Introducing Annie + John W. Spencer

Part of the joy of conducting genealogical research is the unexpected.  Sometimes that comes from finding a interesting passage in an old book that has been digitized by Google, a blog post that leads you in a new direction or getting a response to an inquiry.

In one instance, I’d asked a researcher from the Connecticut State Library for information about  my 3rd great grandfather Abiram Spencer (1812-1871).  He passed along some general information and then added, “you do know how he died – don’t you? ”  Like the train that killed Abiram, I did not see that coming.

However, that
piece of information does not come remotely close to another discovery that
also features Abiram.  Out of the blue, I received a message on this blog
that stated, My name is Shelby — , and while looking for information about Abiram
Spencer, I landed on your page. I am delighted to learn that you and I share
our 2nd great grand-parents, Annie Eggleston and John W. Spencer. 

And here is
what blew me away, she added, “I have their original wedding
photograph, which I would be overjoyed to share with you.”  Well,
here they are, 16 year old Annie Eggleston and 25 year old John W.
Spencer. How cool is that!