William J. Speer Biography, Genesee County, Michigan

This Biography extracted from “Portrait and Biographical Record of 
Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan…”, published be Chapman 
Bros., Chicago (1892), p. 1021-1022

This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives.




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WILLIAM J. SPEER, whose fine estate is located on section 30, Montrose Township, 
Genesee County, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, February 19, 1844. That 
continued to be his home until December, 1869, when he came to Genesee County 
and settled on section 30 of this township. His early training was taken upon 
a farm in Ohio, and while living there he pursued agriculture, but since coming 
to Michigan he has followed lumbering to some extent. He has erected good 
buildings upon his farm and has some hundred acres of excellent land.

   Mr. Speer was married in Maple Grove Township, Lapeer County, this State, 
June 16, 1874, to Miss Alida Reed, who was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., 
and was three years old when her parents brought her to Michigan. She is now 
the mother of two children: Helena M. and James E. For five years Mr. Speer 
has held the office of Supervisor of his township and has been Treasurer for 
two years. He has been enumerator for the tenth and eleventh census of Montrose 
Township and has taken an active part in political affairs being a stanch Republican.

   Our subject enlisted in the spring of 1864 in Company K, One Hundred and Fifty-ninth
 Ohio Infantry for one hundred days' service and was in only one battle. He has taken 
an active part in religious work and is a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, 
and has served that body as Class-Leader, Steward and Trustee, and has been made 
delegate to the General Conference and other conventions.

   Robert W. Speer, the father of our subject, was united in marriage with Sarah 
Jamison, who died in the spring of 1882. The father of Mrs. William J. Speer was 
William H. Reed, and her mother was known in maidenhood as Jane Chamberlin. She 
died in Montrose Township, October 21, 1891. Mrs. Speer is a lady of more than 
ordinary ability, culture and amiability, and makes a delightful home for her 
family. The farm has upon it excel-lent buildings and everything is kept in such 
order as to show plainly the hand of a genuine systematic farmer.



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