Category: Spicer History

Any article can be put here – but it will work best if this retains historical reference, such as old newspaper articles that tell stories or biographies from old books; or documentary evidence, such as records (census, birth, marriage, death).

A Bit Of Spicer History: Jesse Spicer

Your great-grandpa Spicer, Jesse, was born in Irvine, Estill County, Kentucky June 7, 1896. We don’t know too much about his earlier days, but we know it must have been some hard living. I believe he was named after his Uncle Jesse Spicer, who was, once upon a time, a deputy sheriff – and then an outlaw. More on that on another page.

Jesse was the son of Granville Spicer and Sarah (Sally) Estes. (a, 3) When he was 5, his family was living in Station Camp, Kentucky.(b) At age 10, the family had moved again – this time to Heidelburg, Kentucky. (c)

  • Jesse Spicer’s service locations, rank, dates
  • Jesse Spicer marriage record to Ola Hensley
  • 1940 US Federal Census Record for Jesse Spicer family

By 1917, the family had moved to Ohio – and at that time, the United States finally declared war on Germany. World War I began in earnest. Shortly after his 21st birthday, Jesse enlisted in the US Army and went into battle in service of our great country. Jesse served as follows:

“Battery B 15 Field Artillery to 11 Aug 1917; 2 Battery Training Battalion 5 Field Artillery to 3 Dec 1917; Co A 1 Engineers to 9 Aug 1919; Co E 1 Engineers to Discharge Private, first class 5 Nov 1917; Private 31 Dec 1917; Private, first class 10 May 1919. Montdidier-Noyon; Aisne-Marne; St Mihiel; Meuse-Argonne; Defensive Sector. American Expeditionary Forces 12 Nov 1917 to 4 Sept 1919. Honorable discharge 25 Sept 1919. “(1)(2)(3) Almost 2 years in the European theater!

He married Ola Hensley on September 2, 1927, in Indiana. Ola was the daughter of Henry Levi Hensley and over 17 years they had 8 kids, 7 of whom survived to adulthood.

In 1935 and 1939, Jesse and Ola were living at 312 Park Drive in Dayton. Jesse was working as a factory worker for Frigidaire, according to the 1940 US Federal Census.

When the census was taken on April 15, 1940, the family was still complete. Tragically, in September of 1940, their young daughter Carolyn, drowned. She was in kindergarten at Oak Street United Brethren church.

Two years later, son Carl was born. Carl also came to a sad ending, when he died homeless and alone in Texas. His body, as far as I have been able to determine, was never claimed by the family. He was returned to Ohio for interment. I’ll get back to Carl’s story on another page.

In 1952, Les was conscripted (not enlisted) into the US Army and was sent to Korea.

Ola died in Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio in May 26, 1962.

As his family grew, Jesse took care of his family by welding – first for a safe company and later with Frigidaire.

Jesse died in 1972 at age 78. He left behind his second wife, Ethel Cook Spicer (no marriage certificate located as yet) his children, step-children and grandkids. (3)

Footnotes:

(a) US Federal Census, 1900, (b) US Federal Census, 1910

(1) Ohio Military Men, 1917-1918, Vol. 23; (2) Ohio Soldiers in WWI, 1917-1918; (3) The Journal News, Hamilton, Ohio, 27 Jul 1972, Thu  •  Page 16 – Obituary of Jesse Spicer

Les Spicer History

Les Spicer – my Dad

Some of you kids probably don’t know a whole lot about your great-grandpa, Les Spicer, except that he was an artist and was darned good at it. I think most of you have some of his paintings in your homes. But he also made some pretty neat cards. He was also quite a joker, as you’ll see in a minute.

Here are a couple he gave me that I think you’ll like, especially since it’s Christmastime still.

  • Through The Window, Christmas, 1993
  • The Art of Les Spicer
  • Cold Hands, Warm Heart (Christmas 1993, by Les Spicer)
Christmas Cards that Les Spicer created and gave us in 1994

I also still have the last birthday card he made for me.

  • Wow, I was getting up there!
  • Seems like a very long time.
My “50th” Birthday card, created and hand water-colored by Dad, Les Spicer. So, here’s the joke. Dad passed away in November of 1995, but he gave this to me 14 months before. I was just 38. Honest! All of the above images were done in 1994.

These simple things are the things we remember when those who love us pass on. It wasn’t just a card – these were his creations, and through them, he took the time to express his love to us. And while he is missed, we can look at his artwork and know that his brilliance and light continue to live on.

This is one reason Grammy and I enjoy it when you guys make us something, rather than buying presents or giving gift cards. We are grateful for all, but it seems the things you did with loving care are the things that always mean the most to us.

  • Les' watercolor card
    Nikki’s 12th birthday card
  • Inside Nikki’s birthday card
Here is a birthday card for Nikki, so Dad did this one in 1992.

What will you do to be remembered?

Your great grandfather also served our country in the US Army. He was conscripted into the 25th Infantry Division – a group called the Wolfhounds. Conscripted means that he was drafted, rather than enlisting. I’ll try to remember to go more into detail about it later on, especially when I learn more information about it.

Dad didn’t talk much about his days in the service. He went to Korea during wartime. The Korean War ran from June 25, 1950 – July 27, 1953. I’m proud that he served our country.

This article details Les Spicer’s service details. It also confirms his family and where he was living at the time of his service. The article is dated 2 Sep 1952.

Well, it’s time to get off here, but will return to tell more about Dad “Les” and soon, Mom, “Alice” will get her turn as well. I hope you like this article. If you would like to know more about someone in the family, let me know and I’ll see what we can find.

As always, if you want to tell your own stories, you can do that too. You can write an article, add some pictures, an audio or video file and post it here. If you need help, that’s what we are here for. Don’t be shy to ask for help.

Love to all,

Grandpa and Grammy