
chosen, and his fidelity is rewarded by the high regard and confidence in
which he is held. 

Mr. Seely was united in marriage with Miss Harriet A. Fairchild, who was
also a native of Bainbridge, N. Y., and a daughter of Winthrop and Margaret
(Allison) Fairchild, who were also born in the Empire State. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Seely have been born two children, daughters: Helen M., who is still
living with her parents, and Emma, wife of J. A. Inglis, junior member of
the firm Seely & Co. 

When Mr. Seely disposed of his manufactory, he embarked in the mercantile
business as a grocer, at the same time having charge of the post office.
The same success with which he had met in other lines of business now
crowned his efforts, owing to his earnest desire to please his customers,
prompt attention to their wants, his fair and honest dealing and unfailing
courtesy. In August, 1889, he admitted to partnership J. A. Inglis, his
son-in-law, they doing business under the firm name of N. Seely & Co.  With
the experience and excellent judgment of the senior partner is now combined
the activity and energy of youth, and we feel no hesitancy in saying the
new firm will receive a liberal share of the public patronage which it so
well deserves. Politically, Mr. Seely is a Republican. He has held various
township offices, and is everywhere recognized as one of the leading and
influential citizens of Marquette, in whose advancement and upbuilding he
has borne so prominent a part. As citizens none stand higher than he and
his estimable family. Their rank in the social world is also of the
highest, and it is with pleasure that we thus represent them in the history
of the county which so long has been their home.






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