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The E-Sylum: Volume 14, Number 10, March 6, 2011, Article 17

WAS PAUL SEITZ THOMAS ELDER'S SON-IN-LAW?

Last week Alan Weinberg recounted a story told to him by Ted Naftzger about coin dealers Paul Seitz and Tom Elder. Dave Hirt writes:

Regarding the Paul Seitz-Tom Elder relationship, I based what I wrote on a conversation I had with Seitz at an auction in 1974. After the sale, we spoke, and I asked him about his relationship with Elder. He said that he was not Elder's son-in-law, but was related to him through his mother. He said that he did handle stock from the Elder estate. After 35+ years perhaps my memory is not perfect, but that was the conversation as I remember it.

Seitz lived in a small town, south of York, Pa. I believe the name was Glen Rock. As I recall him in the 1970's he looked to be in his 60's. I remember going to several coin shows in the mid 1960's in York where he had auction sales.

Kay O. Freeman did some digging and turned up these facts for us:

Thomas Lindsey Elder (1874, PA - 1948, SC).

In 1910 US NY - Living 17 Madison Ave (23rd - 24th St) Thomas L. Elder, age 35, is married to "Sophia F., age 27, born NY." They have been married one year (married 1909?). No children. I do not know Sophia's maiden name. (not find marriage in NYC records) I do not know what happens to Sophia - not find in NYC death records. Or if they ever had children.

About 1923, Thomas L. Elder marries 2nd time to Ruth Compton, born Aug. 1887, upstate NY. She had not been married before. Her father Methodist minister.

In 1930 US Census, Thomas, age 53, and Ruth, age 43, are living in Pleasantville, Westchester County, NY. They have no children. Ruth Compton had a brother, Paul D. Compton, born @ 1896/1897. He becomes a lawyer in Yonkers, NY.

Thomas L. Elder is easy to document. Census age dates are always a little odd; but it is him - by occupation, etc.

I was sure Seitz could not be Elder's son-in-law (Elder may never have had any children).

Paul S. Seitz (born Jan. 5, 1902, PA- died Nov. 1978, Glen Rock, York County, PA)

He married @ 1921, "Ethel K." (born Feb. 22, 1903, PA - died Dec. 1995, Glen Rock, PA). Ethel was too old to have been born of Thomas L. Elder's 1st marriage in 1909. Also, I believe Ethel K.'s maiden name was Seitz too - maybe relatives married? Before marriage, Paul and Ethel lived in Shrewsbury, York County, PA, which is near Glen Rock.

Between Kay's research and Dave's conversation with Seitz himself, it seems that Seitz was NOT Tom Elder's son-in-law, although there was a more distant family relationship. Thanks everyone, for your help on this issue. Stories are great, but facts are better, even if less interesting. -Editor


Wayne Homren, Editor

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