History of the race in America Given by the oldest living descendant Elizabeth Carr Walker, born Jan. 9th 1806 Daughter of Henry Walker and Mary Gibson Spencer who married Mr. John Blackburn Carson, Nephew of Dr. Gideon Blackburn Winter of 1884 of Winter

The writer of this history of the Spencer race has thought best before introducing the Spencers of America and to their ancestors and descendants to present in order something of the history of New England. The middle States, and the Southern States. Up to the time when all these colonies united in resisting England and became the great and grand United States of America. We give this brief sketch of the struggles and privations of our forefathers, particularly for the benefit of the younger members of the Spencer descendants, who perhaps will by this means become more interested and better acquainted with the history of their ancestors, which has been up to this time, sadly neglected. The United States of America is bounded on the North by the great lakes and the British Possessions. South by the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico. East by Atlantic and west by Pacific Ocean. The English, the nation which was destined to found the most permanent and glorious Empire in North America, began their discoveries in the year 1497. In June of that year, John Cabot sailing in the services of King Henry 7th discovered Newfoundland. Subsequent mariners, men of renown in ocean fame and above all Sir Walter Raleigh explored the Atlantic seaboard of America and claimed it for Sovereigns of England. But more than a century

P2. had elapsed from Cabot’s discovery before England had planted her first permanent settlement in the New World. Two years before the English had settled in Virginia, the French established their earliest colony at Port Royal in Nova Scotia in 1605. The three oldest towns in America are Augustine, Florida. Founded in 1565 by Spaniards. Jamestown, Virginia, 1607 by English. Plymouth Massachusetts in 1620 by English. At the time of these early settlements the inhabitants were the North American Indians. The country was not divided off and no English name had been given to it. It was occupied by the forests and hunting grounds and scattered wigwam villages of the Indians and wild animals of this vast and mighty wilderness. The first English name by which it was called was Virginia, named for the Virgin Queen Elizabeth in her reign. Afterwards in the reign of King James the country extending between North Carolina and Nova Scotia was divided into two portions and named North and South Virginia. Later in the same reign Capt John Smith made a map of the region of country now known as the eastern states and presented it to Prince Charles who named the country New England. The history of New England commences with the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers who were Englishmen belonging to a sect of Christians called Puritans. In the reign of the Roman Catholic Queen Mary of England their ancestors had been driven p3 to the continent where they had learned a more simple mode of worship than that practiced by the English Church. When, therefore, on the accession of Queen Elizabeth, they returned to their country, they refused to become members of the church of England, or submit to its usages. They would not use the Book of common prayer, nor wear the Surplice. They endured there, greater or less severity – for about fifty years and in 1608 a small congregation of them fled to Holland. Here they remained twelve years, at the end of which time they resolved to go to the new world, America. They left Holland in a small vessel called the Speedwell, and sailed for England. They remained in England a fortnight and then taking leave of their friends, set sail for America. The Speedwell proved unseaworthy and they came back. This vessel, with those of her company, whose courage failed them was dismissed, and the remainder crowded into the May Flower and on the 6th day of September 1620 the May Flower lost sight of English ground. The number of Pilgrims was one hundred and one (illegible note between lines, possibly “luck”); among them, we will mention Miles Standish, their military captain, made famous in the poems of Longfellow, and their pastor Elder Brewster. During the three months their little bark was tossed upon the Ocean the sound of praise was daily heard and “He who ruleth the raging of the sea heard their cry, and helped them” and because they honored him, He honored them, in making them the forefathers of a great, mighty and good people.

P 4 On Monday the 21st day of December, these sea wearied pilgrims stepped ashore on “Forefather’s Rock” named for Plymouth Rock for Plymouth, the last place parted from in England. While on board ship, they drew up a body of laws which they resolved to obey. This first American constitution was draw up and signed on the lid of a pine chest belonging to Elder Brewster. This chest of Norway pine is preserved in the Athenaeum oat Hartford. It served in Elder Brewster’s family as a table and during the famine which followed they lived entirely on clams and over this box table when asking a blessing the good man would thank God, “who had given them the treasures hid in the sand.” Thus commenced in faith and hope this first New England Colony. It is well to be informed by what means colonists were enabled to emigrate to this country. Merchants residing chiefly in London and in the west of England near formed into companies and obtained from the King grants to settle particular “Plantations”!!! in America with rights and privileges of government and commerce. These grants were called charters. The company furnished ships and sent out colonists who were to cultivate the ground and procure fish and furs. It was expected the profit on these articles would repay the company in England for sending them out. Gentlemen of family and fortune agreed themselves to go out to the New England Colonies,

