Spencer - George W.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke &
Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chapman Brothers, 1893) p 271
George W. SPENCER is a prominent farmer of Greene Township,
Parke County, his home being on Sec. 10.
He was born on the old homstead Feb 12, 1840 and is a son of
John Spencer whose birth occurred in Maryland about 1793. The
latter was a son of James, also a native of Maryland.
When he was 2, he removed to Fleming Co, Ky., and in 1835 came
to Indiana, settling 1/2 miles E. of the place on which he soon
after located and there resided until his death.
His wife before her marriage was Mary GOTT.
John Spencer was next to the eldest of a family of 4 sons and
two daughters.
He was reared in Fleming Co, Ky where he lived until 1835 when
he came to Indiana.
The previous year he had married Miss Nancy ALEXANDER who was
a daughter of James Alexander, a native of NC and early settler
in Mason Co, Ky from where he later removed to Fleming Co, in the
same state.
The two brothers of Mrs. Nancy Spencer served in the War of
1812.
After his marriage John Spencer engaged in farming and in
1834, coming to Parke Co. he became the owner of the farm now
carried on by our subject.
Only a few acres had been cleared at that time but with energy
and undaunted courage he pursued the work of its improvement. He
was called to his final rest on 9 April 1867.
His family consisted of 11 children, one of which died in
childhood.
The following are yet living:
Mary E, wife of Milton ROBERTSON, living near Winterset,
Iowa;
Martha Jane, wife of Greenbery McDUFFY of Union County,
Iowa;
Amanda, widow of Robert BLOOMFIELD;
Edna, wife of David PATTON, who lives SW of Crawfordsville,
Montgomery County; and our subject.
The mother of these children, who was born Nov 28, 1801, is
still living, though so advanced in years and makes her home with
our subject. Her mind is clear and health is remarkably good.
Her husband was a Democrat, politically, and as a farmer
successfully carried on his 200 acres of land.
George W. Spencer was bought up in Green Township, and was
educated in the public schools.
On August 22, 1862, he took unto himself a wife in the person
of Miss Mary CLARK.
Her father, Eli Clark, who lived near Judson, was an early
settler and prominent farmer of the County.
After his marriage our subject located 4 miles West of his
present farm, where he resided for 4 years and then became the
possessor of his present farm, which now comprises 240 acres and
is well developed.
He erected a good barn on the place and has other good
buildings.
The land is fertile and yields abundant crops.
Mr. Spencer ranks well in the estimation of the leading farmer
of this community as a progressive and well-informed
agriculturist.
Mr. and Mrs. Spencer have been blessed with 10 children, 9 of
whom are living.
John is now at Russellville, Ind; Jesse is a farmer of this
township and the following are still living at home: Allen;
George; Frank; Elsie; Aria; Wilbur and Freddie. William died at
age 9.
The father is a Democrat and in 1890 was elected Trustee of
the township, which position he has held ever since, his term
expiring in 1895.
He is always to be found on the side of improvement and
advancement and is earnest in his support of our present
admirable public school system.
He is a member of the Christian Church, in which he has been a
Deacon since 1862.
His wife, an amiable and well-educated lady, has also for many
years been a member of the same Church. - transcribed by kbz