The family name of Spengler can be traced back to the time of some the most spectacular undertakings in which mankind has ever engaged--the Crusades to the Holy Land, an early phase of the eternal conflict between Eastern and Western religious sentiments. For almost two centuries these adventures occupied the minds and the energies of a large part of the Western World population and were some of the bloodiest religious wars ever recorded. An account of these dramatic episodes can be found in any Medieval History book.
The First Crusade (1096-1099) resulted in the capture of Jerusalem by the Christians. The Second Crusade (1147-1149) was initiated to repulse a movement of the Turks toward Jerusalem. Its most important objective was the siege of Damascus which proved unsuccessful. When the Sultan of Egypt captured Jerusalem in 1187, the Third and most pretentious of these expeditions was initiated. This Crusade (1189-1192) was personally lead by three of the greatest European Kings, Richard "The Lion Hearted" of England, Phillip Augustus of France and Frederick Barbarossa of the Holy German Empire. The first two leaders of this Crusade took the sea route while the German Emperor went by land on what was to prove for all three a dismal failure. The Crusades were not just a marching army of knights but a caravan of thousands of foot soldiers, churchmen and camp followers and supplies as well as the knights. The expeditions were expected to last two to three years and they attempted to provide suitable facilities for normal living as far as was possible. Because of this the great caravans moved slowly, pausing at intervals long enough for rest, recreation, the formalities of royal court and the services of the church. The caravan of the Third Crusade lead by Emperor Barbarossa met with disaster in Asia Minor. Its ranks were decimated by the hardships of the long march and the swords of the Turks. It is said that not a tenth of those led by the Emperor across the Bosphorus reached Antioch which was still a long distance from the objective of Jerusalem. The Emperor was drowned while urging his horse across the Syrian river Calycadmus. The plague, the dreaded epidemic of the Middle Ages, also took its toll. Among the officers of the church who accompanied Frederick Barbarossa was the Prince Bishop of the ecclesiastical principality of Wurtzburg, Godfrey of Piesenburg, Chancellor to the Emperor. Cupbearer to the Prince Bishop was George Spengler, the first known Spengler. This Bishop and his Cupbearer accompanied the Emperor on his Crusade to the Holy Land. The Emperor was drowned in the year 1190 in the Syrian river, Calycadmus, while trying to urge his horse across the stream. His camp was then immediately removed to Antioch, where he was provisionally buried. The Bishop and his Cupbearer died soon afterwards. They were carried off by that dreadful scourge, the plague, which afflicted the Crusaders, and were buried in the Church of St. Peter at Antioch. Of those whom the Emperor had brought across the Bosphorus, not a tenth, it is said, reached Antioch. Since then the genealogy runs regularly.Floyd County Spanglers
In the summer of 1773, I find the first records of Spanglers in Southwest Virginia. The Land Books in the Land Office at Richmond, Virginia contain at least two entries recording land grants to one Daniel Spangler in the county of Franklin. For the next eight years the court and other records of Franklin County contain many entries about Daniel and his children. Additional entries are found in the records of Henry County at Martinsville, Virginia and Montgomery County records at Christiansburg, Virginia. By 1773 Daniel Spangler and his family had settled on the south branch of the Blackwater river where he became a large land owner. This area is in Franklin County, Va. today, but in those days it was a part of Pittsylvania County. In 1776 this area had become a part of Henry County and in 1785 it was a part of Franklin County. When the new Franklin County was formed, the Maggoty Creek section was taken from Bedford and made a part of the new County. Daniel's last will and testament was dated Sep. 22, 1787. Mary Spangler, widow and John Naufsinger were appointed executors of Daniel Spangler’s (Dec.). estate at court in Henry County, Va. on Nov. 5, 1787. Other land records indicate that there were at least two and maybe more Spangler families in this area at about this time. In addition to Daniel, I find a Peter and George in Wythe County and a John and Jacob in Montgomery County. The George in Wythe County and the John and Jacob of Montgomery were the sons of Peter. I have not been able to connect Peter and Daniel Daniel Spangler was born about 1716 and died in 1787. His original will which he signed is on file in the Clerks Office of Franklin County at Rocky Mount. His will indicates that he had at least six children. His wife, Mary lived to be 100 years old and died in 1820. She is buried in the Pine Creek Church Cemetery near Floyd, Virginia and her will is recorded in the Montgomery County Virginia Clerk's office. Legend says Daniel and Mary came to America from Germany but I have been unable to document this as fact. Daniel Spangler was born about 1716 and died November 3, 1787. Legend says Daniel was in failing health and died suddenly while serving on jury duty in Franklin County, Va. It is said that he is buried in PIGG RIVER PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCH CEMETERY located five miles south of Calloway, Va. on State Route 750 between State Routes 751 and 640. No marker is known to exist. The story posted on the internet that Daniel was a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Stophell is a myth based on Jacob's will which reads: February the 5th Anno Domini 1756 Jacob Spengler of Allsace Township and County of Berks hath made his last Will and faith in the Presence of the subscribing Wittness, as followeth--That his only son George Christopher Spengler who helped ........ (a word or two missing)..... be it what Denomination it will ..(a word missing).... and Personal. Except only that the Heir shall give unto his Mother Elisabeth Spengler for her suport during her Life Yearly (in case she does not dwell with him) 14 Bushels of Wheat, 50 Pounds of Pork, 20 of Beef, 40 shillings in currancy and the .... of cows but he shall keep said cows at his own charge. The Things above said George Christian Spengler shall give unto his Mother Elisabeth Spengler for her maintenance and further that my son shall give one cow and calf unto my Deceased Daughter’s Child Elizabeth Wise (?) by name and that when she is married. which I myself signed by my own hand before Witness. Adam Reiffel Jacob Spengler D B Teobaltbaum his X mark 1756 February 18. Then Christopher Wilman of Reading appeared by solomn Oath did declare the above writing to be a faithful translation (by him made according to his ability) of an original Writing in German exhibited to me and by me delivered to him to translate purporting to be the last will of Jacob Spengler. Christopher Witman Daniel and Mary's children were :(1) Daniel, Jr. - (1747 - 1823); (2) George - (1749 - 1793 ca); (3) John - (1751 - 1851); (4) (Mary) Hannah - (1753 - 1833); (5) (Mary) Elizabeth - (1759 - ____); and, (6) Mary - (1761 - ____).
Second Generation
Daniel,Jr., George, John and Mary are well documented. However there is sparce and conflicting information available on Mary Hannah and Mary Elizabeth since in accordance with old German customs all of Daniel and Mary's daughters included their mother's name of Mary in their given names. This has made it difficult for genealogists over 200 years later to sort.Daniel Spangler, Jr.
Daniel Spangler, Jr. was born 1747 and died Feb. 4, 1823. He is buried in the Pine Creek Church Cemetery, Floyd, Va. His wife was named Sarah but I have been unable to determine her last name. Sarah was born 1753, died May 8, 1839 and is also buried the Pine Creek Church Cemetery. Their children were: (1) John; (2) Daniel; (3) George; (4) Mary; (5); (6) Samuel; (7) Jacob; and, (8) David. According to the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography Vol. X Jan. 1902 No. 3, page 239 and DAR National Registration Number 715225, Daniel Spangler, while residing in Franklin (Henry) County, Virginia during the American Revolution, assisted in establishing American independence while acting in the capacity of a patriot providing material aid and provisions to the Continental Army troops in 1782. This is documented in court records of Henry County, Virginia 1782, Daniel Spangler was paid 70 1 for 350 lb. beef provided to Jesse Head, Com. Provisions. Also same date 8/6 for 1/2 bus. corn and diets to Jesse Heard, Com. Provisions. In 1792 Daniel Spangler, Jr. bought the mill on Pine Creek from William Logan who had bought it from Josiah Terry in 1787. From Daniel Spangler, Jr. the mill went to his son Samuel, then to his son Samuel, Jr. From Samuel, Jr. it went to his son Walter H. Spangler. The mill is believed to have been built in the 1770s or 1780s. It is also believed that Daniel's son Samuel rebuilt the mill sometime after 1848. His son Samuel, Jr. increased the capacity of the mill around 1914 by installing a new dam and roller mills. The wooden dam was destroyed by a storm in the late 1930’s or early 1940’s and was never rebuilt. An electric motor was added and the mill continued to operate a few more years. As I recall the mill was last used in the late 1940s or verly early 50s. I can remember taking wheat and buckwheat there for grinding into flour, The machinery was later sold and moved to Massachuttes and the building left to decay. The years and weather finally took their toll on the old building and it fell down under the weight of a snowstorm on February 28, 2005. The Spanglers led by Daniel were influential in the early days of Floyd County, VA.and was involved in the establishing the County Seat of Floyd. His preference was to have the county seat located in the Pine Community whereas another influential person, col. Jacob Helms desired the county seat be located in the Western part of the county. A compromise was reached and the present location of the town of Floyd was selected. The first court for Floyd County was held at the residence of the late Daniel Spangler in 1833. In January 1951 Miss Jessie Peterman wrote and interesting letter to the Floyd Press describing her mother's memories of the early days in the town of floyd.
