My Genealogy Hound

JESSE SPENCER, farmer and stock-raiser, section 1, post-office Carthage, The subject of this sketch is a native of Kentucky, born in Clay county, Oct. 2, 1826. When but four years old his parents moved to Illinois, settling in Fulton county, and were among the very first settlers of that now wealthy and populous county. He moved to Missouri in 1839, settling on the outskirts of civilization in Polk county. The following year he moved to what is now Cedar county, where our subject attained his manhood and was married there June 16, 1848, to Miss Parleeta Boatman, also a native of Kentucky, She died October 20, 1860, leaving three children, two of whom have since died, and Salina T., wife of Henry Payton, still living. He married for his second wife, Miss Elizabeth A., daughter of Phelix and Sarah Cox, old settlers of Cedar county, Mo., July 7, 1862. Of this marriage there are two children living, John M. and Alvin, and four dead. Shortly after this marriage Mr. Spencer volunteered to fight the battles of his country, and was mustered as first lieutenant of Company M, Fifteenth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, going into active service in southwest Missouri, the principal duties being fighting bushwhackers and jayhawkers. He served in the campaigns against Price, Marmaduke, Van Dorn, and Shelby. He held the position of post commander at Stockton, Mo., for some time. Previous to his service he was taken prisoner by order of the rebel General Harris, and tried by court-martial at Neosho, when the secession legislature of Missouri, known as the legislature on wheels, was in session there. His first view of Jasper county was obtained on his return home after his release. He was quartered at Carthage with his command during his service, and in the numerous scouts and forages had a fine opportunity of seeing the many advantages of this section of country. So, shortly after the cessation of hostilities, he purchased the farm upon which he now lives, becoming a resident of the county in August, 1805. His farm consists of 180 acres, well situated, two and a half miles east from Carthage; also owns 160 acres of well improved land in Barton county, Mo.