My Genealogy Hound

HON. EDWARD R. SPENCER, a retired agriculturist and prominent citizen of Dowagiac, Cass County, Mich., is a lifetime resident of the State and county, and was born in Wayne Township on the 28th of March, 1842. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Spencer, emigrated from New England to New York in a very early day, and, locating in Madison County, soon became identified with the interests of the Empire State, which he made his permanent home. Among the children who clustered about the fireside of Grandfather Spencer was the father of our subject, Joseph Spencer, a native of Madison County, N. Y., born on the old homestead August 27, 1811. Reared and educated amid the scenes of childhood, Father Spencer there arrived to maturity and was united in marriage with Miss Laura Foster. The newly-wedded couple settled at first upon a farm near their early associations, but later joined the tide of travel Westward, and in 1837 removed to Michigan and were numbered among the pioneers of Wayne Township, Cass County.

Locating eighty acres of Government land, Father Spencer added to the size of his original homestead by the purchase of eighty additional acres, and made his home on a small clearing, literally in the heart of the Michigan woods. Industrious, upright and energetic, he devoted himself to the cultivation of his land, and after a life of busy usefulness passed away February 27, 1880. Five children blessed the hearts and home of Joseph and Laura Spencer, four of whom lived to years of maturity, and three yet survive. The latter are Edward R. Spencer; Mrs. Francis Hungerford, of Lawrence, Kan.; and Mrs. Helen Bell, wife of James Bell, a prominent fruit-grower near Dixon, Cal. Although not an active politician in the common acceptation of the word, Joseph Spencer always took a deep interest in both local and national affairs. In early life a Whig, he afterward joined the Republican ranks, and was an earnest advocate of “the Party of Reform.” During the greater part of his life he was prominently connected with church matters, and actively assisted in the location and upward progress of the first Methodist Episcopal Church established in Wayne Township. As an early citizen and pioneer settler his efforts were generously given in behalf of religious and educational advancement. His excellent wife, who survived him until 1890, was a devoted Christian woman and also a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Our subject in childhood received instruction in the district schools of his home neighborhood, but afterward enjoyed the advantages of study in an educational institution at Niles, Mich. While attending school in the latter place, the Civil War broke out, and, promptly answering to the call of duty, Mr. Spencer enlisted in Company A, Nineteenth Michigan Infantry. He entered the service of the Government as Corporal, and remained in active duty from 1862 until the close of the war, when he was mustered out, June 10, 1865, and participated in the grand parade and triumphal review in Washington. Our subject while sharing the dangers and privations to which his regiment was constantly exposed was captured, March 5, 1863, near Thompson’s Station, Tenn., and immediately taken to Libby Prison, where he was held for one month, and then sent to Annapolis. The health of Mr. Spencer was seriously impaired and it was not until a year later that he rejoined his regiment, which accompanied Sherman on the famous march to the sea. July 20, 1864, Mr. Spencer took part in the decisive engagement of Peach Tree Creek, and with his regiment was among the first to victoriously enter Atlanta. The war ended, our subject returned to the old homestead, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, but in a brief time resumed study, attending school for one term in Decatur, Mich.

In 1866 Mr. Spencer was united in marriage with Miss Frances E. Rich, daughter of Eli Rich, a prosperous resident of Decatur, and a well-known contractor and builder. Mrs. Spencer passed away in 1888. She was the mother of three children, two of whom yet survive, Beulah and Bernice. Fred E., the only son, died at Ann Arbor, March 22, 1891. He was a young man of great promise, and was pursuing a course of study in the dental department of the Michigan University. October 8, 1891, Mr. Spencer a second time entered the bonds of matrimony and was wedded to Lura M. Defendorf, daughter of Harmon Defendorf, a successful business man, and for years a leading lumber-dealer and manufacturer of sash, doors and blinds, of Dowagiac, Mich. Prominently connected with the Republican party, Mr. Spencer has occupied with honor and fidelity many important positions of public trust. As School Director and School Inspector he materially aided in educational interests, and gave to the duties of Supervisor of Wayne Township faithful and efficient care. In 1888 our subject was elected to the State Legislature, and in 1890 was re-elected. During his two terms of official service, Mr. Spencer, as a member of important committees, gave universal satisfaction to his constituents. He was Chairman of the Committee of Means, and was also a member of the Committee of Enrollment, and was one of various other deliberative committees, by whom his suggestions and amendments were esteemed and honored.

Fraternally, Mr. Spencer is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and has held the chief office of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member and Trustee of the Congregational Church, and is ever ready to assist in the good works of that denomination. Financially prospered, our subject is the owner of one hundred and seventy-five acres of land, embracing the old homestead, which is under a high state of improvement, and one of the valuable farms of Wayne Township. With the exception of two years, during which time Mr. Spencer engaged in the paint and oil business in Kansas City, Mo., he has constantly resided in Michigan. Since 1889 his home has been in Dowagiac, where he now purposes to embark extensively in the cold storage business. Bringing to this new enterprise the characteristic energy and business ability which have distinguished his course in life, Mr. Spencer cannot fail to win success in his present undertaking, and will carry with him into his business the best wishes of a host of old-time friends and acquaintances.