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William Booker Spears died on October 4 at the Old Masons' Home, near Shelbyville, Ky. He was next to the oldest Mason in Kentucky. "Uncle Billy," as he was called, was born in Springfield, Ky., April 5, 1825, and was a son of the late David H. and Elizabeth Gibbons Spears. In 1864 he joined the Masonic order when but twenty-one years of age. Upon the ourbreak of the War between the States he joined the forces of the Confederacy and fought throughout the war. Comrades say that the Southern cause had no braver nor more loyal soldier than Billy Spears, known to his fellow soldiers as "Tobe." He was a member of Company A, 16th Kentucky Infantry, which was a regiment of the famous Orphan Brigade, whose charge at Stones River rivaled in bravery and reckless daring the charge of the "Old Guard" at Waterloo. Upon conclusion of the war he returned to Springfield, where he made his home until March, 1911, when, because of advanced age, he enetered the Masonic Home at Shelbyville.

Mr. Spears was married to Miss Mary Jane Hundley, who was his faithful wife and constant companion until her death, fifteen years ago. Both were devoted Christians, and largely through their efforts the Methodist Church of that community was kept alive.