William O. Spencer

Historical marker location:

Liberty Hill Cemetery, off SH 29, 2 mi. W, Liberty Hill vicinity, Texas

( Libery Hill Cemetery (old section), off SH 29, 2 miles west of Liberty Hill)

Marker installed: 1994

(September 2, 1810 - September 20, 1896)

Illinois native William O. Spencer moved to Bastrop County, Texas, with his wife, Amy Wilcoxen, in 1847. In 1853, Amy died and Spencer settled on the frontier in Williamson County. He named the Liberty Hill post office he had persuaded U. S. Senator Thomas J. Rusk to establish and served as its first postmaster. As an ordained minister he served Baptist congregations in several counties. His home in Liberty Hill operated as the Spencer Hotel from the early 1870s until 1884.

Recorded - 1994.

post office religious leaders Presbyterian denomination pioneers

In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.