James E. Spencer papers
Biographical / Historical note
James Edmund Spencer (1826-1880) was a member of the very first class to graduate from the University of Rochester in 1851 and was also a founding member of our first fraternity, Alpha Delta Phi. Spencer had been a junior at Madison University when he joined the exodus to the nascent UR in 1850. He received his Master of Arts from the University in 1854. After graduating, Spencer worked at the Rochester Grammar School until 1852. He later served as principal of Female High School in Louisville, Kentucky (1856-57) and as a lumber merchant in Rochester (1857-78). His final position was that of a U.S. Indian Agent at the Pyramid Lake Reservation in Nevada. Unfortunately, he died of illness in 1880 after only a year at his post. The remainder of the collection comes from his wife, Helen A. Spencer, who outlived him by at least a decade.
Scope and Contents
The James E. Spencer Papers extend from his early education to Helen's business affairs after his death. Material relating to the University of Rochester includes the text of Chancellor Ira Harris's address at the University's first commencement in 1851, as well as a notice of Spencer's honorary dismissal from Madison and an 1850 letter to his brother. Post-UR material is mostly legal matters.
Creator
- Spencer, James Edmund, 1826-1880 (Person)
Dates
- Creation: 1839-1889
Language of Materials
English
Extent
1 box(es)
Access
The James E. Spencer Papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books, Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.
Use
In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The James E. Spencer Papers were donated by Mildred F. Stoeber in July 2001.
Preferred Citation
[Item title, item date], James E. Spencer Papers, D.412, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
Subject
- Spencer, James Edmund, 1826-1880 (Person)
- University of Rochester (Organization)
- Title
- James E. Spencer papers
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
- Date
- undated
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Library Details
Part of the Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Library