The Northwest Iowa Genealogical Society (NWIGS) will meet on Saturday, January 18, at 1:30 PM in the first-floor music room of the Plymouth County Historical Museum, 335 1st Avenue SW in Le Mars. Following the usual business meeting, Plymouth County resident Darrel Lancaster will enlighten the group by conducting an answer and question session about the unincorporated village of Seney, plated in 1872.
Darrel traces his Seney roots to his English-born great-grandfather W. C. Lancaster, who homesteaded on its site. After the Seney rural school was established, W.C. served as its superintendent. Eventually, Darrel attended that school, which taught students through the sixth grade. In his adult years, he operated a transmission shop in Seney for some time, and then in a career move, became a real estate broker. He lived in other area towns over time, but is now retired and resides with his wife on an acreage west of Seney. He wryly explains that he lives in its “suburbs.
A mainstay of Seney is the Global Methodist Church building, formerly the United Methodist Church. A generous donation from railroad official George L. Seney, for whom the village is named, helped significantly in its construction in 1880. The congregation recently celebrated the 150th anniversary of the church. Though like many rural settlements in Iowa, the population of Seney has dwindled, the church continues to thrive.
Former and current residents of Seney who come to the meeting will likely share their own experiences and knowledge of the place. Moreover, everyone will undoubtedly be fascinated by the discussion. Members of the genealogy group have found that programs about local area places are always a big draw. This event is free and the public is welcome to attend and participate. Plus, all are invited to partake in the refreshments served.