Spencer - Mary Clark
Source: Waveland Independent, 11 October 1912
Mary Clark Spencer, daughter of Eli and America Spencer was born at Judson, Indiana March 27, 1843; died at her home near Milligan Thursday Oct 3, 1912 at the age of 69 years 6 months 6 days. Funeral services at the home on Sunday afternoon were conducted by Rev. H.C. Burkhart. Interment at Maple Ridge. Six of the sons acted as pallbearers. She was united in marriage to George W. Spencer, August 21, 1862 and to them were born 10 children 8 boys and 2 girls, all except one of whom are still living and were at the bedside when death came. William, the fourth child, died of diphtheria at the age of 10 years. The other children are: John of Russellville; Jesse and Allen, who live on the home farm; George W. of Rockville; Frank near Judson; Mrs. Elmer McCutchan of Milligan; Aria who lived with her parents; Wilbur A, near Waveland and Fred E. near Guion. These with her husband, 3 sisters, a number of grandchildren, one great grandchild and a host of relatives and friends are left to mourn her departure. Mrs. Spencer united with the Bank Springs Christian Church in 1858 and was a charter member of the Waveland Christian Church. She lived a consistent Chrisian life, bringing into her household duties as well as into every act of her life a pure Christian spirit that was a great inspiration for better living to all those about her. While we would not be forgetful of the careful guidance of a father's love, yet, to whatever station in life the children have attained, and whatever these nine living children may accomplish in the future, much, indeed very much of the credit must be given the mother for her careful, painstaking and love guidance of their physical, mental or moral natures, throughout their early lives and even into manhood and womanhood. The mother of her husband, who lived past the age of 99 years and who made her home with them for more than 30 years, said in the last years of her life when she was a source of constant care to her daughter-in-law, that Mary, through all these years had never spoken to her an unkind word. Such was her life! Never uttering an unkind or complaining word but solicitous for the welfare of others. On account of her mother's failing health, Aria, two years ago gave up teaching and since that time has been her constant and most loving companion. Her departure from this life was peaceful and no word of complaint came form her lips even in her time of greatest pain. She is gone from our home forever. Never more can she come to the gate to meet us, when we return to the old home, but may we profit by her example, and ever having her memory in our hearts, so live that the meeting may be at another gate where parting will be no more. kbz