McDonough ILGenWeb

SPANGLER, Jacob J. (deceased), for a long period one of the most industrious, honorable and highly respected farmers in the vicinity of Macomb, Ill., was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, March 7, 1836, a son of Reuben and Christina (Kramer) Spangler, of whom the latter was a native of Germany, who came to the United States with her parents when she was eight years old. Reuben Spangler, a Pennsylvanian by birth, was one of the early settlers of McDonough County, where he carried on farming for many years, and died in 1886, at the age of eighty-five years, his wife passing away at the age of ninety-three years. They were the parents of twelve children, six boys and six girls. Of this family six survive, as follows: Isaac, Reuben, George, Sarah, Mahala and Malinda. The father was a man of rugged force of character, and in his religious belief was a Lutheran. He was a life-long Democrat in politics. The mother was a woman of sturdy worth, and a fitting helpmate for her husband in the labors and hardships which confronted the pioneers.

Jacob J. Spangler attended the public schools of Pickaway County, Ohio, until he reached the age of eighteen years. After his marriage he located in Walnut Grove Township, McDonough County, Ill., where for five years he rented a farm. At the end of that period ne went to Minnesota, where he spent an equal length of time in farming. Returning then to McDonough County, he located on a farm just north of Macomb which he cultivated for twenty-five years. He afterward lived five years in Good Hope, Ill., moving thence to Macomb, where he died August 12, 1904. His widow still survives, and is making her home with her sister-in-law, Mrs. David Holler, in Bardolph, McDonough County. Mr. Spangler was a very thorough and painstaking farmer, and his diligent and persevering labors were attended by successful results. Politically, he was a supporter of the Democratic party, although not active in polltics. Religiously, he was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he officiated as an elder for many years. In fraternal circles, he was identified with the I. O. O. F. A man of the highest character and of sound judgment, he took an intelligent and earnest interest in public affairs. He was held in warm regard by all who knew him, and was considered one of the most useful members of the several communities in which he lived.

The marriage of Mr. Spangler took place in McDonough County, Ill., April 30, 1857, when he wedded Rachael A. McDonough, a daughter of Redmond and Sarah (Fox) McDonough, who was born in Warren County, Ohio, January 21, 1838. In girlhood, Mrs. Spangler attended the subscription schools of her native place, and afterward pursued her youthful studies in the schools of McDonough County, to which locality she accompanied her parents in 1847. The latter were natives of Ohio, where Sarah Fox was born in Warren County, and in that State they were married. Redmond McDonough was a farmer by occupation. When he moved from Ohio to McDonough County, at the period above mentioned, the journey from Cincinnati, Ohio, was made by boat. The boat sank with all on board, the passengers, however, being rescued. Three weeks elapsed before they were able to recover their household goods. Mr. and Mrs. McDonough settled two miles north of Macomb, on the Randolph farm, but later moved to a farm which Mr. McDonough purchased, lying two miles and a half east of Macomb, where the family lived a number of years. They then located in the vicinity of Bushnell, McDonough County, where Mr. McDonough died in 1871. His widow survived him until 1888, when she too passed away. Mr. McDonough was possessed of sterling traits of character, and enjoyed the respect and confidence of all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Religiously, he was a member of the Christian Church, and in politics, a Republican.

The union of Jacob J. Spangler and Rachael A. McDonough resulted in nine children, of whom seven are living, as follows; Reuben E., whose residence is in Chicago; Lena, who is the wife of John McFadden, of that city; William E., whose home is in Fannin County, Tex.; Ida L., who resides in Chicago; J. Anton, who is located at Blandinsville, Ill.; Nellie, wife of Harry Mustain, of Chicago; and Mina C., also of Chicago. All of these inherit the excellent characteristics of their parents. The mother of this family is regarded with the fondest affection by her surviving children, and is an object of tender solicitude and care in the home of her sister-in-law, Mrs. Holler, where her declining years are made comfortable and pleasant.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, pages 1005-1006, extracted 30 Jul 2020 by Norma Hass.