Joseph Charles Spencer: A Pioneer’s Life in Southwestern Virginia

Born on November 6, 1738, in what is now known as Lee County, Virginia, Joseph Charles Spencer entered a world on the cusp of great change. His early years in Orange, Virginia, were shaped by the natural beauty of the untamed wilderness around him, instilling a profound connection with the land that would define his life.

Joseph was the son of William David Spencer and Sarah Hill, marking the beginning of the Spencer line in American history. His life in the burgeoning settlements of southwestern Virginia was a testament to the resilience and determination of early American pioneers.

In his youth, Joseph’s life was deeply intertwined with the land. As a farmer, he developed an intimate understanding of the rhythms of nature, a skill that served him well throughout his life. His work was not just a means of subsistence but a way to forge a connection with the earth and the community that he was a part of.

Joseph married Mary DeRoachbloom Deaton, and together they embarked on a life filled with the challenges and rewards of frontier living. The couple first settled in Wilkes County, North Carolina, where their first two children were born. Around 1768, they moved to Montgomery County, Virginia, where they appear on tax records in 1782 with about 200 acres of land. This move symbolized a significant step in their lives, crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains into new territories.

In June 1796, Joseph made a pivotal decision to purchase 300 acres in Lee County, Virginia, on the south side of the Powell River. This land purchase marked a new chapter in his life, coinciding with the establishment of Lee County in 1793 and a period of expansion and progress in the region. Joseph’s life and movements mirrored the broader narrative of westward expansion in America.

His life in Lee County was not just about farming; it reflected the changing socio-economic landscape of the time. Joseph owned several slaves who worked the land, a common practice in the region, though he freed at least one of his slaves in 1814, reflecting a complex relationship with the institution of slavery prevalent in the area. The majority of residents in the region, including Joseph, relied on agriculture, with crops like Indian corn playing a significant role in the local economy.

Joseph’s first wife, Mary, passed away in September 1816. He later found love again and married Jemima Anglen, widow of John Anglen, between 1816 and 1817. This union, late in his life, was a testament to his resilience and ability to find happiness even in the face of loss.

Throughout his life, Joseph was a witness to significant historical events that shaped the nation, including the Louisiana Purchase and the War of 1812. These events brought about changes in migration patterns, economic resources, and the development of southwestern Virginia. The War of 1812, in particular, brought about economic challenges and opportunities, with pensions from the war serving as a vital source of income for many families in the region.

Joseph Charles Spencer passed away in January 1837, leaving behind a legacy woven into the fabric of Lee County and the broader narrative of Appalachia. His life story, from his humble beginnings to his final days, is a vivid portrayal of the American pioneer spirit and the challenges and triumphs of life on the frontier.