Frank A Spencer

"The Civic Club of Ithaca which was organized and incorporated under the State laws a few months ago is now located in a handsome suite of four rooms on the third floor of the Stephens block at the corner of State and Aurora streets. This club was formed for social and political purposes and is composed of young colored men of this city. At present the roll of membership bears 43 names."
-article mentions a parlor, game room, billiard and music rooms and "bath facilities."
President M[oses].H. Spencer
Vice president John C. Wye
Treasurer William J.P. Cannon
Secretary Frank A. Spencer
Assistant Secretary Napoleon Jackson
Sergeant at Arms John Mason

"Civic Club: The New Organization Located in Attractive Quarters," Ithaca Daiay Journal, October 27, 1902, 3.

"Mrs. Eva Spencer, widow of Moses Spencer, died yesterday at Saratoga Springs. She leaves a son, Frank Spencer of this city, and several grandchildren. Mrs. Spencer left Ithaca several years ago. The funeral arrangements have not been completed."

"Obituary: Mrs. Moses Spencer," Ithaca Daily News, March 15, 1916, 5,

“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.

“Ithaca, N. Y.- -Frank A. Spencer, 63 years old, once a world famous jockey, and for the past 14 years head groom at the State Veterinary College at Cornell University, died at Ithaca Memorial Hospital from pneumonia on April 6. 

He had been a resident of Ithaca for the past 30 odd years, coming here as head coachman for the late William H..Sage. He was later employed as coachman for the late Elias Treman, and by Terman's [sic] sons. 

Spencer became groom for the State Veterinary College at Cornell in 1914, but continued in the Treman service. 

Before coming to Ithaca, Mr. Spencer had won fame in the racing world, having served for many years as Steeplechase jockey in the employ of Foxhall Keene, one the 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. 

Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, April 9, at the Star James A. M. E. Zion Church, the Rev. H. W. Morrison, pastor, officiating. Interment was at Lake View Cemetery.

The late Mr. Spencer was active fraternally, being a member of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, Keman Lodge No. 30, Knights of Pythias and the Forest City Lodge of Elks. 

He is survived by one son, Frank, jr., who served with distinction in the world war; two nieces, Mrs. Marion Daniels and Mrs. Herbert S. Harris, both of New York City; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Mrs. Daniels and two sons, and Mrs. Harris, with her husband and daughter, came from New York to attend the funeral services

"Frank Spencer, Famous Jockey, Dies at Ithaca: Made Two Trips Around World Riding for Foxhall Keane," New York Age (New York, NY), April 23, 1927, 1, newspapers.com.

Frank A. Spencer, 1864-1927, buried Lake View Cemetery, Ithaca, NY.
First wife Martha S Spencer (1863-1903)
Second wife Rebecca Brown Singleton Spencer (1865-1956)

Find a Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/178159164/frank-a.-spencer