Spencer Cemetery - Greene Township

Thanks to George Spencer of Waveland for cleaning this cemetery and transcribing it -- used with permission from George

1.A. Willie W. Spencer son of G.W. & M.C. Spencer Died Oct 10, 1879 Aged 10y 25ds.

On the south side of the base is the following:

Yet when we have to meet thee

When the day of life is fled

When in heaven with joy to greet thee

Where no farwell tear is shed

On the west side of the base is the following:

Dearest Willie tho hast left us

Hence our loss we deeply feel

But tis God who hath bereft us

He can all sorrow heal

1.B. Blank foot stone

2(i).A. John Spencer June 30, 1793  April 9, 1867 His first stone says died April 9, 1867  aged 74 yr. 9 m. 21 d.

2(i).B. The foot stone has the initials: C.A.C.

2(ii)A. Nancy Spencer Nov. 28, 1801  Feb. 11, 1901 no footstone

3.A. Thomas H. Spencer son of John Spencer died Mar. 28,1857 Aged 21y. 5m. 16d.

3.B. T. H. S.

4 The original stone of John Spencer died April 9, 1867  74y 9m 21d

5.A. Elnor Spencer wife of P. Spencer Jan. 28, 1803  Sept. 6, 1885

5.B. The blank stone is flat on the ground and probably her foot stone.

6.A. Phienan Spencer died Oct 2, 1857  aged 56 yrs. 8m. 2d.

6.B. P. S.

7.A. Cintha Ann wife of N. Chrutchfield died Feb. 20, 1858  33y 5m 17d

This stone was leaning against others so this may not be the location of her grave, but it may go with the next foot stone.

On her stone is the following:

What is this that steals upon my frame

Is it death Is it death

That soon will quench this vital flame

Is it death Is it death

If this be death I soon shall be

from every pain and sorrow free

I shall the king of glory see

All is well All is well

7.B. foot stone with initials I. B. ???

8 Lucinda E. daughter of John and Harriet Warrick died Oct 16, 1865 aged 13 yrs. 2 ms. 8 ds.

9. Mary A. wife of J. Spencer died March 23, 1845  aged 78 yrs.

10. James Spencer died June 20, 1837  aged 73 yrs. 11 ms. & 28 d's

11. Rachel wife of James died March 25, 1850  aged 31 yrs. 1 m. 20 d.

12. Nancy J. daughter of J.& R. Spencer died Mar. 21, 1854 aged 6y. 9m. 22d.

13. S.S.D. Originally this was probably a footstone for Stephen, but its location suggests it might mark another grave.

14. Stephen Stclair son of James&Lucy Davis died Sept.10,1852 aged 1y.11m.1d.

15. Hiram son of James & Lucy Davis died Sept 4, 1841 aged 3yrs. 11m. 15d.

16.A. Alfred son of P. & F. Spencer March 6, 1849 aged 21 yrs. 11 m. 6 d.

16.B. A. S.

17. N This is not a smooth square cut stone, nor is it a common field stone. It has a well cut leter "N" in the upper left corner, but any other letters would be pure speculation by me.

The present fence is in the same location as the previous fence, but there is no reason to believe that this is the same location of the original fence, even if there was one. I have a feeling that at one time there may have been a metal picket fence.  Whatever the case, inside the present fence there are also located at least 15 field stones that probably mark the graves of former slaves.  There are also a number of field stone markers outside the fence to the west.

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE from GEORGE SPENCER

"The Spencer Cemetery is on private land which is no longer owned by members of the Spencer family.  The present owner allows me to go into the cemetery from time to time in order to do the necessary maintenance

and to show it to other descendants.  If people start trespassing on his land in order to access the cemetery I may not be allowed to maintain the cemetery.  If you wish information concerning the cemetery I hope you will contact me. If you wish to visit the cemetery, we could probably arrange a time that would coincide with a maintenance visit. 

I have been helping with the maintenance for about 25 years.  I try to mow it once or twice a year and keep the brush, trees and fence under control.  It would crush my efforts if someone damaged any of the stones. 

Please do not even think about bringing a scraper or wire brush.  In 15 seconds a person can do more damage than nature could do in 75 years. 

I would like my grandchildren to see the cemetery as I have known it.

        George W. Spencer

        R.R. 1  Box 98

        Waveland, In. 47989

        (765)435-2408