Spracklin, Marion Marvin: Third Generation in America

The following data is extracted from The ABC Family Chronicles.

Marvin M. Spracklin remained a resident of Shelby County, Illinois for the rest of his life. On October 13, 1870 he married Mary Elizabeth Deal, daughter of Elias and Francis Elizabeth Broyles Deal. In 1877 Marvin became "our new groceryman, (had) adopted for his motto 'quick sales and small profits,' in consequence of which together with his affable nature and genial smiles, he (had) already secured for himself his full share of 'public patronage'." In 1906 Marvin had another occasion to smile since he had entered the Shelbyville Democrat office "Tuesday noon wearing a broad smile 'the which won't come off.' Another grandboy to trot on his knee. The youngster (had) arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Murray early Tuesday morning and (tipped) the beam at ten pounds."

By 1918 Marvin and his wife owned six acres in Section 20 Cowden Township. Shortly thereafter they moved to Shelbyville, Illinois. Toward their later years in life, a surprise birthday dinner was given for Mrs. Spracklin's 75th birthday. "Sixty-four of her relatives and friends gathered at the Spracklin home at noon. Among those present were her two brothers and their wives, Mr. and Mrs. James Deal of Lakewood, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Deal and son Leon of St. Elmo; a sister, Mrs. Joseph Forsyth of Tower Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Spracklin of Tower Hill were present. A good time was reported by all and they departed wishing Mrs. Spracklin many more happy birthdays.

Marvin M. Spracklin "passed away at his home in (9730/32) this city (Shelbyville) at 3:15 o'clock Friday afternoon, after being bedfast for thirteen months of paralysis. He was born in Ohio October 6, 1847, but came to Shelby County with his parents about 55 years ago. He made his home on a farm near Lakewood until ten years ago when he moved to Shelbyville. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. George Spracklin.

In 1870, Mr. Spracklin was married to Mary E. Deal. To this union ten children were born. One daughter, Dora, died in infancy. The surviving children are Mrs. Addie Hagan, Mrs. Mary Tull and Mrs. Bertha Phelps, all of Shelbyville; Miss Sarah Spracklin, Jacksonville; Mrs. Stella Jones, Cowden; John Spracklin, Shelbyville; George Spracklin, Cowden; Grover Spracklin, Mt. Auburn and Arthur Spracklin of Gays. He is also survived by his wife who is quite ill.

Funeral services were conducted from the home on North Third Street at 2 pm Sunday afternoon with Rev. Blankenship officiating.

Those in charge of flowers were Edith Murray, Elrose Spracklin, Fern Jones Ruby Spracklin Verl Spracklin and Dorothy Hagan. The pail bearers were Richard Murray, Vern Hagan, Marion Spracklin, Glen Jones, Wilmer Hagan and Charles Simmons. A quartet--Mrs. Augusta Hankins, Mrs. Inez Meloon, Gus Pundt and Clair Storm--sang. Burial was at Glenwood Cemetery."

In August 1933, the sixth Spracklin reunion was held in Shelbyville, Illinois. It read 'about 125 relatives and friends were present. There were 38 families from 17 cities and villages represented. From Kenton, Ohio, Mr. and Mrs. John Holycross, Mr. and Mrs. George Fields; from Mahomet, Illinois, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Sarver; Kansas, Mr. Willa Dush; Decatur, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hockaday, Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Banning and Mr. and Mrs. Omer A. Brant."

Three months later November 1933, Mary Elizabeth Deal Spracklin died. Her obituary read:

"Mrs. Mary Spracklin passed away at 12:50 Saturday morning at the home of Mrs. Addie Hagan east of town. She had been in failing health for the past year. The body was removed to Lantz Brothers Mortuary.

Mrs. Spracklin was 78 years old, and had spent most of her life in (Shelby County).

Her husband, M. M. Spracklin, passed away September 30, 1932. She leaves nine children. She also leaves a sister, Mrs. Lucy Forsyth of Tower Hill, and two brothers James Deal of Lakewood and Robert Deal of St. Elmo.

Funeral services were conducted from the Shelbyville Church of Christ at 1:30 pm Monday afternoon, with Rev. Ed Bowman in charge, assisted by Rev. Ditrick.

Flowergirls were granddaughters. Burial was in Glenwood Cemetery."

Sources:

Shelby Co., Ill. Marriage Records
1918 Prairie Farmers' Directory of Shelby Co.
Cemetery Inscriptions
Margarie Spracklin Records
1870,80 Shelby Co., Ill. Census
1877 The Democrat, Shelbyville, Ill.
1 Feb. 1906 Shelbyville Democrat
25 Sept. 1930 Shelbyville Democrat
10 Aug. 1933 Shelbyville Democrat
6 Oct. 1932 Shelbyville Democrat
9 Nov. 1933 Shelbyville Democrat
Domas Spracklin
Betty Stephens

Source: The ABC Family Chronicles

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