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by John Seymour (Author)
This book traces the Seymour surname from its origin in Tenth Century France to today. My Seymour line was brought from France to England by William the Conqueror in 1066. It was then then brought to Ireland with Oliver Cromwell's army during the mid-1600s. The English Seymours were affluent Protestants who became leaders in Limerick city government. Some married Irish Catholics. This is where my direct family line begins. My Seymour ancestors attended St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Limerick City. In 1850, affected by the famine, my great-great grandparents emigrated from Limerick to New York.
Following their arrival in New York, my ancestors settled in Orange, New Jersey, working in its dominant hat manufacturing industry. By 1900, the Seymours had become leaders in Orange City business and government. Seymours operated a hotel and saloon on Main Street. My grandfather, Arthur Seymour, served as Mayor from 1908-1912. From when I was born in 1939 until I joined the Navy in 1961, there are many recollections about my life which this book preserves. Included are memoirs of family, home, work, school, holidays, travels, vacations, pets, love, cars, sports and relationships that led me to a career in the Navy.
Cover Photo: Thanksgiving 1941 - Mom. Me, Tina and Pop
