The Spencer Genealogy

1. Ensign GERARD SPENCER ("Jarrad," "Jared"), born in 1614 in Stotfold, Bedfordshire, England; baptised 25 April 1614 at St. Mary's in Stotfold; died 23 June 1685 in Haddam, Middlesex County, Connecticut. Ensign Gerard Spencer was one of the "Four Spencer Brothers" who came to New England in the early 1600s and are ancestors of a great many of the Spencer families of the United States.

Gerard SPENCER, ENS. and Hannah Joannis HILLS were married on 17 Dec 1636 in Lynn, Essex Co., MA. Hannah Joannis HILLS was born in 1618 in Stotfold, Bedfordshire, England. She died on 22 Oct 1692 in Haddam, Middlesex Co., CT. It appears she died before her husband made his will in 1683, and perhaps much earlier. Source: Mrs Flora Clark's Manuscript "Gerard-1, Thomas-2 SFA

Gerard SPENCER, ENS. and Rebecca (Porter) CLARK were married. Rebecca (Porter) CLARK was christened on 16 Sep 1630 in Folstod, England. She died on 9 Jan 1683. She was the widow of John Clark.

He was named a freeman in Lynn, MA March 9, 1637. He was granted the use and operation of the ferry service, Lynn, MA Mar 1639. He was elected to Haddam CT about 1660 when his son John is named a proprietor of Haddam. Haddam CT land deed from Stephen Backus to Daniel Brainerd, "given by Stephen Backus with my Sarah of Norwich, CT to Daniel Brainerd of Haddam, once acre that fell to us by portion of the estate of our father, Gerard Spencer. He was named freeman of CT, and elected to Ensign of militia circa 1672. He was elected to Representative to Ct General Court circa 1674-1675. From Virkus, Vol 1, The abridged compendium of American Genealogy pg 991, Came from England with his brother William, and Rev. Thomas Hooker, to Newton, MA, 1633; a founder of Hartford, CT. 1636; ensign Train band, Lynn, MA, 1656, and rep. Gen. Ct ., 1674, served in King Philip's War. From NE Marriages prior to 1700; Torrey (?) m: 1st HANNAH ca 1637. m: 2nd wife Rebecca (Porter) Clark, widow of John aft 1677, resided Haddam, CT. Source: From a letter by Jack T. Spencer (address, etc, elsewhere) states the Gerard did not go to Hartford until many years after he settled at Lynn. He did not go to Hartford with THOMAS, for that matter neither did WILLIAM. (He is correcting a statement in a article entitled BUTLER-SPENCER CONNECTION, which appeared on page 1, vol 17 Feb 1993) In Love's History of Hartford, THOMAS was at Hartford early in 1637 and WILLIAM in 1638. The latter date agrees with the General Court Records where WILLIAM does not appear as Secretary subsequent to 1638. He also states that GERARD does not appear in the Hartford land records until 1661 and then only for a brief period (until 1663). During this short interval he was awaiting approval for a charter at Haddam. Source: From Colonial Families of the United States. Emigrated to America, 1638, from Stotfold, England; settled in Cambridge, MA; removed to Hartford, CT. Was Captain of train band and served as member of the General Court of Ct, 1674, '74, '79, '79', '80, '83. Served in King Philip's War. He was the son of Gerard, b. 1576, who was son of Michael, who was the son of John, d. 1558, who was descended from the Spencers of Southmylls (established by investigations of Rev. John Holding, M.A. Canterbury, Vicar of Stotfold), who were descend from Robert De Le Spencer, Steward to William the Conqueror, 1066. Source: From "Early Settlers of New York State" by Janet Wethy Foley, V1 and V2, orignally published serially: vol 1 1934 - vol 9 1942. Available thru Genealogy Publishing Co., Baltimore, MD Gerard came in 1632 with Rev. Thomas Hooker, and was one of the first settlers of Haddam, CT. Some of the information on Gerard's children taken from: Mrs Louise M. Birnbaumer 33 West Calvert St. Lincoln, NB SLC LDS Film #0496485 Oct 1969 Source: NEHGR Oct 1941, #95, pp: 350-351 Baptized at St. Mary's Parish, Stotfold, co. Bedford, Eng., 25 April 1614, immigrated to New England in 1630, lived at Cambriddge until 1637, moved to Lynn, thence to Hartford in 1660, and finally settled in 1662 at Haddam, where he died between 17 Sept 1683, the date of his will, and 1685, the year of its proving, an ensign in the Lynn militia in 1636, a freeman in 1637, a deputy from Haddam in the General Court from 1674 to 1680. Source: A Spencer Genealogy. The Descent from Gerard of Haddam, Conn. Harold L. Spencer, 1977, FHL 929.273 sp332, pp 18-19, 26-27, 37-38, 113-114. Will dated 17 September 1683, proved 3 September 1685. Gerard settled in Lynn, Mass., later came to Hartford and thence to Haddam, Conn. There are several good accounts of him and his family in print, but some of them omit the daughter Sarah, proved by an undated deed in Haddam Deeds (1:49) given by "Steuen Bacas with my weif Sarah of Norwich" to Danial Brainerd of Haddam of one acre "that fell us by portionof the estat of our father Garrard Spencer. The second marriage is suggested for Gerard because there was, by elimination, no other adult Spencer in CT of proper age to be thw widow Clark's husband(and unencumbered with a wife know to be living)except his brother Thomas, who was an older man and resident at a greater distance from Saybrook. Nevertheless, she may have been a third wife of Sergt. Thomas Spencer. All that the records disclose is that she died under the name of Spencer, and the loss of the early New London probate records where her estate was settled may leave it forever a matter of conjecture who her Spencer husband was. Gerard's will does not even name all his children, and lack of reference to a wife may be explained in either of two ways. A second wife may have been provided for by prenuptial agreement, or such a marriage may have occurred after the will was made. Since the publication of Goodwin's Genealogical Notes in 1856, the early wife of Gerard who was the mother of his children has always been named as Hannah. The present compiler follows these authorities, though confessing that he has not seen an original or quoted contemporary record so naming her. Still, such a record may exist. The birth dates as signed to the children below are mostly guesses. Gerard was at Cambridge, MS in 1631 where he owned land on the south side of the river. Soon after 1631 hemoved to Lynn, MS where, in 1635, he was a journeyman; he was granted the ferry in 1638-1640 by a General Court in Boston. He was appointed administrator of his brother Micahels estate in 1653; was chosen Ensign in the Train Band, 1656, and in 1659 was on the Grand Jury. At this time Gerard and his son John were amoung the 28 purchasers of land which eventually became Haddam, CT, on the CT River. Our Spencer heritage in America could be considered to have it's origin here in this small village where Gerard raised his family, and lived out his life, and left many descendants of whom some yet remain in the Haddam area.

