Black History Month celebrated in Exhibit
Tyler County Booster - January 2008
by Mayme Canada Brown

February is Black History Month in the U.S. and Tyler County. Every year, Woodville Historian Mayme Brown creates an exhibit at Heritage Village Museum focusing on a particular aspect of Black History in Tyler County. This year she pays special tribute to the James Spencer family.

Eighteen years ago the Tyler County Heritage Society provided space for mounting exhibits honoring African Americans and their contributions to education and other professions. This is a continuation of programs started in 1979 when a group of young students asked for a sponsor to help them preserve, research and present the history of their ancestors and pay tribute to those in Tyler County.

These exhibits have involved families as far back as 1867 when Charlie Turner Arline settled here with his father, mother and other siblings. Today there are many relatives of Charlie Turner Arline still living in Tyler County. They are glad to know their ancestors made history here.

It is with great humility that I, along with the Heritage Society, bring to you these exhibits and "writings." This year we have decided to honor the family of our friend and former student, James Spencer, whose parents, Mr. Sellastine and Mrs. Herscha Mae Spencer, were very supportive in all school, community and county endeavors, beginning before the early 1930's.

The time has come for son James to take his own place and bows as I bring together an exhibit of his life and times in the Dies Community.

As a young child growing up in a family of six other siblings, James seems to have been the "jolly" one. He shared much of that joy with his friends, he was graciously admired by all.

James was the second of Mr. and Mrs. Spencer's seven who grew up in the Dies Community where both parents worked hard making sure each child's needs were met and they were able to enter church and school on time. He attended school at Pine Grove Church, keeping up with his studies. Eventually James was able to help with chores around the house and on the farm, lessons well learned.

In 1947-48, the Pine Grove school was moved into the Woodville ISD, bringing its students for enrollment. The movement was smooth and James immediately joined new students and became very active in the new school environment.

It is noted that James kept his school work above all other activities, yet he was involved in sports, student council and New Farmers of America (NFA). In planning our annual banquet (Mother-Daughter, Father-Son), the young men and Mr. G.H. Thompson provided and prepared the meat dish, girls (New Homemakers of America) and their sponsor completed the menu and served the meal, James was much the leader in this school gathering. Former students and teachers remember James Spencer well.

James graduated from the Scott School in May, 1957. In 1959, he moved to California, being acquainted with work, it was not hard for him to find employment. Like many young men it was time to give his country service. James entered the military in 1962 and was honorably discharged in 1964.

Returning home from the military, James spent many years with his children and wife in California. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Cal State. However, his East Texas Heritage was never forgotten. Eventually he returned to his roots, the Dies Community.

At home again, James is an asset to his community and Tyler County. He has upgraded the cemeteries there in Dies with new fencing, has cleared grounds and is looking forward to a historic marker. He is chairing a movement to renovate the home church (Pine Grove), hoping it qualifies for an historic marker.

James was on hand to dig and anchor the Henry T. Scott Marker (Texas Historic) which was unveiled and dedicated November 18, 2006. We welcome him to the Tyler County Heritage Society and the Tyler County Historic Commission.

Thinking of his class of 1957, James organized a program and feast for his classmates. Fifty years is a long time. Many classmates had not been seen since graduation. James represented the Dies Community at the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. Gatherings such as these will be remembered for generations to come. How worthy.