Biographical Sketch of

Thomas W. Spencer

Transcribed by Sandy Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 525 - 526 


Thomas W. Spencer, who resides on section 16 in the town of Oasis, has been prominently connected with the 
upbuilding of Waushara County since 1858.  At the time of his arrival the work of cultivation and progress 
had been carried forward to but a limited degree, the greater part of its growth and development having 
taken place since that time.  For miles he could ride across the prairies with no fence or house to obstruct 
his progress, and travel through forests which were still in their primitive condition.  But a few years had 
elapsed since the Indians had left for the land beyond the Mississippi and the number of white settlers in 
the State did not exceed the population of many of the counties of the present day.
 
The birth of Mr. Spencer occurred in January, 1818, in Pennsylvania, but when two years old he was taken by 
his parents, Ezra and Polly (Whitney) Spencer, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, to Rutland County, Vt., 
where they spent their last days.  The family to which our subject belongs once numbered ten children, but he 
has only one sister now living--Mrs. Angeline Allen, of Salisbury, Vt.  Such education as Thomas Spencer acquired 
was obtained in the district schools of Rutland County, but at an early age he began earning his own livelihood.  
When a lad of fifteen years he was apprenticed to the trade of a wheelwright, but ere his term had expired he 
was badly poisoned by paints and was unable to serve out his time.  After regaining his health he learned the 
carpenter's trade, which he followed for many years, both in the East and after his emigration to Wisconsin.
 
In 1840 he went to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where he formed the acquaintance of Miss Martha Page and, their 
friendship ripening into love, they were united in marriage Oct. 26, 1843.  The lady was born in St. Lawrence 
County, Sept. 20, 1823, but her parents, David and Maria (Williams) Page were natives of Vermont.  They died 
in Potsdam, N. Y., and were mourned by many warm friends.  Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Spencer, 
namely: Lucy, wife of Walter Spaulding, a farmer of the town of Oasis; Rosa, wife of George Willis, a resident 
farmer of Eldora Township, Fond du Lac County; Rollin, whose home is in Llano County, Tex; Albert, a carpenter 
of the State of Washington; Eugene at home; Herbert who died at the age of nineteen years; Flora, also deceased; 
and one child who died in infancy.
 
The father of Mr. Spencer purchased 900 acres of land in Wisconsin, which he divided among his children and in 
1858, our subject came to Waushara County to take possession of his tract of eighty acres.  In connection with 
farming, he has worked at the carpenter's trade and built many of the farm residences in this community.  By his 
support and influence given to public enterprises he has also aided in the upbuilding of the county which has so 
long been his home.  For many years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and his wife, who 
belongs to the same organization, has been a faithful teacher in the Sunday school.  Each Sunday finds her at 
her place in the house of worship and in many young minds she has sown the seeds of truth and uprightness which 
have brought forth beautiful fruit.  Mr. Spencer and his worthy wife are now passing down the hill of time.  In 
their earlier years, by their industry and diligence, they acquired a comfortable competence which provides for 
all their wants in their declining years and in peace and quiet they are now awaiting the call to the better land.
 
 
Transcribed by Sandy Boudrou






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