Additonal Information:

The first mention of Gerrard is in the Cambridge Town records "in the prime of Sept. 1634, Lots granted one west side River-Gerrad Spencer 4 ackrs." He removed to Lynn, MA with his brother Michael in 1638 and operated the local ferry. In 1661 he was one of the 28 purchasers of the town of Haddam. He was commissioned an Ensigh for the town of Haddam on Sept 14, 1675.

Colonial Records of CT, list a "Ensigne Jarrad Spencer" as a freeman. "This entry was made at a Court session held in Hartford, June 26, 1672.

At page 260-61 of the Colonial Records of CT., vol 2, Ens. Gerrard Spencer is listed as a deputy at a "General Court by Speciall Order of the Gouernor, " which met on July 9, 1675.

Gerrard's will follows:

"The last Will of Ensign Jarrad Spencer of Haddam: I give unto my son William the Land which I bought of Steven Luxford's Estate. How I come by it the Court Record will show. I give unto my son William 1-3 part of 48 acres lying by that wch was commonly called Welles his Brook. I give unto my son my mow Dwelling house with the Lott that was the Houselott, with an Additon lying by the side of it, granted by the Committe. I give unto my daughter Rebeckah that Houselott I bought of Thomas Smith. Likewise I give nto my daughter Rebeckas 1-3 part of the Lott by Welles his Brook. I give unto my son Thomas 40 acres on Matchamodus Side. I give unto my son Thomas his son, Jarrad spencder by name, my Rapier. I give unto my son Timothy Spencer the remainder of that 6 score acre lott wheroff his 2 brothers had their shares. The other 6 score thereof I dispose of as followeth: To Grace Spencer, the daughter of my son John Spencer, 40 acres; to Alice Brooks, the daugher of my daughter Brooks, 40 acres; to Grace Spencer, the daughter of my son Samuel Spencer, I give the 40 acres. I give unto Jarred Cone, the son of my daughter Cone, my Carbine. A pewter Flagon and Urim Basin I give to the Church of Haddam, if there be one within five years. It is my Will tht my son John Spencer his Children and my son-in-law Daniel Cone his Children have an equal proportion of my Estate with my other Children. It is my Will that however my Estate falls out for portions to my Children, that my daughter Ruth Clarke's portion shall be 15 pounds, which was my Covenant with her father at her marriage, which 15 pounds she hath received some part thereof, as my Books will testify; & to son Joseph Clarke I give him 40 acres of land at Matchemodus. It is the humble request of Jarrad Spencer that the honoured Major John Talcott and Capt. John Allyn would be pleased to oversee that this Will. I appoint my two sons Daniel Brainard and William Spencer Adms. to the Estate."

1. Emigrant Ancestor; 1631; Cambridge, Suffolk Co., MA. 2. Lawsuit; 7 Mar 1660/61; Hartford, Hartford Co., CT 45. Quarter Court, March 7 1660/61: Simon Lobdell Plt cont: Jared & Hannah Spencer in an action of ye case shee for refuseing to marry with him according to promis and Jared for breach of promis to ye balue of 150£ damadg. [p 232] The Magistrates and Jury in Simon Lobdels case doe returne this as a special Verdict. That ye find not any possitiue engagemt broken by her respecting coniugal relation or absolutely binding her to consummate such a relation: Neuertheles we find vpon Evidenc that Simon hath susteined much damadge by their occasion And therfore doe find it iust and meet that all expences that he hath bin at in referenc to these proceedings ec Jared shal repay to the said Simon and to returne any Goods or money receaued by Jared or any of his family from ye said Simon. And futher that the said Simon shal haue paid vnto him as recompense for his damadge Ten pounds wthin ye space of six months. [155] Mrch: 14. 60 The Genll Court doth further act in reference to ye Just expenses mentioned in ye special verdict that Jared Spencer shal pay to Simon Lobdel fiue pounds besides the 10£ forementioned in ye verdict all wch Sum of ffifteen pounds shal be paid in wheat and pease or other estate Equivalent therto: Fiue pounds to be paid by the 10th of Aprill the other Ten pounds according as is specified in ye special verdict and this is to be a final issue of yt case. 3. Lands Recorded - Granted; 1 Sep 1634; Cambridge, Suffolk Co., MA 13. Lots granted on the weft fide of the River:- Garrard Spencer - 4 Ackrs 4. Oath of Freemanship/Allegiance; 9 Mar 1636/37; Massachusetts Bay Colony, MA 46. 5. Mention in Will, Inv. or Prob.; 17 Mar 1644/45; London, Eng 3. Received Legacy in the will of his uncle, Richard Spencer, of London, England. The legacy may never have been collected despite hiring a London lawyer to do so, as Daniel Spencer, a cousin, charged with the estate appears to have refused to make dispursement to the agents of his American cousins.

