Great American Business Leaders of the 20th Century
Samuel Spencer
Southern Railway System
1894–1906
1894–1906
Southern Railway System
1894–1906
1894–1906
- Industry: Transportation
- Era: pre-1900
Spencer was the first president of the Southern Railway System, which was formed by the consolidation of the Richmond and Danville Railroad and the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad. During his tenure, the mileage of the Railway doubled, the number of passengers served increased by almost fourfold to nearly 12 million, and annual earnings increased from $17 million to $54 million. As the Railway expanded so too did the business opportunities in the South, and Spencer was credited with supporting this growth.
Education / Military
- Graduate: University of Virginia
- Undergraduate: University of Georgia
- Military Service: Army