George H. Spangler whose serious illness at the home of his brother-in-law, Wm. Allbough, in Richland Center, Wis., passed to his long rest Tuesday afternoon, April 6th, 1915. He had for several years been in the employment of the C. M. & St. Paul Railroad in their yards at Chicago, Ills., and was on duty till a few days preceeding his death. He was taken ill and went to his Chicago home, where he remained until April 3rd, starting for his old home in Richland county, Wis. He failed rapidly and when he reached the city was in a semi-conscious condition and sank to his death as above stated. Deceased was born in Decature, Ind., Feb. 11, 1853 being but little over 62 years of age. He was married Oct. 10, 1872 to Elizabeth Allbaugh and to them were born three children, one daughter, Mrs. Sam Beery, whose home is in Shambaugh, la., and two sons, Leonard and Buford both of Bloom City, Wis. He held the position of Chief of Police in the city of Edgerton, Wis., for eight years and held both the places of Sheriff and city marshall in Richland Center for several years. He was known in this country as an ever upright and honorable man and his friends were legions. After leaving here he went to Edgerton again and from there to Chicago, where he served as railroad police for twenty years. He is survived by his widow and three children which were all at the funeral, and six grandchildren, his aged mother, Mrs. C. L. Brown of Shambaugh, also three brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services were held at Pleasant Ridge church Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Ingraham and laid to rest in the cemetery nearby. Thus closed an active and honorable life: Mrs. Sam Beery who attended her father's funeral at Bloom City, Wis., returned to her home Tuesday. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Apr 22, 1915

Morris Spangler Dead. It is seldom that a community receives such a shock as was experienced in this place today when it was announced that Morris Spangler, who is well knewn to all of our business men, was not likely to live through the day. He has suffered; more or less from rupture and yesterday morning received a sudden twist of the body which resulted in producing stricture of the bowels. Dr. Killingsworth was called but soon found that the only hope, for saving his life was in performing an operation. The sufferer was brought to town today and the operation was hardly begun until the patient stopped breathing. Mr. Spangler was a good citizen and the community suffers a serious loss in his untimely death. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Aug 25, 1903

Mr. Morris Spangler died in this city about noon Tuesday, and the unexpected announcement cast a gloom over the community. At the time of his death he was undergoing an operation for a rupture. It is said that when a young man he was ruptured, but it caused him little trouble until about two weeks ago, when he was seized with a severe pain for a short time in the side. He continued his labors on the farm north of this city. Monday it attacked him more severely and a doctor was called and again that night. Tuesday Dr. Killingsworth again went out there, and stated that nothing but an operation would relieve him. Mr. Spangler was brought to the city, and seemed to fear the worst, made his will, and the operation was undertaken, but he soon after expired. It is stated that a large amount of puss was removed from the region of the appendicitis showing the fatality of his ailment. Mr. Spangler was about forty-five years of age, and a man highly respected by all. He was in the city Saturday in apparently good health, as sociable as at any time in his life, and his sudden taking off can hardly be realized. He had been a resident of this county about twenty-one years, and was the father of four children all born here, who together with his devoted wife are left to mourn the untimely death of a husband and farther. They have the sympathy of the community. The funeral took place at 10 o'clock today, and his remains laid to rest in the Cagley cemetery near the United Brethren church. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Aug 27, 1903

William Edward Spangler, son of Mr. and Mrs. James S. Spangler, was born at Shambaugh, la., Oct. 27, 1888 and died at Shenandoah, la., Oct. 20, 1914, aged 27 years, 11 months and 23 days. He leaves his father, mother, one brother, Chas. Spangler, and three sisters, Mrs.  Bessie Herald and Mrs. Estella Hampton of Shenandoah and Mrs. Carrie Chase of Falls City, Nebr., with any other relative's and  friends to mourn his early death.    The remains were   brought  from  Shenandoah and funeral services were held from the church of God, at 2:30 Sunday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. J. Hygema who preached from 1st Peter 1-24 assisted by the Rev. C. C. Leeninger, pastor of the church of God.   The sermon was  one   that   impressed   very much those  that had gathered to  pay the last respect and mourn the death of the young man cut off in his prime. The pallbearers were Dale and Ralph Thorn  from  Clarinda,  Archie Hamm, Ray Fulk and Don and Dale Weaver all of Shambaugh.   Interment was at the Butler cemetery. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Oct 26, 1916

William Spangler, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Spangler of Shenandoah, died at his home in that city Friday morning, Oct. 20th. The remains were brought to Clarinda Saturday on the three thirty train and taken to the Oates undertaking parlors. On Saturday afternoon the remains were taken to Shambaugh, where services were held in the Mennonite church, conducted by the Mennonite pastor, and burial was made in the Butler cemetery. He was 28 years, 11 months and 22 days old at his death. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Oct 26, 1916

William E. Spangler died at his home in Shenandoah Oct 20, 1916, from the effects of exophthalmic goitre. He was 29 years of age. The body was brought to this city Saturday and Sunday taken to Shambaugh where funeral services were held at the Church of God at 2:30 p. m. conducted by Rev. Hygema, and the remains interred in the Butler cemetery nearby. The deceased had a number of relatives living in and near Shambaugh. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Oct 26, 1916

Sparger, A.W. - A. W. Sparger, an old resident of this county and for years a blacksmith at Hepburn, died suddenly Sunday from heart trouble, aged about 58 years. It is said that be had been feeling usually well during the day and in the afternoon he went fishing in the Nodaway river with August and James Lovelace. While in the boat he complained of being sick and shortly after fell over in the boat expiring in a few moments. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Jul 27, 1905