Gerrard came to America with the first Winthrop Fleet in 1630. He was under the leadership of John Winthrop who established the Massachusetts Bay Colony in Cambridge. The first mention of Gerrard is in the Cambridge Town records "in the prime of September 1634, Lots granted one west side River - Gerrad Spencer 4 ackrs." He moved to Lynn, MA with his brother Michael in 1638 and ran the ferry there. The ferry ran from Needham's Landing in Lynn to Biards Landing in Saugas. In 1661 he was one of the 28 purchasers of the town of Haddam. He was commissioned an Ensign for the town of Haddam on September 14, 1675. A pewter flagon and Urim Basin are in the glass case in the rear of the church sancturary at Haddam.

Colonial Records of Connecticut, Volume 2, published 1852, states on p. 182 that "Ensigne Jarrad Spencer is propownded for a freeman." This entry was made at a Court session held at Hartford, June 26, 1672. This session was presided over by Governor John Winthrop, and a footnote indicates that this session was hastily called in response to a letter from the King of England that he had declared war against the States General. The King's letter advised the Colonies to make "speedy and effectual provision for their defence against the Dutch." Exactly what is meant by the entry regarding Ensign Spencer is unclear.

At page 260-61 of the Colonial Records of Connecticut, Volume 2, Ens. Gerrard Spencer is listed as a deputy at a "Generall Court by Speciall Order of the Gouernor," which met on July 9, 1675. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Indian War which broke out in Plymouth Colony and the danger it presented to the eastern towns in Connecticut. ("The Court being mett, they were acquainted wth the occasion of theire meeting, which was the present trouble of the Indians now risen against the English, spoyleing and destroying of them by fire and sword . . .")

In Early Connecticut Probate Records, Volume IV - Hartford District, 1677 - 1687, published 1984, p. 363-64, the Will of Ensign Jarrad Spencer is transcribed. The Will was dated September 17, 1683 and was taken on June 29, 1685. The will is as follows:

"The last Will of Ensign Jarrad Spencer of Haddam: I give unto my son William the Land which I bought of Steven Luxford's Estate. How I come by it the Court Record will show. I give unto my son William 1-3 part of 48 acres lying by that wch was commonly called Welles his Brook. I give to my son Nathaniel my now Dwelling house with the Lott that was the Houselott, with an Addition lying by the side of it, granted by the Committe. I give unto my daughter Rebeckah that Houselott I bought of Thomas Smith. Likewise I give unto my daugthter Rebeckas 1-3 part of the Lott by Welles his Brook. I give unto my son Thomas 40 acres on Matchamodus Side. I give unto my son Thomas his son, Jarrad spencer by name, my Rapier. I give unto my son Timothy Spencer the remainder of that 6 score acre lott wherof his 2 brothers had their shares. The other 6 score thereof I dispose of as followeth: To Grace Spencer, the daughter of my son John Spencer, 40 acres; to Alice Brooks, the daughter of my daughter Brooks, 40 acres; to Grace Spencer, the daughter of my son Samuel Spencer, I give the other 40 acres. I give unto Jarred Cone, the son of my daughter Cone, my Carbine. A pewter Flagon and Urim Basin I give to the Church at Haddam, if there be one within five years. It is my Will that my son John Spencer his Children and my son-in-law Daniel Cone his Children have an equal proportion of my Estate with my other Children. It is my Will that however my Estate falls out for portions to my Children, that my daughter Ruth Clarke's portion shall be 15 pounds, which was my Covenant with her father at her marriage, which 15 pounds she hath received some part thereof, as my Books will testify; & to son Joseph Clarke I give him 40 acres of land at Matchemodus. It is the humble request of Jarrad Spencer that the honoured Major John Talcott and Capt. John Allyn would be pleased to oversee that his Will. I appoint my two sons Daniel Brainard and William Spencer Adms. to the Estate." Witness: John James, JARRAD SPENCER Joseph Arnold Court Record, Page 111-3 September 1685: Adms. to Daniel Braynard and William Spencer, with the Will annexed.

Gerard SPENCER, ENS. and Hannah Joannis HILLS had the following children:

     --  JOHN SPENCER, born 17 Aug. 1638, md. Rebecca Hayward (Howard).
     --  MEHITABLE SPENCER, born circa 1638, md. Daniel Cone (Mackhoe).
     --  HANNAH SPENCER, born 1641, married Deacon Daniel Brainerd.
     --  MARAH ALICE SPENCER, born 1641, married Thomas Brooks.
     --  SAMUEL GERRARD SPENCER, born 27 Sept. 1644, married twice.
     --  ELIZABETH SPENCER, born circa 1646, married Joseph Stannard.
     --  THOMAS SPENCER SR., born 1650, married twice.
     --  TIMOTHY SPENCER, born 1652, married Sarah Clark.
     --  RUTH SPENCER, born circa 1654, married Joseph Clark.
     --  NATHANIEL SPENCER, born 21 Dec. 1658, married Lydia Bailey.
     2.  WILLIAM SPENCER, born circa 1656.
     --  REBECCA SPENCER, born 1660, married twice.