P 5 provided the charter should be carried to America and the government not managed by a council of the company in England, as was usually the case; this privilege was granted and many distinguished men embarked to cast their destines for “weal or woe” in the New World. The charters were very precious to these people. During the reign of King Charles 1st he often threatened to take away the charters of the New England colonies, but civil war in England prevented the execution. In May 1660 Charles 2nd (whose father had been beheaded by the Republicans) became King of England (a Stuart king): this was just after Cromwell’s administration. The King demanded that the colonies should submit to the laws passed in the English parliament of England. The people answered that these laws were not binding on them as they “were not represented there.” This struggle was at its height when Charles 2nd died and his brother, King James 2nd ascended the throne. King James the second determined to take away from the New England colonies their charters and make them a royal Province, and thus in sixty years from the landing of the Pilgrims, Sir Edmund Andrews “glittering in scarlet and golden lace” arrived at the town of Boston to enforce the King’s demands. It was at this time Henry Wadsworth hid the charter in the “old Oak tree.” Kim James 2nd was a Roman Catholic, persecution in England sent many wise and able men to the colonies. In April 1689 James 2nd was driven from the throne and the protestant sovereigns William and Mary were placed p 6 upon the throne of England. It was at this age that the belief in witchcraft resulted in Salem, a little town thirteen miles north of Boston, in the death of twenty people. Many were tortured. Such a belief strange and awful as it seems to us, was held, not only by the ignorant, but by the good great and wise Sir Matthew Hale, the Lord Chief Justice of England, the pious Richard Baxter, and the wise philosopher Robert Boyle all believed in it, and while we hear so much of the “Salem Witchcraft” it seems that people forget that many years before and many years after the “Salem witchcraft” more than one hundred and thirty thousand people were executed in England, Scotland, France, and Germany for witchcraft. The history of the colonies in the18th century is one of war. The first called Queen Ann’s war. (so called from the Sovereign then on the throne of England, Queen Ann’s war ended and from 1714 to 1744 the colonies enjoyed peace. The history of the Earl’s Spencer commenced farther back than Queen Ann’s war; we will mention this place in history. Robert Spencer Sunderland 2nd Earl and only son of Henry, the first , who was raised to the peerage in 1643 for exertions in the royal cause. Robert Spencer Sunderland, 2nd Earl, was born in 1642, and after serving as ambassador to courts became secretary of state in 1679. p. 7 He had great talent. Burnet said, “he had a superior genius to all the men of business I ever knew.” At the dissolution of the last of the exclusion parliaments, he lost his office, but was restored in 1682. He had the entire confidence of James 2nd who was Duke of York, during the reign of his brother Charles 2nd. James 2nd was Roman Catholic. It was this king James the second who sent Sir Edmund Andros “glittering in scarlet and gold lace” to take away the charters from the colonies in 1687 just sixty-six years from the landing of the Pilgrims. Robert Spencer Sunderland married Anne, daughter of 2nd Earl of Brislot. He left Charles Spencer 3rd born in 1674. He was very learned was secretary of state under Queen Anne and under George 1st use to be all powerful, died in 1722 aged 48 years, not without a suspicion of having intrigued for the restoration of the Torys if not for the return of the Pretender. Charles Spencer the 3rd was a type of the political morality of the age, when the greatest statesman made no scruple of sacrificing party or even the interests of the nation for personal ambition. His title descended to Charles his 2nd son who succeeded 1733 to the honors of his illustrious grandfather John Churchill. The Earldom of Sunderland became absorbed in the Dukedom of Marlborough. His third son John was the

P. 8 ancestor of the Earls Spencer who and inherited three million dollars from his grandmother the beautiful Sarah Jennings Duchess of Marlborough. ’s only son was made 1st in 1765. The 2nd Earl, John George Spencer (Maybe George John Spencer – DAS) was first Lord Admiral under Pits administration in 1794 to 1801. The only son of John Spencer who was ancestor of the Earls Spencer was made 1st Earl Spencer in 1765 just ten years before the Declaration of Independence was signed by the colonies of the united New England states and at the time of the Stamp Act was passed in the English Parliament which was opposed by Mr. Pitt and by every one of the thirteen American Colonies. After Queen Ann’s war which lasted eleven years the colonies had peace from 1714 to 1744. (?) 1755 war was again declared in England under the English King George 2nd who drove the Arcadians from their homes and burned their villages so beautifully described by Longfellow in “Evangaline.” King George 2nd addopted (sic) the harsh measure of exterminating the peaceful colony, His ships were loaded at the shore and the British soldiers marched in the quiet little village commanded the Fathers, Husbands, and brothers to assemble in the church and listen to a royal proclamation. They were not allowed to return to their homes but were guarded to the sea shore and there joined by their wives and children. In the confusion of embarking families were separated p. 9 and the vessels bore members of the same household to different colonies, never to meet again on earth. In the year 1757 William Pitt a wise and able statesman was placed at the head of affairs in England and in 1760 George 3rd ascended the throne of England. He was grandfather to the present Queen of England “Victoria.” The only son of John Spencer (the ancestor of the Earls Spencer) was made 1st Earl Spencer 1765 five years after George 3rd ascended the throne of England. George Washington was at one time vestryman in a little church near Mount Vernon erected in this year 1765. The young Spencer who came over to America and whose descendant is now giving this history was descended from the only son of John Spencer, the ancestor of Earls Spencer. He came over to the colonies before the war; not only impelled by a love of adventure, but having naturally a restless roving disposition, the idea of a New World for strange adventures and exploits was irresistible and he joined the colonists – came out with a company of noblemen, gentlemen and merchants. A youth naturally of strong will and purpose, he was, as he afterwards told his children, highly incensed at the laws of England that entailed the property of a Father to the oldest Son. This he considered unjust and tyrannical and with a bitter feeling in his heart towards his home and his native land. Yet with a proud and independent spirit he forever bid adieu to his

P 10 childhood home with all its royal splendor and with the suit of clothes on his back and gun on his shoulder and but little money he plunged in the woodlands, and made his way to the nearest gathering of colonists joined them and landed in America, a wilderness where forests were to be cleared and of all this number who came over a very few were laborers. He from the first identified himself with a firm and fixed purpose to the interest and well being of the more helpless and ignorant colonists around him: Also resolving in his own heart to cleave out for himself a fortune and a new home in the savage wilds of the New World and right nobly did he succeed in this most worthy resolution. He not only amassed a large fortune by his own superior genius in business but married a lady of noble birth and wealth. The writer of this history has thought best to bring in from time to time a brief sketch of men of note who lived in that day and time – as this may help any living descendent of this Spencer who in his breast and the gift of perseverance in his nature as to seek out his ancestors both in the new and old world to succeed in this laudable enterprise.__.In 1723 (just 42 years before John Spencer’s son was made 1st Earl Spencer in 1765), there landed in the city of Philadelphia a poor weary boy who had walked from New York, seeking employment for bread, here he found it p 11 in a private office. Honest and industrious, he soon made his way in the world, was sent by the colonies as a patriot to plead their cause in the courts of kings. That boy was Benjamin Franklin, the son of a poor soap and candle maker, (the youngest son of seventeen!!! children.) who abstained from eating meat two years, to buy a few books, which he diligently studied – His discoveries in electricity are world renowned – In 1739, Whitfield preached in the open air in Philadelphia to a congregation of 15,000. When the king sold these colonies for Plantations! The good man William Penn named his Plantation, Pennsylvania or the Woods of Penn. He was soon the owner and Governor of a large colony. Penn had no love for crowded cities “shutting out the pure air and light of heaven “and determined believing with the poet that his plantation should be “A faire greene country towne.” His plantation was called the City of Brotherly Love. At times this good Quaker was high in favor at court and at one time he plead with such success for his brethren that King James 2nd released 1200 of them from prison. It was 20 years after Penn’s last visit to his Planation which had grown to be a government and large state, Benjamin Franklin came to the city of Philadelphia, a poor hungry, boy. The right of taxation without representation claimed of England, was the immediate cause of the war of Independence. On the 22nd of March 1765. (this was

