Benjamin Spencer (abt. 1754)

Born about 1754 in Louisa, Louisa, Virginia, United States [uncertain]

Ancestors

Died [date unknown] in poss Rockingham County, North Carolina [uncertain]

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Biography

This profile is part of the Spencer Name Study.

Benjamin Spencer was a son of Thomas Spencer and Elizabeth Skillern. He was mentioned by name in his father's will, dated 1781 in Caswell, NC.^[1]

Benjamin is first seen in the 1786 Federal Census in St. David's District of Caswell County, NC.^[2]. He is enumerated as head of household with 1 male 21-60, 4 males under 21 or over 60, and 4 females.

Benjamin was married to Mary "Molly" Kerr, daughter of Alexander Kerr Jr. Benjamin's brother John Spencer was married to Mary's sister Ann "Nancy" Kerr.

The 1790 Census shows Benjamin most likely in Rockingham County, but this is not verified. There were a few other Benjamin Spencers from different families living in North Carolina at the time, and more research is needed to determine if this is the right Benjamin.

Children

Family Search lists Benjamin with many children;^[3] however, more research will be needed to determine if these children are connected with the correct Benjamin Spencer. Some appear to be Sharp Spencers and others appear to be related to the Burke Spencer clan instead of the Caswell Spencer clan. One, Thomas, who died in Pike, Missouri, appears most probably a son of this Benjamin Spencer, as he appears to be associated with members of the Kerr family (Benjamin's mother was a Kerr).^[4]

Possible Children (Unproven):

1. Ann SPENCER b: 22 SEP 1779
2. Thomas SPENCER b: 28 JAN 1781 (most likely)
3. William SPENCER b: 11 FEB 1782
4. Alexander SPENCER b: 30 NOV 1783
5. Elizabeth SPENCER b: 04 OCT 1785
6. Benjamin SPENCER b: 13 JUN 1787
7. Mary SPENCER b: 13 DEC 1789
8. Frances SPENCER b: 04 DEC 1791 in SC
9. John SPENCER b: 07 OCT 1793
10. James SPENCER b: 05 AUG 1795
11. Sarah SPENCER b: 30 JUN 1797
12. Susannah SPENCER b: 28 DEC 1800

Research Note

This is NOT the Benjamin Spencer who fought in the Revolutionary War. That Benjamin was from the Burke, NC Spencer clan and never lived in Caswell, NC.