This simple dwelling with its prominent fieldstone chimney is considered the oldest standing residence in Spartanburg. When the home was added to the National Register in 1971, it was speculated to have been originally inhabited by Revolutionary War veteran Jammie Seay and built between 1770 and 1800. However, Jammie Seay’s son, Kinsman Seay, is now thought to be the home’s first owner, though it is likely that Jammie lived here with his son and his son’s family at some point. Modern historians believe the home was built around 1830, though no documentation exists to determine the actual date.
Made of logs and protected from the elements by wood sheeting, the Seay House presently sits on an acre of land. When it was built, the modest home was a small rectangular structure with a loft. An addition giving the house its “L” shape was built of clapboard siding. Jammie Seay owned hundreds of acres in the surrounding area and deeded portions of it to his children, giving his son Kinsman the property on which he built his home. At the time Kinsman’s property enveloped 100 acres.
Kinsman Seay, who was a founding member of Central United Methodist Church, had three daughters who never married and remained in this house until the 1890s. The daughters – Ruthy, Sarah, and Elizabeth – farmed the land for the remainder of their lives. Descendants of the Seays maintained connections with the home until 1969. Today the home is owned by the Spartanburg County Historical Association, which recently received a grant to make much-needed repairs to the Seay House as well as create a community garden. The home is occasionally open for tours on specific Saturdays while it is being repaired.
As previously mentioned, the Seay House is listed in the National Register:
The Jammie Seay House, believed to be the oldest house within the present limits of Spartanburg, is a good example of log cabin construction. Built between 1770-1800, the house belonged to Jammie Seay, a Revolutionary War soldier of the Second Virginia Infantry who was born in Virginia in 1752 and died in Spartanburg County in 1850. The house stands alone on one acre of land at the crest of a knoll overlooking the city. It was originally a simple rectangular one-story house with a loft, field stone foundation piers, gabled roof, and an end field stone chimney. An “L” addition of same height with clapboard siding is at the rear and possesses a one-story lean-to front porch supported by square columns. The interior has a field stone fireplace.
My paternal grandmother’s maiden name was Maddie Seay. Does anyone know if she’s related? She died several years ago; she was in her middle eighties. Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Was Kinsman Seay the brother of James M. Seay, Jr., born 1792 and died 13 February 1845? James M. Seay, Jr. had a son, John Kinsman Seay, born 31 August 1828.
Interested in finding all connections to my Seay side. Thank you.
Is there record of Kinsman having a son, John Benjamin? I am a descendant of John B (1885-1967) and I’m told his father is Kinsman Seay.
Descendent of James Seay, tracked back to Abraham Seay Sr., who migrated to Virginia due to religious persecution. Huguenot Settlement in Virginia.
I am a descendant of Thornton Seay whose ancestors migrated to Cataloochee Valley, NC after 1820. Later decendants moved to Bryson City, NC where I grew up and now live. There are numerous other Seays in Bryson, but I do not know the relationships.
I am the great great granddaughter of John Kinsman Seay and Elizabeth Ross Seay, my great grandmother was Isabelle “Belle” Kinsman Seay, she married Humphrey Horace Reece. My grandmother was Nancy Irene Reece, she married Boyce Gifton Donnahoo…would like to know what days y’all are open this fall.
Hi, Barbara. Here is a link to the Spartanburg County Historical Association: http://www.spartanburghistory.org/ I hope someone there can answer your question!
My maiden was Seay. Who knows?
I am a Seay, know very little, would love to gather all info possible. My father & grandfather, Earle Pitman Seay I & II, both deceased. Thank you so much.
My maiden name was Terry Seay and I was born in Spartanburg. Maybe some descendant.
Priceless