P12 the year the only son of John Spencer, ancestor of Earls Spencer, was made 1st Earl Spencer) was passed in the British Parliament the first act for taxing the the (sic) colonies in America.; it was to go in operation Nov. 1st. In Boston the day was ushered in by the tolling of muffled bells- flags at half mast – prominent loyalists were hung in effigy, the houses of British officials mobbed, vast crowds marching the streets in form of solemn funeral solemnity. Frightened by these demonstrations, the English government was undecided how to act. Benjamin Franklin was then in England, He was brought before the house of Parliament and questioned as to his opinion as to whether the colonies would submit if the Stamp act was moderated. “No. Never.” said this noble unflinching patriot. Pitt said with other great statesmen, “I rejoice that America has resisted “after a long debate in Parliament the Stamp act was repealed. For nine long years after this the colonies had to find quarters and supplies for large bodies of British soldiery sent to keep them in order!!! They were hated by the people whose strong craving for liberty grew stronger and deeper and even The very children there drew in a love of liberty, with the air they breathed, “and on the 198th” of April 1775, the war of the Revolution commenced. In 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. p. 13 Assembled in the old state House in Philadelphia with closed doors, on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4t5h days, the Declaration was prayerfully and solemnly considered line by line, paragraph by paragraph. It was a time of deep awful solemn interest. On the 4th day thousands of anxious people had gathered in the streets, for it was known that the final decision was to be made that day. Early in the morning the old Bell man had been in the steeple. He had placed a boy at the door below to give him notice when the announcement should be made. As hour succeeded hour, the old man shook his head and said “they will never do it. They will never do it!” Suddenly a loud shout came up from below and the boy sprang up clapping his hands shouting “Ring””Ring”! Grasping the iron tongue of the old *Bell, backward and forward he hurled it a hundred times. The excited multitudes in the streets responded with loud acclamations; and with cannon peals, bonfires and illuminations the patriots testified their joy. By this act the colonies henceforth became The United States of America. The French revolution with all its horrors. The Reign of Terror with its streams of blood was in 1793. King Louis 16th and his lovely wife Marie Antoinette were guillotined and all Europe was involved in the French Revolution. The aid which America had received in her time of need came not from these revolutionists but from the government which they had overthrown and America was neutral. France oppo-

*This Bell was sent out by England to the colonies in 1752 to a singular coincident is that engraven on its rim was the text, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land and to the inhabitants thereof” Leviticus 25 chap.10 verse (this text is at the top of the page in the original. DAS) p. 14 -sed America making a treaty with England as a wrong done herself and when peace was declared on the 19th of April 1783 and the United States sent their ambassadors to France, France refused to receive them and preparation was again made for war and General Washington once more summoned from his peaceful home in Mount Vernon; but the storm of war was mercifully averted and in the autumn of 1799 Napoleon Bonaparte over threw the then existing government of France. One of his first acts was to receive the commissioners and enter into a treaty with the United States of America. When the bearers of this treaty reached America, the united nation was mourning over the grave of George Washington, the Father of his country. In 1624 the Dutch purchased from the Indians the Island of Manhattan consisting of 22 thousand acres for twenty four dollars. “It was called New Amsterdam” and contained few Dutch cottages with straw roofs and wooden chimneys. It is now the large and wealthy city of New York. New York was given to the Duke of York for a Plantation by his Brother, King of England Charles 2nd and in 1664 New York became an English Plantation or province. In 1685 Robert Spencer Sunderland became Prime minister of England, he was afterwards made by William of Orange directing affairs as the acknowledged head of government. He retired to private life in 1697, died at Althrope in 1702. About this time Capt William Kidd “the bold pirate” was sent out to capture all vessels he might meet

P15 engaged as pirates. He turned pirate himself and is said to have obtained by this life untold sums of gold and treasures. In those days marvelous tales went abroad of the wealth of the New World and many a brave young heart was stirred up with a desire to imitate the example of Capt John Smith, who at the age of thirteen sold his school book and satchel in hopes of getting money to try his fortune which he failed to do until he was seventeen. His strange adventures made him one of the most remarkable men in the history of America. Not only men who came to seek a fortune but the of England whose wealth and royal lineage seemed sufficient to satisfy all earthly ambition turned their attention to securing a claim in the new world, and we see in 1663 where King Charles 2nd granted Carolina to seven Noblemen among them the celebrated Earl of Clarendon and Duke of Albemarle. New York belonged to the Duke of York, Lord Baltimore owned Maryland. When King Charles 2nd died, the Duke of York, who was his brother became King James 2nd. The Duke of York who owned New York for a plantation, became King of England and ascended the throne. It was under this Duke of York who became King of England that Robert Spencer Sunderland 1st Earl was so much attached to. In 1670 the Noblemen who owned the Carolinas sent out ships to farm colonies. These Noblemen divided the county into Baronies and manors, planned p16 orders of Nobility (palatines) Earls and Barons and in imagination drew up a splendid style of government for the few poor scattered on the coast of Carolina. From England came alike the impoverished royalist and persecuted dissenter. Scotland and Ireland sent colonies (sic) who came in fear of God and a desire to serve him in spirit and in truth. The persecuted protestants (sic) of Europe came. The Hugenots (sic) of France, the Waldenses of Italy, the Calvinists of Switzerland, Bohemia and the Rhine and the afflicted few were all given a “Southern Welcome” in this free land. Such was the country and such the people which the Nobles of England thought to rule without regard either to the rights of happiness of their subjects. And when we compare the colonies of the struggling New England states with this great American Nation who bow the knee to no monarchal government to no earthly King, but who claim Jesus as Lord of Lords and king of Kings, we are ready to say Surely God in his providence has collected from the nations of Europe men of sturdy limbs free minds and bold hearts to lay broad and deep the foundations of a state for the benefit of the human race which will prove under God the greatest, grandest nation on earth. It was at this day and time and among this people that young Spencer of England cast his lot and fortune. With that deep penetration that some young men have p17 he like many others of Royal blood felt that “uneasy is the head that wears the crown” and he also felt that among those of less nobility was envy, strife and bitterness as he himself had felt in his own case. And now having given the descendants of the Spencers a brief sketch of the times and people of England and America, we will introduce to them the young Spencer of America who is the Ancestor of the Spencers of America. Before the Revolutionary war, a younger son of Earl Spencer an English Nobleman incensed at the laws of England which entailed the property to the eldest son which he considered unjust, left his home in England on foot with his gun on his shoulder, determined to try his fortune in the New World, America. He was supposed to be about fourteen or eighteen years old and doubtless must have had a strong adventurous spirit and a firm unyielding will, at so young an age to leave the wealth and comfort of the royal home of his childhood for the purpose of making him a fortune in the then wild forests of America. The family legend says “on starting out from his home he met a huge snake which reared its head and body in his pathway and prevented his progress. As he would turn to go around the snake it would raise up its head and body and bow towards him. Determined not to retreat he shot the snake and passed on” He came to America and made his home in Virginia when it was a territory wild wilderness.

