Ens. Gerard ‘Jared’ Spencer, (II)

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/33379073/gerard-spencer

Wikitree: Gerard Spencer (bef. 1614 –bef. 1685)
Note 1: The timeline produced is helpful. Click the link to read details.
Note 2: Where Wikitree presently fails, to some degree, is accepting birthplaces for some children occurring in Connecticut before the family removed from Lynn. Tertiary sources and Find A Grave are at the root of such errors at Wikitree and on Geni.
Note 3: All children born before Nathaniel probably were born in Lynn, MA, though there are no extant birth records for them.
Note 4: The earliest family record in Hartford is for the birth of Nathaniel on 21 Dec 1658. — Connecticut, U.S., Town Birth Records, pre-1870 (Barbour Collection): Hartford Vital Records 1635-1855. Available at: Ancestry.com.

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Robert Charles Anderson's Suggested Birth Order of Children
The Great Migration: Immigrants to New England, 1634-1635, Vol. 6, R-S. Ancestry.com, pp. 423-425. (document attached).
i. JOHN SPENCER, b. say 1638.
ii. MEHITABEL SPENCER, b. say 1640.
iii. MARAH SPENCER, b. say 1642.
iv. HANNAH SPENCER, b. say 1644.
v. SARAH SPENCER, b. say 1646.
vi. THOMAS SPENCER, b. say 1648.
vii. SAMUEL SPENCER, b. say 1650.
viii. TIMOTHY SPENCER, b. say 1652.
ix. RUTH SPENCER, b. about 1654.
x. WILLIAM SPENCER, b. say 1656.
xi. NATHANIEL SPENCER, b. say 1658.
xii. REBECCA SPENCER, b. say 1660.
Page p. 248.— “Nathaniel Goodwin, the first to publish a compiled account of this family, did not include Sarah and Elizabeth in the list of children [Goodwin Notes 197]. Jacobus pointed out the document that demonstrated that Sarah, wife of Stephen Backus, was a daughter of this immigrant [TAG 27:164]. The earliest known reference to a daughter Elizabeth, who married John Stannard, was published in 1907, without supporting evidence, by William Henry Spencer [Spencer Family Record (New York 1907), 21]. Most later treatments of the family include this daughter, also without evidence, and so we do not include her in the list of children above [Dawes-Gates 2:775; TAG 27:165; McCormick-Hamilton 909]; the birth-order chronology is crowded enough with twelve children.”

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"Gerard (1) Spencer (1614-1685) along with his older brothers, William (1601-1640), Thomas (1607-1687), and Michael (1611-1653) were among the very first settlers in New England under the auspices of the Massachusetts Bay Company. Their sister, Elizabeth Spencer, also was a pioneer as the wife of Timothy Tomlins. Almost certainly all were among the first passengers of the Winthrop Fleet when the first contingent of eleven ships reached New England in 1630." [Jack T. & Edith W. Spencer, Gerard Spencer, A Pioneer of Cambridge, Lynn & Haddam; Connecticut Nutmegger, Sept 1997, pgs 188-614, as cited in http://ketchum.bobaddleman.com/spencer_family.html]

"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.

