Sergeant Thomas Spencer

     Thomas was born in Stotfold, Bedfordshire, England. He was christened there on 29 March 1607 in the church of St. Mary's. He immigrated in 1633 to Cambridge, Massachusetts where he was granted property on 5 August 1633 and was made a freeman of the Mass. Bay May 14, 1634 (implying he had joined the Cambridge church.) Thomas married Anne Dorifall on 2 November 1634 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. On 8 February 1636, Thomas' name appears on a list as owner of one house in Cambridge. Later in 1636, they removed to what is now Hartford, Connecticut and he became one of the founders along with Nathaniel Bearding and William Andrews. Thomas's wife, Anne, died circa 1644 in Hartford, Hartford County, Connecticut, leaving him a widower. Thomas inherited fifty pounds from his Uncle Richard, on 17 March 1645. Thomas married 2nd Sarah Bearding, daughter of Nathaniel Bearding, on 11 September 1645 in Hartford. Thomas's wife, Sarah, died before 7 January 1674 in Hartford leaving him a widower. In 1680, his brother-in-law, Barnabas Doryfall of Braintree, left all his estate to his kinsman [Thomas' son], Samuel Spencer, who was to pay to his brothers, Obadiah & Thomas, 40s. each. Thomas made his will on 9 September 1687 at Hartford.

I Sergt. Thomas Spencer of Harford, being very aged, do declare this my last Will & Testament: I give to my eldest son Obadiah Spencer my Housing and Lands in Hartford, all my lands east side and west side of the Connecticut River within the bounds of the Town of Hartford, to be to him and to his heirs forever, immediately after my decease, he paying such legacies as I shall appoint by this Will. I give to my son Thomas £15, of which he hath £5 and Obadiah shall pay him £10 more. I give to my son Samuel [he having received a good portion from his Uncle] my wearing apparel. I give to my son Jarred my shop and Tools & £12, all of which are in his hands. The rest of my moveable Estate I give to my five daughters, Sarah, Elizabethm Hannah, Mary and Martha, to be equally divided to them by their brother Jarrad. I do make my son Obadiah Spencer my Executor. O desire Capt. Allyn, Leiut. Caleb Standly and my cousin Samuel Spencer to be Overseers. Witnesses: John Allyn and Hanna Allyn.

Thomas departed this life on Thursday, 11 September 1687 in Hartford. He was buried there in the ancient burying grounds.⁴ The inventory of Thomas's estate was taken. His estate was valued at 139 pounds, 19 shillings, including 132 pounds in real estate. His moveables had been distributed, mostly by himself, to that of his daughters. His will was probated on 26 October 1687.