This energetic, industrious, and capable gentleman, has a special talent of adaptability that has enabled him to turn his force and ability in different directions with great success and also with credit to himself. At the present time he is on a farm, one mile north from Lapwai, has a comfortable home and handles considerable stock, cattle, horses and hogs. He owns one hundred and seven acres of land, property in Lapwai, and also property in Nezperce.
Victor Spensley was born in the northern part of England on May 30, 1861, being the son of Joseph and Marv Ann (Southern) Spensley. The father was a physician and surgeon and has the remarkable record of practicing for sixty years. He was born in 181 2 and died in 188S. His father was also a physician. The mother of our subject was born in 1812 and is still living. Victor was educated and followed the dry goods business; in 1881 he came to the United States.
Settlement was made in western Minnesota, and in Murray and Pipestone counties he followed merchandising for four years. Then a move was made to Bazile Mills, Nebraska, and there Mr. Spensley opened a livery stable. One year later lie went to western Nebraska and farmed. Next he came to Baker City, and in October, 1894, he settled in Lapwai. He raised hogs for a year or so and then opened a restaurant in Lapwai. Later he operated a livery stable in Lewiston and then he returned and erected a hotel and feed stable in Lapwai, which he operated until June. 1902.
On February 21, 1890, Mr. Spensley married Miss Kate Piatt, in Dawson County, Nebraska. Her parents were Lafayette and Eliza (Cole) Piatt, natives respectively of Indiana and Illinois. Mrs. Spensley has the following named brothers and sisters: Joshua, Dora, Elizabeth, Walter, Chauncey, Pearl and Earl. Mr. Spensley has the following named sisters: Mary F., Emma A., Agnes, Minnie and Kate. The second one is able to speak six different languages, and all are well educated.
Part of them belong to the Catholic Church and part belong to the Episcopalian Church. In political matters Mr. Spensley is a Republican and takes the proper interests in the affairs of state. He is an advocate of continual progress in educational facilities and is an enterprising and progressive citizen.
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Source: An Illustrated History of Northern Idaho, Embracing Nez Perce, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, Western Historical Publishing Company, 1903