Links

• http://bobaddleman.com/ketchum/spencer_family.html#Gerard%201614

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• Founders and Patriots of America Index By National Society of Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America
• Pg.206
• http://books.google.com/books?id=7dGPyld17G4C&pg=PA206&lpg=PA206&dq...
• Gerard (Jared) Spencer (bpt. Apr. 25, 1614-Sept. 3, 1685) married 1st 1637 Hannah Pratt; p. 1677 2nd Rebecca (Porter) Clark CONN.
• _____________________
• Our New England ancestors and their descendants, 1620-1900: historical ... By Henry Whittemore
• http://archive.org/details/ournewenglandanc00whit
  • Spencer and Allied Families
• Pg. 49-84
• http://archive.org/stream/ournewenglandanc00whit#page/104/mode/1up
• Pg. 53
• Prof. Ray T. Spencer while making researches in his own line, discovered among the church records of St. George's Parish, Stotfold, Bedfordshire, England. much interesting data, concerning the line of Gerrard Spencer, the father of William, Thomas, Michael and Gerrard the emigrants, from which it appears that the above named Gerrard was the son of Michael who also had a brother Gerrard, and they were the sons of John. Thus three generations preceding the emigrants are definitely established. The church records of St. George's Parish, above referred to, show that "June 9, 1558, John Spencer, Sen., was buried."
• There is evidence to show that this John was the father of Michael and of the first Gerrard mentioned.
  • FROM NOTES OF GEO. T. SPENCER.
• The ancestry of Gerard Spencer and his brothers William, Thomas and Michael Spencer, appears from the parish registers of Edworth and Stotfield in Bedfordshire, Eng., and other contemporaneous documents.
• Jan. 25, 1555, Michael Spencer and Annis Liuur were married (the last name of Annis is so poorly written in the record that is cannot be definitely determined.)
• April 20, 1557, John, son of Michael Spencer baptized.
• May 27, 1558, was baptized Michael, son of Michael Spencer.
• April 15, 1560, buried Michael, son of Michael Spencer.
• 23 Feb. 1561, Annis, the wife of Michael Spencer, was buried.
• 20 Aug., 1564, Joan, the daughter of Michael Spencer, was baptized.
• 30 Aug., 1566, Alice, daughter of Michael Spencer, was baptized. }Twins.
• 30 Aug., 1566, Michael Spencer, was baptized,} Twins
• 24 July, 156?, Ann, daughter of Michael Spencer baptized.
• 30 July, 1568, Jarratt Spencer and Ellen Whitson were married, whose will was proved at London, 20 May, 1577; he was brother of Michael the elder.
• http://archive.org/stream/ournewenglandanc00whit#page/106/mode/1up
• Pg. 54
• 12 March, 1571, Thomas, son of Michael Spencer was baptized.
• 20 May, 1576, Gerat Spencer, son of Michael Spencer, and Elizabeth his wife, baptized.
• 9 July, 1580, Richard, son of Michael and Elizabeth Spencer, baptized.
• 18 Nov., 1599, Elizabeth, wife of Michael Spencer, was buried.
• It is quite probable that Michael Spencer of Edworth, and Gerrard Spencer of Biggleswade, were sons of John Spencer, Senior, and Ann Spencer who burials are recorded in Edworth register, the former June 9, 1558, and the later June 16, 1569: Nothing more is known of them than what is disclosed by these records .... etc.
• http://archive.org/stream/ournewenglandanc00whit#page/108/mode/1up
• Pg.55
• Richard Spencer, gent, 17 March, 1645, with a codicil bearing date 20 May, 1646, proved 8 June, 1646. To Thomas Spencer, son of my brother, Thomas Spencer, all my copyhold lands and tenements by me purchased of the creditors of Walter Maiston, situate in Kingsbury street, near St. Albans, in the county of Hertford, in the parish of St. Michael. To Daniel Spencer, of London, grocer, son of my brother John Spencer, deceased, all of those eight messuages or tenements, etc . lately by me purchased of John Gearing, grocer, * * * * To Sarah Bland and Hannah Bland, daughter of my sister Katharine Bland, deceased, and to Elizabeth Tomlyns, widow, daughter of my brother, Jerrard Spence, deceased, my messauges or tenements * * * * To the said Daniel Spencer all my land and tenements in the counties of Kent and Essex, he to pay unto Anthony Spencer and Jarrard Spencer, sons, of my brother Thomas Spencer, deceased, and unto two children of Margaret Spencer, deceased, now in or near London, and at the desposing of Elizabeth Carter, their aunt, the sum of thirty pounds yearly,
• http://archive.org/stream/ournewenglandanc00whit#page/110/mode/1up
• Pg.56
• during their natural lives * * * * and ten pounds per annum to the said two children, and ten pounds per annum to the said two children, and ten pounds apiece to the said Anthony Spencer and Jerrard Spencer, to be paid unto them and to their guardians by half yearly payments, as the rent of said lands and tenements shall grow to after my decease.
• "Item. I give and bequeath unto Jerrard Spencer, Thomas Spencer and Michael Spencer, sons of my brother, Jarrard Spencer, deceased, the sum of fifty pounds apiece, and unto the children of William Spencer, son of my brother, Jarrard Spencer, deceased, to he diviided equally hetween them the sum of fifty pounds, to he paid unto their guardians, and within two years next after my decease."
• All of these brothers above mentioned were living in New England at the time of their uncle's death.
• http://archive.org/stream/ournewenglandanc00whit#page/112/mode/1up
• Pg.57
• Gerrard or Jerrard Spencer, the founder of the Haddam and Saybrook, Connecticut families of this name, born in Stotfold, England, bap. April 28, 1614, was the son of Gerrard Spencer and nephew of Sir Richard. He came to New England in 1632, and was admitted March 9, 1637, a freeman of the Massachusetts Bay Colony March 9, 1637. He was a resident of Cambridge 1634, and owned land on the south side of the river. He removed to Lynn, and at
• "A .... etc. ... In June, 1656, he was chosen Ensign of the train band of Lynn, and in 1659 Grand Juror. He was in Connecticut the following year, as Simon Lobdell sued him and his daughter Hannah for damages because she refused to marry Lobdell.
• He was probably in Hartford for a short time. In .... He died in 1685, his will bearing date two years earlier.
  • The Last Will and Testament of Jarrard Spencer, of Haddam.
• "In the first place it is my will that all my lawful debts shall be payd concerning my estate that God hath left me. It is my will that my sons have after tbe rate of twenty and my daughters fifteen. I give unto my son William that land which I bought of Stephen Laxford's estate ; how I came by it the Court Records will show, I give unto my son William the third part of forty-eight acres, be it more or less, lying by that which is commonly called Mills his brook ; likewise I give unto my son William an acre of swamp mowing land adjoining to my house meadow lot, which particulars mentioned shall be all his part of my estate.
• I give to my son Nathaniel, and to his heirs, my now dwelling house in the lot with an addition lying by the side of it, granted by the committee : likewise I give my son Nathaniel one-third part of that lot formerly mentioned lying by Wells his brook, likewise I give unto my son Nathaniel an acre of swamp lying at the end of my meadow lott, and joining to his brother William formerly given ; likewise I give unto my son Nathaniel forty acres, which is a third part of six score acres, and this is to be his portion.
• "I give unto my daughter Rebecca that house lot I bought of Thomas Smith ; likewise I
• http://archive.org/stream/ournewenglandanc00whit#page/114/mode/1up
• Pg.58
• give unto my daughter Rebecca one-third part of that lott by Wells his brook, and this is to be her portion if she will accept it; if not to take what falls to her in the distribution.
• I give unto my son Thomas forty acres on Matchamoodus side, being part of that lot whereof his brother Nathaniel hath a share. I give unto my son Thomas his son, Jarrard Spencer, my rapier.
• "I give unto my son Timothy Spencer the remaynder of that six acre lot whereof his two brothers had their shares before, which six acres are those my sons shall choose. The other six acre-lot I dispose of as followeth, to Grace Spencer, the daughter of my son John Spencer, forty acres; to Alice Brooke, the daughter of my daughter Brooke, forty acres; to Grace Spencer, the dauughter of my son Samuel Spencer. I give the other forty acres. I give unto Jarrard Cone, the son of my daughter Cone, my carbine. A pewter flagon and rim bayson I give unto the chuch at Haddam, if there be one within five years after the date hereof. It is my will that my son John, 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 portion to my children that my daughter Ruth Clark's portion shall be fifteen pounds, which was my covenant with her father at her marriage, which fifteen pounds she hath received some part of it as my books will testify. One thing I forgot : one feather bed which I give to my son Nathaniel.
• Dated Sept. 17, 1683. JERRARD SPENCER.
• .... etc.
• The children of Gerrard Spencer and Hannah, his wife, were
  • I. John, born at Lynn, Mass., 1638; died Aug. 3, 1682.
  • II. Hannah, born 1640; married Daniel Brainerd.
  • III. Alice, born 1641; married, 1st Thomas Brooks, 2nd Thomas Shailer.
  • IV. Mehitable, born 1642; married Daniel Cone.
  • V. Thomas, married Elizabeth Bates; removed to Westbrook before 1679.
  • VI. Samuel.
  • VII. William.
  • VIII. Nathaniel.
  • IX. Rebecca, married 1st John Kennard, of Haddam, about 1692; he died Feb. 1689; she married 2nd John Tanner, of Lyme, Conn.
  • X. Ruth, married Joseph Clark
  • XI. Timothy.
• ______________________________
• Gerard Spencer
• M, b. 16 April 1614, d. 20 June 1685
• Father Gerard Spencer b. 20 May 1576, d. b May 1646
• Mother Alice Whitbread b. 7 Oct 1571, d. 20 Nov 1628
• Gerard Spencer was born on 16 April 1614 at Stotfold, Bedfordshire, England. He married Hannah Hills on 17 December 1636 at Lynn, Essex, MA. Gerard Spencer married Rebecca Porter, daughter of John Porter and Anna/Rosanna White, after 1677 at Haddam, Middlesex, CT. Gerard Spencer died on 20 June 1685 at Haddam, Middlesex, CT, at age 71.
• Family 1 Hannah Hills b. c 1618, d. 22 Oct 1692
• Child
  • Sarah Spencer+ b. 27 Jul 1644, d. b 16 Apr 1700
• Family 2 Rebecca Porter d. 9 Jan 1682/83
• From: http://our-royal-titled-noble-and-commoner-ancestors.com/p1338.htm#...
• _________________
• Families of Early Hartford, Connecticut By Lucius Barnes Barbour
• http://books.google.com/books?id=WJ_XiLoXvLkC&pg=PA558&lpg=PA558&dq...
• Pg.555
• Gerald Spencer s of Michael & Elizabeth bp May 26, 1575
• Pg. 556
• (Eng) mar Alice.
• children:
  • William bp Oct 11, 1601 m. Agnes
  • Thomas bp Mch 29, 1607 m/1 ( ) m/2 Sarah Bearding
  • Michael bp May 5, 1611
  • Gerald bp Apl 25, 1614 m. Hannah
• William Spencer s of Gerald & Alice bp Oct 11, 1601 (Eng) died 1640 mar Agnes who m William Edwards. Early member 1 ch. Name on Founders Mounument. children:
  • Sarah b. 1636 m. John Case
• _____________________________________
• New England families, genealogical and memorial; a record of the achievements of her people in the making of commonwealths and the founding of a nation; (1914) Volume 3 edited by William Richard Cutter
• http://archive.org/details/newenglandfamil01cuttgoog
• http://archive.org/stream/newenglandfamil01cuttgoog#page/n298/mode/1up
  • Spencer Pg. 1332 - 1334
• Pg. 1332
• Four brother named Spencer were living in New England in 1648, namely - Michael, Jared, Thomas and William. they were legatees of Sir Richard Spencer, of London, England, evidently their uncle. Michael settled first in Cambridge, then in Lynn, and owned land also on the Connecticut river. William settled in Cambridge and then went to Hartford, Connecticut. Thomas lived in Cambridge and Hartford.
• '(I) Ensign Jared Spencer, son of Gerrard or Jerrard Spencer, was born in Stotfold, England, and baptized April 28, 1614. He came to New England in 1632 and was made a freeman of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, . . . . . He died in 1685. His will was dated September 17, 1683, and proved in 1685. He married Hannah ___, Children: John, born at Lynn in 1638; Hannah, 1640; Alice, 1641; Mehitable, 1642; Thomas, about 1650,; Samuel, mentioned below; William; Nathaniel; Rebecca, married (first) John Kennard, and (second) John Tanner; Ruth, married Joseph Clark; Timothy.
• (II) Samuel, son of Ensign Jared Spencer, died August 7, 1705. He married (first) 1673, Hannah Blachford, or Blachfield, widow of Peter Blachford, or Blachfield, of Haddm, formerly of New London, who died September 1, 1671, aged forty-six. She was also widow of Thomas Hungerford, of New London, and daughter of Isaac Willey, of New London. She died about 1681. The child of Thomas and Hannah Hungerford was Hannah, born May 1, 1659, married a Mr. Ross (Rose). The children of Peter and Hannah Blatchfield were: Joanna, born 1667, at New London, Peter, 1669, at New London, and Mary 1671, at Haddam. Samuel Spencer married (second) 1689, Miriam Willey, widow of John Willey, of Haddam, formerly of New London, and daughter of Miles Moore, of New London. . . . . .
• ---------------------------------------------------
• Commemorative biographical record of Hartford County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families (1901) Vol. Part 1
• http://archive.org/details/commemorativebio15jhbe
• http://archive.org/stream/commemorativebio15jhbe#page/157/mode/1up
• Pg. 157
• SHAYLER FAMILY. (I) Thomas Shayler in 1673 married Alice, widow of Thomas Brooks, and daughter of Gerard Spencer, of Haddam. ....
• http://archive.org/stream/commemorativebio15jhbe#page/348/mode/1up
• Daniel Brainerd, who about 1648, at the age of eight years, was brought by the Wyllys family from England to Hartford, Conn., and was there reared to manhood. He spent most of his life in Haddam, Conn., where he settled about 1552. He married Hannah Spencer, daughter of Gerrard Spencer of Lynn, Massachusetts. Pg. 348
• __________________________
• Commemorative biographical record of Hartford County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families (1901) Volume Part 2
• http://archive.org/details/commemorativebio12jhbe
• http://archive.org/stream/commemorativebio12jhbe#page/1050/mode/1up
• Pg. 1050
• HENRY STANNARD BRAINARD, ....
• .... Daniel Brainard ....
• http://archive.org/stream/commemorativebio12jhbe#page/1051/mode/1up
• Pg. 1051
• m1. Hannah Spencer, dau. of Gerrard Spencer of Lynn, Mass., m2. Mrs Hannah Sexton a widow
• http://archive.org/stream/commemorativebio12jhbe#page/1110/mode/1up
• Pg. 1110
• MRS. HARRIET ARABELLA (SPENCER) FULLER ....
• The Spencer family is descended from (I) Michael Spencer and his wife Elizabeth, ....
• (II) Jerad Spencer, son of Michael, was born in the parish of Stratford, where he was baptized May 20, 1576. he married Alice __, and had five sons, all of whom came to America. Thomas settled in Hartford; John returned to his native country; William located in Hartford; Jerad in Haddam, Conn.; Michael in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
• (III) Thomas Spencer, known as Sergeant Thomas, was the progenitor of the Suffield branch. He was born march 27, 1607, at the old home in Bedfordshire, England, and on coming to America with his four brothers located first at Cambridge, Mass., in 1632. In 1635 he removed to Hartford with Rev. Thomas Hooker's company, being among the first settlers in that town. he served in the Pequot war in 1637, being promoted to the rank of sergeant, and later he received a grant of sixty acres of land for his good service. By his first wife, he had three children: Adaiah, Thomas and Samuel. By the second there were six children, viz.: Jerad; Sarah, who married Thomas Huxley; Elizabeth, who married Samuel Andrews, of Hartford; Hannah; Mary; and Martha, who married a Mr. Benton.
• ___________________________
• In America many Spencers have been traced back genetically to four Spencer brothers: William Spencer 1601–1640, Thomas Spencer 1607–1687, Michael Spencer 1611–1653, and Gerard Spencer 1614–1685.[55][56]
• From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spencer_(surname)
• ____________________
• HILLS, Hannah
• b. ABT 1618 England
• d. 22 OCT 1692 Haddam Neck, Middlesex, CT.
• Family:
• Marriage: 17 DEC 1636 Lynn, Essex, Mass.
• Spouse: SPENCER, Jared
• b. ABT APR 1614 England
• d. 23 JUN 1685 Haddam, Middlesex, CT.
• Children:
  • SPENCER, John
  • SPENCER, Mehitable
  • SPENCER, Hannah
  • SPENCER, Alice
  • SPENCER, Sarah
  • SPENCER, Samuel
  • SPENCER, Elizabeth
  • SPENCER, Thomas
  • SPENCER, Timothy
  • SPENCER, Ruth
  • SPENCER, William
  • SPENCER, Nathaniel
  • SPENCER, Rebecca
• From: http://www.genealogyofnewengland.com/f_9c.htm#93
• ___________________
• New England marriages prior to 1700 By Clarence Almon Torrey, Elizabeth Petty Bentley Pg.695
• http://books.google.com/books?id=mOgK8dM9qqUC&pg=PA695&lpg=PA695&dq...
• __________________

Mahitable was the fourth daughter of Jared and Alice Spencer, then of Hartford, CT. Jared Spencer settled at Newtown (now Cambridge), MASS, in 1634; removed to Lynn, MASS. in 1637, to Hartford, CT, in 1660 or before, and to Haddam, CONN., in 1662, being one of the founders of the new town. Mahitable was born in 1642, at Lynn, and died in Haddam, 1691. Daniel Cone married in 1692 Rebecca, widow of Richard Walkley, of Haddam, CT until 1680.

