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Orson Spencer For a historyof this stalwart pioneer educator and missionary. You may read a biography of Orson Spencer in [1]
Information from Find a Grave gravesite [2] FindAGrave Memorial[3]
Orson Spencer published a book called "Spencer's Letters" which contained a series of letters explaining the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to a prominant Baptist minister and used as a missionary tool in the early days of the church. It has been digitized and is available at Spencer's Letters.[4]
Two books were written about Orson Spencer, one by his daughter Aurelia Spencer Rogers, Life Sketches of Orson Spencer and Others and History of Primary Work, (this book has been digitized and can be viewed at Life Sketches)(5) the other, Life Summary of Orson Spencer, by a grandson Seymour H Spencer. Both books can be found at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.
A video was put together by Spencer family members (The Barren family) visiting the places Orson Spencer lived Ypu Tube Video[5]
I have learned that there is a Face Book site called "Orson Spencer - Descendents" with the purpose of bringing together those of us who are descended from this great man.
Children of Orson Spencer and Catherine Cannon Curtis:Catherine Curtis Catherine Curtis Spencer (1831 - 1833) Ellen Spencer (1832 - 1896) Aurelia Read Spencer (1834 - 1922) Catherine Read Spencer (1836 - 1922) Catherine Curtis (Read) Spencer Howard Orson Spencer (1838 - 1918) Howard Orson Spencer George Boardman Spencer (1840 - 1924) George Boardman Spencer Sr. Lucy Curtis Spencer (1841 - 1867) Chloe Spencer (1844 - 1845) . . I have learned that Orson was married (sealed) to five other women each of which will have their own page in this website: He was married (sealed) to Elizabeth Ann Dibble Elizabeth Ann Dibble on Jan. 15, 1846. He was married to Martha Knight Martha Knight in England in April of 1847. He was married (sealed) to Margaret Miller Margaret Miller Oct. 18, 1849. He was married to a Jane Davis Jane Davis Feb. 16, 1852. He was married (sealed) to Mary Hill Bullock Mary Hill Bullock Sept. 22, 1852. (This information came primarily from the Life Summary of Orson Spencer, written by his grandson Seymour H. Spencer.) .
Biography from "Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah,"[1]
Historical Incident given by Norma Spencer Beckstand DUP March 20, 2001
Contributed By StuckiSpencerEugene1
This casket is a simile of a very special casket that fulfilled two righteous prayerful desires. One, that of my Great Grandfather Orson Spencer who became seriously ill while serving his fourth mission to the Cherokee Nation and another by Mary Humphreys, a widow and practical nurse and her six children. Both Orson Spencer and Mary Humphreys shared a common grief in suffering the loss of their spouses, Orson's wife Catherine Curtis and Mary's husband, Thomas Humphrey. Both were residing in St. Louis, Missouri. Elder Spencer was serving as Editor of the St. Louis Luminary paper, while Mary Humphreys and her family were working hard to raise enough money to proceed to Salt Lake City. Elder Spencer had asked Mary to care for him when he became ill and suffered chills land fevers as he had many times before relating to an injury in his youth. She did this with patience and love. At one of these times, Orson Spencer asked her, "Sister Humphreys, if you were given one wish what would that wish be?" Without hesitation Mary replied, "To get my family to Zion." My great grandfather knowing he could not live to return to his motherless children, said, "If the arrangements are made will you assume the responsibility of returning his remains to his loved ones?" She gave her solemn promise to him. He said, "Ask no questions, but know that a way will be provided." Elder Spencer formulated necessary plans and materials with President Hart. for forty days he was in grave condition and on October 11, 1855 he declined taking anything to restore him and died the 15th of October. He was mourned by many and was laid in a temporary resting place in the St. Louis Cemetery. Mary Humphreys heart was heavy. Orson had been a true friend. What of his promise to her? When her family would be discouraged she would tell them the Lord will open their way. We must do all we can to help. Each family member dropped funds in the fund box for their goal to go to Zion. They listened to orders, letters, reports in the Luminary paper for what was required for the trek West. They prepared by listening, thinking, contriving, praying, working, going without much to add to their Zion fund. In the spring of 1856 ships readied in Europe arrived in New Orleans to add to those to those waiting in St. Louis to make up a company to be led to the west by John Banks. President Hart carried out Orson Spencer's plan. Unbeknown to Mary and her family, the wagon had been ordered and an oxen team to pull it and a special metallic casket lined with charcoal and sealed. Also a handcart was provided to pull with all their possessions. Mary and the older children walked. Mary pulled the handcart most of the way. They drove a small flock of sheep and goats from Florence, Nebraska to Salt Lake City. John drove the oxen and wagon with the casket. Each night the bed of the two little girls was on the box containing my great grandfather's casket. Two prayerful desires answered!
This is a story passed down through the Humpherys family. It is interesting to see it from the Spencer family point of view. Beautifully written, thank you. julieannhumpherys1
by Rogers, Aurelia Spencer, 1834-1922 Published 1898 Topics Spencer, Orson, 1802-1855, Rogers, Aurelia Spencer, 1834-1922, Primary Association (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)[6]
"My Ancestral Story" by Spencer E Stucki Eugene B. Stucki, son of E. Woodruff Stucki (1894-1968) and Afton Rhea Peterson (1896-1977), was born in 1918 in Paris, Idaho. He married Leonora Spencer (1917-2000), daughter of George B. Spencer (1876-1952) and Adelina Horsely (1878-1943). Ancestors, descendants and relatives lived mainly in England, Scotland, Wales, Switzerland, Massachusetts, Utah and Idaho. Includes bibliographical references and index. Includes Bruce, Budge, Butler, Hales, Horne, Horsley, Peterson, Rich, Spencer, Wilde, Wilson and related families. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_cD0RgM2INRQW1FcmNscXJweE0/view?ts=576752f5
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Orson is 18 degrees from Emeril Lagasse, 19 degrees from Nigella Lawson, 20 degrees from Maggie Beer, 42 degrees from Mary Hunnings, 24 degrees from Joop Braakhekke, 25 degrees from Michael Chow, 20 degrees from Ree Drummond, 16 degrees from Paul Hollywood, 17 degrees from Matty Matheson, 20 degrees from Martha Stewart, 28 degrees from Danny Trejo and 24 degrees from Molly Yeh on our single family tree. Login to find your connection.