In the early development of Pike township the Spencer family, both in clearing and improving lands, and in building mills of various kinds took prominent part. The family is of English origin. About 1750 the ancestors of the Spencer’s, who reside in Pike township, emigrated from England to the colonies.

In 1808, Joseph Spencer, Sr. came to Clearfield county, and bought 440 acres of land from Benjamin Fenton. This tract was all a wilderness, except two acres, which was cleared. This tract was divided into four one hundred acre farms. The father retained one farm, and gave each of his sons one, the remaining forty acres being held in common.