Spier Spencer

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Captain Spier Spencer (died November 7, 1811) led a company of mounted riflemen at the Battle of Tippecanoe.

Spier Spencer married Elizabeth Polk, daughter of Indian fighter Capt. Charles Polk, in Bardstown, Nelson Co., Kentucky on January 18, 1793. The Spencers moved from Kentucky to Vincennes, Indiana. In 1809 Spencer was appointed by Governor William Henry Harrison to be the first sheriff of Harrison County, Indiana, and he moved to Corydon and served until his death.

He and his wife operated "The Green Leaf Tavern," out of their large log house on Oak Street. His friend General William Henry Harrison and Lt. Governor Ratliffe Boone stayed there when they came on official business.

When tensions grew high between the settlers and the Native Americans, Spencer organized the Harrison County Militia known as the "Yellow Jackets" because of the color of their uniforms, for a campaign against them. The Battle of Tippecanoe on Novermber 7, 1811 ended with Captain Spencer being seriously wounded during the battle. He was shot in the head and when he was being carried off the field he was killed by a second shot. Spencer's horse and sword were brought back from the battle and were returned to his widow.

Captain Spencer's bravery and the heroics of his men were lauded by General Harrison. In 1818, Spencer County, Indiana was named in his honor and in 1820 the town of Spencer, Indiana in Owen County. Spencer County, Kentucky was named for him in 1824.

His widow continued operating The Green Leaf Tavern. She eventually married William Boone and changed the name of the tavern to "Billy Boone Tavern". However, the couple divorced in late 1829.

The following account of the battle of Tippecanoe is taken from the official dispatch sent by General Harrison to the secretary of war, on the 18th of November, eleven days after the battle: "...Spencer was wounded in the head. He exhorted his men to fight valiantly. He was shot through both thighs and fell; still continuing to encourage them, he was raised up, and received a ball through his body, which put an immediate end to his existence..."