Prior to Civil War, Hanover County, VA official records are scarce. The one surviving record is a 1790 recorded gift deed from John Anthony to his daughter Lucy Seay, wife of John Seay. The question is simply: Who were the children of John Seay and wife, Lucy Anthony? Here are the candidates:
1. Luke A. Seay: Shows up on surviving tax records, first listed in 1799 and later listed with John Seay estate in 1805 through 1817. (Thank you cousin Orval for that info). Also allows us to say father John Seay died in 1804 or 1805.
2. Mary A. Eatherton (c.1790-1862): Made a will in 1860 which was the subject of a Chancery suit filed in Hanover County, VA under the caption Administrator of Estate of Mary A. Eatherton vs. E.J. Rowzie, Trustee. Among those parties to be found and served included the heirs of John Seay as well as many others. In her will, Mary names three sisters in following order: Sarah, Dianna and Nancy. She also names one brother Carr W. Seay below.
3. Sarah W. Sowder: named in Mary's will above as a sister. She married Michael Sowder.
4. Dianna Chiles: named in Mary's will as a sister.
5. Nancy Moran (1785 to 1876) : named in Mary's will as a sister. This is Nancy Moring who married John Moring in 1814. Marriage is documented in two pension affidavits of John Moring -- to have taken place in the home of Luke See (sic). John and Nancy moved to Anderson, Kentucky. Death records for Nancy Moring show father as "JC" and mother as Lucy Anthony. The name SEAY in my line is pronounced like the letter C or the word SEE or the word SEA, take your pick.
6. Carr W. Seay (c. 1794-1860): named in Mary's will as a brother. Carr left Hanover County, migrated to Spotsylvania County after serving in the War of 1812, married Jane Dillard. Named his second born son, William Anthony Seay.
7. Wyatt Seay (c. 1803 - aft 1860): Married Lucinda Strong. I've seen other respected Seay researchers put Wyatt as John's son, but I have seen no documentation. Would love to see someone comment here. Cousin Toby perhaps?
8. John Seay (c. 1801 - ?): Married Susan Estes. Makes sense based on name, but I've seen no documentation confirming he is a son of John Seay and Lucy Anthony, however several other respected Seay researchers also show him as a son.
There you have it: Potential list of 8 candidates for the children of John Seay and Lucy Anthony Seay of Hanover County, Virginia. Comments invited and welcomed.
Jim Seay, Jr.
Wilmington, NC