• ____________________

Ensign Gerard Spencer

ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF HADDAM, CT (1632)

ENSIGN GARRARD AND HANNAH SPENCER.

Ensign Garrard Spencer was baptized April '25, 1614, and died in 1685. He was the youngest of four brothers who came to New England about 1634, leaving one brother in England. His name is found in various early records and histories, and affords a striking example of the Puritan indifference to uniformity of spelling." It is written Jarad, Gerard, Jarrett, Jarrard, Garrird, Garade, Jerat, Garrett, Gerrird, Jarrad, and the signature to his will, supposed to have been written by himself, is "Garrard Spencer. He was a resident of Cambridge (Newtown) in 1634, removed to Lynn in 1637 and was admitted freeman of Massachusetts Bay the same year. In 1638 a committee appointed by the town of Lynn to divide the lands, completed their work and a book was provided, in which the names of the proprietors, and the number of acres allotted to each was recorded. That book is lost, but a copy of the first three pages has been preserved at Salem. On page 1 is "Jarrett Spencer, 30 acres." In 1639 the court granted him "The fferry at Linn for two yeares, taking 2d. for a single person to the furthest place, and but Id. a person, for more to the furthest place, and but Id. for a single person, to the nearest place." On the records of Salem Court it is stated that Jarrard Spencer was a witness, May 27, 1643, in Essex Co. Court, Mass. "9th month 1654, the administration of the estate of Michael Spencer is granted Gerard Spencer of Linn and he is to bring an inventory to the next court." In the settlement, "the court took into consideration a child of the s'd Michael put unto him to bring up until he be 21 years old, wh child by name is Michael Spencer of about 6 years old." In June, 1656, Jerard Spencer was chosen Ensign of the trainband of Lynn, and in 1659 he was a grand juror for Lynn. In 1660 he was planning to live in Hartford, as appears by the following vote of that town : "June 14, 1660, At ye same towne meeting, ye towne by their vote, gave Gerard Spencer liberty to dwell among us, as an inhabitant with us at Hartford. The same year, he with others, purposed to make a settlement on the Great River at the place now called Haddam ; but it was not till 1662 that the purchase of Indian lands was completed and the deed signed. On the map of the town plot of Haddam, compiled by Richard M. Bayles, and published in the "History of Middlesex County, Connecticut" Garrard Spencer's home- lot has on one side the lot laid out for a Parsonage forever and on the other side the home-lot of Thomas Smith. Passing three lots from Garrard Spencer's we come to that of Daniel Cone. Garrard Spencer was one of a committee, appointed Feb. 27, 1668, to settle the boundary between Haddam and Saybrook. Most of those who have borne the name of Spencer, in Haddam and East Haddam, have been descendants of Garrard Spencer and his wife Hannah, who were among the first settlers of Haddam in 1662.

From Conn. Col. records: "Sept. 14, 1675. At a meeting of the Council at Hartford, present, William Leete, Esq., Deputy Governor; Major John Talcott, Mr. Henry Wolcott, Capt. John Allyn, Major Robert Treat, Capt. Benjamin New- berry, Mr. John Wadsworth—The inhabitants of Haddam have presented Jarrad Spencer for an Ensigne for their Trayn Band, affirming him to be lawfully chosen, the Council doe accordingly commissionate him to be their Ensigne, and to command according to la we. He was Deputy from Haddam to the General Court, Oct. 167-4, July 1675, May 1678, Oct. 1678, May and Oct. 1683.

CHILDREN OF ENSIGN GARRARD AND HANNAH SPENCRR.

1. John—-born in 1638 at Lynn, died August 3, 1682, at Haddam. He married Rebecca, daughter of Robert Howard, of Windsor. She was born Aug. 17, 1648, and died Aug. 17, 1684. They had five children.

2. Hannah—born in 1640, married, in 1665, Daniel Brainard. They had eight children. They were grandparents of David Brainard, the celebrated missionary to the Indians, and ancestors of the Brainards of this country. He was brought from England to Hartford, Conn., when he was eight years old, where he lived in the Wyllys family till he was of age. He settled in Haddam in 1662. She died before 1700. He re-married twice, and died April 1, 1715, aged 74.

3. Alice—married 1st, in 1662, Thomas Brooks. He died Oct. 18, 1668. She married 2nd, in 1673, Thomas Shailer. He sailed for the West Indies in 1692 and was lost at sea. She had four Brooks children and four Shailer children.

4. Mehitabel married Daniel Cone. (See com

family.)

5. Thomas—married about 1673, Elizabeth, youngest daughter of James and Ann (Withington) Bates. They resided in Haddam, but removed to Westbrook before 1679. They had four children and he died in Feb. 1699.

6. Sarah—married Dec. 1666, Stephen Backus of Norwich, Ct. He was born in 1640, son of William Backus of Saybrook. They had six children.

7. Samuel—<£ Millington Society, East Haddam, married 1st, in 1673, Hannah Blatchford, widow of Peter Blatchford of Haddam, formerly of New London. Also, she was Hannah Hungerford, widow of Thomas Hungerford of New L,ondon and daughter of Isaac Willey of that place. She died about 1681. They had four children. Samuel Spencer married 2nd, in 1689, Miriam Willey, widow of John Willey of Haddam, formerly of New London, and daughter of Miles Moore of that town. Samuel Spencer died August 7, 1705, leaving four children. His wife Miriam survived him.

8. William—married Margaret Clark about 1679. They had nine children, and he died 1712.

9. A athaniel— married 1st, Lydia, daughter of Thomas Smith in 1681. They had nine children. He married 2nd, Hannah. He died before 1722. Hannah died Feb. 20, 1742.

10. Rebecca—died before 1706. She married 1st, John Kennard of Haddam, about 1682. They had two children. He died in Feb., 1689. She married 2nd, John Tanner of Lyme, afterward of East Haddam.

11. Ruth—married Joseph Clark, son of William Clark of Haddam. They had six children.

12. Timothy—married and had six children. He died in 1704 and his wife died about 1704.

13. Elizabeth—married Joseph Stannard, one of the twenty-eight men who went from Hartford to Haddam, having purchased the land in 1662.

Ensign Garrard Spencer and his family were members of the church at Lynn, Mass., but after they removed to Haddam some of his grandchildren were'taken to Middletown, Conn., to be baptized. The records of the first church of Middletown tell us that, "1672, 7th, 8. Being ye Lord's day, Joshua Braynard and John Howard, children of two of ye daughters of Ensign Spencer, children of the church of Christ at Lynn, received ye Innitiatory seal of ye covenant baptism, by virtue of communion of churches." Also, in 1672, " Rebecca Coan of Haddam, daughter of Goodwife Coan was bapt. The mother being a member of the church at Lynn." In "1678, Elijah Brainard and Stephen Coane, children of two of the daughters of Ensigne Spencer of Haddam, whose children are children of the church of Xt. at Lynn, were baptized." The records of the first church at Middletown, also mention baptisms of William, son of Daniel Brainard, on his wife's account; and Jared, son of Thomas Spencer; Nathaniel, son of Goodwife Cone, and William, son of Goodwife Stannard; "mothers being in relation to the church at Lynn." The Society of Colonial Wars has accepted the proof of the services of Ensign Garrard Spencer of Haddam in King Philip's war. Hon. Joseph Spencer was one of his descendants. He was Judge of Probate in 1753, was in the colonial army in 1758, was Major and afterward Colonel. June 30, 1774, in town meeting, in East Haddam, "duly warned, Hon. Joseph Spencer, chosen Moderator, a unanimuos vote was recorded fora Declaration of American Rights." He was a member of the Council of Safety. From East Haddam town records it is learned that Col. Jos. Spencer was elected deacon of the Millington Society, Nov. 20, 1767. Afterward, "He was excused from service during the Revolution" and re-elected April 4, 1788. In March 1775 he was appointed Brigadier General and in 1776 he was commissioned Major General, by Congress, and soon placed in command of the American forces in Rhode Island. He was highly esteemed by Washington. He was elected to Congress in 1775. He was twice married, had seven daughters and six sons and died Jan. 13, 1789, aged 74. Other descendants of Ensign Garrard Spencer were : Elihu Spencer, a lawyer, an accomplished scholar and keen logician ; Hon. Issac Spencer, for many years Treasurer of the State of Connecticut, and Elizabeth Spencer, who married Hon. Lewis Cass, Maj. Gen. U. S. A., Gov. of the State of Michigan, U. S. Senator and Secretary of War in the Cabinet of President Jackson. He was Democratic candidate for President.

