Spencer family papers
Abstract
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Spencer family papers
- Date
- 1878-1985
- Extent
- 0.4 Cubic feet
- Subjects
- African American business enterprises
- African Americans--Education.
- African Americans--Kentucky--History
- Educators.
- Arrangement
- Collection is arranged by format.
- Preferred Citation
- [Identification of item], Spencer family papers, 1878-1986, 87M16, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- Spencer family patriarch, Benjamin F. Spencer (born in 1854) was born a slave in Kentucky. He was taught to read along with his master's son. After emancipation, Spencer became what is believed to be the first African American to be granted a teaching certificate in what had been a slave state. After teaching for six years, Spencer left that profession and opened a boot shop in Frankfort, Kentucky. This enterprise was maintained by Spencer family descendants into the 20th century. The Spencer family has continued the tradition of academic pursuits established by Benjamin Spencer.
- Scope and Content
- The Spencer family papers contain diplomas, certificates, printed materials and photographs of the family and descendants of Kentuckian Benjamin F. Spencer. The original certificate, signed and dated in Scott County, Kentucky in 1878 is among the Spencer family papers. There is one original albumen print photograph (circa 1880) and several other family photographs of Benjamin F. Spencer, the family boot shop, and his descendants. A clipping from the DETROIT FREE PRESS (1963) provides a history of the family.
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open for research.
- Use Restrictions
- Copyright has not been assigned to the University of Kentucky.
Contents of the Collection
Photographs, 1900s-1980s
Ben F. Spencer Jr., in the shoe shop, seated on the stool. Original and reproduction.
Sue Spencer's grandmother, Mammie. Reproduction.
Benjamin F. Spencer III in the shoe shop, on the left. Reproduction.
Group portrait of seven African American women and one Caucasian man, unidentified. Reproduction.
Four men working in the shoe shop.
Portrait of Julia Spencer.
Portrait of Benjamin F. Spencer and his wife, Sue.
Portrait of John Carol Spencer.
Portrait of John Murphy Spencer.
Portrait of Anna Mary Wolfe.
Portrait of Robert Keith Stone.
Portrait of Michael Spencer.
Portrait of Debora Allen Million.
Portrait of William H. Stone.
Papers, 1878-1985
Teacher's Certificate for Ben F. Spencer, Scott County. Colored Common School. Original and reproductions., 1878 March 16
Teacher's Grade Certificate for Julia M. Spencer, Frankfort Colored Public School, Franklin County, Kentucky., 1902 July
Certificates (photocopies).
Transcript of an oral history interview with John C. Spencer of Detroit, Michigan. Spencer Family History.
Special Collections Research Center - Closed
The Breckinridge Research Room will be closed starting May 11, 2026, and anticipates re-opening Fall semester 2026 in an alternate location for the duration of the King Library renovation.
Reproduction requests will still be available during the closure.
Contact SCRC with questions.
Table of Contents
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
Special Collections Research Center - Closed
The Breckinridge Research Room will be closed starting May 11, 2026, and anticipates re-opening Fall semester 2026 in an alternate location for the duration of the King Library renovation.
Reproduction requests will still be available during the closure.
Contact SCRC with questions.
Requests
No items have been requested.
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
