John Edgar Spencer
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
John Edgar (birth registered 1900 J/F/M Nottingham) was the son of John Thomas and Elizabeth Spencer and the brother of John Henry [Harry] (born 1886, died 19 December 1887) and Emily Mary (birth registered 1897 J/F/M Basford). In 1901 John Spencer (39, b. Cropwell Bishop, Notts), a butcher 'on his own account', and Elizabeth (37) were living at 62 City Road, Beeston, with their two surviving children, Emily (4) and John Edgar (1) who was named as 'Harry' on the census form. Also in the household was Mabel Sarah Knowles (13) a domestic servant. Elizabeth completed the 1911 Census as head of household although she stated that she was married (25 years). She was working from her home at 41 Dovecote Lane, Beeston, as a dressmaker. Both her children, Emily (14) and John (11) were still at school although Emily was at school only part-time. Also in the household was a boarder, Herbert Trevett (25) an engineer, and a paying guest, Alexander J Jolzman (19), who was Rumanian, and a shipping clerk for a lace manufacturer. Elizabeth's husband has not yet been traced on the 1911 Census. Both his parents were named on the CWGC record and at the time the record was compiled they were living at 11 Queen's Road, Beeston. Emily married Richard J Owen in 1925 (J/A/S St Martin London) and died at the age of 35 on 9 October 1932.
Formerly 97292 19th Res. Middlesex Regiment. He died of wounds and was buried in Daours Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme (grave ref. VIII.A.42).
CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'He laid his richest gift on the altar of duty his life' Inscriptions on family gravestone, Beeston Cemetery: Face 1,‘In loving memory of Emily the beloved wife of Richard J Owen passed over Oct. 9th 1932 aged 35 years. Dearest and best. To where I wait come gently on.' Face 2, ‘In loving memory of John Edgar died of wounds in France August 27th 1918 in his 19th year. On Higher Service. Also John Harry died 19th December 1887 aged 1 year and 3 months sons of John and Elizabeth Spencer, brothers of Emily.’ Nottingham Evening Post,‘Roll of Honour’, 10 September 1918: ‘Spencer. Died of wounds, August 27th, 1918, aged 19½ years. Pte John Edgar Spencer, London Regt., only son of John and Elizabeth Spencer, Beeston, Notts.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) registers of Soldiers' Effects: His mother was his legatee.