Gerard arrived at Cambridge, MA about 1631 with brothers William and Thomas, and settled at Lynn, MA. He removed to Hartford, CT, and, about 1660, to Haddam, CT. Freeman at Cambridge 1634; Juryman in 1638, Ensign of train band in 1656, and Grand Juror in 1659 at Lynn; Ensign in 1672, serving in the militia in King Philip's War, Representative in 1674-5, and Deputy to General Court in 1678-80 and 1683 in Haddam, CT. Gerard and Hannah had 13 children

A Great-grandson of his brother William, William Augustus Spencer went down on the Titanic

Gerard and his siblings were raised in Stotfold, Bedfordshire, England. Gerard is alleged in some sources to have come to New England in 1630 under John Winthrop. However, he does not appear on any passenger list, and that information may well refer to his brother WIlliam, who does appear on early lists in Cambridge by 1632.[1] Gerard does appear in Cambridge in 1634: "in the prime of September 1634, Lots granted one west side River - Gerrad Spencer 4 ackrs." He was a Freeman on 9 March, 1637.

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 as 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. He was Rep. Gen. in CT., 1674 and served in King Phillips War. The townspeople of Haddam, CT presented him for "an Ensigne for their Trayn Band."

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."

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 . . .")[2]

Gerrard and his brothers are tied to the Strotfold family by the settlement of their uncle’s will in London. Jacobus () notes: on 8 (11) 1748, i.e. 8 Jan 1648/9, Garrard [Gerard] Spencer appointed Thomas Broughton of Watertown, Mass., and Samuel King of London, England, his attorneys to collect his legacy under the last will of Richard Spencer, late of London, linen draper, deceased;”[3]

Will

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[4]

Footnotes

↑ Great Migration lists Gerard's year of arrival as 1634.

↑ “Haddam, CT web site (Founders list),” http://haddam.com/tucker/thomas_shayler.htm, Viewed 6/18/2000.

↑ Jacobus, Donald Lines, “The Four Spencer Brothers: Their Ancestors and Descendants,” The American Genealogist, Vol. 27-28, 1951, http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/1200/genealogy/text/spen....

↑ Jacobus

BIOGRAPHY: The Backus Families of Early New England By Reno Warburton Backus 1966 Page 143 The Gerard Spencer Family: Jacobus documents Gerard Spencer as one of four brothers of colonial record; he was born in England in 1614, and died at Haddam, Conn., in 1685. That he was father of Sarah, wife of Stephen Backus, is proved "by an undated deed in Haddam Deeds (1:49) given by 'Stephen Backus with my wife Sarah of Norwich' to Daniel Brainerd of Haddam of on acre "that fell to us by portion of the estate of our father Garrard Spencer.'" Reference: 120, 27:164-5.

Gerard and his siblings were raised in Stotfold, Bedfordshire,England and Gerard came to America about 1634. He was a Freemanon 9 March, 1637) settling first at New Town (later Cambridge)Mass. , then Lynn, Mass. until 1659. He then moved to Haddam,Conn. where he became one of a small group of pioneers who founded Haddam. In 1675. He was Rep. Gen. in CT., 1674 and served in King Phillips War. The towns people of Haddam, CT presented him for an Ensigne for their Trayn Band and commended themselves to him according to law. Gerard achieved a degree of affuence greater than that of any of his three brothers. He seemed to have great skill as a land developer and farmer. The presence of thirteen living children which provided him with an unexcelled labor pool was a contributing factor. It was routine practice in that day for children (especially boys) of 14 to enter the labor force as apprentices. From New Town records: December 1635: Gerard Spencer on the west side of ..........four acres.

DEATH: WILL dated September 17, 1683 at Haddam, inventory June 29, 1685. Mentions sons William, Nathaniel, Thomas, Timothy and John; daughters Rebecca, Ruth Clarke; grandchildren Grace daughter of John, Alice Brooks daughter of daughter Brooks, Grace daughter of Samuel, Jarrad Cone son of daughter Cone, sons-in-law Daniel Cone, Joseph Clarke, Daniel Brainard.

Sources

S1. Ancestral File

S2. Bedfordshire parish registers (121230)

S3. Savage, James. A Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England

JARED, GERRET, GARADE, or GARRETT, Cambridge 1634, removed to Lynn, freeman 9 Mar. 1637, in Mar. 1639, had gr. of the ferry at Lynn removed to Haddam before 1660, was propound. for freeman of Connecticut 1672, was ensign of the militia representative 1674 and 5; had wife Hannah, son John: Thomas: Samuel: William: Nathaniel: Timothy: and daughters Hannah, who married about 1665, Daniel Brainard, grandfather of the celebrated missionary to the Indians; Mehitable married Daniel Cone; Alice married early in 1662, Thomas Brooks, and, next, 1673, Thomas Shaler; Rebecca married about 1682, John Kennard, and, next, John Tanner; and Ruth married Joseph Clark; and he died 1685.

• __________________

Ensign Gerard SPENCER was christened on 25 Apr 1614 in St. Mary's Parish, Stotfold, Bedford, England.(8362) (8363)(8364) He emigrated about 1630 to Cambridge, Massachusetts Bay Colony. (8365)(8366) According to Jack Spencer (600), there is no known record of the SPENCERs amoung any passenger list, but the 5 Spencer brothers were "almost certainly" among the passengers of the 1630 Winthrop fleet. he asumes that they came together. It is known that siblings Eliabeth and Timothy were in Saugus (Lynn) in 1630. William was in Newe Towne (Cambridge) in 1631 being one of the first 8 settlerd there. If so, Gerard, the youngest, would have been only 16 when he arrived. "They probably were among the thousands of Englishmen who had no strong ties to the land simply because the did not belong to the landed gentry. They had few hopes for advancing their situation in life by remaining in England. They were, in fact, relics of the centuries of domination by the nobility and the landed gentry." Jack Spencer includes an 8-page chapter on "Why and how the Spencer siblings of Bedfordshire come to America," in which he cites four motivations. The first was economic. Gerard Sr leased his property in 1615. Jack Spencer hypothesizes that the Spencer family began to run into tough times beginning with his father Michael. The remaining 6 pages of the chapter address three additional motivations: religious, "turmoil," and [association with] "leaders of the Great Migration." Dispute being an interesting read on the times in England, this part of the chapter is highly speculative and provides no specific evidence or connections to the SPENCERs. He suggests that the SPENCER brothers were Puritans based on them being the "right age" to be dissenters and that brother William was reported to be "closely connected" with Rev. Thomas Hooker, whom he MAY have met at Cambridge University (Massachusetts). He granted a four acre plot in Sep 1634 in Cambridge, Massachusetts Bay Colony. (8367)(8368) He moved in 1637 to Lynn, Essex, MA.(8369) (8370) Harold Spencer (357) says the move took place "soon after 1631 and in 1634 he was a Journeyman in Hartford whereas as Jack Spencer (600) say the move took place in 1637 (600, page 213) and says he had been grated land in Cambridge in 1635. He goes on to describe a "great turmoil" which occurred at Cambridge in the mid 1630s during which nearly ALL of the population removed to Hartford under Reverend Thomas Hooker and sold their property to followers of Reverend Thomas Shepard. The move to Lynn allowed Gerard to increase his property from 4 to 30 acres. He took the oath of a freeman on 9 Mar 1637 in Lynn, Essex, MA. (8371)(8372) He granted 30 acres in 1638 in Lynn, Massachusetts Bay Colony. (8373) He served as a made Ensign of trainband in 1638 in Lynn, Massachusetts Bay Colony.(8374) He Gerard acts as financer: loans neighbors money and signs bonds as security between 1639 and 1644 in Lynn, Massachusetts Bay Colony.(8375) In Sep 1639, Gerard signed a bond (together with Joseph Armitage) to provide security to Daniel Salmon. Before Feb 1644, Gerard loans money to Abraham Belkap, who notes the debt in his will. He was a Ferry boat keeper between Mar 1639 and 19 Mar 1641 in Lynn, Essex, MA.(8376) (8377) (8378)(8379) On the first date he is awarded a license to operate a ferry at Lynn for two years. It operated between Needham's Landing in Lynn and Biards landing in Saugus. Also in 1639, the General Court allocates £50 towards and builds a bridge across the Saugus River. He appeared in court between 1641 and 1659 in Lynn, Massachusetts Bay Colony.(8380) During this period, Gerard appeared in court many times. 1641: Testified as to the indent of William Ballard, deceased, regarding his estate. 1643: Testified that a neighbor woman spoke contemptuously about infant baptism. 1643: Testified that Joseph Armitage sold wine without a license. 1643: Testified that he saw Edward Richard drunk. 1643: Awarded £3 and a "dead beast" in a case involving the premature death of a cow. 1643: Awarded damages from men who let their cattle graze in his fields. 1639: Served on jury 1652: Served on jury 1653: Awarded small estate of brother Michael, deceased, for raising Michael's children. 1657: Served on jury 1658: Served on jury 1659: Served on jury He hired Watertown and London attorneys to collect his 50£ inheritance left by uncle Richard of London in 1648. (8381) He moved in 1659 to Hartford, Hartford, CT. (8382)(8383) Genealogist Ruth Ellsworth Richardson calls Gerard "the founder of Hartford, Conn.," however, this seems to be an error. Genealogist Jack Spencer seems certain that Gerard did not arrive until in Hartford until 1659 or 1660, where his BROTHER Thomas SPENCER had been living for about 24 years. By then, his siblings in Lynn had died. Gerald was among only 28 men who founded and sellted in Haddam. The other men included He Purchased a number of Hartford-area properties between 1659 and 1664 in Hartford, Connecticut Colony. (8384) In 1659, he purchased 9 parcels from John Norton for £122, but had to sign a bond of indebtedness (IOU) to obtain the property. John lost the note but reported that it was paid for by 1664. The 9 parcels ranged in size from 1 to 30 acres and one included a house and barn. He took the oath of a freeman in 1660 in Hartford, Connecticut Colony. (8385) In this year made "an inhabitant" of Hartford" (I assume this means freeman). He appeared in court in 1660 in Hartford, Connecticut Colony.(8386) Simon Lobdell sued Gerard and his daughter Hannah (age 19) because she refused to marry Lobdell as she promised. I do not know the outcome. He moved in 1662 to Haddam, Middlesex, CT.(8387) (8388)(8389) (8390)(8391) According to Jack Spencer's "impression (600), "Gerard intended to settle permanently in Hartford (nine land purchases) and then suddenly shifted gears when an unexpected opportunity opened up at Haddam." Gerard only lived in Hartford for about 3 years. According to Jack Spencer (600), Gerard confounded Haddam with 26 other settlers. Matthew Allyn and Samuel Willys bought a large tract of land from the local Indians for 30 coats. Gerard was among the 28 original persons who purchased Haddam and moved there "either in 1662 or very soon after." The other 28 included a few other ancestors of mine: Joseph ARNOLD, James BATES, Daniel CONE, and Simon SMITH. He took the oath of a freeman in 1672 in Haddam, Middlesex, CT.(8392) He served as an Ensign in Militia (1672) and in town trainband (1675) between 1672 and 1675 in King Philip's War (1675-1676).(8393) (8394)(8395) In 1672, Gerrard was involved in defence against the Dutch. He was Representative of the Town of Haddam in the General Court at Hartford between 1674 and 1675. (8396) Terms not inclusive of all years between 1675 and 1683. He was Deputy to General Court between 1678 and 1683. (8397) Served 4 times during this period. He He finally sold his 25-acre property in Lynn while a residnet in Haddam on 15 May 1679 in Lynn, Essex, MA.(8398) He signed a will on 17 Sep 1683 in Haddam, Middlesex, CT.(8399) (8400) (8401) He died before 29 Jun 1685 in Haddam, Middlesex, CT. (8402)(8403) (8404) He left, according to his inventory, £124, over 254 acres and 3 cows on 29 Jun 1685 in Haddam, Middlesex, CT. (8405)(8406) (8407) He died the most affluent of the five Spencer brother immigrants in part because he lived 40 years longer than many of his siblings. According to Jack Spencer, "Certainly by the time of his death in 1685, Gerard SPENCER must have become one of the most affluent men in the local community or even in a regional setting." I don't know. £124 pounds was not a whole lot to die with. The inventory also included a pewter flagon and urim basin bequeathed to the Church at Haddam, which apparently is displayed at the church under a glass case. Jack Spencer (600) suggests that Gerard was probably married to two Hannahs, one named Hannah HILLS, and suggests that the first six children be attributed to the first Hannah and the last 7 be attributed to Hannah HILLS. He offers, however, no reason we should think that there are two Hannahs. Without more evidence, I chose to attribute all of the children to Hannah HILLS.

