SPENCER, EDWARD W., was born at Rock Island, Sept. 20, 1835, and is therefore among its oldest native born citizens; was educated at Rock River Seminary, and at the Northwestern University, at Evanston, which later he left because of ill health. It was during Mr. Spencer's stay at Evanston, that the never-to-be-forgotten wreck of the steamer "Lady Elgin" occurred, on Lake Michigan, in the fall of 1860, when he distinguished himself by his bravery in rescuing the survivors from the ill-fated steamer, at great risk to his own life, which is ever of less value to him than the elevation of the fallen and relief of those in distress. After five or six years of rest, during which Mr. S. accompanied Maj. Powell's first Scientific Expedition to the Rocky Mountains, as Ornithologist, he embarked on his present business enterprise, which ten years of close application have built up and enlarged into an extensive manufacturing and wholesaling of Tinware and Tinner's stock, and House-furnishing goods. Mr. Spencer was married on the 17th of September, 1863, at Chicago, to Miss Lura Cantine, who was born at Mount Morris, New York, Nov. 5, 1845; she was educated in Chicago and at the Pittsburgh Female College. Their family numbers six children, five of whom are living; viz.: Philena, John Wilson, Eliza Cantine, George William, and Julia Helen. In politics, Mr. Spencer has always been a Republican, and has been honored by official positions of responsibility in the city.

Source: The Past and Present of Rock Island County, Ill. 1877

E. W. SPENCER, a life-long resident of Rock Island, having been born here Sept. 20, 1835, and having resided here constantly every since, except about four years spent at the Rock River Seminary and two years at the Northwestern University at Evanston, this State. He has witnessed the growth of Rock Island from a hamlet to the thriving, prosperous city of today, and also witnessed the development of the country from its natural condition to the broad and beautiful fields that are presented on every hand as the traveler passes through the county.

Mr. Spencer opened business in Rock Island in 1865, engaging in the stove and hardware trade on the north side of Second Avenue. Soon thereafter he removed to the south side of Second Avenue, and his business has increased to such an extent that today he may be truly designated as the heaviest dealer in his line inside the corporate limits of Rock Island. He is a gentleman not only respected for his business ability, but for the interest he has taken in the city that witnessed his birth, and which interest has been appreciated by the citizens to the extent of electing Mr. Spencer their Alderman from the Third Ward. Politically, he is a Republican, and religiously a member of the Meth. Epis. Church. His business is a constantly increasing one, made so by his honest, straightforward and gentlemanly ways of dealing with his fellow man; and the accumulation which he may possess of this world's goods is attributable to his good judgment and energetic effort, combined with the attributes aforesaid.

Mr. Spencer formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Lura J. Cantine, a native of New York, in 1863, and they have five surviving children, - John W., Eliza, George W., Julia H. and Lura.

John W. Spencer, Sr., father of the subject of this biographical notice, was a farmer by occupation. He passed through this county in 1828. He carried the news of General Jackson's election, by mail, to the lead mines at Galena two months after the election of "Old Hickory." He originally came from Vermont to this State, in 1820, and resided in Greene County, when he came to this county and entered 160 acres of land. He resided on the latter until Feb. 20, 1878, the date of his death. (See sketch of Judge J. W. Spencer.)

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock Island County, Illinois 1885