William Miller SPANGLER, one of the oldest pioneer settlers of Hancock county [Illinois], now living in Carthage at the age of eighty-four years, has not only been a witness of many changes that have occurred in the city and county but has also been a participant in many events which have left their impress upon the annals of the county. His name is inseparably interwoven with the history of this part of the state and this volume would be incomplete without mention of him. His natal year was 1822 and the place of his birth Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. He father, Samuel SPANGLER, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.

His father, Samuel SPANGLER, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, April 1, 1787, and on the 15th of October, 1812, was married to Miss Rebecca TREGO, who was born in the same state April 27, 1788. The father was an expert mechanic and engaged in manufacturing wagons, plows and farm implements. He cast in his lot with the early settlers of Hancock county, Illinois, in 1838, and shared in the hardships and trials incident to frontier life. He served as a soldier of the war of 1812 and at all times was progressive and loyal in citizenship. He served as school director and was interested in the movements relating to the county's development and upbuilding. He died in Hancock township over thirty years ago and his wife had passed away a number of years previous, the remains being interred in Hancock township. In their family were nine children, Margaret Eleanor, mary matilda, Joseph Trego, Samuel Lewis, William Miller, Rebecca Skiles, Emeline Hannah, John Skiles and Elizabeth Verdelia. Of this number John was a soldier of the Civil war, serving for three years. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Infantry.

William Miller SPANGLER, the only surviving member of the family was educated in the public schools of Pennsylvania and at the age of sixteen years came to Hancock county, where he arrived to find a district that was but sparsely settled and in which the work of civilization and progress seemed scarcely begun. He can well remember the important incidents of the early days, including the troubles which arose over the settlement of the Mormons in this part of the state. He has a vivid recollection of the time when Joseph and Hiram SMITH, the leaders of the Mormon church were killed. As the years went by he watched with interest of the settlements that were made and the progress that was carried on as wild lands were converted into productive farms and as towns and cities were built bringing with them all of the industrial and commercial interests of the older east.

In his youth he aided in the arduous task of developing the new land at a time when one had to walk in the furrows after the plow and when much of the farm labor was done by hand. He continued with his parents until 1844, in which year he was married to Miss Emily RENSHAW, a native of Sangamon county, Illinois, and a daughter of James and Nancy RENSHAW, natives of North Carolina, the former born September 30, 1803, and the latter September 1, 1805. They were married June 17, 1824, and had a family of five children, all of whom have now passed away. Sarah Emily, who became Mrs. SPANGLER, was born July 1, 1825, in Kentucky, and died July 20, 1899. Matilda Renshaw was born December 12, 1826. Martha Avalene, born October 22, 1828, died March 7, 1856. Elizabeth, born March 2, 1831, died September 27, 1854. Elijah, twin brother of Elizabeth, died May 16, 1831, aged two months and fourteen days. The father died May 22, 1885, and his wife at the age of eighty-six years. This aged couple were devout members of the Methodist church and were exceedingly active in religious work. Their home was for many years the place of entertainment for visiting preachers to their neighborhood and church services were frequently held in their house. They were kind and charitable people, giving freely to assist the poor and needy and doing much to help their fellowmen.

Following his marriage Mr. SPANGLER was given a farm in Fountain Green township, where he lived until 1856. This was government land entered by his father and on it a log cabin had been built. In this Mr. SPANGLER lived until a new house could be erected. Afterward he removed to Carthage, where he lived for a few years but in 1860 returned to Fountain Green township. Later he again located in Carthage, where he and his brother owned a dry goods store and for a time he also clerked for Jesse WILLIAMS, who conducted a store there. It was subsequent to this time that Mr. SPANGLER embarked in business on his own account. Later he engaged in dealing in wagons and subsequently his attention was again given to farming interests until 1886, since which time he has lived retired. In 1865 he purchased his present home, which he has occupied continuously. In his business career he has ever been found straightforward and honorable, treating all men in a fair and impartial manner and his business integrity and enterprise constitue the strong element in his success.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. SPANLGER were born eight children, all born in Hancock county. Matilda, the eldest, born April 18, 1845, was married November 10, 1869, to William HENRY and lives in Emmettsburg, Iowa.

They had five children, namely: Claud M., of Redfield, South Dakota, who wedded L. Genevieve SHOWER and has a daughter, Claudia Maxine HENRY; Frank Edmunds HENRY, who is a Congregational preacher of Garner, Iowa, who wedded Anna CAMERON and has one child; Glenn, who was the twin brother of Frank and died at the age of six months; and Lena.

Evelyn Verdelia, the second daughter of Mr. SPANGLER, was born December 19, 1847, was married in 1896 to William C. TAYLOR and lives in Brown county, Kansas.

Virginia Rebecca, now of Enderlin, North Dakota, born June 7, 1850, became the wife of William CRUFF, who died October 23, 1904. They had been married in March, 1871, and had five children: James R.; William, who is married has has five children, his home being in Lucca, North Dakota; Arthur CRUFF, who died in 1900; Frank CRUFF, who is living with his parents; and Mary CRUFF, deceased.

Josephine Emily SPANGLER, the fourth member of the SPANGLER family, was born April 24, 1853, and was married December 26, 1872, to [James] Oliver MILLER, their home being now in Beaconsfild, Ringgold county, Iowa. They have five living children: Madge, the wife of Dr. A. R. MULCAHY, of Beaconsfield, Iowa, by whom she has a son, Rex; Fred MILLER, at home; Nellie, who married and lives in Beaconsfield; Coyle and Thomas, both at home.

Mary Susan SPANGLER, the fifth member of the family, born January 29, 1856, is the wife of W. A. SYMONDS, of Carthage, to whom she was married November 26, 1878. She was one of the first graduates of the Carthage high school, completing her course there about thirty years ago. She has six children, Frederick W., Emily Clare, James Spangler, Raymond Hyde, Mary Evelyn and John Hawley.

James Renshaw SPANGLER, the sixth member of the family, born May 20, 1861, died March 6, 1886.

Nellie Skile SPANGLER, born April 11, 1863, has acted as her father's housekeeper since her mother's death.

Mr. SPANGLER is a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, to which his wife also belonged. His is now its oldest member and for the past twenty-three years has served as one of its elders. he has always taken a very active part in church work and his wife was his associate in all his christian labors. She served as treasurer for many years of the Ladies' Missionary Society and their daughter Nellie is now secretary of the literature committee of the Missionary Society, in which capacity she has acted for several years and was also treasurer of the Christian Endeaver Society for ten years. Her maternal grandmother, Mrs. RENSHAW, took several shares in a Bible tract society.

Mrs. SPANGLER was a very active and earnest church worker, was a home loving woman and did everything in her power to promote the happiness of her husband and children. She and her son were laid to rest in Moss Ridge cemetery at Carthage, while her memory remains as a blessed benediction to many who knew her and came within the influence of her noble character, her gentle spirit and Christian life.

Mr. SPANGLER has always been a republican since the organization of the party and was tax collector of Hancock township but has never sought to become prominent in public affairs.

His wife inherited some property from her father and by economy and industry Mr. SPANGLER has accumulated a competence. He is a well preserved man, possessing a retentive memory and a few citizens of Hancock county have more intimate or accurate knowledge of the events which mark its history. He is highly respected in the city and county and his good qualities makes his example one well worthy of emulation.

Since the above was written Mr. SPANGLER passed away October 9, 1906, and was buried in Moss Ridge cemetery at Carthage, Illinois.

SOURCES:
Biographical Review of Hancock County, Illinois, Pp. 724-27. Hobart Publishing. Chicago. 1907.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, March of 2009

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