More of Chapter III - History of Seaford

In 1826, James Darby , one of Seaford's best citizens came here from Milford and opened a tailoring establishment which continued for fifty years or more. With him came Rhodes Hazzard and no two other men came here that were of more value to the village. Soon after his arrival he married Hester Ann Hopkins, eldest daughter of Robert and Mary Hopkins. His wife died rather young nut he lived to be eighty five and his family, children and grandchildren have remain citizens of Seaford.
The Horsey family were another who figured largely in commercial enterprise. In the fourth decade Josiah, a carpenter was first but soon began a plain goods and grocery establishment on the corner of Water and Market, near the bridge. His wife was the daughter of the oldest Jacob Kinder and he died after but a few years and left two sons, John P. and George W., who removed to Baltimore. William horsey came next, married Eliza Ann Stokely, also engaged in merchandising and was a most enterprising business located on the northwest corner of Market and High Street. This family left but a few children who do not remain here. An older brother who came here late in life, Nathaniel, was also a merchant, his place of business was on the south side of Water Street between North and Market. None of his family remained in town.

The Stokely family were one of the first settlers to the village, Captain Job Stokely and his wife, who was a Miss Hinds, came from near Milton. They had three sons, Benjamin, Jacob and Job. Capt.Job died in his middle age. Benjamin, who became well known to Seaford citizen, engaged in the boating business and acquired considerable property, died an honorable old man at his home on Front Street. He and his wife left no children. The other son, Jacob, married and moved right away to Baltimore. Job married a Miss Collins, but died young, A sister married Jermiah McNeely, a tailor and postmaster. Their names have become obsolete in the town.