Biography of P. L. Spencer

England to Canada

Percival Lawson Spencer came to Canada from Portsmouth, England as an energetic eight year old on the 25th September 1853 with his mother and brother. They embarked on the ship "Prince Albert" bound for New York for the five week journey. The voyage proved to be almost continuously rough. In mid-ocean, an outbreak of the dreaded disease cholera took forty-seven lives including one seaman who contracted the disease while sewing the first corpses in sail-cloth shrouds.

Overland to Rochester

Once landed, the little family traveled by train through Rome and Albany to Rochester. Transferring from train to steamer, they cruised Lake Ontario eventually settling in Owen Sound after an overland journey by stage couch. As an eighteen year old private in the Millbrook Volunteer Company he fought bravely in The Finien Raid of 1866 and was awarded 160 acres of prime land by the Crown. In 1873, he answering the call of God to the Church of England in Canada (The Anglican Church of Canada) and embarked on parish ministry in what was then an undeveloped pioneer nation.

World Traveler

As the years went by, his nine children grew and many became either clergymen or married missionaries. Canon Spencer traveled the world to visit them and faithfully recorded his journeys on glass photo plates. Later, he gave lectures on such themes as "Ship and Shanty in the Early 50's", "Olden Days", and "Around the World in an Hour and a Half" illustrated by these same magic lantern slides. He served faithfully for over half a century in Niagara Diocese before passing away on May 25th 1932 at the age of eighty six.

Glass Slides Collection

His collection of over 2300 glass slides serve as an exceptional memorial to his abilities as an amateur photographer and his dedication to collecting the best photography of the day. His collection includes such eminent photographers as George Washington Wilson (1823 - 1893). As a snap shot of the Victorian age, they are a valuable, unique and beautiful record of the times. We are honoured to present these images for your interest and pleasure. Enjoy!

For further information on Lantern Slides click here To browse the Antique Photos Gallery click here