Jack Spencer (600) states that little is known about Gerard's occupation. he may have been a journeyman (a worker who has learned a trade or craft - not an apprentice). Parents: Gerard SPENCER and Alice WHITBREAD.

He married to Hannah Joannis HILLS on 17 Dec 1636 in Lynn, Massachusetts Bay Colony. (8408)(8409) (8410) Children were: John SPENCER, Mehitable SPENCER, Marah SPENCER, Sarah SPENCER, Elizabeth SPENCER, Thomas SPENCER, Samuel SPENCER, Timothy SPENCER, Ruth SPENCER, William SPENCER, Nathaniel SPENCER, Rebecca SPENCER.

He married to Rebecca PORTER in 1677 in Saybrook, Middlesex, CT.(8411) (8412)

Gerrard Spencer

Descendants of Gerrard (Ensign) (HADDAM FOUNDER) Spencer

 Generation No. 1

1. GERRARD (ENSIGN) (HADDAM FOUNDER)13 SPENCER (GERRARD12, MICHAEL11, JOHN (SR)10, JOHN9, ROBERT8, JOHN7, ROBERT6, THOMAS5, THOMAS (DE)4, NICHOLAS (DE)3, JOHN (LEDE)2, WILLIAM (LEDE)1) was born April 25, 1614 in Stotfold, Bedfordshire, England, and died September 03, 1685 in East Haddam, Middlesex, CT. He married (1) HANNAH JOANNIS HILLS December 17, 1636 in Lynn, Essex, MA, daughter of William Hills. He married (2) REBECCA PORTER Aft 1677 in Haddam, Middlesex, CT, daughter of John Porter and Rose White.

Notes

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.

Children of Gerrard Spencer and Hannah Hills are:

2 . i. MEHITABEL14 SPENCER, b. 1638, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. 1691, East Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

3. ii. JOHN (HADDAM FOUNDER) SPENCER, b. August 17, 1638, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. August 03, 1682, Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

4. iii. HANNAH SPENCER, b. 1641, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. 1691, Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

5. iv. ALICE (MARAH) SPENCER, b. 1642, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. December 22, 1714, Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

6. v. SARAH SPENCER, b. July 27, 1644, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. Aft 1707.

7. vi. ELIZABETH SPENCER, b. 1646, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. August 1688, Saybrook, Middlesex, CT.

8. vii. SAMUEL SPENCER, b. 1648, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. August 07, 1705, East Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

9. viii. THOMAS SPENCER, b. 1650, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. February 03, 1698/99, Saybrook, Middlesex, CT.

10. ix. TIMOTHY SPENCER, b. 1652, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. May 06, 1704, Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

11. x. RUTH SPENCER, b. 1654, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. November 28, 1744, Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

12. xi. WILLIAM SPENCER, b. 1656, Haddam, Middlesex, CT; d. 1731, East Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

13. xii. NATHANIEL SPENCER, b. December 21, 1658, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. 1718, East Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

14. xiii. REBECCA SPENCER, b. 1660, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. Abt 1706.

The Will of Gerrard / Jarrad Spencer

"Spencer, Jarrad, Ensign, Haddam. Invt Pounds: 124-12-00 of Estate not disposed of by Will Taken 29 June, 1685, by Joseph Arnot & Alexander Rollo Will dated 17, September, 1683.

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 Committee.

I give unto my daughter Rebekah that Houselott I bought of Thomas Smith.

Likewise I give unto my daughter Rebeckah 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 whereof 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 Bason 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 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; and 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 this his Will. I appoint my two sons Daniel Brainard and William Spencer Adms to the Estate.

Jarrard Spencer

Witness: John James, Joseph Arnot Court Record, Page 111-3, Sept, 1685: Adms to Daniel Braynard and William Spencer, with the Will annexed.

• ________________________

Will of Jarrad Spencer, Ensign: A Digest of Early Connecticut Probate Records, Compiled by Charles William Manwaring, Vol 1, 1685-1700, p. 363-4.

Gerrard had a son named Gerrard b. 1614 and died 1685. This son came to America in 1638 from Stotfold, England, settled in Cambridge, then Hartford Connecticut. He was a member of General Court of Commonwealth in 1674, 1675, 1678, 1679, 1680, and 1683. He also served in King Philips War (Colonial Families of the United States of America, edited by George Norbury Mackenzie, Volume III, page 536).

One of East Haddam's sons, who became prominent in the Colony and later as a soldier, was the Hon. Joseph Spencer. The first American ancestor of this family was Jared Spencer, ,who came to America and settled in Newtown (Cambridge), Massachusetts, and a few years later moved to Lynn. Still later, he became one of the first settlers of Haddam and was made an ensign there by the General Court at Hartford, in September, 1675. His great-grandson, the lion. Joseph Spencer, married Martha Brainard, daughter of the Hon. Hezekiah Brainard, in August, 1738. His public service began as judge of probate in 1753, and he filled this office till his death. In 1758, he was a major in the northern army against the French. In 1775, a short time before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, he was appointed a brigadier-general, and in 1776, he was made a major-general in the army of the United States.

He was born before April 25, 1614, as that is the day he was baptized.

Ensign Gerard Spencer

ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF HADDAM, CT (1632)

ENSIGN GARRARD AND HANNAH SPENCER.

Ensign Garrard Spencer was baptized April '25, 1614, and died in 1685. He was the youngest of four brothers who came to New England about 1634, leaving one brother in England. His name is found in various early records and histories, and affords a striking example of the Puritan indifference to uniformity of spelling." It is written Jarad, Gerard, Jarrett, Jarrard, Garrird, Garade, Jerat, Garrett, Gerrird, Jarrad, and the signature to his will, supposed to have been written by himself, is "Garrard Spencer. He was a resident of Cambridge (Newtown) in 1634, removed to Lynn in 1637 and was admitted freeman of Massachusetts Bay the same year. In 1638 a committee appointed by the town of Lynn to divide the lands, completed their work and a book was provided, in which the names of the proprietors, and the number of acres allotted to each was recorded. That book is lost, but a copy of the first three pages has been preserved at Salem. On page 1 is "Jarrett Spencer, 30 acres." In 1639 the court granted him "The fferry at Linn for two yeares, taking 2d. for a single person to the furthest place, and but Id. a person, for more to the furthest place, and but Id. for a single person, to the nearest place." On the records of Salem Court it is stated that Jarrard Spencer was a witness, May 27, 1643, in Essex Co. Court, Mass. "9th month 1654, the administration of the estate of Michael Spencer is granted Gerard Spencer of Linn and he is to bring an inventory to the next court." In the settlement, "the court took into consideration a child of the s'd Michael put unto him to bring up until he be 21 years old, wh child by name is Michael Spencer of about 6 years old." In June, 1656, Jerard Spencer was chosen Ensign of the trainband of Lynn, and in 1659 he was a grand juror for Lynn. In 1660 he was planning to live in Hartford, as appears by the following vote of that town : "June 14, 1660, At ye same towne meeting, ye towne by their vote, gave Gerard Spencer liberty to dwell among us, as an inhabitant with us at Hartford. The same year, he with others, purposed to make a settlement on the Great River at the place now called Haddam ; but it was not till 1662 that the purchase of Indian lands was completed and the deed signed. On the map of the town plot of Haddam, compiled by Richard M. Bayles, and published in the "History of Middlesex County, Connecticut" Garrard Spencer's home- lot has on one side the lot laid out for a Parsonage forever and on the other side the home-lot of Thomas Smith. Passing three lots from Garrard Spencer's we come to that of Daniel Cone. Garrard Spencer was one of a committee, appointed Feb. 27, 1668, to settle the boundary between Haddam and Saybrook. Most of those who have borne the name of Spencer, in Haddam and East Haddam, have been descendants of Garrard Spencer and his wife Hannah, who were among the first settlers of Haddam in 1662.

