Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1891-12-24

His Death DIonday--A wiimingtonian
Nenrly Seyentx-Dve Yaars


Joseph Carpenter Seeds died Monday
afternoon at his residence Thirteenth and
Scott streets, in the DIST year of his age.
FOR almost three-quarters of century he
was resident of this city. He was i'll
only short time. General debility and
grief over the recent death of his wife were
the causes of his demise.
lie was a member of Friendship Fire
Company, and about month ago pre-
scented to it its original books and records.
lie was born near Chichester, Pa, on
July 18th, 1901. Soon after his birth his
parents removed to New Castle, where
they remained until 1872, when they re-
moved to Baltimore. When the war of
Independence began his father enlisted in
the Colonial army and left Baltimore en-
route 10 Washington. Since then no
tidings from or of his father have been
received. After anxious and weary wait
ing his mother returned with her children
to her fathers home near Claymont.
He was put to work in tannery and on
his grandfathers farm. and continued to be
so employed until 1917, when he came to
this city to learn the trade of carpenter
with Abel Saunders, who had shop on
portion of the ground now occupied by the
Clayton House, Soon after the completion
OF his apprenticeship he engaged in bust
ness on his own account and quickly
established himself as n complete architect
and builder. For wears after fairly enter
ing on his career as a builder he conducted
the star planning mill, which he erected on
Front street near Justison. He remained
there until 1858, when he sold the build
ing. subsequently IL was used as q market
house and now it is utilized as carriage
factory. He built the lighthouse at the
mouth of the Christiana, and he also built
the fiTst passenger station erected in Will
mington for the p, w. & b. railroad. In
1879 he built st. Andrews Church, which
10 years later was destroyed by fire. A
month before the building was burned he
erected its spirc and made other improve
ments. In 1910 he built larger church
for st. Andrews congregation aud in 1864
he enlarged the building.
lie was an esteemed member of st,
Andrews Church almost from its organi-
cation. For more than 40 years he never
missed attending service. Originally he
was connected with Old Swedes Church, re-
ceving the rite of confirmation from
Bishop White in 1890, but because Of st.
Andrews being nearer his home he trans
ferred his membership.
Before the late war he was Democrat
but during that conflict and since he held
Republican views.
Until recently he never was seriously i'll
but once. That was in 1872, when he con-
tracted pneumonia and recovered slowly.
10 temperate life he attributed his good
health and longevity.
Since 1872 he resided in cosy dwelling
which he erected at Thirteenth and Scott
streets.
lie was married twice. His first wife
was Mary Jane Milligan of Philadelphia.
She died in 1872. The second was Mariana
Wilson, who died last Tuesday, in the s4th
year of her age. -Four children survive
him-William II. Seeds of Manchester,
Iowa, Mrs. Anna Il. ,Jeanes Of Chester
Mrs. X. II. Young of this city and Mrs
John b. Bare of Baltimore,