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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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JAMES C. SPENCE is a dealer in agricultural implements of Carbondale. He has by fair and honest dealing and courteous treatment of his customers, secured a liberal patronage. While his well directed efforts, his industry and enterprise have gained for him a comfortable competence.

Mr. Spence has the honor of being a native of Jackson County, his birth having occurred in Makanda Township, May 5, 1853. A sketch of his father, William Spence, appears on another page of this work. In the usual manner of farmer lads, our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He was educated in the district schools of the county, to which he had to walk a distance of two and a-half miles each day. He began business for himself at the age of nineteen years, operating a farm in his native township. He was thus employed for two years, when he returned home and engaged in the operation of the home farm for a period of seven years. His next home was on section 6, Makanda Township, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1889, when he determined to engage in commercial business and came to Carbondale.

Here Mr. Spence formed a partnership with Henry Crawshaw, and they began business as dealers in farm implements, opening a store on the south side of the square. Their trade has constantly increased until it has now assumed extensive proportions. In connection with farm machinery, they handle grass seed, hay, lime, cement, etc., and deal to some extent in livestock. They are now assignees for a harness store which is being closed out. Mr. Spence was also interested in the Carbondale Real Estate and Loan Company. He helped to organize the same, and served as its Treasurer for a time.

In 1878, Mr. Spence was united in marriage with Harriet M. Winchester, daughter of the Rev. Russell and Mary (Fowler) Winchester, of North Carolina. Her father was a minister of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Spence is a native of North Carolina, and a prominent member of and an active worker in the Methodist Church. To our subject and his wife were born six children, of whom five are yet living: Viola, Bertha, Gracie, Mamie and Edith. The eldest daughter, though only thirteen years of age, holds a second-grade certificate.

Mr. Spence is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has served as Senior Deacon. He also aided in the organization of the Farmers’ Club. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and he has served as a member of the School Board. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democratic party, takes an active interest in all that pertains to the growth of Democracy, and has frequently served as a delegate to the conventions of his party.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Jackson County, Illinois family biographies here: Jackson County, Illinois Biographies

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