Chicago Tribune (IL) - April 04, 1944
William Harding Spikings, age 96 years, beloved husband of the late Minnie, father of Alice Ropp, Florence Brown, William R., Frank E., and Richard Y. Spikings, also survived by six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one sister, Zana Warren, and one brother, George. Resting at funeral home, 4332 Elston avenue, where services will be held Thursday, April 6, at 2 p.m. Interment local cemetery.
Chicago Tribune (IL) - April 05, 1944
W. H. SPIKINGS, CHICAGO NATIVE, IS DEAD AT 95
Services for William H. Spikings, 95, who frequently was honored at historical gatherings as Chicago's oldest continuous resident, will be held at 3 p.m. tomorrow in the chapel at 4332 Elston av. He died Monday in his home at 6345 Leona av.
Mr. Spikings was born May 3, 1848, in a log cabin at what is now Springfield av. and Argyle st. His parents had emigrated from England in 1835. Spikings was educated in Chicago public schools, and enlisted in the cavalry in the Civil war.
After that war, he manufactured brick for many Jefferson township structures, later became a contractor, and retired in 1912.
He is survived by three sons. Frank, Richard, and William, and two daughters, Mrs. Florence Brown and Mrs. Alice Ropp. His wife, Minnie, whom he married in 1874, died several years ago.