Spencer Roane

Spencer Roane was born in Essex County, Virginia, on April 4, 1762. He attended private schools and entered the College of William and Mary about 1777. In 1780, Roane studied law under Chancellor George Wythe. After several years of practicing law, he entered the House of Delegates. In 1789, he was made a judge of the general court where he continued until 1794 when he was appointed a judge of the Court of Appeals. He remained a judge on the high court until his death on September 4, 1822. Twice in his lifetime Judge Roane was one of the people appointed to revise the laws of the state. There is a record of correspondence between former president Thomas Jefferson and Judge Roane. [The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Memorial Edition, Lipscomb and Bergh, eds., vol. 15 (325)]

Spencer Roane was married to Anne Henry, the daughter of Patrick Henry, Virginia governor and patriot. [ [http://www.patrickhenry.com/ph/descendants_genealogy.html Patrick Henry's Family, Red Hill, Patrick Henry National Memorial, www.patrickhenry.com] ]

Roane County, West Virginia and Spencer, the county seat, are both named for Judge Roane.

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