2. WILLIAM SPENCER, son of Gerald and Hannah Spencer, born circa 1656 in East Haddam, Middlesex County, Connecticut; died ante 6 Feb. 1730/31 in East Haddam, Connecticut; buried in Riverview Cemetery, East Haddam, Connecticut. This William is NOT the William Spencer who married Sarah Ackley. William married circa 1680 in Kinderhook, Columbia County, New York, to MARGARET BATES, born 17 June 1664 in Dorchester, Suffolk County, Massachusetts; baptised 20 June 1664, died 3 Oct. 1736 in Kinderhook, New York; buried in Riverview Cemetery, East Haddam, Connecticut; daughter of James and Hannah (Withington) Bates. William and Margaret had eight sons and two daughters:

     3.  JOSEPH SPENCER, born 23 March 1680.
     --  ELIZABETH SPENCER, born 5 Sept. 1685, baptised 6 June 1686.
     --  HEZEKIAH SPENCER, baptised 10 Aug. 1690.
     --  JAMES SPENCER, born 24 Feb. 1691, married twice.
     --  MICAJAH SPENCER, born 15 June 1693, married Sarah Booge.
     --  MARGARET SPENCER, born 5 Sept. 1695, baptised 1 Oct. 1699.
     --  HEZEKIAH SPENCER, born 6 April 1697.
     --  WILLIAM SPENCER, born 16 Sept. 1699, married Lydia (?).
     --  JONATHAN SPENCER, born 22 Sept. 1702.
     --  ICHABOD SPENCER, born 19 May 1704.

3. JOSEPH SPENCER, son of William and Margaret Spencer, born 23 March 1680 in Haddam, Middlesex County, Connecticut; died 19 Dec. 1714 in Kinderhook, Columbia County, New York. Joseph was baptised on 3 Sept. 1682 in Middleton, Connecticut. About 1705 to 1710, Joseph married HANNAH CRANE, born 24 Nov. 1702, died 20 Feb. 1780 in Wethersfield, Hartford County, Connecticut. The following children of Joseph and Hannah are known:

     --  ELIZABETH SPENCER, born 10 Aug. 1711 in Kinderhook, New York.
     4.  JOSEPH SPENCER, born 6 Jan. 1712/13.

4. JOSEPH SPENCER, son of Joseph and Hannah Spencer, born 6 Jan. 1712/13 in Farmington, Hartford County, Connecticut; died 31 March 1747 in Kinderhook, Columbia County, New York. On 23 Jue 1736 in Kinderhook, Joseph married RUTH HUNGERFORD, born 12 Oct. 1722 in Kinderhook, New York. Joseph and Ruth had three daughters and three sons:

     --  RACHEL SPENCER, born 28 Jan. 1737, married Matthew Hungerford.
     5.  JOSEPH SPENCER, born 11 May 1739.
     --  SARAH SPENCER, born 11 Jan. 1740/41, married Ezekiel Crocker.
     --  HANNAH SPENCER, born 26 March 1743, married Joseph Byington.
     --  Deacon ISAAC SPENCER, born 10 Jan. 1745, died 25 Jan. 1818.
     --  Lt. ICHABOD SPENCER, born 22 Aug. 1747, married twice.

5. JOSEPH SPENCER, son of Joseph and Ruth Spencer, born 11 May 1739 in Farmington, Hartford County, Connecticut; died between 1824 and 1830 in Onandaga, Onandaga County, New York. On 12 Oct. 1758 in Farmington, Joseph married MARY JEROME, born circa 1739 in Farmington, died between 1824 and 1830 in Onandaga, New York. Joseph and Mary had four sons and two daughters:

     --  MAMRE SPENCER, born 29 Oct. 1759, married twice.
     6.  DANIEL DAVID SPENCER, born 1 April 1761.
     --  ELAM SPENCER, born 7 July 1764, married Hannah Deming.
     --  MILES SPENCER, born circa 1768, married twice.
     --  JOSEPH D. SPENCER, born circa 1778, married Clarissa Johnson.
     --  POLLY SPENCER, born 23 Jan. 1783, died 28 Nov. 1832.

6. DANIEL DAVID SPENCER, a Revolutionary War veteran, son of Joseph and Mary Spencer, born 1 April 1761 in Farmington, Hartford County, Connecticut; died circa 1853-56 in Dallas Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Daniel, who was also known as "David" among his family, farmed for several years in Kingston Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and afterwards in Dallas, where he died at either the age of 92 or 95. He was one of the very first settlers of Dallas, well before Dallas Township was created out of territory originally within Kingston Township. Two brief biographical sketches of Daniel David Spencer and a few other passing references to him are included in the History of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, 1893, edited by H.C. Bradsby. The sketches were based on information supplied by Daniel's children and grandchildren. Bradsby's history tells of the family of Ziba Spencer, son of Orin Spencer, who in turn was the son of

"David, who came to this county about 1775, locating at Forty Fort; he served three years in the Revolutionary army as a valiant soldier, defending his rights as a free-born man. He participated in the defense of the fort at the time of the Wyoming Massacre, and caused several Indians to 'bite the dust.' He is said to have been the owner of several hundred acres of land in the Wyoming Valley, which he disposed of for a trifle, not knowing its value at that time. He afterward moved to Dallas, and subsequently bought a farm in Kingston township, where he lived for a number of years. He died in Dallas at the age of ninety-five years, having reared a family of five children, all of whom grew to maturity."

