BIO: Jonathan SPANGLER, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/1picts/commbios/comm-bios.htm _____________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _____________________________________________________________________ JONATHAN SPANGLER The Spangler homestead near Rebersburg, Centre county, has now been in the possession of that family for more than a century, and its present occupant, the subject of this sketch, is the third owner in direct line of descent from its original purchaser, Christopher Spangler, who made his home there in 1794 or '95. This pioneer was born in Moore township, Northampton Co., Penn., May 17, 1766, and lived for some time in early manhood in Union county, Penn., east of New Berlin, before locating at the present homestead. He bought the interest of George Hoerrner in the tract, and was the first settler, although a log cabin stood there at the time of the purchase. George Christopher Spangler, the father of Christopher, was born in Prussia, and came to Brush Valley some time after this settlement, accompanied by three other sons. They were: Henry, who was a pioneer settler in Sugar Valley, locating near the present site of Tylersville; George, who went to Ohio; and Peter, who was the first settler in Bald Eagle Valley, later moving to Ohio. Another son, John, settled along the Sinnamahoning. Christopher Spangler always lived at the present homestead, and he died there February 21, 1855, aged eighty-nine years. His wife, Anna Margaret (nee Krider), died July 14, 1832, and both were buried in the Reformed cemetery at Rebersburg. He was a powerful man, well built and robust, and while farming was his chief occupation in Centre county, he also followed weaving at times, having learned the trade in youth. He was a man of strong convictions - moral, religious and political - and fearlessly carried them out. The Sabbath breaker and the tippler slunk away at his approach. The profane man and the bully subsided into silence as he passed, all evil-doers dreading his reproof. He was unusually intelligent, and was a warm friend of education, heartily supporting the common-school system when that question was submitted to a vote of the people. At one time he was a Lutheran, but in 1806 he united with the Evangelical Association, in which he became a leader. He was well versed in scripture, and at one time was a local preacher. His house, which was built in 1805, was a rendezvous for preachers, and services were often held there before any churches were erected. In politics he was a stanch Democrat and he voted regularly, considering it a duty. His family consisted of ten children as follows: Samuel and Jacob died in Potter township, Centre county; the third child (name not known) was drowned in the water trough at home; Jonathan Sr. is mentioned more fully below; Anna M. married Conrad Hare; Susan married Solomon Gerheart; Magdalena married Jacob Wise; Christina married a Mr. Evans; Esther married John Betts; and Rebecca married Jacob Kreamer. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 207 Jonathan Spangler was born in 1803, on the same farm and in the same house in which his son, our subject, now resides. He was reared as a farmer boy, with such schooling as his time and locality afforded. His education was practical and mainly self-acquired, and, as he was fond of reading and had a good memory, he became conversant with the issues of his day in Church and State. His hearing was deficient, or he would doubtless have taken the same interest in Church affairs which was shown by his father, as he was a devout member of the Evangelical Church and a prominent contributor. His word was as good as his note, his promise for anything being all that his friends would ask. Intoxicating drinks had in him a bitter enemy, and he was the first farmer in his locality to abolish the use of the whiskey jug in the harvest field. In politics he was a Democrat until 1862, when he became a Republican, and his change was the occasion of much surprise at the time. He held office in Miles township and took interest in the success of the party, keeping always well posted on issues. Progressive and enterprising in his own affairs, he was no less so in advocating good roads and other improvements. He owned a large farm, which he has partially cleared and was one of the leading agriculturists in his township. Jonathan Spangler, Sr., was married in Union county, Penn., to Miss Catharine Maize, of Union county, the daughter of Michael Maize, a well-known farmer. The children of this union were: Reuben, who died in Stephenson county, Ill.; Matilda, who married George Dauberman, and died in Kane county, Ill.; Ira, who died in Brush Valley, at the age of twenty years; Margaret, who married Benjamin Gramley, and died in 1895, in Kane county, Ill.; Charles, who died when nineteen years old in Miles township; Simon, now of Harvey county, Kans.; Jonathan, our subject; Anna B., now the widow of Perry Condo, of Jacksonville, Penn.; Edward of Kane county, Ill.; and Uriah, of Harvey county, Kans. The mother died February 24, 1857, and her remains were interred in Rebersburg in the family burial plat. The father married a second wife, Rebecca Lutz, of Penn Valley, who died in May, 1888, leaving no children. The father breathed his last November 4, 1888. Jonathan Spangler, the subject proper of this sketch, was born April 26, 1842, at the old homestead. He attended the Gramley school during boyhood, and later studied a short time at New Berlin. He has seen great improvements in the schools, and heartily endorses them. He was reared as a farmer boy according to the custom of his time, and remained at home except for one winter, when he lived with his sister, Mrs. Dauberman. Mr. Spangler was married December 25, 1863, to Miss Sarah A. Condo, a native of Aaronsburg, and a daughter of Joseph and Anna (Poorman) Condo, and they went to housekeeping on the old Spangler farm, where they now live. At first Mr. Spangler rented the farm, and they lived three years in the tenant house; but in 1835 he bought the homestead, the property comprising 117 acres of tillable land, and some that is still in primitive condition. He has a pleasant home, and six children who are unusually talented: Charles C., of Filmore county, Neb., is a teacher. Joseph E. is a farmer of Centre Hill. Ira, now of Sullivan county, Penn., is a minister of the United Evangelical Church. Catherine resides in Nebraska and is not married. Annie is the wife of O. F. Stover of Miles township. Agnes L. is at home. Mr. Spangler's first vote was cast, in 1864, for Abraham Lincoln, and since that time he has been a stanch supporter of Republican doctrines, but always looks to principle, however, more than partisan ties. He is an enemy to the liquor traffic, and hopes to see it abolished. He and his wife are active members of the United Evangelical Church, and he has served in various offices, having been a class leader for ten or twelve years, and at present he is assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school. Reading is a favorite pastime with him, and, while his memory is not especially retentive, he is familiar with many more topics than the average man. He is one of the best citizens as well as a substantial farmer, and kindliness is a prominent and attractive characteristic with him.