Biographies

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.

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.