My Genealogy Hound

JOHN C. SPENCE. The subject of this sketch is of Irish-American descent, the father, John Spence, having been born in Ireland, and the mother, Mary Chism, in Virginia. John C. Spence was born November 14, 1809, in Rutherford County, Tenn. He had about the usual experience of boys of his day. His school days extended over a period of about seven years. Eighteen months of this time were spent in Hopewell Academy. Within this period he obtained a fair knowledge of the English language, and learned the rudiments of the natural sciences. At the age of fourteen years he entered the store of his uncle, Marman Spence, with whom he remained eight years, at which time he went to Somerville, West Tenn., and opened a store on his own account. He remained in business at Somerville from 1832 to 1847, when he moved to Memphis, and continued in business there till 1849, at which time he returned to Murfreesboro. He remained in the mercantile business at the latter place until age unfitted him for the active duties of life. He was married to Elizabeth Spence, their family name being the same, September 16, 1834, in Murfreesboro. The result of this marriage was eight children; of these, Ellen, Henry C., John C., William J. and Ellen S. are dead; and Mary S. Roulet, Henry and Florence still survive. The wife, Elizabeth, died January 13, 1884. Our subject became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South October 15, 1882, under the ministration of the Rev. J. R. Plummer. Mr. Spence has since lived a consistent member of said church. Politically he was always a Whig so long as that party existed. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he bitterly opposed secession, but when the war began his influence and feelings were with the South. His course was such as to maintain the friendship of his friends and command the respect of his enemies. Since the war Mr. Spence has voted the Democratic ticket. For a number of years Mr. Spence was engaged in writing annals of Rutherford County, which has been valuable as reference to the compilers of this work, and is cited frequently herein. In these he has a large collection of facts, incidents and reminiscences of the past. Mr. Spence has always borne the reputation of an honest, upright, intelligent gentleman.