SPENCER, George W. - b 1840
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record o
Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chapman Brothers, 1893)
Page 271
SPENCER , George W. is a prominent farmer of Greene Township, Parke County, his home being on Section 10. He was born on the old homestead February 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 County, Kentucky and in 1835 came to Indiana, settling 1/2 miles east 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 County, Kentucky 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 North Carolina and early settler in Mason County, Kentucky from where he later removed to Fleming County, 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 County 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 whom 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 November 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 educate din 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, Indiana; 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. - kbz