A. W. Spargur Dies Suddenly. Another one of the old and well known residents of Page county, A. W. Spargur, passed away very suddenly Sunday afternoon.   The circumstances of the death were very unusual and have attracted wide attention.   Mr, Spargur has long lived at Hepburn and his family, consisting of a wife and four children, lived at Villisca, he  having   been estranged   from   them   for several years.  Soon after dinner Sunday Mr. Spargur with   Jim and Gus Lovelace went fishing.   They took a boat and were all seated in it when Mr, Spargur became sick and told his companions he believed he was going to faint.  As he spoke, he fell backward into the bottom of the boat and was dead when his mates reached him.  He was 58 years old and had a wide acquaintance in the county, having been village black smith at Hepburn for year. The remains were taken to the Villisca cemetery for burial. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Jul 25, 1905

W.W. Sparks left Sunday for Stanberry, Mo,, where he was called by the announcement that his son, Charley, died Saturday night. Charley worked here about a year ago and was known by a good many Clarinda people. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Dec 17, 1906

Mrs. William R. Sparks died in Clarinda Friday evening, Feb. 7, 1919, at 11 o'clock. Mrs. Sparks had been an invalid for seven years, her illness dating back to that time when she suffered a broken hip. On Friday, Jan. 31, she was taken to the Kennelworth hospital in this city where she underwent an operation the following day. She rallied for a few days after the operation but complications arose which caused her death on the date mentioned. She was a very patient sufferer throughout all her illness. While early in womanhood she became a member of the Baptist church and remained a member of this faith until her death. The funeral was held from her home on North Twelfth street Monday afternoon, Feb. 10, at 1:30 o'clock, conducted by the Rev. Mr. Hatcher, pastor of the Baptist church of Bedford. A quartet from the Presbyterian church furnished the music. The singers were Miss Edith Amen, Mrs. R. D. Russell, George Curry and F. I. Copley. Interment was in Memory cemetery. The following facts regarding the late Mrs. Sparks have been given The Journal:
Deborah Anna Williams was born Sept. 22, 1843, in Montgomery, county, Ind. She was married Sept. 14, 18-2 to William R. Sparks. In 1870 they moved to Missouri and lived there until 1887, when they moved to Taylor county, Iowa. Thirteen years ago the family moved to Clarinda, where Mr.
Sparks died Dec. 4, 1907. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sparks, nine of whom are living and were present at the funeral. They are as follows: J. C. Glenwood Springs, Colo., Mrs. Etta Allison, near New Market, Nathan, east of New Market; Elda, near Bedford; Mrs. Grace McKinley, Clarinda; D. B., Buffalo, Wyo., Ernest, Clarinda; Mrs. Nan Roberts, near New Market; Mrs. Emma Humphreys, Clarinda. Mrs. Humphreys and daughter, Joyce, made their home with Mrs. Sparks in this city. She was given devoted care by her daughter. Mrs. Sparks also leaves twenty-nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Mrs. J. C. Sparks accompanied her husband to Clarinda to attend the funeral. CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Feb 13, 1919

Mrs. William R. Sparks died in Clarinda, Friday evening, Feb. 7th, 1919 at 11 o'clock. She has been an invalid for several years due to a broken hip which she sustained several years ago. On Friday, January 31, she was taken to the Kennelworth hospital, and seemed to be getting along nicely when complications set in which caused her death.
Deborah Anna Williams was born September 22, 1843, in Montgomery Co., Indiana. When 8 years of age, she moved with her parents to Boone County, Ia. On September the 4th, she was married to Wm. R. Sparks. In 1870, they moved to Missouri and lived there until 1887, when they moved to Taylor Co. Thirteen years ago the family moved to Clarinda where Mr. Sparks died Dec. 4th, 1907. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sparks, nine of whom are living and were present at the funeral. They are J. C, Glenwood Springs, Colo., Mrs. Etta Allison living near New Market, Nathan, east of New Market, Elds, near Bedford, Mrs. Grace McKinley, Clarinda, D. B. of Buffalo, Wyo., Ernest of Clarinda, Mrs. Nan Roberts near New Market, and Mrs. Emma Humphrey of Clarinda.

Funeral services were held from the home on N. 12th, Monday afternoon at 1 o'clock conducted by Rev. Mr. Hatcher, pastor of the Baptist Church of Bedford. Interment was made in the Memory Cemetery near New Market. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Feb 13, 1919

Mrs. William R. Sparks died in Clarinda, Friday evening, Feb. 7th,.1919 at 11 o'clock. She has been an invalid for several years due to a broken hip which she sustained several years ago. On Friday, January 31, she was taken to the Kennelworth hospital and seemed to be getting along nicely when complications set in which caused her death.

