Obituary of Alexander
Hamilton Spencer
(Taken from a clipping in the Conkey family
filesome of the print was torn away.)
Probably from The Homer Press
February 10th inst., in this
county, two miles southwest of Homer, at his
residence, Mr. A. H. Spencer, an old and
valued _______, departed this life after a
painful sickness of several days. We had not
had the pleasure of an intimate acquaintance
with the deceased, but his neighbors gave
testimony to his moral work and _______. We
all feel a measure of sadness when a good
man dies, and that the triumph of the grim
monster death is shorn of its laurels when
there is left behind the testimonies and the
light of a pure and blameless life. In the
death of Mr. Spencer the county has lost one
of its best citizens and his family an
affectionate husband and father. And in this
dispensation of providence we are again
reminded that this life with all its glitter
and vain show is ephemeral as the morning
dew; that many with all his pretensions is
as a blade of grass, which now is, and
to-morrow shall be cut down and wither away.
We tender unto the stricken ones, in this
hour of their bereavement, the heartfelt
sympathies of a stranger, and commend them
to the tender mercies of him who doeth all
things well, and in whose hands are the
issues of life and death.
Note by Molly Spencer Shoaf: Alexander
Hamilton Spencer was born July 8, 1814 OH
and died February 20, 1874 in Homer
Township, burial in the Lost Grove Cemetery,
Homer, Champaign Co., IL.
(Submitted by
Molly
Spencer Shoaf - Alexander & Mary
were my great grandparents)
|
Source: Danville
Commercial News
Dated: Tuesday, July 19, 1904, p 3
Freeman Spencer Dies
Suddenly
Freeman Spencer died quite suddenly at
his home here Friday morning at 5 o’clock of
a complication of diseases resulting in
dropsy. The funeral was held Saturday
afternoon at the house, conducted by the
Masons, interment at G. A. R. cemetery.
Mr. D. E. Bruffett of Urbana, was master
of ceremonies. Mr. Spencer leaves two small
sons besides two brothers and two sisters.
(Contributed by Molly Spencer Shoaf
@mshoaf33@comcast.net)
|
|
Source:
Champaign County Gazette
Dated: July 20, 1904, page 1
Death of Freeman
Spencer
One of the Best Known Men In This Region of Illinois
Freeman Spencer, of Homer, who died on
Friday morning, July 15, was one of the best known and
most popular man in all the region. He was a large man,
weighing about 300 pounds, was of a jovial and hearty
disposition which made friends for him everywhere. The
funeral took place on Saturday, being conducted by
Rev. Mr. Gehrett, and the burial ceremony was under
the auspices of the Masons, D. E. Bruffet of
Urbana, officiating.
Mr. Spencer was a brother of M. J. and
G. H. Spencer of Homer and was 52 years old. His
wife died less than a year ago, and he leaves two little
sons, 11 and 5 years old respectively. He had been a
traveling sales for about 17 years and had a wide
acquaintance. His friends were always much attached to
him and it is said he did not have an enemy in the
world.
(Contributed by Molly Spencer Shoaf @mshoaf33@comcast.net) |
|
Source: The
Homer Enterprise
Dated: July 1904 (died 7-15-1904)
Freeman Spencer’s
Death
The following obituary was read by Dr. Gehrett
at the funeral of Freeman Spencer last
Saturday:
In the presence of death we are silent and thoughtful.
When one we love has been taken we are bewildered and
well nigh inconsolable. If we look into ourselves we see
only sorrow and a rent heart. If we look down we see
only a grave that enshrines our dearest hope. If we look
up we cannot understand. The mist if over our eyes and
the vision even at noonday falleth.
We have a consciousness based on God’s own promises
shat all is well, but failing to see His purposes in the
affliction we fail to comprehend. We feel that there is
a depth of working from which we have been excluded—a
mystery of purpose to which we have contributed, yet
into which we have not been admitted. And so while never
doubting the goodness and love and wisdom of God we are
confused and bewildered.