From Conn. Col. records: "Sept. 14, 1675. At a meeting of the Council at Hartford, present, William Leete, Esq., Deputy Governor; Major John Talcott, Mr. Henry Wolcott, Capt. John Allyn, Major Robert Treat, Capt. Benjamin New- berry, Mr. John Wadsworth—The inhabitants of Haddam have presented Jarrad Spencer for an Ensigne for their Trayn Band, affirming him to be lawfully chosen, the Council doe accordingly commissionate him to be their Ensigne, and to command according to la we. He was Deputy from Haddam to the General Court, Oct. 167-4, July 1675, May 1678, Oct. 1678, May and Oct. 1683.

CHILDREN OF ENSIGN GARRARD AND HANNAH SPENCRR.

1. John—-born in 1638 at Lynn, died August 3, 1682, at Haddam. He married Rebecca, daughter of Robert Howard, of Windsor. She was born Aug. 17, 1648, and died Aug. 17, 1684. They had five children.

2. Hannah—born in 1640, married, in 1665, Daniel Brainard. They had eight children. They were grandparents of David Brainard, the celebrated missionary to the Indians, and ancestors of the Brainards of this country. He was brought from England to Hartford, Conn., when he was eight years old, where he lived in the Wyllys family till he was of age. He settled in Haddam in 1662. She died before 1700. He re-married twice, and died April 1, 1715, aged 74.

3. Alice—married 1st, in 1662, Thomas Brooks. He died Oct. 18, 1668. She married 2nd, in 1673, Thomas Shailer. He sailed for the West Indies in 1692 and was lost at sea. She had four Brooks children and four Shailer children.

4. Mehitabel married Daniel Cone. (See com

family.)

5. Thomas—married about 1673, Elizabeth, youngest daughter of James and Ann (Withington) Bates. They resided in Haddam, but removed to Westbrook before 1679. They had four children and he died in Feb. 1699.

6. Sarah—married Dec. 1666, Stephen Backus of Norwich, Ct. He was born in 1640, son of William Backus of Saybrook. They had six children.

7. Samuel—<£ Millington Society, East Haddam, married 1st, in 1673, Hannah Blatchford, widow of Peter Blatchford of Haddam, formerly of New London. Also, she was Hannah Hungerford, widow of Thomas Hungerford of New L,ondon and daughter of Isaac Willey of that place. She died about 1681. They had four children. Samuel Spencer married 2nd, in 1689, Miriam Willey, widow of John Willey of Haddam, formerly of New London, and daughter of Miles Moore of that town. Samuel Spencer died August 7, 1705, leaving four children. His wife Miriam survived him.

8. William—married Margaret Clark about 1679. They had nine children, and he died 1712.

9. A athaniel— married 1st, Lydia, daughter of Thomas Smith in 1681. They had nine children. He married 2nd, Hannah. He died before 1722. Hannah died Feb. 20, 1742.

10. Rebecca—died before 1706. She married 1st, John Kennard of Haddam, about 1682. They had two children. He died in Feb., 1689. She married 2nd, John Tanner of Lyme, afterward of East Haddam.

11. Ruth—married Joseph Clark, son of William Clark of Haddam. They had six children.

12. Timothy—married and had six children. He died in 1704 and his wife died about 1704.

13. Elizabeth—married Joseph Stannard, one of the twenty-eight men who went from Hartford to Haddam, having purchased the land in 1662.

Ensign Garrard Sperfcer and his family were members of the church at Lynn, Mass., but after they removed to Haddam some of his grandchildren were'taken to Middletown, Conn., to be baptized. The records of the first church of Middletown tell us that, "1672, 7th, 8. Being ye Lord's day, Joshua Braynard and John Howard, children of two of ye daughters of Ensign Spencer, children of the church of Christ at Lynn, received ye Innitiatory seal of ye covenant baptism, by virtue of communion of churches." Also, in 1672, " Rebecca Coan of Haddam, daughter of Goodwife Coan was bapt. The mother being a member of the church at Lynn." In "1678, Elijah Brainard and Stephen Coane, children of two of the daughters of Ensigne Spencer of Haddam, whose children are children of the church of Xt. at Lynn, were baptized." The records of the first church at Middletown, also mention baptisms of William, son of Daniel Brainard, on his wife's account; and Jared, son of Thomas Spencer; Nathaniel, son of Goodwife Cone, and William, son of Goodwife Stannard; "mothers being in relation to the church at Lynn." The Society of Colonial Wars has accepted the proof of the services of Ensign Garrard Spencer of Haddam in King Philip's war. Hon. Joseph Spencer was one of his descendants. He was Judge of Probate in 1753, was in the colonial army in 1758, was Major and afterward Colonel. June 30, 1774, in town meeting, in East Haddam, "duly warned, Hon. Joseph Spencer, chosen Moderator, a unanimuos vote was recorded fora Declaration of American Rights." He was a member of the Council of Safety. From East Haddam town records it is learned that Col. Jos. Spencer was elected deacon of the Millington Society, Nov. 20, 1767. Afterward, "He was excused from service during the Revolution" and re-elected April 4, 1788. In March 1775 he was appointed Brigadier General and in 1776 he was commissioned Major General, by Congress, and soon placed in command of the American forces in Rhode Island. He was highly esteemed by Washington. He was elected to Congress in 1775. He was twice married, had seven daughters and six sons and died Jan. 13, 1789, aged 74. Other descendants of Ensign Garrard Spencer were : Elihu Spencer, a lawyer, an accomplished scholar and keen logician ; Hon. Issac Spencer, for many years Treasurer of the State of Connecticut, and Elizabeth Spencer, who married Hon. Lewis Cass, Maj. Gen. U. S. A., Gov. of the State of Michigan, U. S. Senator and Secretary of War in the Cabinet of President Jackson. He was Democratic candidate for President.

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Gerard arrived at Cambridge, MA about 1631 with brothers William and Thomas, and settled at Lynn, MA. He removed to Hartford, CT, and, about 1660, to Haddam, CT. Freeman at Cambridge 1634; Juryman in 1638, Ensign of train band in 1656, and Grand Juror in 1659 at Lynn; Ensign in 1672, serving in the militia in King Philip's War, Representative in 1674-5, and Deputy to General Court in 1678-80 and 1683 in Haddam, CT. Gerard and Hannah had 13 children

A Great-grandson of his brother William, William Augustus Spencer went down on the Titanic

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Gerard and his siblings were raised in Stotfold, Bedfordshire, England. Gerard is alleged in some sources to have come to New England in 1630 under John Winthrop. However, he does not appear on any passenger list, and that information may well refer to his brother WIlliam, who does appear on early lists in Cambridge by 1632.[1] Gerard does appear in Cambridge in 1634: "in the prime of September 1634, Lots granted one west side River - Gerrad Spencer 4 ackrs." He was a Freeman on 9 March, 1637.

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 as 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. He was Rep. Gen. in CT., 1674 and served in King Phillips War. The townspeople of Haddam, CT presented him for "an Ensigne for their Trayn Band."

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."

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 . . .")[2]

Gerrard and his brothers are tied to the Strotfold family by the settlement of their uncle’s will in London. Jacobus () notes: on 8 (11) 1748, i.e. 8 Jan 1648/9, Garrard [Gerard] Spencer appointed Thomas Broughton of Watertown, Mass., and Samuel King of London, England, his attorneys to collect his legacy under the last will of Richard Spencer, late of London, linen draper, deceased;”[3]

Will

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[4]

Footnotes

↑ Great Migration lists Gerard's year of arrival as 1634.

↑ “Haddam, CT web site (Founders list),” http://haddam.com/tucker/thomas_shayler.htm, Viewed 6/18/2000.

↑ Jacobus, Donald Lines, “The Four Spencer Brothers: Their Ancestors and Descendants,” The American Genealogist, Vol. 27-28, 1951, http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/1200/genealogy/text/spen....

↑ Jacobus

BIOGRAPHY: The Backus Families of Early New England By Reno Warburton Backus 1966 Page 143 The Gerard Spencer Family: Jacobus documents Gerard Spencer as one of four brothers of colonial record; he was born in England in 1614, and died at Haddam, Conn., in 1685. That he was father of Sarah, wife of Stephen Backus, is proved "by an undated deed in Haddam Deeds (1:49) given by 'Stephen Backus with my wife Sarah of Norwich' to Daniel Brainerd of Haddam of on acre "that fell to us by portion of the estate of our father Garrard Spencer.'" Reference: 120, 27:164-5.

Gerard and his siblings were raised in Stotfold, Bedfordshire,England and Gerard came to America about 1634. He was a Freemanon 9 March, 1637) settling first at New Town (later Cambridge)Mass. , then Lynn, Mass. until 1659. He then moved to Haddam,Conn. where he became one of a small group of pioneers who founded Haddam. In 1675. He was Rep. Gen. in CT., 1674 and served in King Phillips War. The towns people of Haddam, CT presented him for an Ensigne for their Trayn Band and commended themselves to him according to law. Gerard achieved a degree of affuence greater than that of any of his three brothers. He seemed to have great skill as a land developer and farmer. The presence of thirteen living children which provided him with an unexcelled labor pool was a contributing factor. It was routine practice in that day for children (especially boys) of 14 to enter the labor force as apprentices. From New Town records: December 1635: Gerard Spencer on the west side of ..........four acres.

