Guide to the William Marvin Spencer papers, 1962-1996

  • IdentificationSpencer
  • Title
    • Guide to the William Marvin Spencer papers
    • Spencer William Marvin papers
  • LanguageEnglish
  • Date1962-1996
  • OriginationSpencer, William Marvin, 1892-1984 Burke & Koretke Garvin, Suzanne Spencer, 1930- Ryterband, Roman Spencer, Edson W. Spencer, William M. (William Marvin), 1929-
  • Physical Description2.00
  • RepositoryMusic Library Deering Library 1970 Campus Drive Evanston, IL, URL: http://www.library.northwestern.edu/music Email: musiclibrary@northwestern.edu Phone: 847-491-3434
  • AbstractManuscript scores (some photocopied), plot synopses, photographs, and a printed biography of the American industrialist and amateur composer William Marvin Spencer (1892-1984).

William M. Spencer was born in 1892 in Erie, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Princeton in 1915 and enlisted as an officer in the 165th Infantry Regiment, the former "Fighting 69th" made famous by Col. William Donovan and Father Francis Duffy. As a 2nd Lieutenant, Spencer participated in the Second Battle of the Marne (1918), engaging the enemy on the heights near Villes sur Fere, France. His actions while wounded earned a Distinguished Service Cross. After the war in Chicago, Spencer worked at the Hamerhill Paper Company and served as the chairman of North American Car Company from 1941 until his retirement in 1959. He also served as the Chief of Staff of the Illinois Militia, 1940-1942. Spencer married Gertrude White, daughter of F. Edson White, president of Armor and Company. Spencer was a trustee of Northwestern University, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Latin School Foundation, Children's Home & Aid Society and the Chicago Boys Club and was an amateur composer. Spencer died in 1984 at the age of 92.

  • NamesNorthwestern University (Evanston, Ill.). Board of Trustees

Finding aid written by Morris S. Levy, 2012.

Open to researchers under library restrictions. All access to these materials is strictly controlled.

William Marvin Spencer Papers, Northwestern University Music Library

Manuscript scores (some photocopied), plot synopses, photographs, and a printed biography.