Why does God permit these fond ties to grow and mature
when they are to be rent in twain, without hope, this
side the kingdom where affections are never severed? Why
erect this fabric of domestic love when the very
foundations must by and by crumble and all that is
lovable therein be rendered to dust and ashes? If the
mists were not over our eyes nor the heart itself rent
we would not thus inquire. But when that which we hold
dearest on earth is no more and the only thing left is a
new grave and above it a broken heart we will be
forgiven if out of the depths we raise our plaintive
interrogations.
Several things we do know. God I good, God is
merciful, God is love. He can do no wrong. The veil will
be drawn aside after awhile. Where in the unfolding and
unveiling of the tings that are hidden that we cannot
discover here and now. It is hard to say “Thy will be
don” but it brings the soul into the attitude of divine
favor and insures a sublimer moral culture. It is the
one way to learn the deepest truth and gain the highest
comfort.
On the morning of Friday, July 15th,
Freeman V. Spencer departed this life. Previous
indications gave warning to himself and others that the
great change was near at hand. Quickly in the early
morning the message sped from one to another “Freeman
Spencer is dead,” and there was sorrow wherever it was
heard.
He was born July 12, 1852, in Clark county, O., and
came to this place with his parents in 1864. He worked
on a farm for about twelve years. For a time he was
engaged in selling steel range stoves in various parts
of the country for a St. Louis firm. Seven years ago he
began selling the Zero creamery. Every man is lord of
that which he leads, monarch of that which he masters.
The deceased certainly mastered his chosen work and was
a good salesman.
He was married to Mrs. Ina Peters, who died last
September. Two children are left who are not orphans,
indeed, but who will not want for a home or care. Two
brothers and two sisters survive him. His mother also
lives and now for the first time mourns the death of a
child. There are times and season to everyone when the
heart must bear its own burdens—days when Rachal
will sit alone, uncomforted, mourning her children. When
Abraham will find no place on earth half so dear
as Machpelah. Naomi may leave her husband’s grave
and the graves of her sons in the land of Moab, but all
the power of Israel cannot keep her from looking back
and thinking of the days that are gone. The mother is
with us to-day and in her soul is a sorrow peculiarly
her own. The departed was her own. She saw him grow from
helpless babyhood to sturdy manhood. She knows, however,
that God’s way though it be in the sea or through the
deep water is wise always, and forever wise.
Mr. Spencer was a member of the order of
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the members of that
order will presently take charge of his service. Perhaps
it would not be amiss if I should bear public testimony
to the high esteem in which he was held by the embers of
his lodge. He was a willing and earnest worker, and
there was on his part a growing interest manifested in
all things pertaining to Masonry. And now, cut off in
the very midst of his days, we are made to realize that
we are confronted with a mystery in the providence of
God, yet a mysterious providence, speaking to us in
unmistakable terms: “Be ye also ready, for in such an
hour as ye think not the son of man cometh.”
We all stand before the vail that, at any time, may be
drawn aside. We stand in awe of the unseen. But some of
us at least rejoice in the hope of the glory of God and
the fellowship of the saints, a fellowship that will
bring to us the ages of grace and continue for evermore.
Much could be said of the high esteem in which our
deceased friend was held. He was one who made friends
and held them too. The old liked him, the young liked
him. His familiar form and friendly greetings will be
missed on our streets. Not so greatly, however, as in
his own family circle, for mother and brothers and
sisters, and children knew him better and loved him
more. Theirs is the greater loss and theirs the deeper
sorrow.
Funeral service were held at the late home of the
deceased Saturday afternoon. The large number of
sorrowing friends and neighbors present and the
beautiful floral tributes laid upon the bier attested
the esteem and respect in which the deceased was held.
Interment took place at Grand Army cemetery, where the
services were conducted according to the rites of the
Masonic order by D. E. Bruffet, Deputy Grand
Master, of Urbana.
(Contributed by Molly Spencer Shoaf @mshoaf33@comcast.net) |
|
Source: The
Champaign County News
Dated: July 23, 1904, page 5
Freeman Spencer
Dies Suddenly
M. J. Spencer has been appointed administrator
of the estate of his deceased brother, Freeman
Spencer.
