Rev. Lely D. Seager was the son of Hezekiah B. and Zurviah Palmer Seager. He was born at Jefferson, Ohio, and died in the seventy-sixth year of his age at Farina, Ill., December 6, 1933. While still a young Christian he accepted the Sabbath and began its observance. He was a student at Alfred University from 1877 to 1880, with the exception of the time spent in teaching one winter term. For eleven years following this he was a teacher in the public schools at Jackson Center, Ohio, also teaching vocal music. In 1883, he was married to Miss Bianca Maxson by Rev. J. L. Huffman, pastor of the Jackson Center Church. In this church, he began his pastoral and evangelistic work, being licensed by the church to preach, and on March 11, 1890, was ordained to the gospel ministry. During his long and useful life as a pastor and as an evangelist he has served the following Seventh Day Baptist churches: Jackson Center, Ohio; Lost Creek, W. Va.; Ritchie Church, Berea, W. Va.; Farina, Ill.; Marlboro, N. J.; Albion, Wis.; Hammond, La.; and, as his last pastorate, Jackson Center, Ohio, closing his work with the same church where in early life he had begun his service. In addition to these churches he served as general missionary under the direction of the Seventh Day Baptist Missionary Board for five years, the most of his work being done in the Southeastern Association. He also served for two years under the direction of the same board as evangelist, and as time, strength, and opportunity offered, he traveled about the denomination doing evangelistic work. Elder Seager was a clear and convincing preacher and a singer of great charm and power. Wherever he ministered he left the imprint of his personality upon the community, and set forth in a clear and convincing manner the call of Christ to the higher life. Following a revival meeting at the Berea church he had the pleasure of baptizing forty converts, and at this point and at other appointments in West Virginia, several of our substantial ministers of today were attracted to the Christ and to the call of the Christian ministry. The hard work done upon the West Virginia field and the exposure finally told upon his exceptionally strong physical powers and he was for a while forced to abandon active pastoral and evangelistic work. During the time spent in recovering his health on the farm near Farina, he continued to use every opportunity to pursue his "call to preach," doing independent evangelistic work, and serving the local church for a time as "supply" in the absence of its pastor. His active ministry, in its various ways, continued over a period of forty-eight years. About three years ago, while pastor at Jackson Center, he suffered two strokes of paralysis and was forced to give up his work. Since that time his home has been at Farina. In his sickness everything possible for his care and comfort has been done by his companion of more than fifty years. Their golden wedding was observed last May, an event affording him great joy and satisfaction. To Rev. and Mrs. Seager were born eight children of whom survive, with their mother and other relatives and friends to mourn his going, Ross of West Union, Olive of Forest Lake, Minn.; Eva of Silver Springs, Fla.; Susie of Buchanan, W. Va., Bertha of Summit, N. J.; Bernard of Farina; and Lloyd of Kirkwood, Mo. Brief services were held by his pastor, Rev. Claude L. Hill, assisted by Rev. Verney A. Wilson, Jackson Center, Ohio; and Rev. Carroll L. Hill of Milton, Wis. Burial was made in the Farina cemetery.
