Catherine Smelser was born 1810-1820 to Paulser and Mary (Gordon) Smelser, possibly in Calloway County, Kentucky. Catherine married Amasa Spencer on 7 August 1823 in Calloway County. I do not know the parents of Amasa, but an Amasa Spencer was listed in the 1795 Tax list of Mercer County, Kentucky. Is this Catherine's husband, or father-in-law, or no kin at all? [1795 Mercer Co., KY Tax list: Amasa Spencer 0 blacks, 4 horses, 12 cattle] No information has been found to establish the birthyear of Amasa Spencer. There is a deed in Calloway County in 1834 involving Amasa, and he was listed in the estate document of Paulser Smelser II. 1834 -Deed Book B, pg 14 Deed from AMASA SPENCER to EDMUND CURD Indenture made this 30th day of September 1834 between Amasa Spencer and Edmund Curd, all of Calloway county, Kentucky, for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars to him in hand paid, for a tract of land known in Henderson's map by number, to wit, North east quarter of section Eleven Township two Range four East of the Maredian line where Spencer now lives. 1835 -Deed from H.H. MARTIN, et al to JAMES H. BARNETT Indenture made this 7th day of December 1835 between Harlin H. Martin and Amasa Spencer and Phillip Andrews and Stephen Smelser and Abraham Smelser and William Smelser and James H. Barnett, all of Calloway County, Kentucky, for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars to us in hand received, for the North east quarter of section Twenty-five Township two Range four East, containing one hundred and fifty-six acres, it being one part of P. Smelser, deceased, to him, his heirs forever. Signed, sealed the day and date above written. Henry H. Martin Amasa Spencer Phillip F. Andrews Abraham Smelser William Smelser Amasa apparently died between 1835 and 1840. Catherine moved to Greene County, Arkansas along with her brothers, William and Abraham, and sister, Rebecca Smelser Andrews. Catherine is head of the household in Cache Township with five children. 1840 Greene County, Arkansas, Cache Township Catherine Spencer 111-01101 1 male -5 1 male 5-10 1 male 10-15 1 female 5-10 1 female 10-15 1 female 20-30 Catherine is not found in the Greene County census of 1850, but several Spencers born in Kentucky are. One is Moses B. Spencer, living with Hopewell NcNiece with wife, Catherine. Could Catherine Smelser Spencer have married Hopewell McNiece? Catherine McNiece was born 1813 Kentucky and Catherine Smelser Spencer was born 1810-1820. 1850 Greene Co, Ark. 205/207 McNiece Hopewell 55 fmr NC Catherine 37 Ky Spencer Moses B 15 Ky Ellen 17 Ky William 12 Ky Emiline 7 AR Mary 6 AR Calvin 2/12 AR In 1870, Francis M. McNiece is listed as 'living with brother' to Moses B. Spencer. This validates the relationship between the Spencers and Hopewell. Is Francis Moses' step-sister or sister? 1870 Greene Co., AR, Cache Twp., #96 #96 pg 255A Spencer, Moses B 30 m w farmer $0/$200 KY Luande 23 f w kh AR McNiece, Francis M. 24 f w living with brother AR Franklin E Spencer bought land next to William P Smelser in 1859. (William P. is a brother to Catherine.) Does this indicate that Franklin E Spencer may have been Catherine Smelser Spencers son? Greene Co., Ark Land Records Sec T R Acres Franklin E Spencer 4 17N 5E 80 William P Smelser 4 17N 5E 39.86 More research needs to be done to prove Catherine Smelser Spencers family. The Greene Co., Arkansas Administrations lists two Spencers: J.L. Spencer 1885=93, Record 3, p 165 Moses B. Spencer 1876-84, Record 2, p 246 If you have any further information on this family, please contact me.
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