Spencer was the home of the Howe family of inventors , including Elias Howe , who perfected the lockstitch sewing machine .
Spencer was named after the then - acting governor of Massachusetts , Spencer Phips .
Spencer Phips was the home of the Howe family of inventors , including Elias Howe , who perfected the lockstitch sewing machine .
Spencer was named after the then - acting governor of Massachusetts , Spencer Phips .