Freeman Spencer died quite suddenly at
his home here. The funeral was held Saturday afternoon
from the house, the services being conducted by the
Masons, and interment was at the Grand Army of the
Republic cemetery. D. E. Bruffett of Urbana was
master of ceremonies. Mr. Spencer leaves
two small sons besides two brothers and two sisters.
(Contributed by Molly Spencer Shoaf @mshoaf33@comcast.net) |
Source: Urbana
Daily Courier
Dated: Monday, July 25, 1910, page 1
Aged Physician Dies
Homer, Ill., July 25.—Dr. Homer C. Shaw, pioneer
Homer physician and veteran of the Civil
war, died here shortly after 5 o’clock
Saturday evening after suffering a stroke of
paralysis.
Deceased, who was a surgeon in the Tenth Ohio Infantry
during the rebellion, came to Homer
immediately after the close of the war and
had since practiced medicine here.
He leaves the following children: N. M. Shaw,
employed by the
Wabash Railroad Co., at Decatur;
Miss Minnie Shaw, Metamore, N. W.,
Mrs. G. W. Spencer, Mrs. Nannie
King and Mrs. H. M. Smoot, and
Miss Tina Shaw, all of Homer; Mrs. C.
E. Hartley of Sullivan.
The Homer Grand Army Post had charge of the funeral
service today.
(Contributed by Molly Spencer Shoaf
@mshoaf33@comcast.net)
|
Source: The Homer
Enterprise
Dated: Thursday, August 25, 1910
RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT
At a regular meeting of Homer G. A. R. Post, Aug. 20th,
the following resolutions were adopted:
Inasmuch as Dr. H. C. Shaw, a regimental
sergeant, true and
brave soldier of the war of the
rebellion and a member of our Post has
answered the last roll call and now rests in
the silent city of the dead, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That we, his comrades of said Post, express
our high esteem for the nobility of his life
and his genial fellowship.
RESOLVED, That we extend to the widow and the other
loved ones of the family our heartfelt
sympathy in this deep hour of grief and
sorrow.
RESOLVED, That a copy of these resolutions be given to
the family, a copy to the home paper for
publication and the salute spread upon the
minutes of our Post.
(Contributed by Molly Spencer Shoaf
@mshoaf33@comcast.net)
|
Source: Danville Press-Democrat
Dated: Sunday, July 24, 1910, p 7
Aged Physician Dead At Homer
Dr. Homer C. Shaw, One of the Oldest
Practitioners
In
Champaign County
Passed Away.
Press-Democrat Special
Homer, Ill., July 23.—Dr. Homer C. Shaw, one of
the oldest medical practitioners in
Champaign county, died at his home
here between 4 and 5 o’clock this evening
after having suffered a stroke of paralysis.
Dr. Shaw was in his 82d year and was
formerly an army surgeon belonging to the
Tenth Ohio infantry. After the war he came
to this city and began the practice of
medicine and has resided here since that
time. Dr. Shaw was one of the
foremost men of the county and has been
active in its affairs for many years. He is
survived by the widow and five children, the
later being as follows: N. M. Shaw, who is a
freight car distributor for the Wabash at
Decatur; Miss Minnie Shaw, of
Matamora,
New Mexico; Mrs.
George Spencer, Mrs. H. M. Smoot
and Miss Tina Shaw, all of this city.
No arrangements have been made for the funeral,
although Dr. Shaw will probably be
buried by the members of the local post
Grand Army of the Republic, of which
he was an old member.
(Contributed by Molly Spencer Shoaf
@mshoaf33@comcast.net)
|
Source: Danville
press-Democrat
Dated: Wednesday, July 27, 1910, p 3
Press-Democrat Special
The funeral of Dr. H. C. Shaw was held at the
family residence Monday afternoon. Services
were conducted by Rev. E. E. Hartley,
of Danville. Burial was made Tuesday morning
at the G. A. R. cemetery. The remains were
kept until a daughter, Miss Minnie,
could arrive from Matamoros, Mexico.
