Members of the Spencer-Benham family met Sunday for their 50th reunion at the home of Frank Spencer, south of Coleta.
Over 100 relatives and friends of the family enjoyed a picnic dinner on the Spencer lawn.
At the business meeting officers elected were Richard Petersen, of Racine, Wis., president; Luella Hubbard of Coleta, vice president; Grace Spencer Petersen of Racine, Wis., secretary-treasurer; Oleta DePuy of Sterling, historian.
Frank Spencer was appointed chairman for the 1948 reunion which will be held at Jordan Hall the first Sunday in July.
During the business meeting the historian reported 11 births, four marriages and six deaths.
Mrs. Myra Spencer Sarber, the oldest Spencer present, read a summary of the first two reunions. Mrs. Frank Spencer read about the beginning of the annual reunions which was 1897.
The Spencers and Benhams are able to trace their ancestry back to 1630 when they came to America.
Rev. J. A. Smith, guest at the reunion, gave a short talk to the group. Talks were also given by several remaining service men.
Mrs. Bertha Spencer of Rock Falls, the oldest Benham present gave her great-grandson, Gary Richard Spencer, son of Lowell Spencer, a silver spoon, which is always given to the youngest member present.
Following the business meeting a musical program was enjoyed by the group. The program was presented by the Spencer family including Wayne, Harold, Lowell, Haroldtine, Floyd, Janet, Betty, Norma, Paul, Pat and Joyce Spencer. They presented solos, duets and trios, both vocal and instrumental.
Members attending the reunion came from Warren, Stockton, Rockford, Thomson, Milledgeville, Moline, Racine, Wis., Downers Grove, Sterling, Rock Falls, Chadwick, Polo, Coleta, and Mt. Carroll.
