“Frank A. Spencer, 63, world famous jockey and for the past 14 years head groom at the State Veterinary College at Cornell University, died at 6 o'clock this morning of pneumonia. Mr. Spencer was stricken with a severe cold about two weeks ago and when his condition took a turn for the worse he was removed to the Ithaca Memorial Hospital.

  He had been a resident of Ithaca for the past 30-odd years, coming here in the early 90s as head coachman for the late William H. Sage. He was later employed as coachman by the late Elias Treman and afterwards by R. H. and C. E. Treman. He became groom at the State Veterinary College at Cornell University in 1914 but continued in the Treman service. 

  Before coming to Ithaca he became prominent in the racing world, having served for many years as steeplechase jockey in the employ of Foxhall Keene, one of world's greatest sportsmen. In Mr. Keene's service, Mr. Spencer made two trips around the world and was especially well-known in  the sport of steeplechasing in Europe in years gone by. 

Son Was War Hero 

  He was married and resided with his wife, Rebecca Spencer, in the groom's cottage at 3 Garden Avenue. He is survived also by one son, Frank jr., who was a sergeant in the infantry in France during the World War and received numerous decorations for valor, including the French Croix de Guerre. 

  Mr. Spencer was probably one of the most interesting characters in the sporting world of the past and on many occasions held informal audiences spellbound with his exciting stories of the days of steeplechasing.

  He was also active fraternally, having been a member of the Grand United Odd Fellows, Oriance 4568; Herman Lodge No. 30, Knights of Pythias; Colored Uniform Rank of the Knights of Pythias, and Forest City Lodge 180, I.B.P.O. Elks of the World. 

  The funeral will be held at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon, April 9, at the St. James A.M.E. Zion Church. Rev. H. W. Morrison, pastor of the church, will officiate. Interment will be in Lake View Cemetery.”

“Once Famous Jockey Dies At Home Here,” Ithaca Journal-News, April 6, 1927, 5.