James Spencer was born at Springfield, Vt., in May, 1819. He learned the blacksmith trade there, married Susan M. McCrae. and reared two children, J. H. and Susan A. The former is a blacksmith in Keene, and the latter is the wife of H. P. Ware and resides in Alstead. James came to Alstead about 1846 and was engaged in the blacksmith business here. He was a celebrated clarionet player and died February 18, 1883. His widow resides in Keene, aged sixty-three years.
