Ethan N. Spencer, who is engaged in the fish business in Concord, was born in the town of Barton, Vt., January 22, 1850, son of John C. and Mary (Knox) Spencer. John C. Spencer, the father of our subject, who was born in Peacham, Vt., removed from his native town to Barton, there bought a farm, and spent the remainder of his life occupied in its cultivation and improvement. He died when about sixty years of age. His wife, Mary Knox, had four children, namely: Adele, who died young; Ethan N., the subject of this sketch; Nancy, who died in infancy; and Wallace, who is a farmer in Charlestown, Vt.
After receiving his education in the district schools of Barton, Ethan N. Spencer was for 1877 he opened a market for the sale of oysters and other fish in the same town, and has successfully continued it ever since. Well regarded by his fellow-citizens, he was elected to represent Ward Six in the city government in the autumn of 1896. In 1872 he married Charlotte A. Perry, a daughter of Dr. Eli Perry, of Ryegate. They have two children: Fred E., who married the daughter of William J. Fernald; and Margaret Adele.
Mr. Spencer has always been a Republican in his politics, and he cast his first Presidential ballot for General U. S. Grant in 1872. Filling a prominent part in the fraternal organizations of Concord, he is a Mason of the thirty-second degree, Master of the Blazing Star Lodge, F. & A. M., of Concord, and an active member of the Order of Odd Fellows. He is a useful and much respected citizen.