Taken From the Henry Republican
March 30, 1882

Died in Whitefield, March 25, at the residence of his brother-inl-law George Burt, Sr., of old age, John Adams Spencer, 86 years 2 months 26 days
John Adams Spencer, an aged gentleman living with George Burt, Sr., in Whitefield township, was found dead in his bed on Saturday morning, last, having seemingly gone to sleep during the night and then gently have passed beyond the protals of the natural without a struggle to that bourne from whence no traveler returns.
About 10 o'clock Father Burt and the housekeeper had been in to see him, and the "good nights" were exchanged as usual, leaving no impression that the transitorial summons was so near.
Mr. Spencer was a native of Hartford, Ct., and was a resident of that city and in its vicinity upwards of 73 years. His business ventures were successful, and at the age of about 50, at the death of his wife, he retired from business and lived on his income.
Thirteen years ago he came to Illinois to reside with his brother, Horace Spencer of Whitefield.
Seven years later, at the latter's death, he was taken in charge of by brother-in-law an sister, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Burt, Sr., where he has remained until his death.
Mr. Spencer was a man of strong physical constitution and a man of decided opinions. He was a very ardent republican and abolitionist, and always look a lively interest in politics.
In religion he was also a very strict churchman, and was known for his zealous love for christian work and duty and reverence for all that was sacred, having joined the church upwards of 50 years ago. He was a man of probity, and social and genial in his nature. He was the oldest of 11 children. The past few years his faculties have been much impaired, his eyes dimmed and his hearing full; the past year he has kept to his couch altogether.
The funeral was held at Father Burt's on Monday afternoon, Rev. W. J. Minium, pastor of the M. E. church of this city, officiating.
Interment at the Sugar Grove cemetery, about one mile west of Father Burt's residence.

Taken From the Henry Republican, March 30, 1882.

• Died in Whitefield, March 25, at the residence of his brother-in-law George Burt, Sr., of old age, John Adams Spencer, 86 years 2 months 26 days
• John Adams Spencer, an aged gentleman living with George Burt, Sr., in Whitefield township, was found dead in his bed on Saturday morning last, having seemingly gone to sleep during the night and then gently having passed beyond the portals of the natural without a struggle to that bourne from whence no traveler returns.
• About 10 o'clock Father Burt and the housekeeper had been in to see him, and the "good nights" were exchanged as usual, leaving no impression that the transitorial summons was so near.
• Mr. Spencer was a native of Hartford, Ct., and was a resident of that city and in its vicinity upwards of 73 years. His business ventures were successful, and at the age of about 50, at the death of his wife, he retired from business and lived on his income.
• Thirteen years ago he came to Illinois to reside with his brother, Horace Spencer of Whitefield. Seven years later, at the latter's death, he was taken in charge of by brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Burt, Sr., where he has remained until his death.
• Mr. Spencer was a man of strong physical constitution and a man of decided opinions. He was a very ardent republican and abolitionist, and always took a lively interest in politics.
• In religion he was also a very strict churchman, and was known for his zealous love for christian work and duty and reverence for all that was sacred, having joined the church upwards of 50 years ago. He was a man of probity, and social and genial in his nature. He was the oldest of 11 children. The past few years his faculties have been much impaired, his eyes dimmed and his hearing full; the past year he has kept to his couch altogether.
• The funeral was held at Father Burt's on Monday afternoon, Rev. W. J. Minium, pastor of the M. E. church of this city, officiating.
• Interment at the Sugar Grove cemetery, about one mile west of Father Burt's residence.