Spencer T. Records
From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing
biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.
SPENCER T. RECORDS, deceased, who for many years was a well-known citizen of Henderson County, prominently
identified with the business interests of both Oquawka and Rozetta, was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., December
13, 1822, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Heaton) Records. He was reared upon his father's farm, and was
brought to Henderson County when a lad of six summers by Judge John Pence. During the first winter here his time
was spent in Black Hawk's tent, on the Rock River. There were no schools for several years after his arrival, but
at length one was started on the subscription plan. It was held in a log schoolhouse, and there Mr. Records
acquired a knowledge of the common English branches.
On attaining his majority, our subject started out in life for himself. In connection with his brother, Thomas
Records, he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of unimproved land near Biggsville, but he never lived on that
farm. At the age of twenty-two he went to Oquawka, where he began clerking in the store of Mr. Phelps. There he
remained until 1852, when he embarked in business for himself as proprietor of a grocery store of Oquawka, which he
carried on until 1855. In that year he sold out, and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Rozetta
Township. He at once began the development and cultivation of his land, and successfully devoted his time and
energies to agricultural pursuits until 1878, when he left the farm and went to Rozetta village. There he
established a general merchandise store, which he carried on for a few years, and then retired from active business
life. His last days were spent in the enjoyment of a well-earned rest.
On the 26th of October, 1848, Mr. Records was united in marriage with Miss Tacy C. Conger, daughter of Enoch and
Eunice (Beach) Conger. By their union were born five children: Azro M. , of Iowa; Mabel, who died in infancy;
Thomas E., who carries on farming in Kansas; Annie E., wife of J. H. Smith, a merchant of Rozetta; and Tunis Q.,
who is now located in Glenwood, Iowa.
Mr. Records, who was a member of the Baptist Church, contributed liberally to its support, and always took an
active part in church and benevolent work. The poor and needy found in him a friend, and his aid was withheld from
no worthy enterprise. In his business dealings he was successful. While engaged in merchandising he always desired
to please his customers, and his fair and honest dealing and courteous treatment were the means of winning him a
liberal patronage. In this way he acquired a comfortable competence. All who knew him respected him, and when
called to the home beyond his loss was deeply mourned. He died August 16, 1881, and was laid to rest in the Baptist
Cemetery of Rozetta.
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