Thomas H. Spencer
Source: Biographical & Genealogical Record of LaSalle Co., Ill - 1900
[Page 54] THOMAS H. SPENCER - Otter Creek township farmer. Born on father’s farm in this county, April 16, 1846, of English parentage. James SPENCER, his father, was native of Lancashire, England, born in 1808 the son of Harrox and Mary (HOUNSWORTH) SPENCER, who died in Clitheroe, England. At 18 years old, James SPENCER came to U. S. for a few years. He worked as a blacksmith in Rhode Island and New York, and in 1840 went to Romeo, Michigan, where he married Miss Mary BILLSBOROUGH, native of Pendleton, Lancashire, England, and in 1843 came to Otter Creek, this county. They had five children: Thomas; Peniath, wife of Wm. SEXTON of Carroll Co., Iowa; Mary, deceased wife of J. R. BREHMAN of Otter Creek twp.; James R., killed during Civil War in battle of Hartsville, Tennessee at nineteen years; and one that died in infancy. The mother died in 1858 and the father in 1878, age seventy years. Thomas H. SPENCER grew up on father’s farm. He has a farm n.e. of Streator. Mr. SPENCER was married January 2, 1870 to Miss Carrie LEACH, of Brooklyn, New York, daughter of John and Anne (BILLSBOROUGH) LEACH, both now deceased. Mrs. SPENCER was born at Hudson, New York, and educated at Philadelphia, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. SPENCER have six children, five of whom are living: Mary, wife of Reece SNEDAKER, of Alta Vista, Kansas; James B., of Otter Creek twp., and married Miss Clara SANDREY; Mabel, wife of Wm. J. STEVENSON, of Grand Rapids twp.; William E., and Elmer D., at home. Their third born, John R., was killed when fourteen years old.
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