Deborah Anna Williams was born September 22, 1843, in Montgomery Co., Indiana. When 8 years of age, she moved with her parents to Boone County, la. On September the 4th, she was married to Wm. R. Sparks. In 1870, they moved to Missouri and lived there until 1887, when they moved to Taylor county. Thirteen years ago the family moved to Clarinda where Mr. Sparks died Dec. 4th, 1907. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sparks, nine of whom are living and were present at the funeral. They are J. C, Glenwood Springs, Colo.; Mrs. Etta Allison living near New Market, Nathan, east of New Market, Elds, near Bedford, Mrs. Grace McKinley, Clarinda; D. B. of Buffalo, Wyo, Ernest of Clarinda, Mrs. Nan Roberts near New Market and Mrs. Emma Humphrey of Clarinda. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Feb 13, 1919

The sudden death of Edward N. Sparks came as a great surprise to his many friends. Mr. Sparks died Wednesday morning of heart trouble. However he had worked the night before at his regular position as engineer at the Lee electric plant and was only sick for about 20 minutes prior to his death. Mr. Sparks was a good faithful citizen. For thirteen years, off and on, he had been an employee at the light plant. He leaves a loving wife and six small children to mourn their loss. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at the family residence. The body will be taken to Pattonsburg, Mo., for burial. CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Feb 19, 1920

Ed Sparks, night engineer at the plant of the Lee Electric company, died suddenly, Wednesday forenoon, Feb. 18, 1920, after an illness of about twenty minutes. His death is attributed to heart trouble. He had been on duty as usual the night before his death, and gone home in the morning according to his usual custom. He is survived by his wife, whose maiden name was Rosa Hollingsworth, and six children, the
youngest a baby three months old. He had been long in the employ of the Lee plant. His funeral will be held at the home at 514 East Garfield street, Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, and the remains will be taken to Pattonsburg, Mo., for burial. CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Feb 19, 1920

SUDDEN DEATH WEDNESDAY
Ed Sparks, who for several years has been employed on the night force as engineer at the Lee Electric
Co., died at his home yesterday of heart failure. Mr Sparks had been on duty the night before as usual,
but about noon fell over while playing with the children. Dr. Killingsworth was called but he was beyond assistance and died in a few minutes.
He leaves a wife and six children, the youngest about three months old. Mr. Sparks was well liked among the men and was a loving father and husband.
Funeral services have not yet been arranged other than that the body will be taken to Pattonsburg, Mo., Saturday morning. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Feb 19, 1920

The funeral of one who has lived for forty seven years in these parts, Mrs. W. W. Sparks, was held last Saturday afternoon, from the residence on E. Grant Street, the Christian Minister, Rev. Roy C. Snodgrass conducting the services, and the remains were buried in Clarinda cemetery. Her maiden name was Lucina Lindrey [sic, Lindsey], born in Pennsylvania Jan. 11, 1835, being thus nearly 78 years of age at time of death, which occurred early in the morning of Dec. 7th, 1916. She was married in Ohio, to W. W. Sparks, coming to Missouri in 1869, where Mr. Sparks worked at the blacksmith trade, coining to Clarinda at the time the Powers Manufacturing (now the Lisle Manufacturing) Co. was brought here. In Stanberry Mrs. Sparks was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but never transferred her membership when coming to Clarinda. Besides her beloved husband, Mrs. Sparks leaves to mourn her death two sons, Ed. N. Sparks, who is employed at the Lee Light & Power Co.'s plant, and Roy Sparks who works for Hyman Barron. She also has living one sister, in Chillicothe, Mo., who is the last relative of her generation. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Dec 14, 1916

Mrs. W. W. Sparks died at the family home, 1022 East Grant street, Clarinda, Tuesday morning, Dec. 7, 1916. Her maiden name was Lucina Lindsey. She was born Jan. 1, 1839, in Richland, O., and was married to W. W Sparks, April 11, 1861, at Mansfield, O.   They went to Grundy county, Mo., where they lived either in or near Clinton, until 1906, when they came to Clarinda and lived here until the death of Mrs. Sparks. Her demise took place after about eight months' illness with heart and stomach trouble. Besides being survived by her husband she also left two sons, Edward and Roy, both of whom live in this city. The funeral was held Saturday afternoon, Dec. 9, at the residence, conducted by Rev. Roy Snodgrass, pastor of the Christian church. Burial was in Birchwood cemetery, this city. CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Feb 21, 1916

[Dau of James and Mary Lindsey, 1850 Richland Co, Oh census]

Mrs. Lucena Sparks, who resided on East Grant St. with her son Roy Sparks, died at her home Wednesday, Dec. 7, 1916, aged 77 years, 10 months and 26 days. The cause of death was heart failure.
Mrs. Sparks was born in Ohio, Jan. 11, 1839. She is survived by her husband and two sons, Roy and Ed, both residing in this city.
The funeral took place Saturday from the sons home, services being conducted by Rev. R. C. Snodgrass, and burial was in the city cemetery. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Dec 14, 1916

W. R. Sparks dropped dead yesterday afternoon from a lawn sent at his home in Richardson's addition, where be had been resting and whitlling. He was discovered soon after. A good old man has gone. Funeral at 10 Saturday from the Baptist church, and interment at Old Memory. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Dec 5, 1907

Wm. Ruben Sparks was borne in Owen county, Indiana. May 20, 1839, and died at  his home in Clarinda, Iowa, Dec. 4, at 1 p. m., 1907.
He was married to Miss Deborah Anna Williams in Boone county, la., Sept. 14, 1862. To this union ten children were born, six sons and four daughters. Thomas died in infancy. There were present to take the last earthly look at father, John C. Sparks of Glennwood Springs, Colo., Nathan O. Sparks of Ladoga, la., W. E. Sparks of Bedford, Iowa, and Ernest Sparks of this city, Douglas B. Sparks of Buffalo, Wyo. was unable to be present. Also his daughters, Mrs. Ettie Allison of New Market, Mrs. Grace McKinley of New Market, Mrs. Nancy Roberts of Harlam, Kans., and Miss Emma Hayes of this city.
Mr. Sparks experienced religion when a young man and united with the Baptist church of which he was a Godly, consistent member until called to his home above.
His death was sudden and unexpected by the family, probably at the time it came from heart failure.
The funeral service was held at the Baptist church of this place Sat., Dec. 7, at 10 a. m., an acquaintance of the family, D.   W. Griffith   of Watson, Mo., officiating in presence of a large company of friends and relatives of the family.
The flowers were beautiful and the singing appropriate and pleasing.
Interment took place at Old Memory cemetery near New Market, the Odd Fellows lodge conducting the services at the grave. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Dec 12, 1907