Code of Virginia 1819, Page 187 (Passed March 10, 1819)
An Act authorizing separate elections, in the counties of Montgomery, Randolph and Washington. WHEREAS many inconveniences and dangers, amounting to an almost total deprivation of the invaluable right of suffrage to the people residing on the south side of the Pilot mountain, and third battalion of militia in the County of Montgomery, have been long experienced by the freeholders and electors, in crossing the said mountain, and also Little river which is frequently so high at the time of holding elections, that it is with great difficulty and danger that those people are enabled to attend the elections; therefore, for the purpose of remedying the said inconveniences and dangers, and of securing to them a free exercise of the right of suffrage: BE it enacted by the General Assembly, That, on the Thursday after the first Tuesday in April in each year, an election shall be held at the house of Daniel Spangler, on the south side or the Pilot Mountain, in the third battalion in the County of Montgomery, to choose representatives to represent that County in the General assembly or in Congress, as heretofore at the courthouse of the said County of Montgomery, or as may be prescribed by law. Most of the Spanglers now residing in Floyd, Montgomery, Patrick and Roanoke Counties are descendants of Daniel Spangler, Jr. and his wife Sarah.George Spangler
George Spangler was born 1749 and died before February 1794. He married Mary Elizabeth Langdon daughter of John D. Langdon on February 9, 1786 at Franklin County, Virginia. Daniel Spangler, surety and Jesse Rentfro, minister. Their children were: (1) Nancy; (2) Phoebe; (3) George; and, (4) Mary (Poly ?). After George Died Mary Elizabeth married Wm. Hawkins prior to May 8, 1799.John Spangler
John Spangler born 1751 died 1851 Ripley County, Indiana. He married on February 5, 1787 at Franklin County, Virginia to Christina Meyers by Randolph Hall, Minister and Floyd Nichols and John Fuson, Surety. John was mentioned in Daniel’s will of 1787. also mentioned in Mary’s will of 1812. Records indicate that John and Christina were in Kanawha County, West Virginia in 1794. Apparantly they moved from Virginia between 1814 and 1819 to Franklin, Indiana. They were in Franklin County, Indiana in 1820 and 1830, but in 1833 they moved a little further south to Ripley County where they platted a town called Spanglerville. They were there when they died. Their children were: (1) Christina; (2) Nancy; (3) Elizabeth; (4) Rebecca; (5) Sarah; (6) Cynthia; and, (7) Lydia Ann. Transcript of John Spangler’s Will I John Spangler of the Township of Laughery in the County of Ripley and State of Indiana do make publick and declare this my last will and testament revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made and being of sound mind and memory: First-I direct that my funeral be conducted in a manner corresponding with my estate and situation in life and that any expenses incurring from same be paid out of my personal state as also all other just debts and expenses together with certain legacy hereafter named. Secondly, I leave and bequeatah unto my wife, Christina Spangler all my stock consisting of horses, cows, young cattle, sheep, hogs and also all farming utensils and all tools of whatever description also all the household and kitchen furniture with all cooking utensils together with all other personal property which in right may belong to me at my decease. Thirdly, it is my wish and desire that my wife, Christina Spangler may occupy and enjoy all my real estate during her natural life. Fourthly, I give and bequeath unto Benjamin Zedrick Martin and Christina Hudleston all my real estate situated in Laughery Township in the County of Ripley, Indiana to be divided share and share alike between the said Benjamin Zedrick Martin and Christina Hudleston. Fifthly, I leave and bequeath unto Elizabeth Hudleston, Mary Hudleston, Nancy Johnson, Sarah Childers, Rebecca Proctor,Cyntha Martin, Lidia Cooksey each one dollar, the said sum to be paid out of my personal estate and; Sixthly, I appoint my friend Thomas W. Sunman my Executorof this my last will and testament in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fourth day of March, One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Forty Eight. His Mark--John Spangler (Seal) Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said John Spangler as and for his true last will and testament in our presence who have subscribed our names hereto as witnesses in the presence of said testator and in the presence of each other. Collins Rice Phillip Ramer Thomas W. SunmanMary Hannah Spangler
