Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

for president had he not been bound by
a promise previously made to Major William
McKinley. In 1877 Mr. Spencer
was chosen president of the First Na-
tional Bank of Suffield, and continued in
that position until his death. He was
made a director of the Travelers' Insurance
Company of Hartford in 1893, was
active in the affairs of the company, and
a member of its finance committee. He
married (first) Julia Pease, daughter of
Perry Pease, of Dayton, Ohio. She died
in 1875, leaving three children: Charles
L. ; Clara, now the wife of Charles C.
Bissell, of Suffield ; and
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Emma Pease,
deceased. Mr. Spencer married (second)
Emily, daughter of William H. Fuller.
Israel L. Spencer was a man of upright
nature and shrewd business capacity, in-
tensely public-spirited, and interested in
the progress of his town, his State
and his country. His cordial and kindhearted
manner won for him a great many
friends in the State and beyond its bor-
ders, who felt his death as a personal loss.
Charles Luther Spencer, only son of
Israel Luther and Julia (Pease) Spencer,
was born January 8, i860, in Suffield,
and by his own success in the business
world has reflected credit on an honored
name and gained high standing in his
native State. His boyhood was passed in
his native town, in whose public schools
the foundation of his education was laid.
Subsequently he was a student at the
Connecticut Literary Institute, and began
his business career in 1878 as a packer
and dealer in leaf tobacco. In this line
of endeavor he continued with unvarying
success until 1900, when he became pres-
ident of the First National Bank of Suf-
field. This position he continued to hold
until 1912, since which time he has been
president of the Connecticut River Banking
Company of Hartford. Since 1898 he
has been a director and member of the
189
finance committee of the Travelers' In-
surance Company, and has been vicepresident
of the Travelers' Bank and
Trust Company since 1913. He has given
much attention to insurance problems;
was a director of the /Etna Fire Insurance
Company, and in 1911-13, while a
member of the State Legislature, served
on its finance committee and on the com-
mittee on banking; in Senate, 1917, chairman
of finance committee. An unusual
tribute to the worth of the man was his
nomination for representative in the Leg-
islature by both parties in the town of
Suffield. Mr. Spencer has always been a
steadfast supporter of the Republican
party, though he has never had any aspir-
ation for political preferment. He takes
an active interest in public affairs, and
has always been found ready to support
any measures or movements that will
enhance the general welfare. His dispo-
sition is to be frank, open and generous.
He is forceful and possesses a strong
determination, yet is tactful and diplo-
matic withal. His courtesy is unfailing,
his friends are legion, and his sane judgment
and sterling character have won for
him the fullest measure of confidence in
the business world. Mr. Spencer is a
member of the Hartford Club, and has
been as active in the Masonic fraternity
as his many business responsibilities
would permit. In 19 13 he presented to
the Masons of Suffield a building for their
use. He is a member of Apollo Lodge,
No. 59, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons,
of that town ; of Washington Chap-
ter, No. 30, Royal Arch Masons, of Suf-
field ; of Suffield Council, Royal and Se-
lect Masters ;
of Washington Command-
ery, No. 1, Knights Templar, of Hart-
ford, and the Consistory. He is a trus-
tee of the Hartford Society for Savings,
of the Hartford Retreat, and a director
of the Travelers' Indemnity Company, the