He was reared to manhood on the old family homestead. His education was acquired in the public schools. He was trained to farm work, purchased of his father his own share of the old home, and became one of the successful agriculturists of the county. Besides his farm he owned eleven acres of very valuable land close to the mountains. He was always ready to adopt advanced ideas, conducting his farm along the most approved lines, and it presented a charming appearance with its neat and commodious buildings, well cared for fences, and clear fields. In 1901 a large plant for the manufacture of phosphorus was erected on Mr. Spangler's. farm, along the railroad, the rock from which the phosphorus is made being secured on the farm. The factory was conducted by the Enterprise Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia, Pa., composed of T. Henry Asbury and Sons, and was superintended by Gilbert C. Landis.