Spence, Harry Edward

Harry Edward Spence, born near Minneapolis, Ottawa County, Kansas, on February 23, 1871, was the son of Andrew and Caroline Bell Spence. He moved to California with his parents at twelve years of age, residing at Duarte in Los Angeles County before settling in Burroughs Valley, Fresno County, in 1888. After completing his education at Healdsburg College, he devoted his career to farming and stock-raising. He eventually became the successful owner of a 400-acre ranch located in the heart of Burroughs Valley. In addition to agricultural work, he spent many years teaming to the lumber mills in the Sierras.

In 1898, Harry married Luttie Gilmer in Fresno, and together they raised four children named Vivian, Patti, Harry Gilmer, and Edward Sylvester. Alongside his ranching operations, he served as a school trustee and as Justice of the Peace, exerting a wide positive influence on his community. Through his work teaming in the Sierras, he suffered severe exposure from a heavy cold that resulted in his death on February 27, 1911. Following his passing, Luttie Spence continued running the stock-raising operations with assistance from his brother, Dulcy Spence, while also managing a local store on their ranch. Mrs. Spence served as the local postmaster from 1899 until 1917, maintaining the family legacy of leadership and civic involvement within the valley.