Benton Co., AR - Biographies - J. E. Spencer

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J. E. Spencer, miller of Batie Township, was born March 10, 1838, in 
Polk County, Mo., and is the son of William and Nancy (Cordell) 
Spencer. The father was born in Kentucky. In an early day he went to 
Fulton County, Ill., remaining seven years, then from there to Polk 
County, Mo., remaining two years; thence to Cedar County, Mo., where 
he resided five years; then he returned to Kentucky, and remained 
there till after the war, then came back to Cass County, Mo.; from 
there to Bates County, then to Arkansas, and here resided about twelve 
years, and died. He had received no education, but by his own 
exertions could both read and write. The mother was born in Alabama, 
but when a young girl immigrated to Kentucky, where she was afterward 
married to Mr. Spencer, and bore him thirteen children, nine now 
living, so far as known. They are named as follows: James, Elizabeth, 
John E., Fareby, Sampson, William, Nancy J., Mary and Hannah, Those 
deceased were named, Amelia, Alexander, Mina and William. The 
grandfather and grandmother Spencer were both native Virginians, and 
immigrated to Kentucky, being among the pioneer settlers of that 
State. This was about 100 years ago, and they suffered all the 
privations and hardships incident to pioneer life. J. E. Spencer has 
often heard his grandparents speak of making their own gunpowder. His 
great-grandfather on his mother's side was a soldier in the 
Revolutionary War, and was severely wounded in the last battle, being 
almost disemboweled. The maternal grandfather was a native of Germany, 
and the grandmother a native of Alabama. The latter was a cultured 
Southern lady, and was the owner of 300 negroes. J. E. Spencer was but 
two years of age when his parents left Polk County, Mo., and settled 
in Cedar County of the same State. They remained here five years and 
then moved to Kentucky, but J. E. received no education, and worked on 
the farm until nineteen years of age. He then returned to Missouri, 
settled in Macon County, and there lived for three years, engaged in 
tilling the soil. From there he went to Ringo County, Iowa, remained 
but a short time, and was married to Miss Lydia Chambers, daughter of 
Joel Chambers. One child was born to this union. Eliza A., who is now 
deceased. At the breaking out of the late Civil War Mr. Spencer 
enlisted in the Confederate army under Gen. Price; was in Stein's 
battery, and served faithfully for four years. He was in the battles 
of Lexington, Blue Mills Landing, Lone Jack and many other smaller 
engagements. During the war Mr. Spencer was captured, but made his 
escape; was reported dead by a friend, and when he returned home after 
the war, found his wife married again. He was married to Miss Mary J. 
Burch, of Bates County, Mo., whose father was one of the first 
settlers of North Missouri. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Spencer, seven now living: George W., Charley R., Emma, Hiram. Ella, 
Ebband Emmit Lee. After marriage Mr. Spencer remained in Bates County, 
Mo., engaged in farming for two years, and then moved to Newton 
County, where he remained for nine years, working at the carpenter's 
trade, but also carried on farming. From there he went to Siloam 
Springs, where he followed carpentering, railroading, and was also 
engaged in mill wrighting, which he followed until 1887, when he 
removed to Southwest City, Mo., and here remained two years; [p.896] 
then came to Maysville, Ark., and purchased one-half interest in the 
mill he is now running. He is doing a good business, and supplies the 
country for miles around. He is a Mason, a Democrat in politics, and 
is yet a strong advocate for the lost Southern cause. He assisted in 
bridging the Mississippi River at Burlington, Iowa, and was and is a 
first-class carpenter.