Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-07-25
@Orecster Daily SPY
TIE DAILY SPY.
For the Daily Worcester SPY.


is unnecessary to mention here, was not used
in that connection. As the notice was pre-
pared with considerable care it has been
thought worthy of preservation. l therefore
send it to you to publish if you see fit.
Glass of l85S.-Spurr, Thomas jefferson;
Grandfathers-G John Spur and Dr. Dan
Lamb of Charlton, Mass; Parents-Col.
Samuel Dantorth and Mary Augusta (Lanlb)
Spur. Both parents were born in Charlton,
but moved 10 Worcester, say in 1882 or 49,
The family at that time consisted of them
selves and one daughter. Thomas Jefferson
Spur was born in Worcester, Mass, Feb 2,
1888. Col. Spur pursued in Worcester the
business of a merchant until his DEATH Nov
3, 1912. Thus in his fifth year Thomas was
left with his sister under the sole care of his
mother, and it seems well to say here that
perhaps the strongest point in his character
was the love which he telt for his mother
Fitted for college at the Worcester high
school, he entered in his seventeenth year
without condition. In college he gained at
first high place in the class, receiving one of
the best Deturs, and having part assigned to
nm at the first exhibition in the junior year.
But at the end OF the first term of this year he
began to have trouble with his eyes, and al
though he came back to college at the begin
ming OF the second term it was only to stay a
fortnight. He wrote at graduation, ''They"
(hs eyes, ''have been of no use to me since
that time" Finding that he could not study
he made the voyage to Fayal and back.
Spending two months in Fayal he returned to
America in time to rejoin his class at the be-
ginning of the senior year. He was connect
ed with the class during the whole year,
conducting his studies by means of
"reader."
After graduation, Spur remained at home
for Il year, in i'll health. He spent the years
1859 aud go in Worcester in the law office of
DevenS (Gen. Charles) & Hoar, (Hon. Geo
F., his brother-inlaw.) In September, 1860,
he entered the law school at Cambridge. Up
to this time he had pursued his law studies
with "reader," but his eyes had gradually
grown better since graduation, and were now
in such a state that he could use them consid.
erably. April |, 1861, Spur sailed for Russia
in barque Ethan Allen for pleasure trip, re-
turning to America in the early fall of the same
year through England. He remained in Wor-
cester studying and drilling until the battle of
Balls Bluff. just after this battle he was Of
fered first lieutenantcy i'll the 18th Massachu
sets volunteers, by its commander, Colonel
. (now generaD Devens. Accepting the posi-
ton he joined the regiment soon after Christ
mas, near Poolesville.
January 4Ih, 1868, lie was put in command
of Co. G. He was the only commissioned Of
ticer with the company, the captain and first
lieutenant both being sick, and the second
lieutenant having resigned. The 10Th went
to the Peninsula with Gen. Mcclellan He re-
turned with his regiment from the Peninsula
and was present at the battle OF Antictam. 1t
was in this engagement that he received the
wound of which he died. The battle was
fought on the 18th of September. Lieutcn-
ant Spur died on the 9th, at Hagerstown.
ellis thigh wIote his brotler-in-law, ''was
shattered by mimic ball on Wednesday, the
18th of September. lie lay on the field with
in the rebel lines for three days, when he was
removed to farm, our troops having regained
the ground where he had lain. On Monday
he was removed to Hagerstown, Md, and on
Wednesday his mother and |, with DR.. Sar-
gent, reached him. He suffered terribly, I'M
til an operation, which took place on Thurs
day, somewhat relieved bis agony. He was
fully conscious to the last, and met his
death bravely and cheerfully, thinking
throughout the whole only of Others As a
soldier, Lieut.. Spur was brave and faithful.
cat the battle OF Fair Oaks" wrote DIR. Ha-
ven, the lamented surgeon of the 10Th, II
CHANGED to be in close proximity to him dur
ing the severeSt of fine engagement, and can
bear personal testimony to his cool bearing
and undaunted courage" Similar was the
testimony of all the officers of his regiment.
He was beloved by all his fellow officers, and,
as soon as he had been with them long enough
tor them to find out his worth, by the men of
his company. 1t was hardly to be expected
that he would be popular with the common SOL
dlers at first, the circumstances of his appoint
ment having been such as to make them
watchful to find fault with him and he having
at times a certain holiness of manner which
led many to believe him to be somewhat proud
or vain. But such was his real devotion to
the interests of his men and his great fitness
for the position which he held that he won in
time the love and respect OF ALL When
wounded he saw that he must fall into the
hands of the enemy, and generously babe
some of his men who wished to bear him to
the rear to leave him to his fate and seek safe
ty for themselves.
His death was very beautiful. 'Not in
anger did he die, but in peace" Surrounded
by those he loved, he felt very grateful at
being allowed to breathe his last in the arms
of the mother who was so dear to him. He
spent his few last hours in pleasant commun-
ion with his nearest friends, and in prayer
and Thanksgiving; then, passed, with his
mothers name upon his lips, through the door
that separates earth from heaven to take his
place among the glorifed heroes of our holy
war. He expressed no regret at dying, but
said that he had been fully aware of the chan
ces OF war, and hoped only that his early
death might serve to inspire his companions
to lead earnest lives.
Lieut.. Spur was an excellent scholar. At
the grammar school at home he always led his
class He took high rank in the high school
and in college. He was good in all branches
OF study, but particularly fond Of mathematics.
His reputation in the class for scholarship was
such as to secure an election into the Phi Beta
Kappa society, although on account of the
trouble in his eyes he had lost the rank in his
class which makes a students election almost
certain.
His mind was cminenty practical. He de-
lighted in facts rather than in poetry. He
was good at business and handy In the use of
tools. Although of practical turn OF mind
he was quite fond of nature. His mind was
strong and his judgment generally sound. lie
was able to walk alone, and yet ever ready,
sometimes. perhaps, too ready to listen to the
advice of any one whom he bad
high respect for. He always showed great
respect tor things good and holy. He was a
man Of excellent taste. Conspicuous for hon
orabe feeling and for elegance of dress and
manners, he bore the mark OF gentleman
aud was one at heart. Somewhat dlthdent,
he yet liked to make acquaintance, although
cautious in choosing friends. l have spoken
OF his love for his mother. He was also very
warm in his friendships.