P 18 When Virginia was laid off as a state, his home and property fell in the portion called North Carolina and has been known as such ever since. His home was supposed to have been in Rockingham county, North Carolina of which Wentworth is now the county seat. Young Spencer married a wealthy English lady named Nancy Lacy; her parents came from England. They had given them six children, three sons and three daughters. Benjamin Franklin ____ Thomas, John Spencer. Elizabeth_ Sarah___ Susan. If there were other children the descendant does not know. Elizabeth Spencer married Ely Stacy who was a very large Englishman. They had seven children given them, five sons and two daughters. Jack, Tom, Mahlon, Burford, Abner, Mary and Susan. Sarah Spencer married Mr. Slade. descendant (sic) does not know whether they had given them children or not. Susan Spencer married Mr. Curry. They had given them one son and two daughters. Franklin Curry the son was at one time editor of the Nashville Banner. The daughters were named Sophia and Retta or Heneretta, if there were other children, descendant does not know. Benjamin Franklin Spencer married. Descendant cannot tell who he married. He had one son named Thomas, and the two daughters named Nancy and Frances, or Frankie. Descendant don’t p. 19 know if he ever had other children. Thomas Spencer was supposed to be the youngest son. he did not move to this country when the others left North Carolina. Descendant don’t know any thing of his history, who he married or whether at all or what became of him. John Spencer married Miss Nancy Carr. It is supposed they married in Rockingham county, North Carolina. The parents of Nancy Carr came from Scotland. She had a brother who was a minister (There were several ministers in the Carr family) They had given them ten children, four boys and six girls. Zilman, Benjamin Franklin, John and a twin named Isaac who died an infant, six girls Sarah, Elizabeth, Nancy, Pattie or Martha and Rebecca and Mary Gibson. Rebecca was twin to Isaac. It is thought there was another girl named Louisa or Louey (Is it “Lovey”? DAS) - do not know. Pattie died a young lady. John Spencer or his father at one time lived at Highrock or High Rock. Descendant thinks John’s father the Earl’s son lived there before he did in Rockingham County: but at that time, the early colonists changed their homes and the names of places changed as the tracts of land were bought by different Noblemen and divided off gradually as these Noblemen saw best to suit their convenience and interest. This brings the history of the Spencers up to the time they left Virginia and North Carolina complete. How long John Spencer’s father (the Earl’s son who came over from p. 20 England) lived in the colonies or how old he was when he died is not known. He was a brave noble man, fought in the revolutionary war; he identified himself with the people and was one of them. He may have been killed in the war. At any rate he died in the home he found in the wilds of America and it is thought died young as the Spencers are a short lived people. When his oldest son was born he named him after the noble patriot Benjamin Franklin. Thomas was a family name in the Lacy family and he named John Spencer after the Earl John Spencer of his father’s house; his daughter Sarah he named after Sarah Jennings, the Duchess of Marlborough______, When John Spencer and Nancy Carr his wife moved from North Carolina, they brought with them the widow of John Spencer (the Earl’s son) and her mother who was also a widow. Nancy Lacy and her mother. John Spencer brought with him all the that the descendant knows of, except Thomas, who remained in North Carolina, and who it is thought kept the old Spencer Homestead in Rockingham county or some other place in North Carolina. Benjamin Franklin and the three girls, (who may have married before they came) and the two old ladies were the household of John Spencer when he moved from North Carolina to Tennessee. He first settled on Stone’s river near Nashville. He buried there two aged women. p. 21 Nancy Lacy was a hundred and five years old and her mother a hundred and ten. Nancy Lacy’s mother had a chair with wheels in which a negro man (whom she kept as attendant) wheeled her to church as she lived to be too old to walk, het her mind was clear to the end of her life, as was also that of her daughter Nancy Lacy. When they moved to Stones river, it was a wilderness where they had a fort built for protection against the Indians. After these two aged women had been gathered to their fathers, John Spencer moved to Williamson County Tenn. Decendant don’t know how long he lived in Stone’s river. 1794. (the date is added later in the margin. DAS). One night when camping out as the moved from stone’s river to Williamson Co. the Spencers came upon another camping party. Henry Walker and his family who had just emigrated from Lunenburg Virginia, who was also in search of a new home in this wilderness. Among Walker’s family was a son named Henry about 19 years old, who being possessed of an adventurous spirit like all other young men, thought he would go over and see who the other camping party were. Among this camping party was a young daughter of John Spencer named Mary Gibson Spencer. Young Walker afterwards said of her “there first I saw her sweet and lovely face, as with modest mien and natural grace, she rose and offered me a seat (on a log) Said he, “my heart beat thick and fast at the vision of her loveliness, and in this wild p 22 wilderness, Cupid’s work on me “was done” for said he “it was given me then and there to know and feel that some day she would be mind” “oh who but God alone can explain the everlasting mystery of love.” These two camping parties settled in a few miles of each other and went to school together in a little log church three miles from Franklin, Tenn, and in due time Henry Walker and Mary Gibson Spencer were married. This young Henry Walker was born the year the declaration of Independence was signed. This meeting of the campers was twelve years after peace was declared in the colonies, Henry Walker’s parents had also been a family among the colonies who had struggled during all these long years for Freedom and Liberty. Their hearts had responded with joy and gladness to the pealing sound of the old bell man in the steeple as the little boy shouting said “Ring!! Ring!!” They too had endured the horrors of Indian hostilities, and the privations of a long and terrible war and as these two camping parties met at their camps in Williamson County – in or about the year 1795, preparations for war were again being made by George Washington with France, who had refused to sign the treaty of peace. All Europe was in confusion. The French Revolution and Reign of Terror was at its height. Need we then wonder that as these to families met that night, that a past experience and future hope made them feel as if they had p 23 common interests together, and we can (without an extra strain on the imagination) well surmise how those two men, heads of the two families gladly grasped the hand of each other and devised the best means for their future happiness and welfare. One man (Spencer) the Grandson of ancient and royal Earl, whose relations at that time in England were in high position in the English Court and between whom better feelings had grown up as a people. Walker the head of the other camping party, was also a descendant by birth of another noble family from Scotland: and thus we see (as if by accident) the meeting of two good and noble families directed by the wisdom of them “who doeth all things well”. How long John Spencer lived in Williamson County is not known but he lived there until it had become so much civilized that game was scarce, and his strong English nature was plainly developed in his love of hunting forest game; and his restless adventurous spirit sought other hunting grounds. After Henry Walker and his daughter Mary Gibson Spencer married, Spencer moved to Columbia Tenn which was then a wilderness. He took with him all his family excepting Zilman, his oldest son and Mary Gibson Spencer who married henry Walker. Will living in Williamson Co. John Spencer joined by experience the Regular Baptist church near Franklin (three miles) which was established and founded by Rev p 24 Garner McConnico. He was taken in and baptized Rev Mc Connico or a Rev Whitsit or Whitesit. After he moved to Columbia he was made sheriff, was a prominent and useful man. proud and high minded, with his English descent plainly portrayed in his style and manner of living; was hospitable in his home, loved to entertain, and was ever mindful to keep and give aid to young men who seemed willing and capable to make for themselves a name and fortune. How long he remained in Columbia descendant does not know, she thinks he lived in Tenn twenty five years in all. Again his restless nature sought another change and like the good old quaker William Penn “He loved not the crowded cities that shut out the pure air of heaven” and as civilization advanced he retreated, for so accustomed had he become to the wild huntsmans life which was in full accord with his restless nature that he seemed most happy when in the depths of the forest. And again he left his home and many friends he had won by his genial manner, warm hospitality, courtly bearing and intrinsic worth and in the Fall of 1820 he broke up his home and moved to Tuscaloosa Alabama which at that time was a wilderness, and once more he found himself in the Swamps and forests where the denizens of the forest and the wild Indians roam the wild woods at their own “Sour” will and here

