BIO: William W. 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. _____________________________________________________________________ W. W. SPANGLER. The name of this well-known resident of Potter township, Centre county, has long been familiar to the people of this section as that of one of their most valued citizens, resolute, energetic and enterprising, and one who has made his mark in the building of the township, socially and financially. He belongs to an honored pioneer family of Centre county, which made its first settlement in Brush Valley, Miles township. Mr. Spangler was born November 30, 1839 in Potter township, a short distance east of Centre Hill, a son of Jacob Spangler, who was a native of Miles township, and was the youngest son of Christopher Spangler. When a young man, Jacob Spangler came to Potter township to work as a farm laborer for his older brother Samuel, and here married Rebecca Wagner, a daughter of Bernard Wagner, who was one of the leading and prominent citizens of the township. Six children graced this union, namely: Mary, now the wife of M. L. Leitzel, of Potter township; W. W., subject of this sketch; Catharine, wife of Jacob Wagner; Ellen, who married John Slack and died in Potter township; J. B., a farmer of that township; and Anna, wife of Aaron Rishel, of Jasper county, Missouri. At the time of his marriage, Jacob Spangler located upon a farm, and lived on two different places in Potter township before he was able to purchase a farm of his own. His first land is COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 224 that now owned and occupied by our subject and was bought from Jacob Bottorf. He was very successful in his farming operation, as he was industrious, energetic and progressive, and became the owner of two good farms, which he placed under a high state of cultivation. Although his early opportunities were very meager, he obtained a fair education for his time, which was mostly acquired in the school of experience. In later years he was a great reader, was well posted on the leading issues and current events, and took quite an active interest in the success of the Democratic party, which he always supported by his ballot; he was called upon to serve as supervisor of his township. He was a prominent and consistent member of the Evangelical Church, in which he held various offices, and at his death was buried in Zion Church cemetery by the side of his wife, who died at the age of fifty-four years, while he was sixty-two when called to his final rest. Though not a large man, he was robust, seldom being ill, and was very active and industrious. In the Pine Grove school, taught by Jane Taylor, Mr. Spangler the subject proper of this review, began his education, and his advantages were confined to the district schools of his time. He learned rapidly, however, and as a result of his fitness, was often selected as extra teacher, in which capacity he served for a short time on various occasions. He heartily endorses the improvements that have since been made in the public schools, is a warm friend of a better and thorough education, and as a school director has done efficient service in their interests. His farm training and first ideas of business were obtained on the farm where he still lives, and being the elder son, rendered his father valuable assistance. He never left the parental roof, but continued to aid in the operation of the farm during the lifetime of his parents. In 1880 he purchased the place, which comprises 140 acres of rich and arable land under a high state of cultivation and improved with good buildings. On October 1, 1894, his barn was destroyed by fire, but on the same site a new structure was raised by the 30th of November. At the age of thirty-one years, Mr. Spangler was married in Haines township, Centre county, to Miss Adella Bollinger, a native of Aaronsburg in the same county, and a daughter of George Bollinger. She was the recipient of a good education, enabling her to successfully engage in teaching for ten or twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. Spangler began their domestic life upon his present farm, which he rented until 1880, and there the birth of their four children occurred. Bernard E., the eldest, is a stenographer by profession, and occupies a responsible and confidential position in a wholesale house in Chicago, Ill. Gertrude M. is a graduate of the Lock Haven Normal School, and now follows teaching. William E. is also a stenographer and typewriter of Chicago. Harry B. is at home. This is one of the most noted families in the township, and reflects great credit upon the parents. Mr. Spangler is a prominent and active member of the Democratic party, and although he cares nothing for political distinction, he has creditably served in a number of minor offices, being at the present time a school director and the postmaster at Potters Mills. He and his estimable wife hold membership in the Sprucetown Methodist Episcopal Church, where he has served as class leader and steward, and is at present one of the trustees of the Church. The family is one of prominence, standing second to none in the community, and is well worthy of honorable mention in a work of this character. 1850 Potter Township, Centre County census - Jacob Spangler, 48 Rebecca Spangler, 33 Mary Spangler, 12 William Spangler, 10 Catharine Spangler, 8 Ellen Spangler, 6 James Spangler, 3 Rebecca Spangler, 6/12