When John Spencer was born in 1724, in Edenham, Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom, his father, James Spencer, was 40 and his mother, Ann Tory, was 31.
Do you know John? Do you have a story about him that you would like to share? Sign In or Create a FREE Account
1684–1724 Male
1694–1739 Female
1711–1752 Female
1713–1806 Male
1715–1744 Female
1718– Male
1724– Male
English (Lancashire and Yorkshire): occupational name for someone who dispensed provisions or money, from Middle English spenser(e), spencer(e) ‘household steward, butler, almoner’ (Anglo-Norman French espenser, Old French despensier). Compare Spence and Spender . There is some dispute about the origins of the Spencer family, whose most famous member in recent times was the late Princess of Wales, born Lady Diana Spencer (1961–97). Some sources say that they are descended from William the Conqueror's steward, Robert Despencer. What is clear is that by the 15th century they had become prosperous from sheep farming in Northamptonshire. Robert Spencer (died 1627) was said to be the wealthiest man in England. Their titles have included Earls of Sunderland and Earls Spencer; and through the female line the 5th Earl of Sunderland also became Duke of Marlborough in 1733. This connection was the result of the marriage, in 1700, of the 3rd Duke of Sunderland to the daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. The youngest son of this union, John Spencer (1708–46), was the father of the 1st Earl Spencer (1734–83).
Dictionary of American Family Names © Patrick Hanks 2003, 2006.
As a nonprofit, we offer free help to those looking to learn the details of their family story.