HENRY SPANGLE

 

     Was born in Hopewell township, Ontario county, New York, March 8, 1821, and died at his home in Jackson township, Tuesday, Aug.  13, 1907, aged 86 years, 5 months and 5 days.  At the age of 4 years he came with his parents to Seneca county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood.  At the age of 23 he came to Steuben county, Ind., where, with the earnings and savings of previous years, he, in 1844, purchased the land on which he has lived the last fifty years.  He was married three times: to Mary Coy in 1846, and to them was born one child, Emeline, who died at the age of 18 months, and the next spring the wife and mother was called away.  In August of 1853 he was married to Elizabeth Alcott, who was formerly the wife of Michael and mother of Charles Alcott, of Jackson Prairie and they spent 20 years of life together, when she, too, was called to the higher life.  In September, 1873, he was again married to Miss Sarah Metzgar, of Jackson township, who survives to mourn the loss of a good husband.  To this union were born two children, Carrie, who died in June of 1905, and Clyde, who has always lived near the old home and who has the rich heritage of the example of a good father.  Mr. Spangle was one of a family of seven brothers and one sister who have all preceded him to the spirit world, leaving only one half-sister and two half-brothers of a large family.  He was a man of great energy and keen foresight, with determination to succeed.  Coming into the county when it was new and purchasing land hitherto inhabited only by Indians and wild beasts, he began the task of founding a home. What perseverance and industry he brought to the task and how he succeed, none who were acquainted with him need be reminded.

     Henry Spangle was a good man.  What more need be said!  What better could be said!  He had faith in God and accepted Christ as his Savior.  More than 40 years of ago he became a member of the Methodist church, of Jackson Prairie, but after a few years, finding that some of the rules of the United Brethern church were more in harmony with his views, he took a letter from the Methodist and joined the U.B. church of Jackson Prairie.  Later, he was transferred to the church at Pleasant View, which has since been his church home.  He was always prudent and frugal in his business management, but always gave freely for the support of religious enterprises and was a generous contributor toward the building of several churches in his community and farther away; not only the church of his own choice but others as well.  The last days of his life were clouded by great suffering.  For several weeks he was in an almost constant pain, yet he was patient and cheerful and often talked of the health and prosperity he had enjoyed through his long life.  So after four-score and six years the life of this good man has passed away.  Life’s labor all finished, he has gone to his reward, and we who have known an d loved him so long, will remember him for his many noble activities, worthy of our imitation.

     Funeral services were held at the late home Thursday afternoon, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Stangle.  Interment in Jackson Prairie cemetery.