That year the Democratic Party regained control of the Louisiana state legislature.

Born on "Home Plantation," in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, Spencer received his early schooling under private tutors.

He successfully contested as a Democrat a special election against Republican Frank Morey.

He was elected to the Forty-fourth Congress and served from June 8, 1876, to January 8, 1877, when he resigned to accept a judicial appointment.

Spencer was appointed Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court on January 9, 1877, which position he held until his resignation April 3, 1880.