Posted on: Hancock Co. Il Obituaries Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Il/HancockObits/469 Surname: Spitler, Jenney, Emory, Harnest, Schultz, Davis ------------------------- A Pioneer Physician Dead Dr. Adam Spitler After months of weary affliction a good man and worthy citizen has gone to rest. Dr. Adam Spitler died at his home in this city at 11:40 p.m., Saturday, June 21st inst., aged 73 years, 8 months and 2 days. Dr. Spitler was a native of Virginia (now West Virginia). He was born in Augusta county Oct. 19, 1816. His parents were Daniel and Elanor Spitler. His mother's maiden name was Emory. The parents moved from Rockbridge to this county in 1854 and settled in St Marys township. Subsequently the father moved to Carthage, where he died in 1861. The mother died in 1875. The family were among the early settlers and were highly respected. Dr. Spitler received his preliminary education in his native county, studied medicine under capable tuition and afterwards attended the medical school at Lovisville, Ky., where he graduated in March 1850. He practiced medicine in Upshur county, Va., until 1856 or '57 when he removed to this city where he has practiced medicine continuously since until about four years ago, when he practically retired from the profession. On July 1st, 1851 he was married to (unreadable - a Miss Carrie Jenney) a daughter of James Jenney, of Buchannan, Upshur county, Va. This estimable lady is surviving in fair health. There were no children. Of the doctor's immediate family two only survive: Mrs. Anna Harnest and Mrs. Jackson Shultz, both of this city. The deceased members are Samuel and Mrs. Sarah Davis. Dr. Spitler became converted and joined the M. E. Church in 1836. He has been an active and faithful member of that body since, contributing of his means liberally to its support, and lending by wise counsel and an upright example to its growth in spiritual life and influence. In his death the church has lost one who was always faithful to its interests and obligations. Dr. Spitler was a member in good standing in the Masonic fraternity. He was also a member of the Hancock County Medical Association, and was president of that body a year or more. He was regarded as an excellent physician. His habit of mind was studious and reflective and his methods were honorable and sincere in the highest degree. Among the many families seeking his professional services he was regarded as a trusted physician and friend, and his words of cheerful encouragement in many scenes of suffering lent hope and relief where medicine else would have been of small avail. Dr. Spitler was a liberal contributor to the city's material, moral and educational advancement. He gave freely to the churches; was one of the largest subscribers to the building fund of his own (line possibly missing) ministry. He was among the first and largest contributors to Carthage college and the fine business block on the northwest corner of the square will long stand as a monument to his public (unreadable line) refusal from him, and his character for benevolence no doubt found many quiet avenues for its display. When it is said that Dr. Spitler never had an eveny in the community, it must not be inferred that his was a negative character. He had decided opinions on all subjects worthy of thought or discussion. The Methodist preachers found he had opinions, as did others with whom he came in contact, and while he could not easily be swerved from them, a certain gentleness of expression, the air and attitude of respect which accompanied his utterances, gave a force to them that if they did not convince yet left no sense of antagonism behind. He was a citizen of forceful characteristics in many respects, yet guileless, simple in his habits and tastes, liking his friends greatly, upholding the right and sincerly sorrowing for all the wrong there is in the world. We much doubt if there was ever a question affecting public enterprise or moral advancement in Carthage that Dr. Spitler was not found instantly and firmly on the right side of that question. The death of a man like this is an immeasurable loss to any community. Let it be the aim of our young men to emulate an example like this, that in the loss of one so good in all respects as neighbor and citizen there shall be many to spring up and take the place he has so honorably filled. The surviving wife, a lady whom all respect for her noble qualities, will be cared for by those whose tenderness are as that of children of her blood. She has the warm sympathy of a wide circle of friends. May she be comforted with the peace that passeth understanding. Dr. Spitler has been in failing health the past year, but has not been wholly confined to his bed until within the past few weeks. During that time he has had the most constant and tender care of those near to him who have permitted him to want for nothing. (lines unreadable) felt willing to meet Him who had promised rest and eternal life to His faithful servants. It was the death of a christian man whose faith finds its fullest fruition "on the other shore." The funeral services were conducted at the M. E. church yesterday forenoon at 10:30 o'clock, Rev. J. A. Northrup officiating, Rev. Dr. S. H. Hyde assisting. (remainder unreadable) Hancock County Historical Society Carthage Republican June 25, 1890