Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-11
Death of Walter Spencer.


Walter Spencer, Sr. On Thursday
morning of last week he secumbed
to his sickness (Brights Disease), and
passed away, at his home.
The funeral took place on Satur-
day afternoon, short service being
first held at the family residence,
where many awaited an opportunity
to take Il last view of their friend.
The floral tokens, which attested to
the high esteem in which he was
held, were many. After the body
had been inferred in Mountain Ash
cemetery public service was held
in the M. f. church which was filled
to overflow. The services, con-
Quoted by Rev. Mr.. Leach of Har-
risburg, formerly of this place, We're
very impressive throughout.
The pail bearers, all old residents
of the town and friends of Mr.. Spen-
Ger, were: Judge Dunham, Hon.
Thos. j. Ingham, Hon. Russell
Karns, Robt. Stormont Esq, Mr..
Fred Miller and Mr.. VIM. Loeb.
The cortage which followed the re-
mains to the cemetery was very
large.
Thus passes from our midst VEN
erable and highly esteemed citizen
whom it was pleasure to know and
transact business with which he con-
Quoted i'm an honorable and upright
manner.
Mr. Spencer was II years of age at
the time of his death, and for the
past fifty years his life was connect
ed with and part of the history of
the town. He was prominent in
Democratic politics and regarded his
public duty as sacred trust and he
brought to its discharge faithful
ness and rugged rectitude which
We're as refreshing to his opponents
as to his allies, and at all times
worthy of commendation.
By request, we were handed a life
sketch of the deceased, written by a
worry hand as follows:
'.The death of Walter Spencer removes
| from us prominent citizen who has been
intimately associated with nearly all the
enterprises of our town for half century.
Coming here when young man, then in
the employ of Capt. James Phillips, who
as early as lS40 made an exchange with
Michael Meylert of valuable farm near
Towanda for lands in Laporte, and the
house OF Mrs. Lauer's.
He at once contided in Mr.. Spencer
who had for some time previously been in
his employ, much of his business interests
in opening store and improving property.
Mr.. Spencer subsequently engaged in
the mercantile business on his own re.
sponsibility and became in close touch
with all the early settlers of this part Of
the county. Always the poor mans
friend, ready to extend favors far beyond
his means, in consequence of which he
| suffered embarresments from misplaced
confidence and sympathy, necessitating
| him to close up the mercantile business
for time. He then engaged in improve
ments of the town and for some time took
charge of the stage line from here to
Muncy. Later having been appointed
Postmaster he again opened store for a
time in company with A. J. Deitreck.
Upon Mr.. Deitreck leaving the county,
Mr. Spencer accepted the appointment Of
| Commissioners Clerk which Office he held
during successive boards of officers, during
which time much OF the responsibility OF
our county business was entrusted to him,
as deputy for nonresident officers, and
for many years was an indispensable
factor in caring for the finances OF the
county, serving as Treasurer during the
years ofour greatest depression.
For nearly twenty years he was the
owner OF the steam saw mill and in the
conducting Of this business largely aided
the interests OF our town. The mercan-
tile business and office of post master has
occupied his attention during the later
years of his life. In all the various rela-
tions of citizenship he has from the very
beginning, born his full share of burdens
and not shrinking from any labor that
his fellow citizens have asked at his
hands"
| Thus one by one the old landmarks
of our community are leaving us, but
the memory of their good citizenship
will remain with those of younger
years through life, and especially that
of Mr.. Spencer, who was of retiring
disposition, a lover of the comforts
of home, and has left to his children
the priceless legacy of an unstained