The third annual reunion of the descendants of Naaman Spencer, Sr., and Diantha, (Benham) Spencer, the progenitors of a large branch of the Spencer family, assembled at the home of Mrs. Clarinda Case, in Eagle Point, Thursday, September 6, 1900. The day was perfect for such a meeting and the two hundred guests spent the forenoon under the beautiful hard maple trees, greeting each other and relating past events of interest to themselves.
Three states, - Kansas, Iowa and Illinois were represented at this reunion. An arch of asparagus and vines, decorating the word "Welcome" formed an arch over the driveway, and over the front gate, an arch with the word "Spencer" had been made. Each relative was asked to register his name in a book kept for that purpose. H. Elsey was kept very busy seeing that all were provided with proper entertainment. To him deserves most of the credit for the success of this gathering.
The Eagle Point band, a most excellent organization, furnished plenty of music for the occasion. They received many compliments. Although, they asked nothing for their services, they were donated a collection of $5.00 for new music.
Long tables under the trees had been prepared. These were loaded with excellent food of many varieties. The tables were surrounded twice, seventy five eating each time. Two barrels of ice water were frequently visited by the thirsty crowd during the day.
Two pictures, one of the Spencer Homestead and the other of the old schoolhouse, near Nepaug, Connecticut, attracted much attention.
After dinner, the neighbors and many other relatives arrived. W.S. Sunderland of Milledgeville, grouped the crowd and took their pictures. A short but interesting program was then rendered, E.R. Spencer, of Chadwick, the chairman, called the meeting to order. Secretary Henry Elsey read the minutes of the last meeting. The following letter was read:
Nepaug, Connecticut
Sept. 1, '00
Association Eagle Point, Ill.
Dear Friends: -
We are in receipt of your kind invitation to
be present at your reunion to be held September 6th. I very
much regret that circumstances are such that I cannot be
present with you to help carry on the celebration. I should
be glad to take by the hand those of your number that I have
had the pleasure of meeting, also those of you I have never
seen. Trusting and believing you will all have a pleasant as
well as a profitable day on September 6th, I remain yours as
ever, -One of the Spencer "boys" of Connecticut.
Edward P. Spencer
p.s. My father, known to the western friends as Uncle Luman, now is in his 96th year, is about the same, only somewhat weaker. His general health is good. He wishes to be remembered to one and all of the descendants of Uncle Naaman. My wife and boys also send greetings.
The following report of the deaths and births were read by Henry Elsey:
At our last reunion we reported the death of Benham Johnson. Since then we have been called upon to mourn the departure from this life of three loved and honored members, - Mrs. Simeon Fletcher, Mrs. Lydia, wife of Dennis Woodin, and Simeon Ripley. One year ago today, Miss Klea Spencer, daughter of Charles and Fanny Spencer, was reported as the youngest member of the tribe. Since then four newcomers have been reported, - the youngest of which is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Woodin. Mis Harriet Layton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Layton, is the youngest member present with us today. Aunt Polly, widow of Alanson Spencer, is the oldest member of the association. She is past 82 years. Allen B, Spencer is next in age to Mrs. Alanson Spencer.
Leslie Lewis, superintendent of the schools of Hyde Park, was present. He gave a very neat talk. He said all present were young, but all were not little xxxxxxxxx them that he was the incorrigible youth who wouldn't plow and said he would starve before doing so. Now he has repented. He told a number of witty stories which made the corners of every mount turn heavenward. He believes that the relatives should put up a monument for Naaman Spencer which would be the finest in the country, for through him they are away from the stones and stumps and hills and sands of Connecticut. He told how he watched the process of threshing in the hills to the east. The tail-end of the machine had been stuck in the barn door, the oats had been carried off in baskets and when all had been cleaned up, it was found that they had threshed 9 and 3/4 bushels. He thinks that Connecticut was a good country to be from, but that Illinois was a good country to come to.
Fifty-one years ago in October, Mr. Lewis and his father road on horse-back from Freeport to Eagle Point. His father had traded a wagon for some cows. He remembered watching his Uncle, Naaman, spring a trap capture fifty pigeons. He closed his remarks by saying that he was pleased to meet with them and would bring his family next year. He was liberally applauded.
A number sang, "Far Away," and Mrs. Fred Booth, by request of Allen B. Spencer, sang, "Longing," very prettily. Miss Ola Spencer, of Chadwick, a little girl eleven years old, played several organ solos. The lady is a born musician.
It is doubtful if a family gathered who enjoyed themselves more that did the Spencer family, last Thursday. H. Elsey was re-elected secretary and treasurer, and it was decided to hold the reunion next year.
The following registered:
Milledgeville:- Mrs. Ed Layton and daughter, Harriet; Mr. and Mrs. John Coffey, Bessie, Martie and Ralph Coffey, Mr. and Mrs. Burton Fletcher, Mr. and Mrs. L.B. Fletcher, Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Booth and son, Ralph; Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Wood, S.J. Fletcher, Mrs. Emeline Russell, Mrs. Hubbard, Mrs. Emilo Eastabrooks, Mrs. Wm. Eitemiller, Mrs. Martha Healy, Miss Alice Brown, Mrs. Bertha Spencer. Mrs. Grace Spencer, Mrs. Hattie Johnson, Harry Spencer, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Spencer, and Verne Hardy and family.
Eagle Point:- Mr. and Mrs. Henry Elsey and son, Allen; Allen Spencer, Eliza Spencer, Naaman Spencer, Fanny Spencer, Isaac Spencer, Romelia Spencer, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Woodin, Mercy Fosdick, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Becker.
Mt. Carroll:-Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Asay, Edith and George Asay, J.E. Asay, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Zuck, D.H. Zuck, Fanny and Bert Zuck.
Freeport:-Mr. and Mrs. H. Dorman, Mr. and Mrs. A. Myers, Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Frisbie,
Chicago:-Leslie Lewis and O.L. Fellows
Grundy Center, Iowa:-Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Reynolds, Miss Jennie Cea
Elkhorn Grove:-C.N. Ormsbee, Edmund Dale, Della Dale, Vernon Dale, Mr. and Mrs. N. Woodin, Ella Woodin, D.E. Woodin, O.E. Woodin, Mrs. Laura Healey Robinson, Miss Ola B. Woodin, Mr. and Mrs. Porter Ormsbee, Blanche and June Ormsbee.
Polo:-Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Duffey and son, Mason; Mrs. M.E. Ripley, Mrs. Clara Spencer, Mrs. Effie Krebbs.
Webber, Kansas:-Edwin J. Porter
Lanark:-Mrs. Hannah Dimon and daughter; Ellen B. Thompson, Helen Root and daughter; Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Dimon, Julia Sword, Mrs. Josephine Woodin, J.F. Engles, Grace, Charles, Clifford, Mary and Harry Engles.
Chadwick:-E.R. Spencer and daughter Ola; Mrs. Eveline Hegeman, Mrs. Polly Spencer, Spencer and L. Hegeman and Miss Fanny Hegeman.
