Thomas Spencer (1811-1885)
c.1811 Born in Liverpool[1]
c.1838 He later claimed that "... previously to the first electro plating patent, which were taken by the Elkingtons themselves, I had published two works setting forth the details of the discovery, and explaining everything then known of the practice. In the interval between the two publications I received a letter from one of the Messrs. Elkington, requesting that I would kindly furnish him with the latest details I had arrived at in respect to electro silvering and gilding...."
and that: "... there is an electro-plated teaspoon with my initials engraved on it, and the date, May, 1838. This date, be it observed, is above two years in advance of that of the Elkington's patent ... "[2]
1851 Left Liverpool
1859 Thomas Spencer FCS presented a paper on water resources - possibly that is the same person?
1861 Thomas Spencer 50, consulying chemist, lived in Somers Town, St Pancras, London[3]
1881 Thomas Spencer 70, chemical engineer (water), lived in Euston Square, London[4]
1885 Died at Euston Square[5]