W. R. Sparks was bom in Indiana May 20th, 1839, and died in this city December 4th, 1907.

He was married to Deborah Williams Sept. 14th, 1862, and to this union were born ten children, nine of whom are still living. Mr. Sparks' father was a Baptist minister, and through his father's preaching he was converted, he and his wife joining the Baptist church at the same time.

Mr. Sparks had a stroke of paralysis about two years ago, and has been a sufferer with asthma and heart trouble the greater part of his life. On the day of his death Mr. Sparks seemed in good health and just after dinner was preparing to come down town. He had gone into the back yard and was amusing his little granddaughter, when without a moment's warning he was stricken down and died almost instantly. Mr. Sparks was of a cheerful disposition, was a good husband and father and well liked by his neighbors and friends.
The funeral services will be held at the Baptist church tomorrow morning at ten o'clock. All of the children, with the exception of one son, Douglas, whose home is in Wyoming, will be present. They are as follows: J. C. Sparks, of New Castle, Colo.; Mrs. Allison, of New Market; Nathan, of Ladoga, Iowa; Elza, of Bedford; Mrs. McKinley, of New Market; Ernest, now at home; Mrs. Roberts, of Harlan, Kans., and Mrs. Emma Hayes, who makes her home with her parents. Besides his wife and children he leaves a brother, John Sparks, who is here for the funeral, and a sister, Mrs. Sarah Phipps, both of Boone, Iowa.
Mr. Sparks had been a resident of this city for about three years, having come here from Shenandoah, previous to which time he was one of the substantial citizens of Taylor county for many years. Since coming to this city he has lived a retired life, and although not widely known was respected by all who knew him.
Rev. D. W. Griffith, an old friend of the family, will preach the sermon, after which interment will be made in Old Memory cemetery, the I. O. O. F. lodge having charge. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Dec 6, 1907

Northboro - The whole community was shocked Friday evening, when the news came that J. T. Spenecr was dead. He has been quite poorly all winter, but seemingly was no worse than common. He had been about all day and died in his chair Friday evening. The cause was supposed to have been heart trouble. The funeral services were conducted at the Methodist Episcopal church Sunday morning at 11, by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Manning, assisted by Rev. Mr. Tidds, after which interment was made at the Coin cemetery. Mr. Spencer was a member of the I. O.O. F. and Rebekah lodges, and both accompanied the family to the church and also to the cemetery. Besides his wife, he leaves one son, Sam, of Kansas City and one daughter, Mrs. Swander, of this place, the other son, George, having passed away several years ago. He also leaves one brother and five grandchildren, besides a host of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer were among the early residents of this place and were friends to every body, so will be greatly missed. We extend our sympathy to the bereaved ones, and especially to the wife, who will feel the loss of her dear companion more than anyone else, but may she look forward to the time when there shall be no more separations. The floral offerings were beautiful, both lodges furnishing lovely pieces. CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, May 3, 1917

Mrs. C. Sperry, who at one time lived in Clarinda, died Saturday, Dec. 17, 1921, at 1:30 a.m., at her home near Carterville, Mo. Her son, S. E. Sperry, of this city, received a telegram informing him that she was ill, and started at the first opportunity, Saturday afternoon, for her bedside, not knowing then that she had passed away. He learned of her demise after his arrival. Her death was sudden. She was 87 years of age. The remains were taken to the former home of the Sperry family at Rochester, Ind., for interment. The funeral was Tuesday. A daughter, Miss Mary Sperry of Carterville, and the son. S. E. Sperry, are the immediate surviving relatives. CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Dec 22, 1921

Death certificate online Missouri Archives: Clemenza D. Sperry, born Feb 12, 1834 Potsville, Pa; father Robert Dunlap born Penn; mother Catherine Weiner born Penn; informant Mary Sperry of Carterville; buried Rochester, Ind.

Mrs. S. R. Millen was called to Monmouth, Ill., recently by the illness and subsequent death of her sister, Mrs. T. H. Spicer, which occurred on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 1917. CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Feb 8, 1917

The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Alva Spielman, living northeast of town, died on Sunday night of pneumonia, and was buried at Memory cemetery yesterday. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Apr 2, 1901

Mr. and Mrs. A. Spielman were called to mourn the death of their infant babe Sunday night at their home near Hawleyville. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Apr 4, 1901

Archie, the seven year old grandson of L. S. Ingraham living northeast of Clarinda, died late Sunday night, after a protracted illness from stomach and kidney trouble and complications. The funeral was held at the home Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock and the little body was laid to rest in Oak Grove cemetery. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Jul 17, 1908

