Elias T. Seale

Elias Thompson Seale was born 11 September 1829 in Hinds Co, Ms. He was the son of Joshua Seale and Ellender (Eleanor) Hazeltine Seale. In 1836 Elias moved to Jasper Co. Ms. with his parents and in the fall of 1843 at the age of 19 he left home with his fathers consent and went on horseback to join a company of emigrants bound for the A Gold Fields of California. On May 1, 1849 the emigrants, with 100 covered wagons, pulled out for the West. They were 6 months on the road following the Oregon Trail of 1846 to Snake River in Idaho, then branching off to the southwest at Raft River into what is now Nevada and its terrible sand desert, via the Hot springs and Carson Sink made famous by Mark Twain. Elias was captain of the scouts and was lucky enough to get the train through to Sacramento, Calif. with out any loss. He lived in Calif California six years and accumulated a small fortune, but upon receiving a letter from his father in 1852 telling him that he had sold out in Jasper Co. Ms. and moved to Jasper Co, Tx, and asking Elias to come home, he finally sold out and took sail from San Francisco around Cape Horn. Finally, after 6 months, he landed in New Orleans, La. On Aug. 30, 1859, he married Emma Amanda Blount in Jasper, Tx. He recruited a company for the war of 1861-1865 and was its first Captain. It was Co. C 13th Texas Cavalry. In 1864 he was made Major during the battle of Mansfield, La. The 13th was part of the J.G.Walker Division and were the right wing of Taylors Army. Elias's brother Dr.W.F. Seale also enlisted and when Capt. Elias became Major his brother was promoted to Captain. Major Seale was in the battles of Mansfield, Pleasant Hill and Yellow Bayou. He became a staff officer on the staff of General Walker and was with him when he was wounded at the battle of Mansfield.

Following is a brief history taken from records I have received from the National Archives: Capt. Seale was recruiting in Feb. 1862. His enlistment date is March 1, 1862 in Jasper, Texas Co. F 13th Texas Cavalry. He was 32 years of age. He had 1 horse valued at $450.00 and equipment at $50.00. His rendezvous was 110 miles away. In May he was in Camp Burnett, Houston County, Tx. He had 3 horses valued at $700.00 and equipment at $50.00. In June he was with Co. A. Here is a list of supplies he withdrew from the Q.M. on June 1, 1862:

15 tents-15 sets of tent poles-10 spades- 4 axes- 1 pick ax-hatchets-4 camp kettles-10 mess pans- iron pots-1 kettle-8 ovens- 17 skillets-1 frying pan- 3 buckets-2 tin pans-3 buckets.

In July and August he was with Co. "G" and absent from roll due to sickness. He would remain sick for 12 months. On Feb. 9, 1863 he sent a letter to Colonel John H. Burnett resigning from the military due to illness. His doctor sent a letter to the Colonel stating: Capt. E.T. Seale of 13th Regt. Of Co."G" Having applied for a certificate on which to ground an application for the acceptance of his resignation. I hereby certify that I have carefully examined this officer and find him laboring under chronic dysentery, to which he has been indisposed for the past 12 months. I further declare from my knowledge of his case that medical aid will not contribute to his recovery while in camps and recommend the acceptance of his resignation. J C Brubacker Asst. Act. Surg. 13th Reg. Tex. Cav. Capt. Seale was in Camp Bayou Metoe in November. In December he was near Little Rock, Arkansas still on sick leave. He remained ill through the winter. At Bastrop, La. On July 28, 1863 Capt Seale wrote this letter:

Bastrop La.July 28th 1863

Genl S Cooper Adjt. &Inspector Genl Richmond Va.

General, On the 9th Feb. I tendered my resignation as Capt. Of Co A 13th Tex Cav (Col. Burnetts) I was prompted to this step by the conviction that my ill health would permanently disqualify me for the military service of my country. Since traveling this far towards home on a leave of absence I have become satisfied that my health will have become sufficiently restored to resume my duties in my company, if I can obtain a leave of absence from the Secretary of War until the 20th of April and therefore recall my resignation upon that condition. Another consideration with me is that I am ardently attached to the soldiers under my command, I am extremely lost to leave them if possible to avoid it. Most respectfully then I recall the tender of my resignation & ask for a leave of absence until the 20th of April. If this be granted I hope you will send a notification of the fact to Col J. H. Burnett, Youngs Brigade, Walkers Division, now stationed near Pine Bluff, Ark. Forward a copy to me at Jasper, Tex.

Very Respectfully E.T. Seale Capt. Co. G 13th Regt. Tex. Cav.

Capt. Seale was given back his command where he finished out the war. After the war he returned to his home in Jasper, Texas where he took up the broken lines of his business mostly farming and stock. He died November 2, 1880, at the age of 51, and is buried in the Blount Burial Lot 1/2 mile east of the courthouse at Jasper,Tx.

Elias son John H. Seale, though a lawyer by profession spent practically all his active career of twenty years engaged in business, and as a banker and foremost in the commercial activities in and around Jasper. John Seale married Miss Margaret Noble, who was borne in Sabine county, Texas. Their four children are: John H. Jr; James Noble; Prentiss; and Robert Arthur Seale. Their families are still living in Jasper and surrounding areas.

I wish to thank Don Seale and the Texas State Library for information provided for this article. Submitted by

Buddy Roberts

Jan 5 2002