Bradsby's history also includes the biography of two Spencer brothers, William and Ambrose, who were grandsons of Daniel David Spencer. According to that biography, William Spencer was

"a son of Daniel and Susan (Amey) Spencer, the former of whom was born in Connecticut, and who removed to this county in its early settlement. He [i.e., William's father Daniel] located in Kingston township, on a farm, where he passed the remainder of his lifetime. The grandfather [i.e., Daniel David Spencer] served in the Revolution, in the defense of that liberty which the true patriot loves better than life itself. He lived to be ninety-two years of age. His family consisted of four children."

Although William Spencer's biography does not name his grandfather, "the grandfather" is obviously the same "David Spencer," Revolutionary War veteran, mentioned in the 1893 History as the grandfather of Ziba Spencer and the father of Orin Spencer. Different members of the Spencer family apparently had uncertain recollections of their grandfather: some said he died at age 92, others at age 95; some said he had five children, others said he had four.

The family traditions quoted above indicate that Daniel David Spencer was forced to flee the Wyoming Valley at the fall of Forty Fort in July of 1778. During the Revolutionary War, Daniel served as a private in Capt. Peter Curtiss' Company, Col. Roger Enos' Connecticut Regiment (Selected Final Pension Payment Vouchers 1818-1864: Pennsylvania, Kathryn McPherson Gunning, vol. 1, p.529). It is unknown when Daniel Spencer returned to Luzerne County after the end of the Revolutionary War, but it was probably in the 1790s, around which time many of his fellow Connecticut settlers of Luzerne County are known to have returned to the Wyoming Valley. Daniel was living in Luzerne County in 1794, when he rendered service to his country with the Luzerne Volunteers during the suppression of the Whisky Rebellion, as we see in Bradsby's 1893 History of Luzerne County, page 169 (emphasis added):

"After all mild and dissuasive measures had failed, in 1794, Washington being president, it was resolved to raise and equip an army for the purpose of quelling the insurrection. A force of 15,000 men was assembled, of regulars and volunteers, from the States of Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey. Gov. Lee, of Virginia, had the chief command. Mifflin was governor of this State, and one of the commanders. All the governors and commanders were ordered to meet in Pittsburg, to hear complaints and take testimony, as the malcontents should be arrested and brought before them. Among the first to tender their services to the government were the Luzerne volunteers, Capt. Samuel Bowman; attached to a battalion of light infantry, under Maj. George Fisher. Capt. Bowman marched out September 1, 1794, reaching where is now Pittsburg, with fifty men. The Captain was an old officer of the army of the Revolution; brave and experienced, and in his company were some of his old soldiers. The following is the muster-roll:

"Captain, Samuel Bowman; lieutenant, Ebenezer Parrish; ensign, Arnold Colt; sergeants, John Alden, Daniel Spencer, John Freeman; corporals, Archibald White, Oliver Parrish, Robert Lewis, Thompson Holliday; fifer, Peter Yarrington; drummer, John Wright; privates, Samuel Young, Solomon Daniels, John Cochran, Elihu Parrish, James Sitey, Thomas P. Miller, Peter Grubb, Arthur McGill, James Johnston, Joseph Headsdale, Daniel Alden, Simon Stevens, Warham Strong, David Landon, Gideon Underwood, Jeremiah Decker, James Robb, Sale Roberts, Partial Roberts, Rufus Drake, Benjamin Owens, John Earl, Charles Bowes, Curtis Grubb, Thomas Jeayne, Joseph Grimes, Jesse Tompkins, William Harris, Jesse Coleman, John Talliday and Cofrin Boldwell.

"The gathered 15,000 troops spread terror among the "Tom the Tinker," as the whisky boys were called, and a general surrender soon followed, and "Johnny came marching home." In suppressing this rebellion no precious Luzerne blood was spilled, but it was quite evident to the "rebels" that "Barkis is willin'" so far as the people of the county were concerned. From beginning to end the campaign lasted three months."

Our Daniel David Spencer must be the "Daniel Spencer" who appears among the signatories of the Petition of the Connecticut Settlers to the Connecticut General Assembly, dated 13 Sept. 1796. The petition was signed by a large number of the settlers and inhabitants of Luzerne County, and "Daniel Spencer" is the only individual of the name of Spencer among all the signers. He also appears in that year among the list of Luzerne County "taxables" -- that is, landowners -- who resided in Kingston Township (History of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, H.C. Bradsby, 1893, vol. 1, p.595). However, Daniel David's son Daniel is said to have been born in Connecticut in 1795, while his son Orin is said to have been born in Connecticut in 1801. Furthermore, Daniel David Spencer's final pension payment voucher for his Revolutionary War service, dated April 1843, says he had been living in Luzerne County for 40 years, and prior to that had been living in Connecticut, which would mean he came to Luzerne County in 1803. It is probable that Daniel David and his family removed back and forth between Pennsylvania and Connecticut during those years.