DEATH: WILL dated September 17, 1683 at Haddam, inventory June 29, 1685. Mentions sons William, Nathaniel, Thomas, Timothy and John; daughters Rebecca, Ruth Clarke; grandchildren Grace daughter of John, Alice Brooks daughter of daughter Brooks, Grace daughter of Samuel, Jarrad Cone son of daughter Cone, sons-in-law Daniel Cone, Joseph Clarke, Daniel Brainard.

Sources

S1. Ancestral File

S2. Bedfordshire parish registers (121230)

S3. Savage, James. A Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England

JARED, GERRET, GARADE, or GARRETT, Cambridge 1634, removed to Lynn, freeman 9 Mar. 1637, in Mar. 1639, had gr. of the ferry at Lynn removed to Haddam before 1660, was propound. for freeman of Connecticut 1672, was ensign of the militia representative 1674 and 5; had wife Hannah, son John: Thomas: Samuel: William: Nathaniel: Timothy: and daughters Hannah, who married about 1665, Daniel Brainard, grandfather of the celebrated missionary to the Indians; Mehitable married Daniel Cone; Alice married early in 1662, Thomas Brooks, and, next, 1673, Thomas Shaler; Rebecca married about 1682, John Kennard, and, next, John Tanner; and Ruth married Joseph Clark; and he died 1685.

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Ensign Gerard SPENCER was christened on 25 Apr 1614 in St. Mary's Parish, Stotfold, Bedford, England.(8362) (8363)(8364) He emigrated about 1630 to Cambridge, Massachusetts Bay Colony. (8365)(8366) According to Jack Spencer (600), there is no known record of the SPENCERs amoung any passenger list, but the 5 Spencer brothers were "almost certainly" among the passengers of the 1630 Winthrop fleet. he asumes that they came together. It is known that siblings Eliabeth and Timothy were in Saugus (Lynn) in 1630. William was in Newe Towne (Cambridge) in 1631 being one of the first 8 settlerd there. If so, Gerard, the youngest, would have been only 16 when he arrived. "They probably were among the thousands of Englishmen who had no strong ties to the land simply because the did not belong to the landed gentry. They had few hopes for advancing their situation in life by remaining in England. They were, in fact, relics of the centuries of domination by the nobility and the landed gentry." Jack Spencer includes an 8-page chapter on "Why and how the Spencer siblings of Bedfordshire come to America," in which he cites four motivations. The first was economic. Gerard Sr leased his property in 1615. Jack Spencer hypothesizes that the Spencer family began to run into tough times beginning with his father Michael. The remaining 6 pages of the chapter address three additional motivations: religious, "turmoil," and [association with] "leaders of the Great Migration." Dispute being an interesting read on the times in England, this part of the chapter is highly speculative and provides no specific evidence or connections to the SPENCERs. He suggests that the SPENCER brothers were Puritans based on them being the "right age" to be dissenters and that brother William was reported to be "closely connected" with Rev. Thomas Hooker, whom he MAY have met at Cambridge University (Massachusetts). He granted a four acre plot in Sep 1634 in Cambridge, Massachusetts Bay Colony. (8367)(8368) He moved in 1637 to Lynn, Essex, MA.(8369) (8370) Harold Spencer (357) says the move took place "soon after 1631 and in 1634 he was a Journeyman in Hartford whereas as Jack Spencer (600) say the move took place in 1637 (600, page 213) and says he had been grated land in Cambridge in 1635. He goes on to describe a "great turmoil" which occurred at Cambridge in the mid 1630s during which nearly ALL of the population removed to Hartford under Reverend Thomas Hooker and sold their property to followers of Reverend Thomas Shepard. The move to Lynn allowed Gerard to increase his property from 4 to 30 acres. He took the oath of a freeman on 9 Mar 1637 in Lynn, Essex, MA. (8371)(8372) He granted 30 acres in 1638 in Lynn, Massachusetts Bay Colony. (8373) He served as a made Ensign of trainband in 1638 in Lynn, Massachusetts Bay Colony.(8374) He Gerard acts as financer: loans neighbors money and signs bonds as security between 1639 and 1644 in Lynn, Massachusetts Bay Colony.(8375) In Sep 1639, Gerard signed a bond (together with Joseph Armitage) to provide security to Daniel Salmon. Before Feb 1644, Gerard loans money to Abraham Belkap, who notes the debt in his will. He was a Ferry boat keeper between Mar 1639 and 19 Mar 1641 in Lynn, Essex, MA.(8376) (8377) (8378)(8379) On the first date he is awarded a license to operate a ferry at Lynn for two years. It operated between Needham's Landing in Lynn and Biards landing in Saugus. Also in 1639, the General Court allocates £50 towards and builds a bridge across the Saugus River. He appeared in court between 1641 and 1659 in Lynn, Massachusetts Bay Colony.(8380) During this period, Gerard appeared in court many times. 1641: Testified as to the indent of William Ballard, deceased, regarding his estate. 1643: Testified that a neighbor woman spoke contemptuously about infant baptism. 1643: Testified that Joseph Armitage sold wine without a license. 1643: Testified that he saw Edward Richard drunk. 1643: Awarded £3 and a "dead beast" in a case involving the premature death of a cow. 1643: Awarded damages from men who let their cattle graze in his fields. 1639: Served on jury 1652: Served on jury 1653: Awarded small estate of brother Michael, deceased, for raising Michael's children. 1657: Served on jury 1658: Served on jury 1659: Served on jury He hired Watertown and London attorneys to collect his 50£ inheritance left by uncle Richard of London in 1648. (8381) He moved in 1659 to Hartford, Hartford, CT. (8382)(8383) Genealogist Ruth Ellsworth Richardson calls Gerard "the founder of Hartford, Conn.," however, this seems to be an error. Genealogist Jack Spencer seems certain that Gerard did not arrive until in Hartford until 1659 or 1660, where his BROTHER Thomas SPENCER had been living for about 24 years. By then, his siblings in Lynn had died. Gerald was among only 28 men who founded and sellted in Haddam. The other men included He Purchased a number of Hartford-area properties between 1659 and 1664 in Hartford, Connecticut Colony. (8384) In 1659, he purchased 9 parcels from John Norton for £122, but had to sign a bond of indebtedness (IOU) to obtain the property. John lost the note but reported that it was paid for by 1664. The 9 parcels ranged in size from 1 to 30 acres and one included a house and barn. He took the oath of a freeman in 1660 in Hartford, Connecticut Colony. (8385) In this year made "an inhabitant" of Hartford" (I assume this means freeman). He appeared in court in 1660 in Hartford, Connecticut Colony.(8386) Simon Lobdell sued Gerard and his daughter Hannah (age 19) because she refused to marry Lobdell as she promised. I do not know the outcome. He moved in 1662 to Haddam, Middlesex, CT.(8387) (8388)(8389) (8390)(8391) According to Jack Spencer's "impression (600), "Gerard intended to settle permanently in Hartford (nine land purchases) and then suddenly shifted gears when an unexpected opportunity opened up at Haddam." Gerard only lived in Hartford for about 3 years. According to Jack Spencer (600), Gerard confounded Haddam with 26 other settlers. Matthew Allyn and Samuel Willys bought a large tract of land from the local Indians for 30 coats. Gerard was among the 28 original persons who purchased Haddam and moved there "either in 1662 or very soon after." The other 28 included a few other ancestors of mine: Joseph ARNOLD, James BATES, Daniel CONE, and Simon SMITH. He took the oath of a freeman in 1672 in Haddam, Middlesex, CT.(8392) He served as an Ensign in Militia (1672) and in town trainband (1675) between 1672 and 1675 in King Philip's War (1675-1676).(8393) (8394)(8395) In 1672, Gerrard was involved in defence against the Dutch. He was Representative of the Town of Haddam in the General Court at Hartford between 1674 and 1675. (8396) Terms not inclusive of all years between 1675 and 1683. He was Deputy to General Court between 1678 and 1683. (8397) Served 4 times during this period. He He finally sold his 25-acre property in Lynn while a residnet in Haddam on 15 May 1679 in Lynn, Essex, MA.(8398) He signed a will on 17 Sep 1683 in Haddam, Middlesex, CT.(8399) (8400) (8401) He died before 29 Jun 1685 in Haddam, Middlesex, CT. (8402)(8403) (8404) He left, according to his inventory, £124, over 254 acres and 3 cows on 29 Jun 1685 in Haddam, Middlesex, CT. (8405)(8406) (8407) He died the most affluent of the five Spencer brother immigrants in part because he lived 40 years longer than many of his siblings. According to Jack Spencer, "Certainly by the time of his death in 1685, Gerard SPENCER must have become one of the most affluent men in the local community or even in a regional setting." I don't know. £124 pounds was not a whole lot to die with. The inventory also included a pewter flagon and urim basin bequeathed to the Church at Haddam, which apparently is displayed at the church under a glass case. Jack Spencer (600) suggests that Gerard was probably married to two Hannahs, one named Hannah HILLS, and suggests that the first six children be attributed to the first Hannah and the last 7 be attributed to Hannah HILLS. He offers, however, no reason we should think that there are two Hannahs. Without more evidence, I chose to attribute all of the children to Hannah HILLS.

Jack Spencer (600) states that little is known about Gerard's occupation. he may have been a journeyman (a worker who has learned a trade or craft - not an apprentice). Parents: Gerard SPENCER and Alice WHITBREAD.

He married to Hannah Joannis HILLS on 17 Dec 1636 in Lynn, Massachusetts Bay Colony. (8408)(8409) (8410) Children were: John SPENCER, Mehitable SPENCER, Marah SPENCER, Sarah SPENCER, Elizabeth SPENCER, Thomas SPENCER, Samuel SPENCER, Timothy SPENCER, Ruth SPENCER, William SPENCER, Nathaniel SPENCER, Rebecca SPENCER.

