James R. Spicer, a prominent young merchant of Dickson, was born September 10, 1858, in Humphreys County, being the second of a family of five children of Charles and Eliza E. (Long) Spicer, natives of Humphreys County. The father was a farmer and died in 1861. The mother died about 1872. James R. was reared on a farm and had limited early educational advantages. He remained with his mother to the age of nine years when he went to live with a farmer with whom he remained two years. Then he engaged as clerk in a store for about five years. In 1876 he came to Dickson and engaged as clerk till 1882. He then opened a store with Henry E. Pickett, and continued with him for three years. In 1884 he started on his own hook his present business, in which he has been very successful. He was married, March 13, 1883, to Ida B. Williams, a native of Dickson County. One daughter, Effie L., has blessed this union. Mr. Spicer and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is a member of the Good Templar organization. Politically he is a firm Democrat and is recognized as a prominent and enterprising business man and a valuable citizen.