Giles Spencer

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Based on subsequent records, Albany resident Giles Spencer appears to have been born prior to 1756. We seek information on his origins and path to Albany.

His name has not been found among the householders listed on the census for New York State in 1790. Neither have we found information on his potential service during the Revolutionary war.

He was a wood craftsman whose name first appeared on an Albany jury list in March 1798. At that time, he was identified as a "cabinetmaker."

In 1799, the city assessment roll valued his house and property in the first ward modestly. The census in 1800 configured his household with an adult couple and two small children.

In December 1800, his name appeared in the city records on a list of firemen.

Beginning with the first edition in 1813, city directories identified him as a "trunk and bandbox maker" at either 23 Green or 56 Hudson Street. He was one of a half dozen Spencers named in the first directory. After 1827, Giles no longer appeared in the directories.

His wife, Hannah, died in July 1825. She had lived into her sixties. Giles Spencer passed on sometime after 1827. At this point, we have not encountered probate information for him in the Albany-based record.


In-progress,


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Giles Spencer has not been assigned a CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.

Internet: At this point, our sweep for this name and occupation points to English and/or Irish origins - but not yet definitively.





first posted: 2/10/12