Obituary of Nimrod Seaney, Crawford County, Illinois Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Copyright 2000 Cindy McCachern Obituary of Nimrod Seaney   22 Aug 1906, Palestine (IL) Reporter   The death of Nimrod Seaney, one of the oldest residents of Crawford county and Montgomery township, occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George W. Duncan, near Flat Rock, at 7:48 a.m. Monday, as the result of injuries sustained in a run away Friday afternoon.  Mr. Seaney had driven to Flat Rock on business and as he approached the Big Fort railroad crossing in the northeast part of town found a train blocking the crossing.  He waited until the train had pulled the crossing, and as he supposed, departed for the north.  Not being able to see well, he failed to notice that the train was simply switching and as he started to cross the tracks, a dying switch was made.  The cut of cars struck the rear part of his buggy and alarmed the horse which he was driving causing it to become unmanageable and run away, the rig striking a hitching rack and then a fence, resulting in throwing Mr. Seaney out.  When he struck the ground, he hit upon his head in such a manner as to seriously injure the spinal cord in the back part of his head and neck, resulting in paralysis below the waist line from which he never recovered.  He was removed to the home of his daughter, Mrs. G. W. Duncan, his condition being too serious to permit of taking him to his home near Morea and his suffering ended at 7:48 a.m. Monday.   Mr. Seaney was a son of Samuel and Catherine Seaney, two of the first settlers in Montgomery township and was born December 11, 1827, near Morea, where he has resided throughout his long life.  At the time of his death, August 20, 1906, he was 78 years, 8 months and 9 days of age.He started life as a farmer when just a boy with practically no capital and has proven a successful business manager, owing a true farm about a mile west of Morea of over 300 acres of the best land in the county at the time of his death as well as a farm of 100 acres south of Gordon which he had recently given his twin sons, Chalmer and Elmer, the former having erected a fine residence thereupon this summer.   Mr. Seaney's first wife was Miss Rhoda Higgins, also of Mongomery township who died over 30 years ago.  From this union the following children were born Benjamin Seaney of near Duncanville, Ed Seaney, who resides in the extreme southeastern portion of La Motte township, almost three miles form this city, Mrs. Mary Duncan of near Flat Rock; Mrs. Eliza Duncan, of near Flat Rock, Mrs. Martha Swan of Duncanville, Mrs. Emaline Prior of Wattensaw, Arkansas; Mrs. Julia Sanders of Elkton, Colorado, Mrs. Rose Cunningham, of Cozad, Nebraska, Mrs. Belle Duncan of near Flat Rock, Miss Lucy Seaney, who still resides at the old home near Morea.  Miss Sarah Seaney, the first wife of George W. Duncan and a sister of the present Mrs. George Duncan, and three other children who died in infancy, were also children of Mr. Searney by his first marriage.   Abouth thirty years ago, Mr. Seaney was joined in matrimony a second time, Mrs. George Higgins, whose maiden name was Miss Fannie Daugherty, being the lady of his choice.  To this union two children, twin sons, Elmer, now of Chicago, and Chalmer, who still remains at home, were born.   Mr. Seaney has never been a member of any fraternal organization or church but has always lived an honorable and upright life and has been considered among the leading citizens of Montgomery township for over half a century.  His dealing were always conducted in a strictly honest manner and all who knew him were proud to be numbered among his friends, none of his numerous acquaintances ever having occasion to speak aught but good of him.  He is survived by his wife and one brother, Uncle Samuel Seaney, also of Montgomery township, besides the above enumerated children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  The family were connected with the East Union Christian church.  Mr. S. G. Richards, of this city, made his home with Mr. Seaney from the time he was nine years of age until his marriage, a period of some fifeen or sixteen years and always looked upon Mr. Seaney in the light of a father.   The funeral services were being conducted at the M. E. church in Flat Rock this afternoon (Wednesday) at two o'clock by Andrew Duncan and interment will take place at the Seaney graveyard on Mr. Seaney's farm where the members of the Seaney family have been buried for the past half century.  His daughter, Mrs. Julia Sanders, of Elkton, Colo., and his son, Elmer, who has a fine position as a pharmacist in Hyde Park, Chicago, arrived in time for the funeral, which was very largely attended.   In the death of Mr. Seaney, the entire community felt a personal loss and but for the tragic accident which caused his death, it is quite certain that he would have enjoyed many additional years of usefulness in the community as his physical strength and mental faculties seemed in no wise impaired by his advanced age.  The Reporter joins with the host of friends in expressing sympathy with the family in their hour of sorrow and bereavement. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations or persons. 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