Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 75, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 March 1914 — WALKER TOWNSHIP PIONEER PASSES AWAY [ARTICLE]

WALKER TOWNSHIP PIONEER PASSES AWAY

Joel F. Spriggs Victim of Pneumonia After Illness of Two ' Weeks—Funeral Monday.

Squire Joel F. Spriggs passed away before 5 o’clock Thursday afternoon at his home in Walker township after an illness of two weeks of pneumonia. Rensselaer Mends of the aged and highly esteemed man were unaware that he was in until the news of hii death reached this city Friday. Mr. Spriggs wias a unique figure in the development of his part of Jasper county, having come to this county some fifty years or more ago and resided for many years on the farm where his death took place. He had been a justice of the peace for a long time and had a record of keen inquiry into the merits of aH cases that were brought before him and a fearlessness in dealing out justice that madj him a valuable official. The last triad of importance and possibly the last trial of any kind in his court was the preliminary hearing given to Jamie Willte last summer. His court was held in the kitehen of his home and the room was crowded and many stood in the yard. His rulings were always positive and ait the conclusion he placed Willis’s bond at $5,000. Mr. Spriggs was a native of Ohio. His age was 76 years, 2 months and 26 days. On Jan. 4th of this year himself and wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He leaves a widow and five grown children, namely, Mrs. Charles Lee, of Council Hill, Okla.; Mrs. John Holser, of near Brook; Mrs. William Folger, of Barkley township; Simon Spriggs, of near Medaryville, and David Spriggs, wbo lives on a form adjoining his father’s in Walker township. The two sons and Mrs. Folger and his aged wife were at his bedside when the end came. The funeral will be held at the Church of God in Rensselaer Monday afternoon, probably at 1 o’clock. Burial will be made in Weston cemetery. •