Bios: Spencer Family, Indiana Co, PA SUBJECT: SPENCER Family SUBMITTER: E.K. Warner EMAIL: wgene@twd.net DATE: Sep 11, 1999 PASSWORD> SURNAMES: Ansley, Briddle, Davis, Kirk, Lewis, Lininger, McKnight, Montgomery, Moore, Niel, Pierce, Spencer, Stamp, Wilson, Work --------------------------------------------------------------------- From Stephenson's ;Indiana County 175th. Anniversary History; Published 1978 Transcribed by: E.K. Warner (wgene@twd.net) Nov. 11, 1999 USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- CAPT. PETER C. SPENCER, a retired farmer and veteran of the Civil war, residing on his farm in South Mahoning township, two miles east of Plumville, was born in that township March 24, 1840. Zachariah Spencer, a native of the New England States, founded the family in South Mahoning township, to which section he came in pioneer days, settling on 100 acres of farm land, near the township line between that and Washington township. At that time the land was densely covered with timber, and he settled in the woods and erected a log cabin, in which the family lived until better accommodations could be provided. A log barn sheltered the stock, and rails were split from the timber, to outline the fields as he developed his land. He died firm in the faith of the Methodist Church, and was buried in the little cemetery in South Mahoning township. Politically he was a Whig, but never sought public office.. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Briddle, bore him the following children : Andrew; Elizabeth, who was better known as Betsy; William, who died in Canoe township; John, who died in South Mahoning township; Sarah, who married John Lewis, of,Rayne township; Daniel, who died in Banks township; George, who died in Canoe township; Rachel, who married Samuel Stamp, of Banks township; Israel, who lives in Missouri; and Nancy, who died unmarried. Andrew Spencer, a son of Zachariah Spencer, was born Aug. 2, 1801, in Huntingdon, Pa., and came with his parents to South Mahoning township, where he grew to manhood amid strictly pioneer conditions. His educational training was obtained in the subscription schools and at the same time he assisted his father with the work of clearing and developing the farm. After attaining manhood's estate he settled on a farm of 106 acres in South Mahoning township, in the Flat school district. On this property he erected a frame house and barn and carried on general farming with marked success. He also engaged in stock raising, but his multiple duties wore upon him, and he died while still in middle life, Nov. 23, 1856, and is buried by the side of his father. The Methodist Church held his membership, and he was in favor of the principles of the newly organized Republican party when he died. On Sept. 16, 1824, Andrew Spencer married Margaret Pierce, born April 20, 1802, who died in Jefferson county, Pa., and her remains were laid to rest in the private burial ground of the Pierce family. She belonged to the United Presbyterian Church. The children born to Andrew Spencer and wife were: Mary, born July 19, 1825, married Jesse Spencer, of South Mahoning township; Nancy, born March 27, 1827, married Jehu Montgomery; Margaret, born Jan. 30, 1829, married Edward Pierce; Sarah Harris, born March 14, 1831, married James Niel, of Banks township; Rebecca, born May 2, 1833, married Ephraim Pierce, of Jefferson county, Pa.; Elizabeth, born July 28, 1835, married Aaron Work, of North .Mahoning township; Julianna, born Oct. 2, 1837, married Arr Niel, and is now a widow, of Punxsutawney, Pa.; Peter C. was born March 24, 1840; Sophia, born Aug. 8, 1842, died unmarried; one child was stillborn Jan. 5, 1846; John Miles, born Dec. 11, 1848, is deceased. Capt. Peter C. Spencer was educated in the local schools of his neighborhood, and worked for his father on the farm until his enlistment for service early during the Civil war, being enrolled as a member of Company F, 105th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in September, 1861, as a private under Capt. Robert Kirk, of Clearfield, Pa., and Colonel McKnight. The regiment was attached to the Army of the Potomac and participated in many hard-fought battles of the war. Captain Spencer was wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks, May 31,1862, in his right thigh, and was forced to spend six months in the hospital on David’s Island, N. Y. He was discharged in November, 1862, and returned home. However, his patriotic spirit could not rest content, and he reenlisted in 1863 in Company A, 1st Battalion, under Capt. J. J. Moore, of Marion Center, Lieutenant Colonel Lininger commanding. He was made first corporal, and for six mouths was stationed in West Virginia, and was then discharged. Once more he enlisted, this time in Company B, 7th Battalion, under Capt. John G. Wilson, and was promoted to be captain of his company to succeed Captain Wilson, continuing in command until the close of hostilities. His long period of service was marked by three enlistments and earnest, faithful work that met its just reward in his promotion. Returning home, Captain Spencer resumed his agricultural operations, living upon his farm of 106 acres until 1904, during which time he carried on general farming and stock raising. In that year he sold, and bought his present farm of twenty-five acres, where he and his wife now reside. He spent seven years at Punxsutawney., Pa., but aside from that has been a farmer all his life. Captain Spencer belongs to Capt. Ed. Little Post, G. A. R., of Punxsutawney, Pa., while the Methodist Church holds his religious membership. In 1866 Captain Spencer was united in marriage with Sarah Ann Davis, of South Mahoning township, a daughter of William Thompson and Elizabeth (Ansley) Davis. Mrs. Spencer is a most excellent woman, consistent in her religious belief, a devout member of the Baptist Church. Charitable, a good neighbor and kind friend, she has many warm personal friends in the township. For many years Captain Spencer has been a Republican, and served ably as supervisor of the township for four years, for one year of which period he was secretary of the board. He was one of the strong supporters of Colonel Roosevelt, and finds in that remarkable man his model as an ideal citizen and worthy leader. Captain Spencer has passed through many changes. He has seen the country in the throes of civil conflict, and helped to bring about peaceful conditions again. Passing through the years of prosperity, he took an enthusiastic interest in the Spanish-American war, and now views with apprehension the threatening cloud of class distinction troubles upon the horizon of public welfare. However, as he has seen other difficulties disappear because of the real patriotism of the true Americans, he hopes for the best, and knows that he has borne nobly his own part in conquering the enemies of right living in both war and peace. ----------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free genealogical information on the Internet, data may be freely used for personal research and by non-commercial entities as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format or presentation by other organizations or persons. 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