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Mr. Andrew C. Black was of
pure Scotch-Irish ancestry, and was born in Donegal, Ireland, June 3,
1827. His mother, Jane Mary Spencer, a woman of great character and wit,
was left a widow with twelve children. Removing to this country, she died
in Zanesville, O., in the eighty-second year of her age.
Mr. A. C. Black came to
Springfield, O., with which city he was principally identified, in 1847.
He was one of the most useful citizens. Most business enterprises counted
on him as a wise counselor and munificent patron. He was one of the
kindest and most self-sacrificing of neighbors. He was noted for largeness
of heart. No one went to him for help without receiving it, and whenever
another's calamity became known to him he was one of the first to go to
him with sympathy and aid. As a Christian he was devout and simple in his
faith, firm in his convictions, and unwearying in the practical
ministrations of piety. For many years he was a member and officer in the
first Presbyterian Church. In short, he exhibited the best qualities of
the Scotch-Irish character, which has had so many representatives in this
country. Mr. Black's deathbed, surrounded by his wife, children, brethren,
and pastor, was a grand and solemn scene which none who witnessed it will
ever forget. He died July 20, 1892. The shock of his death ran throughout
all the community, and was felt to be a public calamity. All ranks, from
the highest and wealthiest to the humblest and lowliest, honor and respect
his memory. "His loss," says the local press, "will be very severely felt
for many years to come". |