A few of Daniel Spencer's land sale transactions during the 1790s are mentioned in George E. McCracken's report, "Spencers in Wyoming Valley 1772-1830" (The American Genealogist 43:139-145, July 1967). It could be that one or more of these transactions had something to do with that abovementioned family tradition that Daniel David had once owned "several hundred acres of land in the Wyoming Valley, which he disposed of for a trifle, not knowing its value at that time." Be that as it may, McCracken says --

"Residing in Kingston Township, he bought land in Plymouth from William Dunmead of Kingston on 11 Sep 1793, acknowledged 16 Sep 1793, recorded 4 March 1794 [Deeds 2:522]. He sold land in Plymouth to John Joseph of Plymouth, on 28 Jan 1797, acknowledged same date, recorded 8 Nov 1797 [5:153], and again on 1 Nov 1797 sold land in Plymouth to Sale Roberts of Kingston, acknowledged 1 Nov 1797, recorded 7 Nov 1797 [5:152], after which the records are silent."

Daniel David Spencer is likely to be the "Daniel Spencer" mentioned in Luzerne County newspapers in 1803 as a land claim attorney. The same early newspapers have several references to a farmer of Kingston Township named "Daniel Spencer," who must be our Daniel David Spencer. The newspapers show just a single reference to a "David Spencer" of Kingston Township. In the 23 July 1824 edition of The Susquehanna Democrat, "David Spencer" appears among the local residents of Luzerne County in the "List of Letters Remaining in the Post Office at Kingston, July 1st. Taken together, all of these references support the abovequoted family tradition that "David" was a farmer in Kingston Township, Luzerne County, during those years.

In addition to the "Daniel Spencer" and "David Spencer" newspaper references, from 1811 to 1820 early Luzerne County newspapers ran four separate advertisements that refer to a "Daniel D. Spencer," a farmer of Kingston and Providence Townships who is listed as a Luzerne County resident in the 1820 and 1830 U.S. Censuses. That would appear to stand for "Daniel David Spencer." Here follow the text of the four advertisments (emphasis added):

"Carding Machine — The subscribers respectfully inform the public that they have rented the Carding Machine of Stephen Hollister, Esq., in Kingston, where work will be done in the neatest and most expeditious manner. The machine is now in complete repair, and they hope by strict attention to the business, to receive a share of the public patronage. Wool will be received at the store of Robinson & King, in Wilkesbarre and returned there when carded. Daniel D. Spencer, Isaac Hollister, Kingston." (The Gleaner and Luzerne Advertiser, 7 June 1811)

"A Wool Carding Machine will commence operation on the 1st June with new cards, at the mill formerly occupied by Spencer & Hollister. Wool can be left at the store of Messrs. Robinson & King in Wilkes-Barre, and at Miner Searles', Pittston and returned every Friday at Pittston and Saturday at Wilkes-Barre. Constant attendance will be given by Daniel D. Spencer & Philo C. Curtis. For the proprietors, Joseph Swetland & James Hughes, Kingston." (The Gleaner, 28 May 1813)

"Fulling and Dressing Cloth. Hezekiah Parsons, Returns thanks for past favors, and informs his friends and the public that he has commenced Fulling and Dressing cloth, and having a good journeyman, flatters himself he shall be able to satisfy those who may favor him with their custom. Cloth will be received and returned when dressed, at the stores of Wm. Barnes, Wilkes-Barre and Searle & Smith, Pittston. Daniel D. Spencer, having made arrangements for Fulling and Dressing Cloth at the shop of Hezekiah Parsons, will receive cloth and return it when dressed, at Elias Hoyt's store and Philip Myer's, Kingston and Rogers & Co., Plymouth." (The Gleaner, 29 Sept. 1815)

"Wool Carding. The subscribers have entered into Co-Partnership and have taken the Fulling Mill formerly owned and occupied by John Waters, in Providence Township. George Gledhill, Daniel D. Spencer, Providence." (Susequehanna Democrat, 27 October 1820)

Judging from the Spencer family traditions recorded in the 1893 History of Luzerne County, along with other historical notices, it would appear that Daniel David Spencer was one of the very earliest settlers in what would later become Dallas Township, Luzerne County. An account of the formation and early settlers of the township is recorded in the History of Luzerne County, vol. 1, pp.542-3, which says that Dallas Township --

"Was formed in 1817 of territory taken from Kingston township, and embraces a portion of one of the 'certified townships.' Stewart Pearce says that Ephraim McCoy, a Revolutionary soldier, built the first log cabin in 1797 near the site of old McClellandsville (Dallas borough). Some unknown party had years before built a small floorless cabin near the same spot, it is supposed for the purpose of camping and hunting, but it had long been deserted before McCoy came. William Briggs was the next settler. The next settlers in the order of coming as is supposed were Daniel Spencer, John Wort and John Kelley (Revolutionary soldiers), and Elam Spencer, J. Mears, John Honeywell, Sr., and Jr., William Honeywell, Isaac Montague and two Ayers brothers. William Honeywell came in 1808 and purchased 500 acres of land and built a log house and the next year a frame addition—the first frame in the township."

