NATHANIEL W. SPENCER, an extensive and successful fruit grower of Ceutralia, was born in Canada, on the shore of Lake Erie, in 1836. He was one of a family of five children, whose parents were Holderman and Candace (Allen) Spencer.
The father and mother were both natives of New York, but removing to Canada, there remained until after the death of the former. The mother then came to Centralia and spent her last days with her son.
Our subject left his native land when only eight years of age. He came with Thomas Sales to Illinois, and was reared to manhood in McHenry County. He saw Chicago when it was but a small village, and has seen many of the now populous districts of the state almost entirely uninhabited.
The autumn of 1863 witnessed his arrival in Centralia. Here he engaged in railroading for some time, following that pursuit altogether for seventeen years.
Mr. Spencer has been twice married. In Mc Henry County he was married to Miss Anna Still, and to them were born five children, but all are now deceased.
For his second wife Mr. Spencer chose Miss Fannie Still, a sister of his former wife, and their union has been blessed with four children, two sons and two daughters, namely:
He and his family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for several years past he has served both as Trustee and Steward. He takes an active interest in benevolent and charitable work, and the poor and needy find in him a friend.
Mr. Spencer began fruit growing in 1879. He owns twenty acres of good land, nineteen of which are devoted to fruit culture, while on the other acre he raises garden vegetables. He has succeeded in his undertakings, and in the markets of this locality finds a ready sale for his products.
In politics he is a stanch Republican, who warmly advocates the principles of his party and does all in his power to insure its success.
He has a beautiful home upon his fruit farm, supplied with the comforts of life, and there hospitality reigns supreme. He is one of the representative citizens of Centralia, and is highly respected by all who know him.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 486
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer