Gaston, Joseph.  "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912."  Vol. 3. 
Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 828.
 
SAMUEL L. SPENCER

     the owner and manager of the Athena Opera House and the proprietor of
several pieces of property in the town, as well as an eighty-acre farm in Texas,
was born in eastern Tennessee, May 20, 1845, the son of Samuel and Edith
(Nelson) Spencer, both of whom were natives of North Carolina. The parents
removed to Tennessee at an early date and in 1863 went to Texas, where both
passed away. They had a family of thirteen children, of whom eleven are still
living.
     Samuel L. Spencer received a common-school education and at the early age
of sixteen years enlisted in the Eleventh Georgia Infantry, Company D, serving
three years in the Confederate army and participating in numerous engagements.
At the expiration of his three years' service in the Confederate army Mr.
Spencer crossed the line and enlisted under the stars and stripes, becoming a
member of Company H, of the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry and serving on that side
until the close of the war. He continued to reside in Tennessee until 1870, when
he removed to Texas and there lived until 1891, working at the blacksmith's
trade. He then came to Oregon and settled in Athena, where he has since resided.
He engaged in his trade and built the Athena Opera House but in 1905 retired
from active labor. He is now the owner of an eighty-acre farm in Texas and has
four houses and lots and a blacksmith shop in Athena.
     In 1863 Mr. Spencer was married to Alias Mary Sinyard, a native of
Tennessee and a daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Bearden) Sinyard, natives of
North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Sinyard were the parents of fourteen children,
three of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer had a daughter, Mary L., who was
born October 8, 1869, and died October 5, 1871.
     Mr. Spencer is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Lodge No.
80, F. & A. M., and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, being actively engaged in the work of that denomination. engaged Mr.
Spencer is and has long been prominent as a citizen and popular in the circles
which he frequents. He is extensively known and universally respected and the
standing of his family in the community is most excellent. He has been active in
municipal and other affairs which affect the prosperity of his town and may
always be counted upon to assist to the extent of his ability in the promotion
of all enterprises for its upbuilding and advancement.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in April 2008 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.