(Contributed by Molly Spencer Shoaf
@mshoaf33@comcast.net)
|
Source: Champaign
Daily Gazette
Dated: Thursday, May 29, 1913, page 1
Mrs. Mary Spencer is
Dead
Expired At Home In Homer Township After a
Long Illness
Homer, May 29.—Mrs. Mary G. Spencer died at her
home in Homer township at 9:45 o’clock last
night after nineteen months’ illness. Dropsy
is given as the cause of her death.
Mrs. Spencer was born in Springfield, O.,
April 11, 1836. In 1864 she moved to Homer
township where she had lived since. The
deceased leaves four children, M. J.,
Nora and G. H. of Homer and Mrs.
Angeline Stewart of
California. The funeral will be held form
the First Presbyterian church in Homer
Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock, Rev.
Walter Baker officiating. Burial will be
in the G. A. R. cemetery.
(Contributed by Molly Spencer Shoaf
@mshoaf33@comcast.net)
|
Source: Danville
Press-Democrat
Dated: Friday, May 30, 1913, p 3
Mrs. Mary Spencer
Dies
Press-Democrat Special
Mrs. Mary Spencer, a well known lady of this
vicinity, died at her home here on Wednesday
evening after a long illness with dropsy.
Mrs. Spencer, whose maiden name was
Miss Mary Grace Vicory, was born at
Springfield, Clark county, Ohio, on April 11th,
1830. She was married to Alexander H.
Spencer in 1847 and in 1864 the family
came from Springfield, Ohio, to a farm
southwest of Homer where she resided until
about ten years ago. Mr. Spencer
died in 1874. She is survived by four
children, two sons, Mathew J., and George
H. Spencer of this place and Mrs.
Angie Stewart, of Ohio. One
son, Freeman Spencer, died
about six years ago. No funeral arrangements
have been made.
Contributed by Molly Spencer Shoaf
@mshoaf33@comcast.net)
|
Source: Danville
Press-Democrat
Dated: Friday, May 30, 1913, p 3
Press-Democrat Special
Spencer Funeral
The funeral of Mrs. Mary G. Spencer will be held
on Saturday afternoon, May 31, at 2 p. m.,
at the Presbyterian church. Services will be
conducted by Rev. Walter Baker,
assisted by Rev. E. E. Hartley.
Interment will be made in the family lot at
the G. A. R. cemetery.
(Contributed by Molly Spencer Shoaf
@mshoaf33@comcast.net)
|
Source: Urbana Daily Courier
Dated: March 5, 1920, page 9
Funeral of Mrs. Shaw
The funeral of Elizabeth Vanhorn Shaw was held
from the family residence Tuesday afternoon
at 2 o’clock. Rev.
George Burns officiating. Burial was
in the G. A. R. cemetery.
Those from a distance to attend the funeral were: Mr.
and Mrs. Marshall Shaw of
Decatur, Minnie Shaw of New Mexico,
Mrs. E. E. Hartley of
Missouri, Mrs. J. R. Morlock
and R. H. Spencer of Champaign,
Mrs. Dalton of Decatur.
NOTE: Anna Shaw Spencer
was daughter of Dr. Homer C. & Elizabeth
White Shaw. Anna m George H. Spencer.
Anna was born in Meigs Co.,
Ohio in the town of Pomeroy. They
lived there while her father was serving in
the Civil War.
(Contributed by Molly Spencer Shoaf
@mshoaf33@comcast.net)
|
Source: Urbana Daily
Courier
Dated: December 13, 1922, page 7
Matthew J. Spencer
Obituary
The funeral of M. J. Spencer was held Monday
afternoon at 2:30 at the First Presbyterian
church, conducted by Rev. I. A.
McEwin. The Masonic lodge of Homer, of
which the deceased was a member was in
charge of the services at the grave. Burial
was made in the G. A. R. cemetery. Mr.
Spencer was born on October 3, 1848, at
Springfield, O., he being the oldest of five
children. He was married September 15, 1897,
to Lucy A. Conkey, who died in
February 1918. Mr. Spencer leaves one
brother, George Spencer, of this
place and two sisters in California. Mr.