He married to Rebecca PORTER in 1677 in Saybrook, Middlesex, CT.(8411) (8412)

Gerrard Spencer

Descendants of Gerrard (Ensign) (HADDAM FOUNDER) Spencer

Generation No. 1 1. GERRARD (ENSIGN) (HADDAM FOUNDER)13 SPENCER (GERRARD12, MICHAEL11, JOHN (SR)10, JOHN9, ROBERT8, JOHN7, ROBERT6, THOMAS5, THOMAS (DE)4, NICHOLAS (DE)3, JOHN (LEDE)2, WILLIAM (LEDE)1) was born April 25, 1614 in Stotfold, Bedfordshire, England, and died September 03, 1685 in East Haddam, Middlesex, CT. He married (1) HANNAH JOANNIS HILLS December 17, 1636 in Lynn, Essex, MA, daughter of William Hills. He married (2) REBECCA PORTER Aft 1677 in Haddam, Middlesex, CT, daughter of John Porter and Rose White.

Notes

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.

Children of Gerrard Spencer and Hannah Hills are:

2 . i. MEHITABEL14 SPENCER, b. 1638, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. 1691, East Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

3. ii. JOHN (HADDAM FOUNDER) SPENCER, b. August 17, 1638, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. August 03, 1682, Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

4. iii. HANNAH SPENCER, b. 1641, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. 1691, Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

5. iv. ALICE (MARAH) SPENCER, b. 1642, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. December 22, 1714, Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

6. v. SARAH SPENCER, b. July 27, 1644, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. Aft 1707.

7. vi. ELIZABETH SPENCER, b. 1646, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. August 1688, Saybrook, Middlesex, CT.

8. vii. SAMUEL SPENCER, b. 1648, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. August 07, 1705, East Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

9. viii. THOMAS SPENCER, b. 1650, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. February 03, 1698/99, Saybrook, Middlesex, CT.

10. ix. TIMOTHY SPENCER, b. 1652, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. May 06, 1704, Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

11. x. RUTH SPENCER, b. 1654, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. November 28, 1744, Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

12. xi. WILLIAM SPENCER, b. 1656, Haddam, Middlesex, CT; d. 1731, East Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

13. xii. NATHANIEL SPENCER, b. December 21, 1658, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. 1718, East Haddam, Middlesex, CT.

14. xiii. REBECCA SPENCER, b. 1660, Lynn, Essex, MA; d. Abt 1706.

The Will of Gerrard / Jarrad Spencer

"Spencer, Jarrad, Ensign, Haddam. Invt Pounds: 124-12-00 of Estate not disposed of by Will Taken 29 June, 1685, by Joseph Arnot & Alexander Rollo Will dated 17, September, 1683.

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 Committee.

I give unto my daughter Rebekah that Houselott I bought of Thomas Smith.

Likewise I give unto my daughter Rebeckah 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 whereof 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 Bason 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 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; and 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 this his Will. I appoint my two sons Daniel Brainard and William Spencer Adms to the Estate.

Jarrard Spencer

Witness: John James, Joseph Arnot Court Record, Page 111-3, Sept, 1685: Adms to Daniel Braynard and William Spencer, with the Will annexed.

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Will of Jarrad Spencer, Ensign: A Digest of Early Connecticut Probate Records, Compiled by Charles William Manwaring, Vol 1, 1685-1700, p. 363-4.

Gerrard had a son named Gerrard b. 1614 and died 1685. This son came to America in 1638 from Stotfold, England, settled in Cambridge, then Hartford Connecticut. He was a member of General Court of Commonwealth in 1674, 1675, 1678, 1679, 1680, and 1683. He also served in King Philips War (Colonial Families of the United States of America, edited by George Norbury Mackenzie, Volume III, page 536).

One of East Haddam's sons, who became prominent in the Colony and later as a soldier, was the Hon. Joseph Spencer. The first American ancestor of this family was Jared Spencer, ,who came to America and settled in Newtown (Cambridge), Massachusetts, and a few years later moved to Lynn. Still later, he became one of the first settlers of Haddam and was made an ensign there by the General Court at Hartford, in September, 1675. His great-grandson, the lion. Joseph Spencer, married Martha Brainard, daughter of the Hon. Hezekiah Brainard, in August, 1738. His public service began as judge of probate in 1753, and he filled this office till his death. In 1758, he was a major in the northern army against the French. In 1775, a short time before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, he was appointed a brigadier-general, and in 1776, he was made a major-general in the army of the United States.

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Ensign Gerard SPENCER was christened on 25 Apr 1614 in St. Mary's Parish, Stotfold, Bedford, England.(8362) (8363)(8364) He emigrated about 1630 to Cambridge, Massachusetts Bay Colony. (8365)(8366) According to Jack Spencer (600), there is no known record of the SPENCERs amoung any passenger list, but the 5 Spencer brothers were "almost certainly" among the passengers of the 1630 Winthrop fleet. he asumes that they came together. It is known that siblings Eliabeth and Timothy were in Saugus (Lynn) in 1630. William was in Newe Towne (Cambridge) in 1631 being one of the first 8 settlerd there. If so, Gerard, the youngest, would have been only 16 when he arrived. "They probably were among the thousands of Englishmen who had no strong ties to the land simply because the did not belong to the landed gentry. They had few hopes for advancing their situation in life by remaining in England. They were, in fact, relics of the centuries of domination by the nobility and the landed gentry." Jack Spencer includes an 8-page chapter on "Why and how the Spencer siblings of Bedfordshire come to America," in which he cites four motivations. The first was economic. Gerard Sr leased his property in 1615. Jack Spencer hypothesizes that the Spencer family began to run into tough times beginning with his father Michael. The remaining 6 pages of the chapter address three additional motivations: religious, "turmoil," and [association with] "leaders of the Great Migration." Dispute being an interesting read on the times in England, this part of the chapter is highly speculative and provides no specific evidence or connections to the SPENCERs. He suggests that the SPENCER brothers were Puritans based on them being the "right age" to be dissenters and that brother William was reported to be "closely connected" with Rev. Thomas Hooker, whom he MAY have met at Cambridge University (Massachusetts). He granted a four acre plot in Sep 1634 in Cambridge, Massachusetts Bay Colony. (8367)(8368) He moved in 1637 to Lynn, Essex, MA.(8369) (8370) Harold Spencer (357) says the move took place "soon after 1631 and in 1634 he was a Journeyman in Hartford whereas as Jack Spencer (600) say the move took place in 1637 (600, page 213) and says he had been grated land in Cambridge in 1635. He goes on to describe a "great turmoil" which occurred at Cambridge in the mid 1630s during which nearly ALL of the population removed to Hartford under Reverend Thomas Hooker and sold their property to followers of Reverend Thomas Shepard. The move to Lynn allowed Gerard to increase his property from 4 to 30 acres. He took the oath of a freeman on 9 Mar 1637 in Lynn, Essex, MA. (8371)(8372) He granted 30 acres in 1638 in Lynn, Massachusetts Bay Colony. (8373) He served as a made Ensign of trainband in 1638 in Lynn, Massachusetts Bay Colony.(8374) He Gerard acts as financer: loans neighbors money and signs bonds as security between 1639 and 1644 in Lynn, Massachusetts Bay Colony.(8375) In Sep 1639, Gerard signed a bond (together with Joseph Armitage) to provide security to Daniel Salmon. Before Feb 1644, Gerard loans money to Abraham Belkap, who notes the debt in his will. He was a Ferry boat keeper between Mar 1639 and 19 Mar 1641 in Lynn, Essex, MA.(8376) (8377) (8378)(8379) On the first date he is awarded a license to operate a ferry at Lynn for two years. It operated between Needham's Landing in Lynn and Biards landing in Saugus. Also in 1639, the General Court allocates £50 towards and builds a bridge across the Saugus River. He appeared in court between 1641 and 1659 in Lynn, Massachusetts Bay Colony.(8380) During this period, Gerard appeared in court many times. 1641: Testified as to the indent of William Ballard, deceased, regarding his estate. 1643: Testified that a neighbor woman spoke contemptuously about infant baptism. 1643: Testified that Joseph Armitage sold wine without a license. 1643: Testified that he saw Edward Richard drunk. 1643: Awarded £3 and a "dead beast" in a case involving the premature death of a cow. 1643: Awarded damages from men who let their cattle graze in his fields. 1639: Served on jury 1652: Served on jury 1653: Awarded small estate of brother Michael, deceased, for raising Michael's children. 1657: Served on jury 1658: Served on jury 1659: Served on jury He hired Watertown and London attorneys to collect his 50£ inheritance left by uncle Richard of London in 1648. (8381) He moved in 1659 to Hartford, Hartford, CT. (8382)(8383) Genealogist Ruth Ellsworth Richardson calls Gerard "the founder of Hartford, Conn.," however, this seems to be an error. Genealogist Jack Spencer seems certain that Gerard did not arrive until in Hartford until 1659 or 1660, where his BROTHER Thomas SPENCER had been living for about 24 years. By then, his siblings in Lynn had died. Gerald was among only 28 men who founded and sellted in Haddam. The other men included He Purchased a number of Hartford-area properties between 1659 and 1664 in Hartford, Connecticut Colony. (8384) In 1659, he purchased 9 parcels from John Norton for £122, but had to sign a bond of indebtedness (IOU) to obtain the property. John lost the note but reported that it was paid for by 1664. The 9 parcels ranged in size from 1 to 30 acres and one included a house and barn. He took the oath of a freeman in 1660 in Hartford, Connecticut Colony. (8385) In this year made "an inhabitant" of Hartford" (I assume this means freeman). He appeared in court in 1660 in Hartford, Connecticut Colony.(8386) Simon Lobdell sued Gerard and his daughter Hannah (age 19) because she refused to marry Lobdell as she promised. I do not know the outcome. He moved in 1662 to Haddam, Middlesex, CT.(8387) (8388)(8389) (8390)(8391) According to Jac