Isaac N. Seymour Commonplace Book
Content Description
This collection consists of a disbound commonplace book created by Isaac N. Seymour circa 1813. Contents of the book include copied or transcribed poetry and speeches, along with what may be original poetry by Seymour. Also includes 3 tipped-in newspaper articles (housed in separate envelope).
Dates
- Creation: Ca. 1813 - Flyleaf of the book has July 8, 1813 handwritten in ink.
Conditions Governing Access
There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.
Biographical Note
Isaac Newton Seymour was born on May 12, 1794 in Stillwater, Orange County, New York, to Jesse and Mary (Watson) Seymour. He moved to Newburg, Orange County, New York, in 1810, where he married Elvira Belknap on April 14, 1818. They had 5 children together. Elvira passed away in 1858, following which Isaac remarried to Virginia Mains (date unknown). Isac passed away January 17, 1873, while Virginia lived on until April 18, 1892.
While living in Newburg, Isaac served as the deputy sheriff of Orange County. However, he moved to New York City in 1825 to take a position with the newly formed Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. By the time of his retirement on April 1, 1869, he was company’s treasurer and received a life annuity of $2000 a year.
Full Extent
0.05 Cubic Feet (1 folder)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
This collection consists of 1 folder.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of the Seymour Library, Brockport, New York, 2025.
Bibliography
Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/57556786/isaac_newton-seymour: accessed August 8, 2025), memorial page for Isaac Newton Seymour (12 Dec 1794–17 Jan 1873), Find a Grave Memorial ID 57556786, citing Green-Wood Cemetery, Greenwood Heights, Kings County, New York, USA; Maintained by Athanatos (contributor 46907585).
Condition Description
Fair - while missing its case, the text block is bound tightly and the paper is in fair condition.
- Title
- A Guide to the Isaac N. Seymour Commonplace Book
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Brandon Fess
- Date
- 2025-08-08
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Local History & Genealogy Division Repository
115 South Ave.
Rochester 14604 USA
585-428-8370
585-428-8353 (Fax)
lochistref@libraryweb.org