Spencer took sick about five weeks
ago and had been bedfast most of the time
since. Those from a distance who attended
the funeral were Scott Spencer of Chicago,
Harold Spencer of Champaign,
Ed Babb and wife of Champaign,
Mrs. Jennie Conkey and son Yates
of Champaign.
(Contributed by Molly Spencer Shoaf
@mshoaf33@comcast.net)
|
OBITUARY (Source Unknown)
George Hamilton Spencer
was born in Clark county, Ohio, Dec. 23,
1854, son of Alexander H. and Mary Vicory
Spencer. They moved to Illinois, at
Homer, in Champaign county in 1865. He was
united in marriage to Anna F. Shaw of
Homer November 14, 1883. To this union was
born seven children: Mrs. F. O. Hobson
of Corning California; Philip A.
Spencer of New Albany, Indiana; Mrs.
J. F. Christy of Prescott, Arizona;
Richard H. Spencer, Homer, Ill., Mrs. V.
W. Dalton of Decatur, Ill., John
Spencer who preceded him in death;
Harold A. Spencer of Wheeling, West
Virginia.
He was a member of the Presbyterian church, also of the
Masonic lodge of which he was a member of
over 56 years.
He died at his home March 26, 1935, at 6:45 p.m.
(Contributed by Molly Spencer
Shoaf @mshoaf33@comcast.net)
|
Source: Danville
Commercial-News
Dated: Wednesday, March 27, 1935, page
16
Oldest Mason In Homer Dead
George H. Spencer Succumbs At 80—
Retired From His Farm 5 Years Ago.
Homer—(CNS)—George H. Spencer, 80, a retired
farmer and Homer’s oldest Mason, died at
6:45 p. m. Tuesday, Mar. 26, 1935, at his
home. He had been bedfast six months and
seriously ill three weeks.
Mr. Spencer was born Dec. 23, 1864 in
Clark County, Ohio, son of Alexander H.
and Mary G. Spencer. He came to the
Homer vicinity with his parents when 10
years old. He married Anna Shaw on Nov. 14,
1883. They moved to Homer five years ago
from their farm.
He was the oldest member of the local Masonic Lodge,
celebrating 50 years of membership in 1928.
He also was a member of Presbyterian Church.
Surviving besides the widow are the following children:
Richard, Homer; Harold,
Wheeling, W. Va.; Philip, New Albany,
Ind.; Mrs. Rachel Hobson,
California; Mrs. Cora
Christy, Prescott, Ariz.; and Mrs.
Virginia Dalton, Decatur. A
sister, Mrs. Angeline
Stewart, Los Angeles, Calif., also
survives. One son, John, preceded him
in death.
(Contributed by Molly Spencer Shoaf
@mshoaf33@comcast.net)
|
Source: The Homer Enterprise
Dated: Thursday,
January 11, 1951, p 1
Mrs. Spencer Dies At
Aged 85 in Peek Nursing Home
Mrs. Anna Frame Spencer, 85, died at 2:30 p. m.
Saturday at the Peek nursing home,
Urbana, where she had been a patient
for some time. The body was taken to the
Scott
funeral home here Saturday and
funeral services were conducted from there
Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Buy W. Smock,
retired Presbyterian minister from Sidney,
officiated. Burial was in Homer GAR
cemetery.
She was born April 7, 1865, at Pomeroy, Ohio, the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Homer C. Shaw.
She married George Spencer
Nov. 14, 1883. The couple farmed west of
here until 1929, when they moved to town.
Mr. Spencer died in March, 1934.
Mrs. Spencer as a member of Homer
Presbyterian church.
Survivors are three sons, Philip, New Albany,
Ind.; Harold, Beaumont, Calif., and
Richard, Homer; and three daughters,
Mrs. Rachel Hobson,
Corning, Calif; Mrs. Cora Christy,
Beatty, Nev., and Mrs. Nora
Runyon, Decatur. She also leaves two
sisters, Mrs. Nan Cusick,
Homer, and Mrs. Cora
Hartley, long Beach, Calif.; 19
grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
(Contributed by Molly Spencer Shoaf
@mshoaf33@comcast.net)
|
NOTES:
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