James Seay, born in Virginia in 1750 and a Revolutionary War soldier, migrated to South Carolina. The first land transaction bearing his name was in 1784 when he received a grant of 200 acres near Fairforest Creek. Jammie Seay died in 1843, aged 93, and was buried at St. Timothy’s Chapel in what is now the Arkwright Community.
Although court records are sketchy, a newspaper obituary suggests that at one time Jammie Seay owned as much as 500 acres of land south and west of the Spartanburg Courthouse. In his old age, there is the possibility that he divided the tract among his children and lived with his son, Kinsman, in the Seay House. Although the home place was certainly modest, Kinsman Seay was respected in the village and a founder of Central Methodist Church. As late as the 1890’s Kinsman’s unmarried daughters still lived in the house and maintained the family ties to Central Methodist Church. The earliest individual who can be directly tied to the house is not James (Jammie) Seay, but rather Kinsman Seay, the eldest son of Jammie Seay. Kinsman was born on September 17, 1784, and died on February 1, 1883. There is documentation that indicates Kinsman and his descendants were associated with this house until about 1969.
106 Darby Rd, Spartanburg, SC
Visit
The Seay House shares the stories of women in the late 1800s through the lens of three Seay sisters who lived in the home and ran their self-sufficient farm. The Seay House is believed to be the oldest house inside the city limits of Spartanburg. Evidence indicates that it was built prior to 1850.
ADMISSION
*The Seay Historic House is currently undergoing restorations. Expanded hours coming in 2024. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram using the links at the top of the page for updates.
FIELD TRIPS FOR STUDENTS
Guided Tour: $3 per student
Guided Tour with Living History Activity: $5 per child.
Adult chaperones, $5 each; School employees, FREE.
Minimum
Maximum group total of 40 children & adults.
Picnic area on site.
PRIVATE GROUP TOURS FOR ADULTS FOR FAMILIES
Self-Guided Tour: $5 per person
Guided Tour: $7 per person
Minimum 10 people
Maximum group total of 30 people
Picnic area on site