Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Spencer, Edwin R. 1912
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Marilyn Ransom mlnransom@chartermi.net August 30, 2010, 2:21 pm

The Belding Banner, Thursday, June 6, 1912


There was a very large gathering at the late residence of Edwin R. Spencer 
Friday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock to pay their last respects to the deceased.  
The business places in the city were closed during the funeral hour and many 
business men, old neighbors and friends were present.  Rev. Edrie Collins of 
this city and Rev. J. C. Mecse of St. Louis, Mich., a former pastor of the 
Church of Christ and a warm friend of the deceased, officiated.  Mrs. Merl 
Rummler and Mr. W. B. Reed sang accompanied by Mrs. W. I. Benedict.  A 
profusion of beautiful flowers and floral pieces covered the casket.

The pall bearers were W. L. Cusser, H. A. Smith, George W. Moulton, Frank 
Hudson, H. J. Connell and W. F. Bricker.  The following obituary written by 
his daughter, Maude Spencer Foster was read by Rev. Mecse.

Edwin R. Spencer was born March 28, 1852 in Smyrna, Michigan.  He was the 
youngest of five children, his mother having died when he was about four years 
of age.  His childhood and boyhood days were passed upon his father’s farm and 
in attending the Smyrna school.  When a very young man he began teaching and 
held the position of school master in different district schools around 
Smyrna, Otisco and Greenville.  A short time following this during which time 
he enjoyed the privilege of a few months in college, he came to Belding, 
locating here in 1878.

A year later he was married to Miss Abigail Twadill of Grattan, who ever 
proved a devoted, helpful and loving wife.  To them were born two children, 
the little son having passed away twenty-two years ago.


Many lessons can be drawn from this good man’s life, he was honest and upright 
in all his dealings with his fellow men and always adhered to the truth.  The 
lines “An honest man is the noblest work of God,” was the grandest sentiment 
in the beautiful poem, to him.

To those who knew him best Mr. Spencer was a man of no small literary 
attainments and was familiar with parts of nearly all the English master 
pieces and very familiar with the Bible.  Being of Scotch descent he had that 
tenacity of purpose and great desire to win out whenever he felt he was in the 
right.

His daughter whom you will graciously pardon for mentioning herself in 
connection with this obituary, but who wishes to pay in these poor remarks but 
in the best manner that she is capable a last tribute to one of the very best 
of men and the grandest father it seems to her who ever lived.  My father’s 
favorite quotation was the last stanza of “Thanatopis” which expresses exactly 
the way he lived and the way he died.

So live, that when thy summons comes to join
The innumerable caravan which moves
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death; 
Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night,
Scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant drams.

Ever kind, encouraging and helpful toward little children and young people and 
tender and respectful to old age.  Not like the flaming rose or the tall and 
stately lily both of which he loved so well but like his favorite flower the 
morning glory he met each new day in a bright, joyful and unassuming manner 
and like the morning glory closed in late afternoon instead of evening as it 
seems that it should have been.

He departed this life May 21, 1912 being at that time 60 years, 1 month and 28 
days old.



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