The land that William Honeywell had purchased had formerly belonged to Daniel Spencer. Another account of the early settlement of what would become Dallas Township is recorded on page 39 of William Penn Ryman's The Early Settlement of Dallas Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, written in 1885-1886 and published in 1901. Ryman's book includes the 1885 reminiscences of Abram Honeywell, son of William Honeywell. Abram Honeywell recalled that his father had settled on and built a house within "the upper end of lot one certified Bedford," and that --

"There were only four or five houses within the territory of present Dallas township at that time. Ephraim McCoy lived there then on the lower side of the present road, about half way between the Goss or corner school-house and Raub's hotel. There was also a man by the name of Vanscoy living back of us somewhere, about where Ferdinand Ferrell lives. Elam and Daniel Spencer each had a little log house down along the creek in a direct line between our house and the present village of Dallas."

Like his brother Daniel, Elam Spencer was a Revolutionary War veteran (a fact of which Bradsby evidently was unaware: as shown above, Bradsby identified the early Dallas Township settlers Daniel Spencer, John Wort, and John Kelley as Revolutionary War soldiers, but not Elam). Elam served as a private in Capt. Tuttle's Company, Col. Timothy Pickering's Regiment, according to his final pension voucher, dated 23 Sept. 1840. Daniel and Elam are listed together as residents of Dallas Township in the Luzerne County census of Revolutionary War and military pensioners that was taken on 1 June 1840. They had both successfully petitioned for war pensions in 1838 under an act of Congress passed that year to provide for aging Revolutionary War veterans. At the time of the 1840 census, Daniel was 79 years old and was living with a certain JOHN WALDON (a shoemaker of Dallas Township; perhaps he was Daniel's son-in-law?), while Elam was 76 years old and was living with Simeon Spencer (probably Elam's son).

The name and identity of Daniel David Spencer's wife is uncertain, but she could have been surnamed KINGSLEY. Only two of David's five (or four?) children have been identified, Daniel and Orin. In the Genealogical Record of the Descendants of Nicholas Hess, Pioneer Immigrant, 1912, by Asher L. Hess, pages 82 and 84, there are references to "Daniel Spencer, farmer, of Dallas, Luzerne County, Pa., born November 4, 1795; died January 27, 1878," and, "Orin Spencer, farmer, a brother of Daniel Spencer, also of Dallas, Luzerne Co., Pa.," who married Anna ("Nancy") Amey, a younger sister of Daniel's wife Susanna (see No. 2 below). Orin's older brother Daniel married Susanna Amey, born 28 Sept. 1796 in Springfield Township, Bucks County, Pennsyvania, died 23 July 1856, the eldest child of George Amey and Mary Magdalene Hess. Daniel and his wife Susanna, who had five sons and three daughters, briefly occupied the homestead of Susanna's father after his death. Daniel and Susanna were buried in the cemetery at Dallas, Penn.

     --  DANIEL SPENCER, born 4 Nov. 1795, married Susanna Amey.
     7.  ORIN SPENCER, born 11 Sept. 1801.
     --  (NN) SPENCER
     --  (NN) SPENCER
     ??  (NN) SPENCER

7. ORIN SPENCER, son of David Spencer, born 11 Sept. 1801 in Windham, Connecticut, died in 1879 (or 21 June 1872?) in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Around 1820 he married ANNA AMEY ("Nancy"), born "in Easton, Northampton Co., Pa.," but others say she was born circa 1801 in Bucks Co., Pennsylvania, or circa 1806 in New Jersey. In the 1880 U.S. Census, Orin's son George said his mother was born in New Jersey.

"Orin, who was one of the first pioneers of the county, coming from New York State, and locating in Kingston township. He was a hard-working, honest, industrious and upright man, and a consistent Christian. He died in the year 1879, having reared twelve children, all of whom came to maturity."

"Orin, the father of [Z. Spencer], began life in Kingston township on the farm purchased by his father after he moved out of the Valley. This farm consisted of fifty acres of fertile land. Orin was a hard-working, honest and industrious man, whose life, like that of other farmers, was uneventful. In religion he was a consistent member of the M. E. Church. Politically he was a Democrat. He reared a family of twelve children, all of whom came to maturity, and eight of whom are now living."

     --  GEORGE SPENCER, born 23 Jan. 1821, married Harriet Dunham.
     --  HORACE SPENCER, born 13 May 1823, married Hannah Rogers (Rodgers).
     --  MARIA SPENCER, born 29 Sept. 1825, married Richard Ryman.
     --  ZIBA SPENCER, born 28 Jan. 1828, married Sarah C. Kunkle.
     --  MARY SPENCER, born 12 March 1829, died 8 Feb. 1846, never md.
     8.  JOHN W. SPENCER, born 16 April 1831.
     --  DAVID SPENCER, born 18 March 1833. married Elizabeth Wilner.
     --  SAMUEL SPENCER, born 10 March 1835. married Elizabeth Hoover.
     --  ISAAC SPENCER, born 1 June 1837, died 7 Dec. 1865, never md.
     --  CHARLES WESLEY SPENCER, born 7 April 1841, married Sarah Hoover.
     --  ELIZABETH JEANETTE SPENCER, born 7 Dec. 1845, twice married.
     --  MARIETTE SPENCER, born 2 May 1848, married Almon Hoover.

8. JOHN W. SPENCER, one of the 12 children of Orin and Ann Spencer, born 16 April 1831 in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania; died 6 Aug. 1909 in Dallas, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. John married firstly JANE and had a daughter named Harriet, who seems to have died in infancy. He married secondly IRENE M. HALL, born circa 1840, daughter of Miles and Elvira Hall. John and Irene had four sons and two daughters.

