Obits of John T. Spiers - Elmore Co., AL ==================================================================== USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Project Archives to store this file permanently for free access. This file was contributed by: ALGenWeb File Manager - Lygia Dawkins Cutts ==================================================================== Contributed by Ellis Bateman Abstracted by Linda Blankenship. Obits of John T. Spiers - Elmore Co., AL The Times Democrat, Thursday, 14 AUG 1892: "On Saturday, the 6th inst., the official count was made of the county election....The following are majorities received by the candidate named for office designated opposite each:.....Jno. T. Spiers, Sheriff 708." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Times Democrat, Thursday, 22 DEC 1892: "Our community was shocked Monday morning last when it was learned that Mr. J.T. Spiers had been fatallly wounded in the abdomen, by a pistol shot, accidentally discharged by Mr. R. T. Goodwyn. The ball entered two inches to the right of the navel and ranged downward toward the region of the left kidney where it lodged underneath teh surface of the skin. Drs. Warren and Fitzpatrick were summoned to the side of the wounded man, who had been removed from the Court House, where the accident occurred, to his room at Kyle Hotel, and they gave him all needful attention. The ball was soon extracted by a slight incision and, for a few hours, the friends of the wounded man were hopeful that the ball had not severed the intestines or other vital parts. Their hopes were upon slight probabilities as was proven Tuesday morning, when the patient began to sink rapidly, from hemorrhage and inflammation. Rev. A. L. Sellers was called to administer the consolation of religion to the dying man, who prepared to meet the end of his mortal existence and made peace with his God. At 2 o'clock p.m., of the same day, he passed away. On Wednesday morning the reamins were shipped to his home at Coosda for interment. They were accompanied by his devoted wife and several friends. What a sad ending of such a promising life! We sympathize with his family. Let us say that Mr. R.T. Goodwyn was not blamed by anyone for the accident as it was a case where he did not know the pistol was loaded nor pointing at Mr. Spiers. Mr. goodwyn was almost beside himself with grief, and never left the wounded man until his death. We sympathize with Mr. goodwyn as much as with the bereaved family." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Reform Advocate, Thursday, 22 DEC 1892: "In life we are in the midst of death. The destroying angel comes and we know not that he is near till we hear the sweep of his wings and feel his chilling breath. Monday morning John Spiers was in teh full strength and vigor of young manhood, Tuesday morning the death damp gathered on his brow, and his soul was hurried off into an endless eternity. Only twenty-nine years of age, and with the flush of youth still upon his cheek, he had to die. He had to lie down in that long sleep, and by the hand of one of his dearest friends. Of fine physique and always in perfect health, his genial disposition endeared him to all his associates, and made a friend of every aquaintance. His private life was that of the true Christian. His gentle manners and affectionate disposition made him the idol of his children and wife. He held teh office of sheriff fro less than four months. but in that time he exhibited business talent, that promised a bright future, but the Omnipotent Power decreed otherwise, and removed him to a better land, and to a higher office, and no one can assail the wisdom of teh Almighty. A heartbroken widow and little children are left to mourn his loss, but 'he that doeth all things well, knoweth teh best.' Little children will look out the window for the coming of 'Papa' in vain; lisping lips will ask with wondering pathos 'where is Papa?' and a saddened voice will say 'gone to a better land.' But in the memory of those who knew him best, he will live always. A sorrowing and true friend will only add, "Green be the turf above thee, Friend of my better days. None knew thee but to love thee Nor named thee but to praise." ---------------------- A FATAL ACCIDENT - Mr. John T. Spiers, Sheriff of Elmore County, was fatally shot on Monday at about 12 o'clock, by a pistol in the hands of Tyler Goodwyn, Circuit Clerk. The pistol belonged to Mr. Spiers and he was showing it to Mr. Goodwyn; he took out the cartridges and, after snapping the pistol several times, handed it to Mr. Goodwyn. He took it in his hands and it was discharged at once, the ball striking Mr. Spiers in the stomach and going completely through him. It was taken out the next day by physicians from his left side, just under the skin. Mr. Spiers died on Tuesday afternoon. He completely exonerated Mr. Goodwyn from any blame in the matter. A coroner's inquest was held and the jury returned a verdict of accidental death. Goodwyn and Spiers were the warmest of friends, both having been elected upon the KOLB ticket in August to their offices. The community awaited with anxiety of his condition all night and the day following, and when he died Tuesday afternoon, it cast a gloom over the entire community. He was buried on Wednesday at Robinson Springs."