OBIT: George O. SEILHAMER, 1916, Native of Franklin County, PA

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GEORGE O. SEILHAMER

George O. Seilhamer, for many years a noted journalist and historian, died 
Wednesday morning in Buchanan Valley, where he made his home with his son, Alvin 
Petty Seilhamer, former editor of the Gettysburg Progress.  He was aged 76 years 
and 2 months.

Mr. Seilhamer was born in Franklin county.  He was graduated from the 
Chambersburg Academy and in his youth taught school.  He was admitted to the 
Franklin county bar in 1861.

In June 1866, he removed to New York City to accept a position on the staff of 
the New York Tribune and for the next twenty years he was engaged in 
metropolitan journalism except in 1869-70 when he was editor of the Providence 
Press and started the Providence Star.  He was connected with the New York World 
and Standard in editorial capacities and from 1871 to 1881 was on the New York 
Herald, serving as Havana and Washington correspondent, book reviewer, music and 
dramatic editor and editorial writer.

In 1885 he was in London for a year on a confidential mission for the United 
Press Association.  From 1886 to 1896 he made his home in Philadelphia as a 
member of the editorial staffs of the Times and the Inquirer.

Because of failing health he returned to Chambersburg in 1897, and there he 
devoted himself principally to historical work.  He made a trip to England and 
Ireland to obtain material for a genealogical sketch.  In more recent years he 
gave his time almost entirely to genealogical work.  He wrote and published a 
number of books.

Those who knew him well always cherished the highest regard for him and his 
opinions, based on the extensive experience which he had enjoyed.

He is survived by one son, Alvin Perry Seilhamer, with whom he made his home.

His remains will be buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Chambersburg.


Adams County News, Gettysburg, PA, January 15, 1916