The seventeenth annual reunion of the descendants of Naaman and Diantha Spencer was held June 19th, 1913 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Case in Eagle Point.
Members were present from Cedar Falls and Waterloo, Iowa, St. Paul, Minn., Fulton, Sterling, Dixon, Aurora, Freeport, Lanark, Joliet, Mt. Carroll, Chadwick, Coal Valley, Milledgeville, and from the rural districts.
The Diehl Orchestra was on the ground, and that alone is simple proof that the music was good. There was some fine singing by Mrs. Van Vleet, and by Mrs. Frank Spencer with piano accompaniment. The three brothers, Allen B., Naaman and Isaac Spencer were present, their ages in above order being 95, 89 and 81. The meeting and greeting of loved ones long separated gave great pleasure to all, though not unmixed with sorrow, for during the time since the last reunion six members passed over to the other shore. They are: Chauncey S. Wooding of Red Oak, Iowa; Mrs. Clarinda Case, Mrs. Allen B. Spencer and Mrs,. Hiram Woodin of Eagle Point, Ill., Mrs. Alexander Landon of Sunnyside, Washington, and Mrs. Amelia Sunderland of Rockford, Ill.
There were 157 seated at the tables, including the band and a few invited guests. Among the latter was Mrs. Lydia Waterbury, of Polo, who was a neighbor and close friend to the Spencer "kids" seventy odd years ago.
The youngest member present was Bryan C. Fahrney, and to him was presented a silver spoon, one of which is given to the youngest member each year. Bryan C. Fahrney is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Fahrney, Mrs. Fahrney (Bessie) is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Coffee, Mrs. Coffee (Nora) was the daughter Mr. and Mrs. James Jenkins. Mrs. Jenkins (Lucinda) was the daughter of Naaman and Diantha (Benham) Spencer, who were the founders of the Illinois branch of the Spencer family.
The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted in retaining Mr. Elias R. Spencer of Sterling as president, and Henry Elsey as secretary and treasurer.
The Rev. Willis Way of Maywood, Ill. sent regrets that he could not meet with the cousins. The Rev. Z. T. Livengood of Milledgeville asked that the Divine Blessing might come to each and all of the Association, and the members separated to, if possible, assemble in June, 1914, in the shade of the maples of the old home that has welcomed them on so many occasions.
- HENRY ELSEY
