From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Spencer County (KY) Enslaved, Free Blacks, and Free Mulattoes, 1850-1870
Spencer County is located on the western side of central Kentucky and surrounded by five counties. It was formed in 1824 from portions of Bullitt, Nelson, and Shelby Counties, and named for Spier Spencer, who died in the Battle of Tippecanoe. The county seat is Taylorsville, named for Richard Taylor, a gristmill owner and land owner. Taylorsville existed prior to 1790 and was incorporated in 1829. The county population was 868 [heads of households] in 1830, according to the U.S. Federal Census. The population increased to 15,615 by 1860, excluding the slaves. Below are the number of slave owners, slaves, and free Blacks and Mulattoes for 1850-1870.1850 Slave Schedule
- 445 slave owners
- 1,674 Black slaves
- 477 Mulatto slaves
- 33 free Blacks [most with the last name White]
- 10 free Mulattoes
- 440 slave owners
- 1,938 Black slaves
- 273 Mulatto slaves
- 15 free Blacks
- 18 free Mulattoes
- 1,267 Blacks
- 133 Mulattoes
- About 74 U.S. Colored Troops listed Spencer County, KY, as their birth location.