P 25 he found a grave. The wandering restless spirit who had so nobly toiled for his loved ones, died and was buried in almost total obscurity – compared to that of the funeral obsequies of his Fathers Royal house in England. Tired spirit “Requiescat in pace.” His oldest brother Benjamin Franklin Spencer, after he lived in Tenn. Went to the State of what is now known as Illinois to the Salt works with his son Thomas and two daughters. Frankie and Nancy. It is not known what ever became of them. Mary Gibson Spencer married Henry Walker and did not go to Tuscaloosa, neither did Zilman her brother. Zilman Spencer oldest son of John 2nd Spencer married Hannah Stone, they had three children given them Louisa___, Eliza____, and John. He married Hannah Stone somewhere about Columbia Tennessee. About the year 1853 John Spencer, Zilman’s son was living at Clifton Tenn keeping a grain warehouse. One of his daughters married a nephew of Col Benlty (sic) of Clarksville Tenn. think it was about 1853 don’t know what became of the other daughter. Hanna died and Zilman married again, don’t know who. Zilman Spencer died somewhere near Mt Pleasant or Spring Hill Maury Co Tenn. When John Spencer left Tenn and moved to Tuscaloosa a family by the name of Moody went with him from Maury Co. Tenn; they moved in wagons and camped together and both families

P 26 Settled together in Tuscaloosa Alabama. Descendant remembers those of the Moody family Washington Evelyn (sic) and Jane. John Spencer’s son who was with them formed an attachment to Evelyn which was returned by her and after settling in Tuscaloosa young John Spencer and she were married. When John Spencer and Nancy Carr his wife moved to Tuscaloosa in 1820 they took with them Sarah, Betsy or Elizabeth, Martha or Pattie, and Rebecca or Becky (the latter was a twin to Isaac), and his two sons Benjamin Franklin, and John Spencer (who married Evelyn Moody) Ben died in Tuscaloosa of swamp fever. John Spencer and Evelyn Moody had two children a son and daughter. Henry and Sarah Jane. John became dissatisfied there and determined to change he started to Illinois to the Salt works hoping to find his Father’s brother who went there. He never reached him but died in a strange place very suddenly. He told the people who he was requesting them to write back to his relatives which they did. He left his widow and two children, who in time moved back Maury Co Tenn (sic) to Mt Pleasant where she now lives. Her daughter Sarah is living with her; she is Mrs. Sarah Dickson. Henry Spencer the son after he was a grown young man took the same fever his uncle Ben died with and died about the year 1842. Sarah Spencer married Thomas or Thompson

