William B. Spencer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William B. Spencer
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 5th district |
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| In office June 8, 1876 – January 8, 1877 |
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| Preceded by | Frank Morey |
| Succeeded by | John E. Leonard |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 5, 1835 Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | February 12, 1882 (aged 47) Córdoba, Veracruz, Mexico |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit |  11th Battalion Louisiana Infantry, Company F |
William Brainerd Spencer (February 5, 1835 – February 12, 1882) was an American lawyer and politician. He was born in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. Spencer served as a U.S. Representative for Louisiana in 1876. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Later, he became a judge on the Louisiana Supreme Court.
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Early Life and Education
William Brainerd Spencer was born on February 5, 1835. His family lived on a large farm called "Home Plantation." As a child, he was taught by private teachers at home.
He went to Centenary College in Jackson, Louisiana. He graduated from there in 1855. After that, he studied law at the University of Louisiana at New Orleans. This school is now known as Tulane University. He finished his law studies in 1857. William Spencer married Henrietta Elam. Her brother, Joseph Barton Elam, also served in the U.S. Congress.
Military Service and Law Career
After becoming a lawyer in 1857, Spencer started his practice in Harrisonburg, Louisiana. When the American Civil War began, he joined the Confederate States Army. He served as a captain. In 1863, he was captured by the Union army. He was held as a prisoner of war at Johnson's Island in Ohio. He remained there until the war ended.
After the Civil War, Spencer returned to Louisiana. He continued his law work in Vidalia, Louisiana in 1866.
Political and Judicial Roles
William Spencer ran for Congress as a Democrat. He won a special election against Frank Morey, a Republican. He served in the Forty-fourth Congress from June 8, 1876, to January 8, 1877.
He then resigned from Congress. This was because he was chosen to be a judge. On January 9, 1877, he became an Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. He served in this important role until April 3, 1880. After leaving the court, he went back to practicing law in New Orleans.
Later Life and Legacy
William Brainerd Spencer passed away on February 12, 1882. He died in Córdoba, Veracruz, Mexico. His body was brought back to Louisiana. He was buried in Magnolia Cemetery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
