George E. Spencer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George E. Spencer
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| United States Senator from Alabama |
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| In office July 13, 1868 – March 4, 1879 |
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| Preceded by | Benjamin Fitzpatrick |
| Succeeded by | George S. Houston |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 1, 1836 Champion, New York |
| Died | February 19, 1893 (aged 56) Washington, D.C. |
| Citizenship | United States of America |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses | Bella Zilfa Spencer (her death) May Nunez Spencer |
| Profession | Attorney politician rancher miner |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Rank |  Colonel Bvt. Brigadier General |
| Commands | 1st Alabama Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
George Eliphaz Spencer (born November 1, 1836 – died February 19, 1893) was an American politician. He served as a U.S. senator for the state of Alabama. He was also an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Spencer was born in Champion, New York. His parents were Gordon Percival and Deborah Mallory Spencer. He went to school at Montreal College in Canada. Later, he moved to Iowa and studied law. In November 1859, he helped create the town of Breckenridge in Colorado. This was during the time of the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. In 1862, he married an English writer named Bella Zilfa.
Military Service in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, George Spencer joined the army. He became a captain on October 16, 1862. He worked for Brigadier General Grenville M. Dodge. Spencer asked to join the 1st Alabama Cavalry Regiment. This group was made up of volunteers from the South who supported the Union. He became a colonel and led this regiment. He served from September 11, 1863, until July 5, 1865.
Life After the War
After the war ended, Spencer went back to Alabama. He worked as a lawyer there. Sadly, his wife Bella died in 1867 from typhoid fever. For a while, he worked as a bankruptcy official in Alabama.
Political Career
George Spencer was elected as a Republican to the United States Senate. This happened after Alabama was allowed back into the Union. He served as a senator from July 13, 1868, to March 4, 1879. During his time in office, he faced some challenges.
Later, he was appointed as a commissioner for the Union Pacific Railroad. This was with help from his former leader, Major General Dodge. In 1877, he married a famous actress named "May" Nunez. She was the niece of a Confederate General, William Wing Loring. George and May lived on a ranch in Nevada for two years. They worked with mining interests there. Around 1880, they settled in Washington, DC.
Death
George Spencer passed away in Washington, D.C., on February 19, 1893. He was 56 years old. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
