Mayor of Los Angeles 1884-1886. Born in Ireland he served in the California Legislature 1861-62. He had earlier been Treasurer of the State of Nevada. After leaving City Hall, he continued his career as a successful banker and USC trustee. As a USC trustee he had pledged Mt. Wilson land to pay for a gigantic lense for an observatory telescope. He announced a grant of $50,000 to build the astronomical observatory in 1887. When Spence died he neglected to leave any provision in his will for financing the 40 inch Spence telescope and the plan was abandoned.
Mayor of Los Angeles 1884-1886. Born in Ireland he served in the California Legislature 1861-62. He had earlier been Treasurer of the State of Nevada. After leaving City Hall, he continued his career as a successful banker and USC trustee. As a USC trustee he had pledged Mt. Wilson land to pay for a gigantic lense for an observatory telescope. He announced a grant of $50,000 to build the astronomical observatory in 1887. When Spence died he neglected to leave any provision in his will for financing the 40 inch Spence telescope and the plan was abandoned.
Bio by: Joe Walker
Family Members
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