SPENCER, B. F., living on Section 31, Township 13 North, Range 10, West, Morgan County, Ill., farmer and stockman, was born where he now resides February 21, 1845, the son of William S. and Parthenia (Totten) Spencer. His grandfather, Elisha Spencer, was born in England and became a citizen of the United States, settling in Kentucky, and later removing to Lawrence County, Ill., where William S., the father of B. F. Spencer was born. Both father and grandfather eventually removed to Morgan County at an early period in the history of that section of the State.

B. F. Spencer was reared to an agricultural life, in his boyhood attending the district schools. During the Civil War he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and First Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for a period of three years, but after serving one year was discharged on account of disability. Returning home he entered upon his lifelong occupation as a farmer. He now owns and operates the farm known as the old Spencer homestead of 160 acres, to which he has added many improvements since it came into his possession.

Mr. Spencer was married September 14, 1865, to Mary C. Peyton, daughter of James Isaac Peyton, who lived near Warsaw, Ill., and to them have been born ten children, five sons and five daughters. Of these nine survive, viz.: Kate, wife of Robert Wagstaff; John H.; Thankful, wife of Virden Wagstaff; Frederick; Parthenia, wife of Walter Chapman; Isaiah; Nelly, wife of Robert Chapman; Charles; and Grace, wife of Henry Osburn. Mr. Spencer has held the office of School Director for thirteen years, is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Republican in politics, and connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he holds the office of Steward.