(Mary) Hannah Spangler (Polly?) was born 1753 and died May 24, 1833. She is believed to have married Dr. John Nofsinger and is buried in the Shaver Cemetery, Bremen, Kentucky, Muhlenburg County. On Oct. 9, 1788 Mary Spangler (Hannah’s mother) signed a document stating “Know all men by these Present that I Mary Spangler of the county of Franklin for and in consideration of the love good will and affection, which I have and do have towards my loving Friend John Nofsinger of the County Former have given granted and by these Present so freely give grant unto the said John Nofsinger his Heirs and assigns forever all and singular all my goods Chattels now in my possession in the County of Franklin or else where namely all my stock of Cattle, Hogs, sheep and horses all Bonds, Bills accounts and Debts Dew to me all moveables and other household furnitureTo have and to hold ...” Mary Spangler’s will of Nov. 27, 1812 states in part “..I give to my son in law John Noufsinger five shillings and no more then I give to my son John Spangler five shillings and no more, then I give to my son in law Thomas Foulor and his wife Mary five shillings and no more, ... .” It appears that Hannah married John Nofsinger sometime after 1788 and before 1812. My guess is about 1804. (Also see DAR National Number 715225, computer Code Number 6-035-KS)Mary Elizabeth Spangler
(Mary) Elizabeth Spangler (Mollie?) born 1759 probably died before 1812. Mentioned in her father Daniel's Will of 1787 but not mentioned in her mother Mary's Will of 1812.Mary Spangler
Mary Spangler born 1761 Married Samuel M. Kirby born 04 MAR 1768 Children: (1) Samuel M. “Musty”(1788-1819) Married Thomas Fowler (Flowers) on December 20, 1790 Chattin Pollard surety, Randolph Hall, minister. Children: (2) Susan (1791-____) and (3) Mary (____-____). Bedford County, Virginia March 22, 1788 Mary Spangler married Samuel Kirby, Bartlet Wade was suretor. IGI records state the marrriage took place 12 March 1788 in Rocky Mount, Franklin County, Virginia, source Worrell, “Over the Mountain Men”. From "Marriage Bonds of Franklin Co., Virginia” by Wingfield - Flowers (Fowler), Thomas and Mary Spangler, daughter of Mary, Dec. 20, 1790. Sur. Chattin Pollard. If the WorldConnect data is correct it appears that Mary and Samuel Kirby’s son was born several days before they were married. It also appears that Mary and Samuel Kirby were divorced a short time later but no records have been found to confirm this since Mary remarried approximately a year and half after she had married Samuel Kirby. It also appears that Samuel Kirby remarried a few years later and had additional children with first being born in 1820.Later Generations
Starting with the third generation the descendatnts of Daniel and Mary begin to emigrate from the Floyd/Framklin area to other states. Daniel and Sarah's son John married Susannah Hundnall and settled in Patrick county, VA. Their children were: (1) Richard; (2) Thomas; (3) Fleming; (4) George Washington; and, (5) Mary Ann Daniel and Sarah's son Daniel Spangler was born Augst 25, 1784 and died November 1850. He is buried at Hopewell Cemetery near Ivy Bluff, Cannon County, (Coffee) Tennessee. He married Sarah Betsy (Elizabeth) Sowers in Montgomery County, Va. Sarah Sowers was a daughter of Henry and Mary Sowers. She was born 1790 in Virginia died ante 1850 Tennessee and is also buried in the Hopewell Cemetery. Their Children were: (1) Mary; (2) Sarah; (3) Samuel; (4) Eliza; (5) Abigail; (6) Malinda (Milly); and, (7) Dicy Ann. Daniel and Sarah (Betsy) emigrated to Tennessee prior to 1832. Daniel wrote letters home in 1832 and 1842 in which he described some of the conditions in Tennessee and mentioned others from the Floyd county area who were there also. Daniel and Sarah's son George Spangler was born on July 18, 1786 in Va. and died in Tennessee. He Elizabeth Epperly April 1, 1806 in Montgomery County Va. with Daniel Spangler and Jacob Epperly, Surety. They also moved to Tennesee. Their children were: (1) David; (2) Nancy; (3) Rhody; (4) George; and, (5) John. Daniel and Sarah's daughter Mary Mary Spangler was born December 28, 1789. She married in Married Montgomery Co., Va October 22, 1811 George Sowers born abt 1785 VA, son of Henrick “Henry” Sowers & Mary Magdelene (Kraunk/Cronk?). The had at least one child Mary. Daniel and Sarah's son William was born on September 18, 1792 and died June 14, 1862. He is buried in the Pine Creek Church Cemetery, Floyd,VA. He married Mary (Poly) Irvin on September 8, 1828 in Montgomery County, Va. by Jacob Weddle, Jr. Mary Irvin was a daughter of William Irvin and was born on Jan. 7, 1808 and died Nov. 15, 1880. Their Children were: (1) Harvey D.; (2) Nancy; (3) John H.; (4) Margaret; (5) Daniel W.; (6) David R.; (7) Mary Ann; (8) William Tazwell; (9) Caroline America; (10) Calvin E. ;and, (11) Elizabeth E. Daniel and Sarah's son Samuel was born on Jan. 2, 1795 died on Apr. 26, 1875, buried Spangler Cemetery, Floyd County, Va. He married Mary Catherine Helton (Hylton, Hilton) on Oct. 9, 1820 Floyd, Va. Catherine, daughter of Jesse, was born on Apr. 18, 1792 died Oct. 9, 1850 and is buried in Pine Creek Church Cemetery, Marriage performed by Peter Howard, Minister. Their children were: (1) Henry Hylton; (2) Asa; (3) William H.; (4) Solomon; (5) Jacob; (6) Isaac; (7) Betty (Eliza); (8) Sarah; (9) Jesse; (10) Samuel;and, (11) Octavia. After Mary Catherine died Samuel married Phoebe Webster born on 1808, died on July 5, 1876 and is buried Spangler Cemetery Floyd County, Va. Daniel and Sarah's son Jacob was born 1799 in Botetourt County, VA. (This area next became Montgomery Co. and is now Floyd County, Virginia.) Probably relocated to Warren (Coffee) County Tennessee about 1825 as evidenced by WARREN COUNTY TENNESSEE ENTRY TAKERS INDEX and Montgomery County, VA land records of Sept. 30, 1828 Jacob Spangler, Warren Co. Tenn. deeded property to Samuel Spangler of Montgomery Co., Va. He married Lydia Layman (Lemmons) on 11 February 1830. Lydia Layman (Lemmons) was born 19 September 1811 in Montgomery County, Virginia and died August 1844. (From the April 2003 issue of Tennessee Ancestors, published by the East Tennessee Historical Society.) Their children (This is a guess based on the Barry County MO Census 1840 and Coffee County, TN Census 1860) were: (1) Jacob Westley and (2) Isaac Henderson A letter written August 14, 1842 by Jacob's brother Daniel in Coffee County, Tennesse states that "Brother Jacob moved off". From other records we know that Jacob settled in Missouri. We also find him in the 1840 census of Missouri. Jacob was issued land patent Number 3929 in Missouri by President John Tyler. Daniel and Sarah's son David P. Spangler was born Sep. 16, 1801, died Apr. 22, 1856 of apolesy. He is buried Red Oak Grove Church Cemetery, Floyd County, VA. He married Margaret (Sarah) Sowers January 19, 1825 Montgomery County, VA. by Peter Howard. Margaret Sowers, wasborn Sept 15, 1800 and died July 5, 1835 She is buried in the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Floyd, VA., and was a daughter of Henry “Henrick” and Magdalena. David and Margaret's children were: (1) Sarah Ann; (2) Mary; (3) John H.; (3) Nancy; and, (4) Elina (Eliza ?). After Margaret died David married Amelia (Permelia) Booth September 5, 1835 by Michael Howery. Montgomery County, VA. Amelia Boothe was born April 22, 1817 in Montgomery Co., VA.and died Jan 10, 1889. She is buriedin the Red Oak Grove Church Cemetery. Their children were: (5) Elmira; (6) George; (7) Christian; (7) Daniel; (8) Adeline; (9) Henderson Amstard; (10) Margaret; (11) Isaac; (12) James; and, (12) David.