It’s been more than a year since I discovered that Harriet (Pearce) Boren, who is my 3rd great grandmother, was the daughter of Spencer Pearce. That brick wall came tumbling down after two years of intensive research. Since that time, I have suspected that the “S” in John S. Boren, who was Harriet’s son and my 2nd great grandfather, stood for “Spencer”. That just made sense to me. But would I be able to prove it? Well, yes.

Blessed be Google Books and digitization.

In the July 2, 1883 edition of The Sugar Cane: A Monthly Magazine Devoted to the Interests of the Sugar Cane Industry, appeared an entry for an innovative molasses evaporator designed by one “John Spencer Boren” of Bonneville [sic], Mississippi.

Seriously, who would have thought that his middle name might be found in such an obscure publication? I’ve searched deeds, court records, death certificates, etc. and NADA. It’s the perfect example of how genealogical research has been changed by modern technology.

Kenfolk: Tranthams
Relationship: 2nd great grandfather
Common ancestors: John Spencer Boren’s parents were Absalom and Harriet (Pearce) Boren, my 3rd great grandparents