Archie Ingraham, son of Ollie and Alva Spielman, was born May 17, 1901, and died Sunday evening, July 12, aged 7 years, 1 month and 25 days. He had made his home with his grandparents. L. S. Ingraham and wife, and refused to be called by his father's name. He was a happy and obedient child and received the love and devotion of the family, to whom his death seemed an irreparable loss. His funeral was held from the home of his grandparents at nine o'clock Tuesday morning with interment at Oak Ridge cemetery. The service was conducted by Rev. J. W, Abel, of the Methodist church, of Clarinda, to which Archie was very much attached. The four uncles of the little boy acted as pall bearers.
"There's a home for little children Above the bright blue sky,
Where Jesus reigns in glory A home of peace and joy;
No home on earth is like it, Nor can with it compare,

For everyone is happy, Nor could be happier there," CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Jul 24, 1908

Archie Spielman, the little 7 year old son of Mrs. Ollie Spielman, died Sunday evening at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Ingram, in Nebraska township, from congestion of the bowels, after a short illness. The funeral was held Monday afternoon at the home and burial at Oak Grove cemetery. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Jul 16, 1908

Elizabeth Spike, of Norwich, after a lingering illness, passed peacefully to her reward Friday night, Jan. 23, 1903. She and her mother lived together since the death of her father, last June. Now the daughter is taken as well as the husband. For perhaps six months Lizzie was not strong. She served for a time as "Central" at Norwich, but the ringing of the bell seemed too much for her strength. Quickly consumption did its work. She was not quite twenty-two years of age. Near the close of her life she gave evidence of a change of heart and of preparation for the life beyond the grave. The deep sympathy of the community is with the mother in her sad bereavement and also with the brothers and sisters.
The funeral services took place at the Presbyterian church Sabbath afternoon, conducted by Rev. J. V.
Findlay. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Jan 30, 1903

The little daughter that was born to Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Spry last Tuesday, lived only about six hours. Mrs. Spry has been in a very critical condition, but this morning indications are more favorable and her friends now have hopes of her recovery. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Jan 17, 1902

H. R. Spry Shot Himself Wednesday Morning. State Bank Examiners Investigating Expect Bank to Resume Business After Funeral. Ill Health Assigned as the Chief Cause For Suicide.

People of this community met with a terrible shock last Wednesday afternoon, when it was learned that H. R. Spry, one of the leading bankers of this city, had committed suicide.
The report had been brought to the sheriff at the court house by Frank Brokaw, a farmer living northwest of Clarinda, that, on his way home, a patient from the state hospital had stopped him, telling of a body lying in John Kegley's pasture, under a tree, a short distance from the road. Stopping his car, Mr. Brokaw went with the patient, but not recognizing the body, came to town to report to the authorities.  The sheriff and his deputy, with the coronor, Dr. F. H. Clark, went in sheriff Whitmore's car to investigate, bringing the body to Oates' Undertaking establishment for examination.
Mr. Spry had gone to the bank that morning about eight o'clock, as was his usual custom, his two daughters having accompanied him, as they were employed in the store located in the same building. He went into the bank, and after turning over the papers to the state bank inspectors who had arrived that morning to inspect the affairs of the bank, sat down at his desk and wrote two notes. Getting up, he excused himself, saying he was going to the postoffice. He went to Keeran's barber shop and was shaved, after which it is supposed he got into his car and left town.
Charley Swanson says he passed Mr. Spry just north of town, on the road to the hospital, when he was coming to town, about nine o'clock. Dick Notwehr, who was going home from town, about 9:30, saw the car standing beside the road, but thought nothing about it. So he drove on to his home, which is a short distance north of where the tragedy occurred, and driving into the yard, sat in his buggy, reading the newspaper. While reading, he distinctly heard two shots fired. Shortly after, he got out of the buggy, and going into the house, noticed that it was about fifteen minutes before ten o'clock, which is as near as can be determined the time of his death.
The bullet, which was from a 32 calabre revolver taken from the paying teller's window at the bank, had passed through the right temple, entering the brain. There had been two shots fired from the gun, and it is supposed that he shot the first time to try it, as there was only one mark of the bullet on his body. The gun lay on the ground, when found, close the right hand, where it had fallen.
The Kagley pasture, where the body was found is located on the road leading west from south limits of the state hospital grounds, at the first cross­road. The tree is near the bridge which is seen on the road south of main road.
In the pockets of the dead man's coat the coronor found a number of papers, including some bank papers he had received in that morning's mail, pertaining to business of the bank, also one letter sealed and addressed to his wife, which was duly delivered to her by the coronor, also a letter not addressed to any person, but supposed to be to the officials of the Clarinda Trust & Savings Bank, of which bank Mr. Spry has been 1st Vice President, and the one having active charge of the clerical details of the bank. This letter was handed to Sheriff Whitmore, as it implicated Guy Brent, one of the bookkeepers of the bank. The letter merely stated that the writer knew of certain irregularities in the bank proceedings, and said he took this means of assuming the blame attached to same. The sheriff accordingly went to the bank and arrested Mr. Brent, who is now in jail, charged with embezzlement.
The two state bank examiners came Wednesday morning to Clarinda from Des Moines, where the day previous they had attended the funeral of one their oldest bank examiners, A. O. Wolever. They came here in the ordinary routine of their business, expecting when through here to continue checking up the banks of neighboring towns, as they have frequently done before, their coming at this time having nothing to do with the condition of the bank further than it always has when the inspectors appointed from the state auditor's department at Des Moines call on the banks having state charters and subject to state supervision.
Upon interviewing the state examiners, H. M. Cormany and V. W. Miller Thursday morning, we learn that they had completed the preliminary checking of the bank's affairs, and were waiting the arrival of the Cashier A. F. Galloway, who was in Minneapolis. He was reached with a telegram Wednesday evening, and took the first train for home. On his arrival the examiners will then look into other papers in the bank. With a capital of $75,000 besides $25,000 surplus, and the cash liability of the stockholders for double the amount of the capital stock, the examiners see no reason why the bank can not resume business Saturday.
Wednesday evening there was a meeting of the .directors of the bank, at which the examiners were present. The directors there gave their assurance to the examiners that they would stand personally responsible to the depositors of the bank for their funds on deposit, which, in the judgment of Inspector Cormany warrants him in continuing the bank in operation while the clerical checking of the bank's affairs is in progress. Wednesday evening Mr. Cormany had a personal interview over the phone with State Auditor Shaw, who took the early train for Clarinda, expected to arrive Thursday noon.
Upon interviewing prominent bank officials of both the Page county and Clarinda National Bank, each banker said he regarded the Clarinda Trust & Savings Bank as having ample funds to liquidate all indebtedness, and saw no reason for anxiety as to the future of the bank.
The editor of the Clarinda Herald has a personal account with the Clarinda Trust & Savings Bank, as have all three members of his family, who would have no hesitancy in placing further funds on deposit with the bank on Saturday or Monday morning, if the family were so fortunate as to have the money to deposit.
Examiner Cormany said Thursday morning that, had the officers of the bank been present with the board of directors Wednesday evening, he believed that, so far as the bank's affairs are concerned, the bank would have had his permission to resume business Thursday at the usual hour. President Orr is in the east on his vacation and had not been located Thursday morning. The closing of the bank this Thursday and Friday is due to the usual custom, pending the funeral which is expected to be held this Friday afternoon from the residence, the funeral being strictly private, such being the desire of the family.
It has been the wish of the family that, in the absence of the Methodist pastor on his vacation, Rev. Jay Kirkendall of Corning be present with the family when the form of their loved one is laid in its last resting place. Rev. Kirkendall on Wednesday evening was absent from his home, being Methodist district superintendent for this district.
This has indeed been a shocking experience to the many friends of Mr. Spry, who are able to account for his act of self destruction only on the knowledge of his character and integrity, and the fact of his being in ill health. A year ago he said to Leslie Finley, one of his associates in the bank, that he believed he would be dead inside of a year. Many men less sensitive to their personal honor would have faced a bank investigation, or have spoken to their friends and permitted other infuences to guide them in their acts. H. R. Spry has first, last and all the time been a banker. To him any irregularities in the bank as regards $100 would have looked just the same as would a $100,000 deficieney. It is the belief of his friends that principle rather than any actual taking of other people's money was the cause for his act, which all so greatly deplore. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Jun 29, 1916

