Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers. "An Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties") Spokane, WA: Western Historical Publishing Co., 1905. p. 614. JOHN SPENCER is a substantial farmer and stockman of Gilliam county and resides about eighteen miles west from Condon. He is a native of Toronto, Canada, and the date of his birth is November 27, 1848. His father was John Spencer, a native of Lancastershire, England, and his birth occurred on January 11, 1806. When a boy he was apprenticed to a farmer, but after toiling at that labor until he was eighteen, he severed his relations there and entered the British army. For twenty-five years, four months, and three days he was a faithful soldier, being stationed in various portions of the globe and acquiring a very extended experience. Then came his honorable discharge and he settled to farming in Canada in the forties. He had married while in the military service, Harriet Adams becoming his bride. She was born in Yorkshire, England. The death of the elder Spencer occurred in Canada, on August 6, 1885. Our subject was educated at Chatham, Ontario, receiving a splendid training. Then he took up farming and continued at it uninterruptedly until 1876, when he laid it aside for railroading. After a time in that line of enterprise, he joined the. police force in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and served six years and nine months. Then he did fanning again, this time, in Michigan. Thence he came west. and in 1898, he settled where he is now residing. He has a good farm and his sons have a half section besides, there also. Mr. Spencer is handling the entire estate and is one of the successful farmers here. In 1871 occurred the marriage of Mr. Spencer and Mrs. Nina Dumford, who was born in Toronto, Canada, on October 12, 1845. Her parents were Charles and Mary A. (Hobbs) Elford. The mother was born in London, England. The father was born in Wiltshire, England, on May 3, 1806. He was a highly educated and prominent man. To Mr. Spencer and his wife five children have been born : William H., a chef at the Warwick hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan ; Walter E., a farmer in Oregon: Mrs. Mary Randall, Charles E., and George T. By her former marriage Mrs. Spencer has one son. Harry D., a coach inspector on the Grand Trunk railroad. Mr. Spencer inherited very little property from his father, and so what he now possesses is what he has acquired by his own labor and skillful management. He received as a more valuable legacy, however., an unsullied family name, which he has kept clean and bright since, being a man of unswerving integrity and uprightness. He has a high sense of his stewardship in this pilgrim way and a fine sense of honor. Mr. and Mrs. Silencer are highly esteemed people and have many friends. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in November 2010 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.