Fletcher Seavey, who is engaged in general farming on section 23, Palmyra Township, is a native of the old Granite State, his birth having occurred at Sandwich, on the 2d of September, 1839. His grandfather, Joshua A. Seavey, was born in Rye, N. H., of New England parentage, the family being of English origin. He followed a sea-faring life, and becoming master of a vessel was known as Capt. Seavey. His last years were spent in Illinois, whither he came with his son Jesse, his death occurring in Palmyra Township, at the advanced age of eighty- five years. He had married a New Hampshire lady, Helsy Webster, who died in this community at the age of eighty-three years.

The family of this worthy couple numbered eleven children, all of whom were married and reached the age of fifty years, but none are now living. One of the number, Asa A. Seavey, was the father of our subject He also was born in Stratford County, N. H., where he was reared to farm life. In the county of his nativity,he married Ruth Ricker, a native of Sandwich, N. H., belonging to one of the early families of that State. After the birth of six children, they came to Illinois, where the family circle was increased by the birth of another child. Of this number four are yet living, Fletcher being the eldest. The mother died in Palmyra Township in 1875, at the age of sixty- one years; and Mr. Seavey was called to his final home when a resident of Ogle County, in 1887, aged seventy-two years. As consistent members of the Methodist Church, they lived upright lives and won the high regard of all.

We now lake up the personal history of Fletcher Seavey, a well-known farmer of Palmyra Township, who has resided in Lee County since his fifteenth year. During the late war, he responded to the country's call for troops in 1863, enlisting among the boys in blue of Company I), One Hundred and Fortieth Illinois Infantry, under Capt Frank Smith and Col. Whitney. The company and regiment were organized in Dixon and at once marched to the front, joining the Army of the Tennessee under Gen. Sherman. These troops fought the guerrillas in the South, and guarded the railroads for some months, after which they participated in the battle of Nashville, and other engagements of less importance. Our subject escaped unhurt and was able to report for duty every day of his service. When the war was over, he returned to his home and once more resumed operations as a farmer.

A marriage ceremony, performed in Palmyra Township November, 9, 1862, united the destinies of Fletcher Seavey and Eveline Eastwood, who was born on her father's farm in this township in 1813. She is a daughter of Reuben and Minerva (McElheny) Eastwood, both of whom died in Palmyra Township, at about the age of sixty year They were natives of the Empire State, where their childhood was passed and soon after their marriage they left the East for Illinois, becoming pioneer of Lee County. In politics, Mr. Eastwood was stanch Democrat, who labored untiringly for the success of his party.

Miss. Seavey has three brothers and two sisters who are yet living. By her marriage she has become the mother of seven children: Eda B.. wife of James H. Honey, a farmer of Nachusa Township; Harry C, who assists his father; Fred A., a botanist and school-teacher of Los Angeles County, Cal.; Allen E. at home; Clyde L., who resides with his brother Fred; Ruth M. and Emma L. who are still with their parents.

This family is one of high repute in the community where they reside. Their home is situated on section 23, Palmyra Township, where Mr. Seavey owns a valuable farm of one hundred and forty acres, lie has here resided since 1854, when, obtaining possession of a tract of wild land upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made, he began its development. We to-day see the result of his labors in the highly improved farm which now yields to him a golden tribute. He certainly deserves great credit for his success, which is due entirely to his own efforts. In politics he is a Republican with strong Prohibition sentiments and has held the office of Assessor of his township.

Transcribed by Christine Walters - Portraits and Biographical Lee Co. 1892