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James E. Spencer papers

 Collection
Identifier: D.412

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

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

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

Contact:
Rochester NY 14627-0055 USA