John W. Spencer dies Blood Poisening Aged-77 years At the Advance age of 77 years, John W. Spencer an old esteemed resident of West Dallas, Dies Yesterday after lingering illness of Blood Poisening. The following Children Survives; William Penn, Bedford, Ia, W.M., Mrs E.B. Worthington, Dorranceton Rose and Louis at Home. Rev Ben Jones of Idetown will conduct funeral tomorrow at 2:30 at the residents and interment will be in Worden Cemetery, Dallas. The Four sons of the deceased will act as pall bearers.

     --  HARRIET SPENCER, born circa 1860.
     9.  ZIBA P. SPENCER ("William Penn Spencer"), born 17 Aug. 1861.
     --  WASHINGTON M. SPENCER, born circa 1864.
     --  LILLIE M. SPENCER, born circa 1867.
     --  HORACE J. SPENCER, born circa 1869, married Maranda Rogers.
     3.  ROSE A. SPENCER, born circa 1872, married Carl Anderson.
     --  LOUIS E. SPENCER, born circa 1876.

9. ZIBA P. SPENCER, son of John and Irene Spencer, born 17 Aug. 1861 in Dallas, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania; died 8 May 1934 in Taylor County, Iowa. Also known as William Penn Spencer, W. Penn Spencer, and Penn Spencer. Married EVA UNDERWOOD, daughter of Emanuel Lewis and Harriet Underwood.

Genealogical information on our Spencers that was published in the 1981 History of Taylor County, Iowa, written by the people of Taylor County and compiled by the Taylor County Historical Society, Bedford, Iowa. This is on page 382 (with a small old black-and-white photo of William Penn Spencer and his wife Eva and three of their little children):

"William Penn Spencer, the son of John and Irene Spencer, was born August 17, 1861 at Dallas, Pennsylvania and passed away May 8, 1934. His wife, Eva Underwood Spencer, was born July 4, 1866 at Dallas, Pennsylvania and passed away March, 1943. They were married March 26, 1891 at Dallas, Pennsylvania. Penn came to Iowa in 1889, then returned to Dallas where they were married, and then returned to Iowa to live the rest of their lives. They bought a farm in Taylor County, Polk and Ross Townships after he had done carpenter work building barns, houses, and other buildings. He had to clear all the land he bought so he could farm it. Also, he had to build himself a house and barns. They lived on the same farm for 38 years or more before he passed away. They did all their farming with horses as no one had tractors then. They had five children, four boys and one daughter: Paul, Lee and Lela (twins); Freddie, who burnt to death while his father was burning corn stalks when 3 1/2 years old; and Howard. All the family is gone now except the daughter, Mrs. Lela Spencer Blake, who is in the Bethesda Nursing home at Clarinda as of December, 1980. Penn's family (mother, father, two sisters, and three brothers) lived on a ranch which had a coal mine on it, and all lived off the royalties of the mine until it closed in the late 1800's. Eve, Penn's wife, used to raise lots of chickens and churned lots of butter to sell. She and her children would drive ten miles to Bedford every week or so to sell the eggs and butter for 10 cents a dozen and maybe 10 cents a pound for butter. They drove a team of horses to a wagon to deliver the produce. Penn was a Mason of Siam Lodge and both were Eastern Star members for many years. Their farm is now owned by the Paul Brummett family. Submitted by Helen Spencer, as told to her"

     --  ANDREW PAUL SPENCER ("Paul"), born 26 Jan. 1892, died 1958.
     --  LELUND SPENCER ("Lee"), born 11 April 1894.
     --  LELA SPENCER, born 11 April 1894, died Jan. 1983.
     --  FREDDIE SPENCER, born ??.
     10. JOHN HOWARD SPENCER ("Howard"), born 11 June 1904.

10. JOHN HOWARD SPENCER ("Howard"), son of W. Penn and Eva Spencer, born 11 June 1904, died 1948, married HELEN ELIZABETH SMITH, daughter of Willard and Julia Smith.

     --  HOWARD JUNIOR SPENCER, born 17 Jan. 1928.
     --  MARY ROSE SPENCER, born 27 March 1929.
     --  IVAN PAUL SPENCER, born 9 July 1930.
     --  RAYMOND DUANE SPENCER, born 10 Aug. 1931.
     --  CLYDE ALLEN SPENCER, born 3 Feb. 1934.
     --  DONALD GALEN SPENCER, born 13 March 1938.
     11. ROY ELDON SPENCER, born 31 March 1940.
     --  EVELYN JULIA SPENCER, born 15 Aug. 1942.

11. ROY ELDON SPENCER, son of John Howard and Helen Spencer, born 31 March 1940 near Bedford, Taylor County, Iowa. On 22 May 1971 in Nevada, Iowa, Roy married CAROLYN JEAN RIGGS, daughter of Carl and Pauline Riggs, born 15 Jan. 1949 in Passavant Hospital, Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois. Roy and Carolyn, who divorced in 2003, live in central Illinois. They have two daughters:

     12.  CHRISTINA CARLENE SPENCER, born 7 July 1972.
     --  GINA LOUISE SPENCER, born 1 May 1975, married Steve Zavala.

12. CHRISTINA CARLENE SPENCER, daughter of Roy and Carolyn Spencer, born 7 July 1972 in or near Des Moines, Iowa. On 2 Jan. 1997 in Jerome, Illinois, Christina married JARED LINN OLAR, born 6 Feb. 1968 at Proctor Hospital, Peoria, Illinois, son of Joseph and Dolores Olar. Christina and Jared, who live in central Illinois, have five children.

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