Isaac Hallam Spencer (1814-1913)

SPENCER, CLARK, HARRISON, ELLISON, BALLARD

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/5/2024 at 01:03:37

From Story City Herald March 6, 1913 (page 10

ALMOST REACHED CENTURY MARK

GRANDPA SPENCER PASSED AWAY FRIDAY MORNING AT GREAT AGE

I. H. Spencer died at the home of his son, W. C. Spencer, in the south part of town, early last Friday morning, after an illness extending over the greater part of the winter. He lacked less than two years of being on hundred years old and is probably the oldest person who has ever lived in Story City. He was born way back near the time Andrew Jackson was licking the British at New Orleans.

The deceased was not known to many in the community as his residence her dates only a few years, during which he was too old to get around much. Those who had the privilege of meeting the old gentleman, however, were impressed with the spirit of cheerfulness that possessed him. Up till last fall he firmly believed he was going to reach the century mark in age, but when he took sick he changed his mind and death found him ready to leave a world which had become a burden to him. Rev. Smay gave him his last communion about two weeks ago.

A brief funeral service was held at the Spencer home Friday afternoon and the remains were taken to Nevada for burial.

OBITUARY

Isaac Hallam, only son of Isaac and Lucy Spencer, was born near New London, Conn., Dec 26, 1814 and died at the home of his youngest son, Will at Story City, Feb. 28, 1913, aged 98 years, 2 months and 2 days. When 14 years old he came with his parents, to Ohio. On Jan. 1, 1837, he was married to Miss Mary Clark. In 1856 they with their family came to Illinois. In 1856 they came to Iowa and settled in Story county where they have resided ever since. On Sept. 17, 1899, at their home in Nevada, his wife died, and since that time he has made his home with his children. To this union twelve children were born, nine of whom are living, David H. of Ames, Mrs. Mercy A. Harrison, Mrs. Clarissa J. Ellison, Orlando I. of Nevada, George H. of Marshalltown, Mrs. Mahala Ballard of Ames, Mrs. Harriet Harrison of Freedom, Okla., Wm. C. of Story City, and Mrs. Martha Harrison of Cornell, Neb. Besides his children he leaves 45 grandchildren, 73 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

He voted for W. H. Harrison and has voted for every republican president since. He was a direct descendant of Bishop Latimer, who was burned at the stake for religion. The funeral was held at Nevada March 2, and the body was laid to rest beside that of his wife in the Nevada cemetery.