His initials are listed as both S.L. and L.S. in the Minnesota Legislative Manual, 1878. The St. Paul Pioneer Press, November 10, 1877; the Minnesota Legislative Manuals, 1863, 1876 and 1877, and Biographical Sketches of the Officers of the State Government of Minnesota and of the 19th Minnesota State Legislature by C.L. Hall, 1877 list S.L. Toensing lists Samuel L.
He came to Minnesota in 1855 or 1856.
"A conservative Democrat, he is supported by Republicans as well as by those of his own party." (Biographical Sketches of the Officers of the State Government of Minnesota and of the 19th Minnesota State Legislature by C.L. Hall, 1877, p. 32)
He was listed as a Democrat on the list of members posted after the 1877 election. ("The Next Legislature." St. Paul Pioneer Press, November 10, 1877)
His father was a member of the United States Congress.