P 27 Windham and had three children, Mary Anne and twin boys, Adolphus Gustavus, the other died an infant the writer has forgotten his name. Mary Anne Windham married John Sanders a very wealthy planter, a man who stood high in the community where he lived. A graduate of the University of Alabama (which is in Tuscaloosa) and a member of the legislature. She also inherited much wealth from her father who was a wealthy planter. They had one child named George. All this family Sallie Spencer Windham her husband, Mary Anne Sanders and her husband have been dead many years. George is still living. He inherited great wealth from his parents which the war swept away. His home the writer thinks is in ten miles of Tuscaloosa. Adolphus Gustavus Windham married Helen Daily. Helen Daily was a very beautiful English girl, as with a light joyous heart she seemed to go dancing through life. Her parents were Roman Catholic. both died in Tuscaloosa. She had one brother William Daily who left there before the war: was said to have died soon after leaving. Adolphus and Helen had four children. Mary___ Carrie___ another daughter___ and Tommie. He is the youngest. After their parents died they were taken to Mobile and educated in the Episcopal Home school and the writer thinks they are now in Tuscaloosa. Adolphus, the father of

P28 these children when last heard from was in a hospital in New Orleans, as on the Mississippi river some steamer had been blown up and he was scalded and was taken to the hospital for care. He wrote to the writer of this history at that time and was never more heard from; he also inherited from his father large property which was swept away in the war. Rebecca Spencer married John Williams of North Carolina who was shot by a negro through the window as he sat by the bedside of John Spencer on his death bed. She had two children by this marriage. Martha Bowdon Williams, who married William Coleman Walker, and Mary Williams who married Jack Foster, think he was a minister. After Mr. Williams’ death she married James McCullough, he was a man of strong religious character a firm Presbyterian, by this marriage she had children Ann Elilza who the writer knows married a saddler by trade. Sarah Jane ____ John and Sophia. James McCullough died and the entire family moved away from Tuscaloosa. The writer thinks they moved to Mississippi; heard after they left that Sarah Jane married a Mr. Davis, a man with nine children, a relative of Jeff Davis. The writer don’t know what became of that family.

Elizabeth Spencer (Born Aug 6, 1787, died March 1894) married David Barker, her first cousin, in Columbia Tenn; they had two children Martha Slade Barker and p. 29 Nancy (Nancy Carr Dunn born Aug 8, 1810 died Oct 1834 (margin DAS)) after the birth of these two children David Barker left Columbia went first to Georgia and then to Florida where he was last heard from . don’t know what became of him. Some one told that he amassed a large fortune and died in Talahassee (sic) Florida. Betsy with her two children Martha Slade and Nancy, went to Tuscaloosa with her father. She never married again but died there as did also her daughter Nancy, who never married. Martha Slade Barker married James McCullough. This James was no relation to the McCullough who married Rebecca Spencer. He was a Roman Catholic unyielding in his religious principles. He ran away from his father’s home in Dublin Ireland on account of a difficulty with his step brother and dislike to his step mother. His fathers home was a castle with a moat and drawbridge. He ran away and embarked on a vessel that was brining over emigrants to the colonies, which vessel was captured by a privateer, one of the pirate ships that sailed on the ocean in those days. They were kept among the crew for four years and made to take part in every battle fought while on board this pirate ship, until it was captured by an American vessel and they were then carried to the colonies. James McCullough wandered around, made his home in Tuscaloosa, amassed a large fortune and died there. Among his early friends

P 30 was Matt Duffy and Tom Cummings, who came over with him in this pirate ship, they were also strong Roman Catholics. James McCullough had built the first brick store house in Tuscaloosa with a stone pavement in front. It is now standing a strong red brick building, reaching high up in the air with no (“no”?DAS) windows on one side. He also had built for his dwelling a frame building, the first ever built there. He also owned the wherry boat* that plied its way back and forth on the Black Warrior river between Tuscaloosa and North Port (Port or Part? DAS) just across the Black Warrior built almost on its banks. James McCullough owned this boat and the right of its exclusive use until the first bridge was built higher up the river. He had a log cabin built on the bank of the river and kept a faithful negro man named Lewis McCullough, who up to the time of his death, about 1855 or 1860 was the oracle of Tuscaloosa. He could tell the history of all the new settlers who moved to that country in his day and time__ all the Indian tribes that made war on its people, and at the time that John Spencer and the Moody family moved from Columbia, Tenn it was on this boat, they crossed the Black Warrior to the little village of Tuscaloosa, then called New Town where only a few scattered log cabins were built. “It was on this boat that little Martha Slade barker (Betsy Spencer’s daughter) met her destiny: The day the Spencer and Moody family crossed the river as they

*wherry boats were used to carry passengers or cargo on rivers and canals in England (DAS).

P 31 emigrated to that place a large body of Indians were camped on the river and in crossing, James McCullough was helping the crossing and Martha Barker (then a little girl of about fourteen) was much frightened at the Indians and he took charge of her and afterwards said, on that ferry boat “Cupids work on him was done.” Which proved true for very soon after James McCullough and Martha Slade Barker were married. They had three children. Elizabeth Ellen. She married Lorenzo Wilson O’Neal. died without children. Martha Ann married William Rice. She died leaving three children. Anie and Nellie, twins and Eddie a boy. Nellie married Mr Joe McGahey, now live in Tuscaloosa. Annie married a Mr. Newton Vaugh and now lives in Columbia Tenn. The youngest child “Jim” was a “bone of contention” in the McCullough family. Her father named her James and always called her Jim, and made the servants call her Jim, and with much pride, did she feel that she “Bore the honors of her father’s house” until after his death which was when she was about three years old. After his death her name was changed and the name of Sarah Carr McCullough was given, but the name she bore from childhood and on was Babe McCullough. She married Stephen Hart who lived only a few years after they were married left three children Julia___ William___ and Valleen ( or Colleen?DAS); the two latter are now living in Texas also their mother Mrs. SC Hart. James McCullough on his death bed emancipa-

P 32 -ted the negro man Lewis for his faithfulness in all the early struggles of his life but he still remained faithful and never left his masters family until they all married and scattered or died. He was the first free negro in Alabama. Nancy Spencer married Edward Eliot. They lived in Tuscaloosa had one or more children one was named Marcus Rufus. They became dissatisfied and it was thought moved to Arkansas. Don’t know what became of them. This makes the history of the Spencer race complete in Tuscaloosa where they all seemed to melt away like “Dew before the morning sun.” So all the Spencers who were buried in Tuscaloosa were John Spencer and Nancy Carr the parents of all. Betsy and her children. Sallie and her children. Ben Franklin and young Henry Spencer, (son of Evelyn Moody and John Spencer) who was on a visit there at the time of his death. Pattie or Martha, who died a young lady. All the descendants of John Spencer and Nancy Carr, who are now living in Tuscaloosa is George Sanders\grandson of Sallie Spencer and his children if he has any, and the four children of Adolphus, these four children are the grandchildren of Sallie Spencer also. Nellie Mcgahee (sic) is also living in Tuscaloosa the granddaughter’s child of Betsy Spencer. It seems as if in the providence fo God the writer of this history (whose home from childhood