Funeral Services for H. R. Spry.
The funeral services for the late H. R. Spry, vice president of the Clarinda Trust and Savings bank, whose death occurred on Wednesday of last week, were held from the family residence on West Garfield street in Clarinda, Friday afternoon at 5 o'clock. The services were conducted by the Rev. Jay Kirkendall of Corning, superintendent of the Creston district of the Methodist Episcopal church, assisted by Dr. W. C. Williamson, pastor of the United Presbyterian church of Clarinda. Music was furnished by a male quartet composed of Guy H. Lain, H. E. Maxwell, C. E. Lankert and Charles Keeran. The pall bearers were A. A. Jeffrey of Forest City, Mo.; Harvey Lisle of Hastings, and Edwin Lisle, Lesley E. Finley, J F. Sinn and William A. Turner of Clarinda. The floral offerings were very profuse and beautiful, a manifieent tribute to the esteem in which the late Mr. Spry was held by numerous friends. Another token of that same esteem was the number in attendance at the funeral including many from Red Oak, and the long line of automobiles which followed the body to its last resting place in the Birchwood cemetery of Clarinda. When the magnificent floral offerings were placed upon the grave they completely covered it and formed, according to the present sexton, the greatest floral tribute during the period in which he has cared for the cemetery. CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Jul 6, 1916

His friends were numbered by thousands. We have heard expressions of friendship the past week from at least a hundred people, one and all expressing regrets at the loss of Harvey R. Spry. Born Aug. 3rd, 1860, in Mt. Pleasant, la., he lived to be nearly fifty six years of age. His parents were Elijah A. Spry, who died in his sixty seventh year, and Jane M. Spry, the lovely character whom many of us were privileged to know and love up to within a few years ago. The father was a blacksmith in the early days, in Mt. Pleasant, moving later to Red Oak, where he engaged in the furniture business and undertaking, and it was there that young Harvey attended public school, later attending high school in Burlington. In 1878 H. R. Spry began his banking career, as bookkeeper for the National bank at Red Oak, and later their assistant cashier. In 1892 he became cashier of the Clarinda National bank, remaining with that institution for eleven years, until the Clarinda Trust & Savings bank was organized, when he took an active part in starting the new bank, being elected vice president, and continued in the same position until the day of his death. In 1885 he was married to Miss Mabel B. Curtis of Red Oak. We have heard it many times remarked what a lovely family was the Spry family, seven children living, besides a child who died when quite young, being the only one to precede their father to the better land. The Clarinda school board will have to elect a new president, the Methodist church of Clarinda a new treasurer, because Harvey Spry is no longer with us. This can be done; but the loss sustained by countless friends can be replaced only by the kindly act of Father Time. The funeral, held at 5 o'clock Saturday afternoon from the home, had been announced as being private, but the many friends he had were evidenced by the large outpouring of those who for two days had held his memory constantly in mind, and who considered it a favor to be permitted to follow the remains to their last resting place. At the funeral services Rev. Jay Kirkendall pronounced a few sentences of eulogy of the deceased and of comfort to the living; Dr. W. C. Williamson led in prayer, and a quartette composed in part of those whom the deceased had stood beside many times on similiar occasions sang in sweet cadence the good old songs he loved so well. We have all had some very serious thoughts the past few days. We shall never cease to revere the memory of our beloved Christian friend and brother, whose voice we confidently expect to here at some future day, in the choir celestial. The pallbearers chosen to lower the casket at the grave in Clarinda cemetary were relatives of the deceased, Edwin Lisle, Arthur A. Jeffrey, Harvey Lisle, Frank Sinn, Leslie Finley and W. R. Turner. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Jul 6, 1916

