Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1874-06-20
For iAe Free Pres.
Death Of a Venerable Lady.

Died in Washington City on Wednesday
morning. June l0th, 1874, at 20 minutes past
Z o'clock. no the residence Of Judge Swayne Of
the Supreme Cour. Of the United States, Mrs.
MARg H. SEEu0. in the 9Sth year Of her age
II recording the death of this very aged lady
in the FREE Pass. paper she has been read
iug since It's first issue, aud often contributor
90 his columns and those Of its predecessors, il
may De truly said tha, link between the past
ana the present has been broken. She was
born iu Philadelphia on the 2nd day Of Au-
gust. l77G. q short month after the signing Of
the Declaration Of Independence, and was in
that city when Congress passed the act =" for
beating permanent seat Of Government. -
Washington City, where the lady died, Is the
result of that act. IL is now the capital Of the
Nation, with population Of 10000 souls,
aud boasts Of the finest public buildings 10 The
world Before her death she was supposed to
be the only living person 70 remember well the
form aud features Of both Genl and Mrs.
Washington. having lived opposite his resi-
dcnce f,r several years in Philadelphia when be
was President of United States
Her "reminiscences Of the distinguished men
Of that day who were in the habit Of frequent
calls 90 President Washington were very inter-
eSting. Among the many were Hamilton,
Knox. Morris. Wolcott. Bingham and Willing.
She also remembered Doctor Franklin.
Tn 1882 Mrs Seelig's mother Sarah Wager
inherited life estate in the Harper's Ferry
property. then Of great value from her uncle
Robert Harper, who purchased It from Lnrd
Flrflx; aud her home was there for nearly
fTty wears Since which time she has lived
with her niece, Mrs Swayne, sincerely loved
and teuderly cared for by every member Of the
judges household
Mrs Seslig'S married life WAS short-only
two years. Her remains were buried at ar
pers Ferry beside thuse of her husband, her
great uncle, Robert Harper, her father and
brother, anil other members Of the Harper aud
Wager families W.
We well knew this estima5le lady fifty odd
year. ago NJ Harper's Ferry, while WE publish
el the Virginia Free Press and the Ladies
Garland. 90 the latter Of which she felt great
interest aud o. which she WAS an occasional
contributor. With a fine literary taste, aud
being a great reader, her opinions were hi hly
valued. To young people she was truly
guide, philosopher and friend" 4 most re-
teutive memory enabled her 10 elify aud iu-
struc,; aud, as above stated, being the con-
temporary Of many distinguished persons, her
recollectious were Of deep Interest to young and
old.
From the Columbus, Ohio, Journal We take
the following:
"Sbe delighted to talk abou, Washington
and his cumpeers most at whom she had seen,
aud The incidents Of Howe's occupancy Of Phil
adelphia, when the troops were qIartered on
the inhabitants. Having also resided much IN
Washington City, she could say that she bad
.ecn every President OF the United States from
Washington 20 Grant. She removed 70 Har-
pers Ferry on IT'S first settlement, with Mr..
Harper Wager, Der halt-brother, when IL cou-
iaiuei b1, one house, and the only mcanS Of
communication with Baltimore was by wagon
She shared in Jciers0a'S enthusiastic almira-
ti0u for the romantic scenery OF the mountain
gorges, and ior The private use Of her friends,
a few years before her death, wrote history
of the place, aud often spoke of the uufortu-
nate wife of B,eunerhassett passing through on
horseback with her child ia her arms.
Left widow at aa early day, she devoted
her life % the education Of her uieces and ne
phews. aud her delight was in the society of
young people, by whom she was always great
ly beloved She retained her vigor 10 a great
age, and 40 eighty-three walked all over Goat
Island, ON a trip 20 Niagara Falls, without diff
fculty. Her conversational powers made her
the delight Of the social circle and she was
most warm hearted sud devoted friend. ~
b,va ,U sIa tras a 1evofif Christian and de-
lighted 90 Bbor in every good work. \ MEM
Der Of the Protestant Episcopal Church, she
was most catholic IN all her feelings Retain
ia. her mental faculties 70 the last, she quietly
waited for the great change that Is allotted To-
ali, and She has passed to a better and bright
or sphere.