Philip Spencer was born in Canandaigua in 1823. He was hanged at sea in 1842. For Mutiny. Or so said ship’s captain, Cmdr. Alexander Slidell Mackenzie.

Whether young Philip was “high-spirited” or a “trouble maker,” is, as so often the case, a matter of perspective. While at Canandaigua Academy, he compiled a list of Greek and Latin names for various students and teachers, a list which was more satirical than flattering. Last century’s “trouble maker” student might well qualify as today’s genius.

Philip entered Geneva College (later named Hobart) at the ripe age of 15 years. Remarkably, he retained his freshman status for three years. Numerous adults lament something to the effect that, “I had the brains but I never applied myself in school.” That seems to be a fit description of Philip Spencer. One Hobart record shows that on Nov. 23, 1840, “Philip Spencer was a participant in the cider disturbance so-called, but does not........

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