George A. Spence

As printed in 1908

GEORGE A. SPENCE, an extensive farmer and stock-raiser, who owns a tract of 638 acres in Pike Township, was born January 30, 1852, in German Township, Clark Coimty, Ohio, and is a son of Mark and Mary (Harshbarger) Spence. The Spence family was first established in this country by William Spence, who was born and reared in England and who came to Ohio at a very early period, settling in Clark County, December 25, 1820. Here he spent the remainder of his life and became possessed of large landed interests, acquiring a tract of 638 acres, which is now owned By the subject of this sketch and his mother.

Mark Spence was born in Clark County and died January 8, 1878, aged fifty-seven years. In politics he was a Whig, always taking an active interest in the affairs of his party, and although not seeking political honors, was elected county commissioner just previous to his death. He married Mary Harshbarger, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio with her parents when ten years of age, and who is still living, making her home with her son George.

George A. Spence was just eight years old when his parents came to his present farm and here he has spent his entire life, engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. He received his education in the district school, and being the only child, much of the work of the farm fell to him. He is the largest landowner in Pike Township, the entire estate having been left to him and his mother. He has remodeled the large seventeen-room house, which was built by his grandfather, and has erected new barns, the old barn, ten horses, seven head of cattle and the faithful old.shepherd dog having been destroyed by fire April 20, 1890. Mr. Spence is extensively engaged in stock-raising, especially horses, cattle, hogs and sheep. He owns Chamberlin De Limelette, known as Jack, a bay stallion, weighing 2,000 pounds, Reg. No. 1568, foaled May 1, 1900, and imported from Belgium May 16,

1904, by McLaughlin Brothers, of Columbus, from whom he was bought by the North Hampton Horse Company July, 1904. Mr. Spence is treasurer and keeper manager of the North Hampton Horse Company. Besides his farming interests he is also financially interested in a hardware concern of Springfield.

Mr. Spence was joined in marriage February 12, 1880, with Anna J. Friermood, a daughter of Reuben and Mary Friermood, and of their union have been born the following children: Mary Etta, who is the wife of Asa Baker, who operates a general store at Dialton, and has two children — Correne and Willard S.; Delia, who died aged nineteen months; Millie Blanche, a teacher in the Dialton School; and Russell Mark.

Fraternally Mr. Spence is a member of the Knights of Pythias, White Star No. 292, North Hampton, and of the Junior Order United American Mechanics, Donnels Creek No. 121, and is trustee of both these lodges. Politically he is a Republican.

As printed in 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.