The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-02-03

Arequest has been made for the Spencer
family Of Virginia, which Is here given
so far as can be found on q short notice:
The first of the name to settle in Wiz
ginia was Nicholas Spencer, who came
from London and settled in Westmore-
land county. Va, 1869. They were n
distinguished English family. OF whom
was Lord John Charles Spencer, Sd Earl,
1T32-1s4S, better known by his courtesy
title as Lord Althorp," who was tho
particular friend of Pitt and Fox In the
great political contest in Parliament of
1882. Lord John was the eldest son OF
Lord Spencer, I'd Earl, and his mother was
the eldest daughter of Lord Luean, and
was conspicuous in London society for
her gaiety and brightness. Lord John was
born at Spencer House, London. the old
family seat for many generations.
Nicholas Spencer, the emigrant was q
son of the first Earl Spencer, and was
also born in London about 1920. The arms
as brought over with him and given above,
were granted about 1000, and are described
as follows:
"Quarterly-or and gules. In the second
and third fret of the first: on bend
sable three fleurs-delis, argent" There
is no crest or motto given.
Of the family of Nicholas Spencer little
can he gained. Besides him, however,
Henning gives the following names, who,
no doubt, We're sons and grandsons of tho
emiSrant, aud who served in the early
colonial wars. These We're: Francis W..
James john Joseph Samuel. Nehemiah.
Thomas and William Spencer; also daugh-
tiers Catherine, Elizabeth and Jane.
Jeremiah Spencer was living In King
William county. 1794; his wife was Mary
Mitchell, daughter of James Mitchell. of
King and Queen county, who died that
year G79D. This jeremiah was grand
son of the emigrant, Coming down later
(about 1900, we find the family had
spread to Charlotte county. Fairfax and
Tarkersburg, w. Va. or those who
served in the colonial militia service pre-
vious to the Revolution, We're james and
Thomas Spencer, of Company No. G. from
Augusta. 1742 up to l75s.
William Spencer, of NORTHAMPTON
county, was a major, and was with the
forces under Col. Washington. Joseph
Spencer was a lieutenant-colonel in Col.
Stubblefleld's regiment, which marched
from Spotsylvania county in 1880 to North
Carolina. and from there to South Caro-
INA, where they joined the Southern army
under General Gates. There were many
OF the family living. in spotsylvania dur
Ing the eighteenth; century as VIC find
there George and William Spencer, with
their families, from 1855 to 1873.
Ihese latter were no doubt sons of
John Spencer. who. from an old deed
given him in 1895, to a grant of land
In Monongalia county. Va, by George
Robert Brook, of Virginia, it seems he
was twice married; his first wife not
known by whom We're three sons
wade. George, and James Spencer; the
two first married sisters (Susan and
Mary Coxen). The second wife of
John was Phebe --, by whom We're
Elijah. born July s. 1775. IN Loudon
county. Va, ana Jonathan. born .JuIv
20. liza. Elijah Spencer married in
1919, Mary a. Harris, daughter of John
a. and Susan Addison Harris; Johna-
than Spencer married Mary Johnson
Mitchell. in 1923; evidently this Mary
M sn was OF the same family OF
Mttchells. Of King and Queen county.
the wife of Jeremiah Spencer. of 1904
being also named Mary Mitchell
John Spencer is said to have been
a prominent surveyor, and to have done
much work of that kind. There have
been many Of the name of Spencer in
Albemarle and Nelson counties, who
claim descent from John Spencer.
Speaking of the English Spencers,
the following amusing incident is
taken from the London News: Captain
Spencer, Of the Church Army. tells the
following: He asked a convict what
he did for a living when he left prison.
We'll, in spring. l does bit o. pea
picking. an in summer I does a bit o.
sid in the autumn does
a bit o. 'op-pcking!''
Yes said the Captain, "and what do
YOU do in the wlnter?" Well mister, 1
may as we'll be honest with Yer. In the
winter does a bit o. picking,
Captain Spencer next asked. IAN what
happens then?" The convict replied,
Why, Icomes ere and does bit o.
oakum-picklng!'
The reverend members of tho Church |
Army can tea of many similar cases In |
this country; but here. instead of oak
um, they pick UP stones.