P 33 has been Tuscaloosa) a grand daughter of Betsy Spencer the oldest living descendant left in Tuscaloosa has been brought among the Spencers who were left back in Tennessee, so as to make the history of the Spencers in this country complete, and while she knows nothing of John Spencer and Nancy Carr yet the genealogical descent has been traced correctly and statements made of the Spencer family can be relied on as authentic “So rest in peace ye Spencer race in Tuscaloosa until summoned to take your places in the vast crowd that will be gathered together in the morning of the resurrection.”

We will now return to Franklin Tennessee the place where we left Mary Gibson Spencer who married Henry Walker. We have already stated that her Uncle Benjamin Franklin Spencer her fathers brother went to Illinois with his three children, also that her brother Zilman married Hannah Stone, and his death. So we have now left, only, Mary Gibson Spencer, whose history when given will make the history of the Spencer race complete in America so far as the descedand (sic) and writer can do so. Mary Gibson Spencer married Henry Walker By Rev. Garner McGonnico Dec 2nd 1801 Mary Gibson was born Jan 20th 1786 in Rockingham Co, North Carolina (then a territory). Henry Walker was born in Lunenberg Co. Va Oct 10, 1775. When they were first married the moved to p. 34 (in the margin at the top, DAS): Henry Walker died March 11th, 1821at his home near Franklin Mary Gibson died Dec 18th 1852 at the same place

Davidson Co Tennessee and lived there until after the birth of their first child. They afterwards moved to near Franklin, Williamson Co. Tenn. They had twelve children John Spencer – Oct 16, 1802 Lucinda –May 1st, 1804 Elizabeth Carr – Jan 9th, 1806 Henry Jeffries – Jan 19th, 1808 Zilman Franklin – Feb 18th, 1811 Addison Harvey – Dec 23rd, 1811 William Coleman – June 15th, 1813 Nancy Lacy – Sept 4th, 1815 Susan Frances – Oct 5th, 1817 Sarah Jane – Aug 4th, 1819 Mary America – July 21st, 1821 Gideon Blackburn – June 30th, 1823 All in Williamson Co except the first. John Spencer Walker married Margaret Ellison in Davidson Co. by Rev. Garner McConnico. He died April 11th, 1844 in Williamson Co Tenn. he had five children, all dead but Mary and Lydia. Mary married Mr. George W Kittrell who now lives at Loco Maury Co Tenn: don’t know who Lydia married. Lucinda Walker married Thomas Jefferson Childress, Jan 3rd 1826 Williamson Co. , Tenn by Rev G. McConnico. She died May 5, 1866 in Lauderdale Co Tenn. They had five sons and five daughters. All now dead but Frank and four girls. Their names were Stephen, Henry, George (sic) Frank Wilie who died a prisoners in Alton Illinois. Girls. Eliza __ Susan __ Sally __ Nancy Bettie were all living in West Tenn. Elizabeth Carr Walker married John Blackburn Carson April 21, 1831 by Rev. H. Shields in Williamson County Tenn. They had four children. William Thomas Hardin __ John Henry, Ascenath, Mary Frances, only two living. They first moved from Tenn to Spring Cove Macoupin Co Illinois, after wards to Woodburn, in same co where they now live on their farm one half mile from Woodburn. Their widow daughter lives with them and her two children. William T. H> Carson married Abbie Elizabeth Colcord

P. 35 May 18 (or 19. Either the 8 is written over the 9 or vice versa. DAS). 1856 by Rev George G. Wood in Greenville, Bond Co Illinois. They had children _ Clarence Henry, Eulalia Elizabeth, Fannie Perham ___ Ella __ Willliam Black and Hattie Spencer. Mr William Carson lives in Woodburn a merchant and a man to whom his community look for legal advisement and direction. He is the Justice of the peace in Woodburn. His wife is a lovely type of a cultivated Christian lady. They are now – 1907- living in Greenville Bond Co Ill and celebrated in 1906 the 50th Anniversary of their marriage. Clarence married Carrie McKinley in Iowa they have one child. Clarence and are now living (sic) Marengo Iowa, where he is Professor of a flourishing school. Eula is still at home. Fannie died in 1905. Ella died before she was five years old. William married Louis Seawell – Oct 14, 1910 - in Greenville, Bond Co Ill they have one child Mildred where they are now – 1908 – living. Hattie Spencer is a musician and is still at home. Married June 24, 1913 W.S. Bass Wilton, Maine. Mary Frances Carson married Restores C. Smalley Nov. 16, 1865 near Woodburn by Rev. Gideon Black have two living children. Mr Smalley was a Christian gentleman and brilliant lawyer. He lived only ten years of married life and died Nov 8 1875 – aged 37 years – in Carlinville Illinois. The children, William Restores born July 4, 1868 and Frances Elizabeth Born Sept 28, 1875 are living in Woodburn (1907). William married Rosa E Hallows April 25, 1894 near Woodburn by Rev Scawthorn. they have five children Agnes Esther – John Rolland – Helen Frances (twins) Hazel Marie, and Marjorie Alveta. He is a carpenter by trade.