H. R. Spry, vice president of the Clarinda Trust and Savings bank, and one of the most prominent and most trusted of Clarinda citizens, committed suicide, Wednesday morning, June 28, 1916. It is thought that worry over financial troubles in connection with the bank of which he was entirely innocent caused his act. Guy Brent, a bookkeeper in the bank is under arrest, bound over to the grand jury, pending further investigation. The bank is closed until after the funeral of its late vice president, but is considered to be in good financial condition and its paper is being accepted by the other banks of Clarinda.
The body was found yesterday afternoon about 2:30 o'clock by a patient of the Clarinda State Hospital in the John Cagley pasture, near the first four corners on the road which turns, west at the entrance to the Clarinda State Hospital grounds. The patient notified Clarence Brokaw, who, without stopping to identify the body, reported to the office of Sheriff G. H. Whitmore. Mr. Whitmore, accompanied by his deputy, Glenn Whitmore, by Coroner F. H. Clark and by Charles H. Oates, undertaker, went to the scene of the suicide, where they found the body to be that of Mr. Spry.
The body was lying under a tree on the bank of the little creek. Near at hand was a 32-calibre revolver, and in the right temple was the wound caused by the bullet, which had entered the brain, but had not come out. It is thought that but one shot had been fired and that death must have been instantaneous. Mr. Spry's Studebaker automobile, in which he had driven out, was standing at the side of the road near where he was found. The body was taken to the undertaking parlors of Mr. Oates, where it was taken care of. Today it will be taken to the Spry home. Coroner F. H. Clark, after a preliminary investigation, decided that the death was such a plain case of suicide that no formal investigation was held.
From the evidence it is thought that the death must have occurred about 9:30 in the morning, as the body showed evidences of having been dead for several hours. Mr. Spry came to the bank as usual in the morning, greeted the state bank inspectors, N. H. Carmody and V. W. Miller, who were there, and M. R. Ansbach, one of the directors of the bank. He then left, telling them that he was going to the postoffice. He went into the barber shop of Charles Keeran, where he got shaved, seemingly in usual good spirits. From that time, the evidence seems to point to the fact that he got into his car and left town. C. J. Swanson, who was coming into Clarinda passed him just this side of the place where he was found, in his car. Mr. Spry greeted Mr. Swanson as usual. Dick Nothwehr, who lives in the nearest house, saw the car when he was driving home from Clarinda about 9:30, and shortly afterwards heard two shots fired. It is thought that one of these was fired by Mr. Spry to try the revolver and that the second was the shot which killed him. Mr. Ansbach, who was working with the inspectors, noticed Mr. Spry's absence and tried to locate him, fearing some trouble, but nothing as serious as was actually the case.
Upon Mr. Spry's person were found two notes, one to his wife and one to the officials of the bank. In these he stated that he had been absolutely honest and square in all of his dealings with the bank. Upon implication from these notes, Guy Brent, a bookkeeper of the bank, was arrested yesterday afternoon, bound over to the grand jury under $5000 bond, and is at present in the Page county jail.
At a meeting of the board of directors of the bank, last evening, a vote was taken to stand squarely behind the financial affairs of the bank. The directors express the highest regard for Mr. Spry and the most complete trust in his financial relations with the bank. Inspectors Carmody and Miller, who are now at work upon the affairs of the bank, say that nothing has so far been found which would indicate anything wrong wdth the bank financially, that there is so far no evidence that Mr. Spry was anything except honest in his dealings with the bank, and it is arranged that it will open as usual, immediately after the funeral services for Mr. Spry. A number of the heaviest depositors have expressed their absolute confidence in the financial solidarity of the institution, and the other banks of Clarinda are accepting checks drawn upon the Clarinda Trust and Savings bank.
Men in close touch with the late Mr. Spry think that his health had not been good in the past year, and that this, combined with the heavy financial responsibilities which he was bearing, must probably have temporarily caused mental derangement. Mr. Spry was also known to be a very proud and sensitive man, and it is thought that he felt that he would be unable to bear any conditions which might arise, following the allegations against Mr. Brent.
A. F. Galloway, cashier of the bank, has been away with his family on a vacation in Wisconsin, and was expected in Clarinda late this morning.
Mr. Spry's oldest daughter, Margery, was in Chicago, Ill., taking work at Chicago university. She was immediately notified and is expected in Clarinda today. The other six children of the family and Mrs. Spry are at home in Clarinda.
The funeral services will be held from the home tomorrow evening at 7 o'clock, conducted by the Rev. Jay Kirkendall, superintendent of the Creston district of the Methodist Episcopal church and a close friend of the late Mr. Spry. Only relatives and immediate friends of the family will be present. CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Jun 29, 1916

