MILTON SPENCER

Concordia Daily Blade, Monday, March 6, 1916, Pg. 3

Vol. X1V, No. 269

Obituary—Milton Spencer

  Milton Spencer was born in Chautauqua Co., New York, Aug. 3rd, 1840.  He was the son of Daniel W. and Mahalia Spencer.  His father served in a battery of artillery from Boston in the war of 1812.  Milton enlisted from Buchanan Co., Iowa in December 1861 to serve three years or during the war, and was mustered into the U. S. service at Davenport, Iowa, as a private of Captain Edwin N. Newcomb’s Co. H, 16th Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Col. Alexander Chambers commanding.  He was taken sick of measles and confined in hospital at Davenport while the regimental organization was being completed, and when it was ordered into the field, in the latter part of March 1862, he moved with it and proceeded to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., taking part in the battle of Shiloh, April 6th and 7th, 1862, after, which he was sent to the hospital at Corinth, Miss.  He was there honorably discharged in July, 1862.

  He re-enlisted on January 31st, 1863, from Buchanan Co., Iowa to serve three years or during the war.  He was mustered into the U. S. service as a Private of Capt. Aaron S. Ames, Co. L, 6th Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, Col. David S. Wilson commanding.  Later Col. Samuel M. Pollock took command.  This regiment remained in camp until the early spring of 1863, and while there was thoroughly drilled and disciplined in cavalry and well mounted and equipped.

  It moved to Sioux City, Iowa, arriving there April 26, 1863, and reported to Brigadeer General John Cook.  On the same day it crossed the river and encamped in Dakota territory.  The regiment served for a time in detachments; one battalion under Lieut. Col. E. P. TenBroceck, and another under Maj. T. H. Shepard, moving to Ft. Randall to reinforce the garrison at that place.

  The regiment was later reunited and transferred to Gen. Sully’s Brigade Army of the Frontier, and proceeded to Ft. Pierre.  It later moved to the mouth of the Little Cheyenne River, over one hundred miles, and participated in a campaign which resulted in the Battle of White Stone Hill, otherwise known as White Stone Hill, otherwise known as White River Hill, September 3rd and 5th, 1863.

  The 6th Cavalry had a number of encounters with Indians and marauding bands of guerrillas in which they were uniformly victorious.  They also performed a large amount of scouting, guard foraging and picket duty.  It took part in the battle of  Tah-Kah-o-ku-ty, July 28, 1864 and Manvais Terres, August 7th and 8th, 1864.

  It was highly commended for its unabated interest in its most arduous duties, serving as it did in a portion of the country abounding with non-union sympathizers and bands of savage Indians.

  He served as Orderly at the headquarters of the Regiment and Brigade for two years, and rendered faithful meritorious service at all times.  He received an honorable discharge at Sioux City, Iowa on the 17th day of October, 1865, by reason of close of the war.

  He was united in marriage to Adaline Bogue, in Buchanan Co., Iowa, March 14th, 1866.  To this union were born four children, viz:  Lucy M., Blanche A., Jesse D., and Ernest M.

  He was a member of W. T. Sherman Post No. 113, Department of Kansas, Grand Army of the Republic, in which he has held Office as Senior Vice and Junior Vice Commander.  His wife is an active and honored member of W. T. Sherman Corps, No. 74, W. R. C.

  He served as township trustee, and as member of school board in Mitchell Co., Kansas.

  During his eleven years of service as janitor at the Lincoln School, Concordia, by his faithful, efficient work, and his kindly manner, he won the profound respect and confidence of school officers and teachers, and the love of every child in the school.

  He appreciated the thoughtful kindness of his friends during the three months of his illness, especially the beautiful flowers and other tokens sent to him by the school.

  He died at his home in Concordia, March 4th, 1916.

  Funeral services at the U. B. church at 2:30 p. m. March 6th, 1916, conducted by Rev. Deever, assisted by Rev. Stamp and Rev. Tarvin.  The text was from Psalms 39:12-13, and the Hymns, “Fording the River One by One,” “One Sweetly Solemn Though,” and “Go Bury Thy Sorrow,” were sung by the teachers of the Lincoln School, and the members of the school board were pall bearers.  The children from the Lincoln School, and members of the G. A. R. Service, and W. R. C. attended the services in a body.