Biographical sketch on Mr Alexander SPONSLER, Crawford County, Illinois

This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by:
Sue Jones
<suezque@frsb.net>

     
Argus, Oct 8, 1883

Alexander Sponsler
     
Mr. Alexander Sponsler, one of our best citizens, was removed from our midst
on the morning of September 19th, 1883. He was born in Cumberland county,
Pennsylvania. He was left an orphan at a very early age. The great battle of
life must be fought alone, without fond parents, and influential friends to
help him to positions of honor and ease. But the boy was an index to the
man. He met his fate bravely. For five long weary years he served as an
apprentice. His faithfulness was soon rewarded when he entered the arena of
life. The very selfishness of human nature compelled his recognition. His
skill and integrity defied competition. In 1836 he went to Stark County,
Ohio and plied his trade. Here he married Miss Mary Gratz, in 1838 at the
age of twenty-five years. He moved to Illinois in 1867?1857?. His life was a
reproof alike to the careless worldling and faithless church member. How
many of his friends and neighbors can recall his patient endurance under
severe trials and pe! rsecutions. A certain class, cavious of his hard
earned and well deserved prosperity, instead of following his example, and
laying up not only property, but wisdom, for old age, were spending precious
golden hours, assailing his family in every way cruelty could devise. How
often was the father's heart wrung in bitterness. All will remember, when
his barn, grain, farming utensils and six horses were burned; in his anguish
he only cried out, "oh! my poor horses, my poor horses." Not a word of
resentment or revenge. Afterward, when another sore trial come to his
household, leaving a dark shadow, which settled like a pall on each heart,
he was unmoved, trainquil, peaceful, but suddenly old and haggard, walking
with bowed head. The old and young rich and poor, found in him a friend and
counselor. From the farmer and mechanic, to the weary worn pastor, who lived
beside him, wearing his life away to work some reform in the unformed
chaotic state of society and morals; his society ! and advice were like
healing balm. When this pastor was removed from the scenes of time, leaving
a family of orphan children to the mercy of the world, and those who should
have been true, proved false, he was found faithful. He had lived out the
time allotted to man, and is gathered home with the golden sheaves. He was
the father of eleven children, eight of whom are left to mourn his loss. The
faithful companion of his joys and sorrows, also remains, lonely and
desolate in her old age. They have our deepest sympathy. May the husband of
the widow, and father of the fatherless, guard and protect them.

A Neighbor.
     
     
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This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by:
Sue Jones
<suezque@frsb.net>