In Memoriam.—Jane M. Smith was born at Zanesville, Ohio, Dec. 25, 1827, and died April 17, 1909, about 10:30 a. m., at the home of her son, H. R. Spry, in south Clarinda, at the advanced age of 81 years, 3 months and 22 days. She had been in feeble health for a year or more but able to be around and care
for herself the greater part of the time.
In fact Friday morning she was around the house up to a short time before her death, when seized with an attack of heart trouble and rapidly sank away. She retained full consciousness until the last, requesting her son not to leave her as the end was near,which came in a few moments after and she fell asleep in death without a struggle or a moan.
Miss Jane M. Smith was married to Mr. Elijah A. Spry, Jan. 27,1848, at her home in Zanesviile, where they resided until 1853 when they removed to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. In 1871 they located in Red Oak, Iowa, and remained there until the death of Mr. Spry, her husband, in 1891, when she came to Clarinda and made her home with her daughter, Mrs. C. A. Lisle, and at her death Grandma Spry went to the home of her son, H. R. Spry, where she remained until called to her heavenly home. She was the mother of four cbildren, Lavina, Jesse, Estella and H. R. Spry, the latter alone surviving her.
When a mere child she joined the M. E. church and her whole life was earnestly devoted to the cause of Christ. As a wife and mother her home was filled with sunshine by her fidelity and devotion, her every aim being to rear her children for future usefulness for them selves and the world. In her death a noble life has gone out and a host of friends mourn her departure. The funeral was held Sunday at 4 p. m. at the
home of H. R. Spry, conducted by Rev. J. W. Abel in the presence of a large concourse of bereaved friends, and Monday morning her remains were taken to Red Oak for interment by the side of her husband, short services being held at the grave by Rev. E. W. Mc Dade, ber former pastor. May she rest
in peace. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Apr 22, 1909

Jane M. Smith was born at Zanesville, Ohio,  December 25, 1827. Died in Clarinda, Iowa, April 17,  1909 at 10:30 a. m., aged 81 years,  3 months and 22 days.   She was married to Elijah A. Spry January 27, 1848, and to this union were born four children, Lavina, Jesse, Estella and Harvey R., all of whom have gone before except the youngest son at whose home she died.   In 1853 with her husband and little daughter, she moved from Ohio to Mt. Pleasant,  Iowa,  where their other children were born and where they continued to reside until 1871 when they moved to Red Oak.   At the latter place, in 1891, her husband died and she came to this city, making her home with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs.  C. A. Lisle.   For 17 years her presence in this home was a benediction, the sweet and potent influence of   her   beautiful Christian character finding its way into the in­most lives of the family of grandchildren to whom her motherly soul was a refuge after their own mother's death in 1900.   This family of children grown to manhood and womanhood, Grandma came in the dispensations of an all-wise Providence a little more than  a year ago to live at the home of her son, and daring the succeeding months her beneficent presence has been granted to another, family of her grandchildren so that in her own quiet, motherly way she had entered fully into the lives of all of those who were nearest her by the ties of nature.  And to each and every one of them, even to the most remote, she made her life a blessing. Likewise the same loving kindness was manifested to neighbors and friends; and to "Grandma Spry, "as she was affectionately known, has been accorded the beautiful ministry of doing good in the lives of all about her by the quiet influence of a pure heart, whose power reached out in numberless kind and motherly ways.
The funeral service for Grandma was held Sunday afternoon, April 18, at 4 o'clock, at her son's home, conducted by her pastor, Rev. J. W. Abel of the Methodist church, of which denomination she had been a constant and devoted member since her conversion in young girlhood. The floral offerings were profuse and very beautiful. On Monday morning the body was taken to Red Oak and there laid beside her husband. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Apr 22, 1909

John Spunaugle came up from St. Joe Monday of this week with the remains of his uncle, John Spunaugle, who was buried here that day. He will return to St. Joe, Monday. [DATE?]

Jacob Spnnaugle died Friday at his home in St. Joseph, and the remains were brought here for burial in the city cemetery Tuesday. An attack of pneumonia was the cause of his death. He was 70 years of age and a brother to Wm Spunaugle of this city. He resided in Tarkio township a number of years and is well known by the old settlers. He was one of the boys in blue during the civil conflict and the G, A. R. Post conducted the services at the grave. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Feb 15, 1906

W. J. Spunagle died Saturday morning at the home of his half-sister, Mrs. J. E. Hill, in north Clarinda.   He had not been sick but a short time, from an attack of pneumonia, following stomach trouble, and his death was unexpected..  He was in the 69th year of his age.   Mr.  Spunagle was a soldier in the civil war, having enlisted in the 25th Missouri regiment.    After the close of that conflict, he located in this county, and owned a farm out in Tarkio township which he managed successfully for many   years. Several years ago he sold out and removed to this city, following the death of his wife, and trouble seemed to be his lot from that time on.   He was a man of many peculiarities, but straight in his dealings with men.   The funeral took place Sunday afternopn, and members of the G. A. R. Post assisted in the ceremonies of the last rites of their departed comrade.   Interment was had at the Summit cemetery, near Yorktown where he had a wife resting. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Oct 7, 1909

William J. Spunaugle was born January 10, 1839, and died October 2, 1909. The funeral was held at the home of J. E. Hill, on north Sixteenth street, Clarinda, Iowa, Monday, October 4, 1909, at 1 p. m., conducted by Warren Post No. 11, G. A. R., Rev. H. A. Carlton officiating. The deceased had been a resident of Clarinda many years and was quite well known. He was a veteran of the Civil War. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Oct 7, 1909