A retired physician from Birmingham, he was born in Bracken County, Ky., October 16, 1814, the son of Christian and Mary (Young) Spees. The early history of Dr. Spees is a record of struggles to overcome the disadvantages which surrounded him in his youth. He had almost no educational opportunities, yet he was of a studious nature and determined will and by private study he became well informed, fitting himself for the profession of teaching, which he followed several years. Every moment which he could find from his school duties he devoted to reading medicine. In 1843 and 1844, he attended a course of lectures in the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati. His first visit to the Territory of Iowa occurred in 1843, when with the desire to better his financial condition he made a claim near Ottumwa upon which he built two cabins. He then returned to Ohio and took the course of lectures before mentioned but during his absence his claim was jumped and on his return, finding that he could do nothing to regain possession of his property, he started once more for Ohio, but fate had other things in store for him and the West was yet to be his home. He believed that the village of Birmingham offered fair opportunities for one of his profession and at that place opened an office. Perseverance, energy and ability at length won him a patronage and for fifteen years he practiced very successfully in this community. Near Birmingham, on the 9th of April, 1848, Dr. Spees and Miss Susanna Endersby were united in marriage. Dr. Spees is known throughout the greater part of Iowa and is one of the honored and prominent pioneers. As a candidate of the Whig party, he was elected in 1850 to the State Senate from this district. He assisted in establishing the capital at Des Moines and in publishing the first statutes of Iowa. On the dissolution of the Whig party he joined the new Republican Party, but in late years has been independent in politics. A faithful friend to many, he in turn has many friends who respect and love him for the valuable service he has rendered in time of affliction.
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