The Highland weekly news. (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, May 11, 1865, Image 2
Col. John W. Spargur, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of this county, died on Thursday last, at his residence in Marshall township after a brief illness, of paralysis. He was a leading member of the M. E. church, and an upright, intelligent, patriotic and public spirited citizen, whose death will be a severe loss to the community in which he lived. He was about 60 years of age, and leaves a widow and several children to mourn his loss.

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The Highland weekly news., May 18, 1865, Image 2

Obituary of Colonel John W. Spargur.

Col. John W, Spargur, whose death was noticed in
last weeks issue of this paper, has accomplished such a life as merits more than a passing notice. Such men appear but seldom. Hence the importance of studying their characteristics.

The history of Col. Spargur is briefly this: He was born in North Carolina, Feb. 13, 1803. In 1804 his father emigrated to Ohio and since that time Colonel Spargur has been a resident of this state. In the 23rd year of his age he married Miss. Mariah Franklin. A worthy wife for such a man, she is now left to continue alone with the devisement and execution of liberal things for the church and society, with means which they in common have so successfully secured.

Soon after his marriage, he united with the M. E. Church, during a meeting held upon the old Hillsboro camp ground. After an earnest and sincere repentance he obtained pardon through the merits of Jesus Christ, and has ever since been a Christian, not in profession only, but in deed and spirit. He has held with credit to himself and great profit to the Church, the offices of class leader and Steward for many years.

He was also recognized as a man of worth in the civil world, and was appointed Colonel of a Regiment of militia in the days of his physical strength and manhood.

Nine years ago he was attacked with palsy, and has never since been capable of the same endurance or effort. last December he was again prostrated by this strange disease, from which he had but partially recovered, when on May 3d., he was again rendered helpless and unconscious, but what proved to be the final summons, for on the 5th of May, at 11 o'clock, he fell asleep in Jesus.

The traits of his character which chiefly gave Col. Spargur his enviable position in the affection and confidence of a large acquaintance, were his truthfulness, his punctuality, his integrity, his cheerfulness, his liberality, and his nu-blamable Christian walk. True to himself, his family, his Country and his Church, God was true to him, and blessed him in basket and store, and took him away when his name has a sweet smelling savor.

A funeral discourse was preached by the writer of this over his remains , to a large and deeply attentive audience. Their faces told how dear the departed had been to them. May it be true of him, as it will be if they that ought , will listen that " he being dead yet speakth "