Version 6.01

02 January 2023

David March © 2014

SPENCER ABNER EARLY

Spencer Abner Early was born on 1 May 1886 in Norval, Halton, Ontario to Thomas Early (1853-1935) & Margaret Wilson (1861-1894). Spencer had one brother, Harold William (1893-1976) & one sister, Myrtle May (1891-1892) and one half-brother, Chester Thomas (1906-1992) & four half-sisters, Ada Myrel (1898-1945), Mabel (b 1899), Hazel Gladys (b 1902) & Sarah Jane (b 1904). Thomas Early and his brother James Early (1858-1934) were particularly close and their respective children were frequently to be found in each others household during the census years 1890-1910. James Early’s eldest son, John Hunter Early (1884-1970) and Spencer came to Saskatoon around 1908 and quickly established themselves as Early & Early flour & grain merchants. Over the subsequent years, Spencer remained in charge of the SA Early Feed & Seed business whilst John H branched out into a variety of agricultural, motoring and other enterprises. An interesting view on their entrepreneurial activities can be seen here.

In 1908, Spencer was already advertising their Early & Early flour and feed business at 20th St, Saskatoon in the Henderson City Directory

In 1909, Spencer married Letitia Mary Hunter (1886-1947) in Esquesing, Halton, Ontario. Letitia was born to Francis Hunter (1852-1908) & Sarah Ann Reed (1854-1927). Francis Hunter was the brother of James Early’s wife Annabelle Hunter. Spencer & Letitia were living at 300 Spadina Crescent E with cousin John Hunter Early who was still single. In 1910, Spencer was living at ws Eastlake Ave, and he was managing Early & Early, Grain, Feed & Commission Merchants at 224 20th St E. John Hunter was manager of Early Fruit Co, wholesale fruits & produce in 20th St building.

Courtesy of ‘A Seat on Council’
see References

In 1911-17, Spencer was living at 715 or 716 Eastlake Ave and was president of SA Early & Co, Hay, Grain, Feed & Seed Merchants, Saskatchewan Ave. John hunter married Violet Georgina Fishleigh (1890-1941) in 1913 and they lived at 410 1st Ave. Spencer served on the City Council from 1916-1917 and again from 1934-1947.

Spencer & Letitia had six children, Francis Wilson (1910-2005), Mary Margareta (1914-2010), Allan (1917-1934), Thomas Hunter (1918-2005), Charlotte Standish (1922-2005) & Allan Read (1934-1966). Letitia died on 19 June 1947 and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon. Spencer subsequently married Gertrude Close (1900-1973).

Spencer remained president of SA Early & Co until his death aged 76 on 19 November 1962. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon.

This family tree can be found on Ancestry under the title 3rd Ave Early Tree.