Clarence Bowersox Spahr

Clarence was the only child born to Jacob and Lucy. He completed eight years of school, then the minimum requirement, at a one-room
school in Weiglestown, about 3/4 mile south of the Rodgers farm, where a branch of Southern Pennsylvania National Bank is now located. Shortly after, he went to work on a wheat farm in Kansas, and eventually bought a farm near the town of Hutchinson. Seeing a brighter future in the expanding industrial world, Clarence sold his farm and farming equipment and moved to Detroit in 1926. There he worked for the Packard Motor Co., and when he was there 25 years he was given a gold watch for his achievement. When the Packard Motor Co. closed Clarence went to work for the Ford Motor Co. where he worked until his retirement in 1957, when he returned to York, Pennsylvania.

Clarence’s Florida Avenue hilltop residence afforded him a magnificent view of the city which was a constant source of pleasure to him and his guests. He also enjoyed several trips back to Kansas, visiting his farming friends there, especially Malin and Gertie Wilt, and Caroline Sweitzer of Hutchingon.

Clarence’s loss in the stock market crash in 1929 inspired him to a constant study of economics which he pursued until shortly before his death. Clarence initiated the annual David and Catherine Spahr Reunion and the writing of this genealogy. He was a member of the York County Historical Society and of Salem Union Church, Dover, Pa.; UCC Congregation. He also served several years on the maintenance team of that church’s recreation area, where the Reunion is now held. Clarence is buried in the cemetery west of the church.