Frances Elizabeth and her mother are now (1907) living in Woodburn. She is a school teacher. p. 36 Henry Jeffries Walker married Elizabeth Owen by J King Dec 25, 1833 in Franklin Tenn. They had six children, two sons and four daughters. Mary Spencer, Jane Hightower, Elizabeth Roland, Annie Carr, Henry Jeffries and Nathan Owen. All are dead but three. Mary Spencer married Mr. Book. She now lives in Nashville ten, a widow with three children, a very interesting little family. Annie Carr married Mr. Richard Fain, they have four children, also a very interesting family. They also live in Nashville. Mr Owen Walker married Miss Maggie Jordan. She died leaving a little daughter Annie Zetella. He is married again and now (1907) lives near Franklin Tenn at his father’s homestead. Elizabeth Roland married Mr. Gilliam. She died leaving two little girls. He now lives in Nashville. James Hightower never married. Henry Jeffries never married, died in the army during the civil war. Zilman Franklin Walker never married. His health was bad, he started to the Florida war was gone about two weeks and returned home on account of sickness. After that he started to the Mexican war was taken sick on the Gulf died after a short illness and was buried in the Gulf of Mexico. Born Feb 18, 1810, died Nov 10, 1847 aged about 37 years. Addison Henry Walker married Miss Jane Caruthers. (sister to Mrs Martha Jordan) Dec 22nd, 1836 by Rev J Cox in p. 37 Williamson Co Tenn. She died leaving children, one daughter is living now, Mary. Addison is now living. William Coleman Walker married Martha Bowden Williams near Tuscaloosa Ala. at the home of Sallie Spencer, his aunt, about five miles from Tuscaloosa. Martha died leaving one child, Henry Bowdon Walker. They were married by Dr. Basil Manly, Sr. July 26, 1842. He removed to Tenn of the death of his wife and died August 21st 1855, or 1857. Henry was raised by his Aunt Sara J Walker, to whom he was devotedly attached. He grew up to be a noble young man, joined the Confederate army and died during the war. We will here mention one thing in regard to his person. He was called “foot” Walker in the army because of his large foot. We mention this because it is known that a royal Spencer was known traced and killed by tracing his large foot prints which disclosed his whereabouts. He was also known by his large foot. Nancy Lacy Walker never married, died may 11, 1832. Susan Frances married Amos Rounceville Aug 15, 1833 in Williamson Co. Tenn by Esq Shanon, moved to Texas. Remember our child named James King the oldest son; heard he was dead, also heard Susan died in 1866 in Texas. Suppose the descendants of this family now live in Texas. Gideon B. Walker youngest child died June 21st 1829 six years old. Mary America married Mr. Lewes C Waggoner Aug. 29, 1839 in Williamson Co Tenn by J. Cox: lived a married life about twenty years. Died Feb 20, 1859 in Franklin. After p. 38 her death, Lewis Waggoner married her sister Sarah Jane Walker March 4, 1862 in Williamson Co. He was a man of rare attainments – a fine orator and a gentle man of courtly bearing, served in the Florida war with distinction and with his wife is now living in Fernvale Williamson Co Tenn. His wife Sarah J Walker, daughter of Mary Gibson Spencer Walker, has yet in her possession, the trunk of her grandmother Nancy Carr, also a looking glass, which Nancy Carr’s mother brought with her from Scotland. The trunk has the name of the place in which it was made in Scotland printed on the inside. These two family relics are highly prized by the Spencer descendants and as the family legend claims that all the descendants who look in this glass will have “good luck.” all have looked! but the writer and “she wishes she could”. This brings the history of the Spencers to a close in america so far as the descendant knows. Each family of the Spencers have been divided off and assigned their place in the homes to which they have and do belong. The family of Thomas Spencer who remained in North Carolina has never been heard from. Neither has Benjamin Franklin Spencer who went to Illinois. Where the young Spencer who came from England is buried the descendants here do not know. But we know that his warm genial, generous, disposition, his honorable upright p 39 dealings with his fellow man; his strong unflinching will, in a cause which he felt to be just and right, has been inherited to the latest generation now living. And who but God alone can draw correctly the dividing line of intrinsic worth between the long royal line of Spencers of America who without the aid or support of all such surroundings have filled the places assigned to them in the wisdom and providence of God, with honor and integrity leaving to their descendants a land of religious freedom where all can worship God in peace and security, “Under his own vine and fig tree”. Let this dividing line be drawn by Him who can alone do so just and right. Spencers of England – Spencers of America. “Requiescat in pace”.

“Gigantic Caerphilly Castle.” In closing this History, it is thought best to give a brief sketch of the noble and grand old Castle of Caerphilly, once owned and governed by its lordly race the Spencers of England and their relatives, who were over a thousand in number. Gigantic Caerphilly a fortress great in ruins _ There is not in the British Islands one to equal this in its rugged sublimity – of aspect in its fastness of extent, in the majesty of the solemn towers and the various confusion

P 40 of its assembled shapes of decay. This Castle stands on the debatable ground between England and Wales, known in the troublous old times as the Marches. Caerphilly Castle was founded by John De Brause, one of the most powerful of the Norman Rulers, early in the thirteenth century, and here he dwelt with his retainers and his lovely wife, daughter of the fiercest of all Welch princes, Lewellyn Apiorwerth, King Johns son –in law. After him cam Ralph Mortimer and after him the Spencers, who with their prodigious wealth strengthened and enlarged it and held it long against all comers. The spencers stood a terrific siege from the part whom they called Isabel the she wolf of France and her minion Mortimer while they had King Edward 2nd hid within its walls. He escaped in a peasants disguise and some twenty miles from the castle hired himself out as a cow-herder, from which position he was dismissed, as being an ignorant aakward (sic) fellow. At the coronation of Edward 3rd the Spencers had to give up Caerphilly to that king in return for the poor privilege of life and limb and a remnant of his estate. The Marquis of Bute is the present owner, and there is every probability that Caerphilly Castle will remain untenanted for evermore. The line which separated England from Wales is but a shadowy one. The traveler passing from one part of Queendom to another, would observe nothing in the aspect of people or country to indicate p 41 where England ceases and Wales begins. The geographical fact is that the line between England and Wales runs from a point on the Bristol Channel a mile or two north of the Cardiff to a point on St. Georges Channel just below Liverpool; but the custom of the country is to include Monmouthshire and Herfordshire (sic) in the (illegible.. possibly “term”) South Wales. The Welsh people now are quite as loyal to the British crown as are the English and the English language is commonly spoken in all parts of Wales. No Welsh is heard in the streets of Cardiff.