HARTMAN SPENGLER. Among the foreign born residents of this county who are thoroughly identified with American civilization and progress may be noted Hartman Spengler, now Supervisor of Cotton Hill Township. He owns a small but productive tract of land on section 15, where the usual improvements have been made and such arrangements consummated as make it a comfortable home. The forty acres which comprise the farm are carefully and intelligently managed and prove more remunerative than some estates of much larger acreage.

The parents of our subject were Michael and Catherine (Dinkel) Spengler, natives of the German Empire, who grew to maturity in their own land and there began their wedded life. They continued to make their home in the Fatherland until 1844, when they crossed the Atlantic, landing in New Orleans in December. They at once came north to Springfield, this State, and soon afterward settled in Gardner Township. There the wife and mother died in the spring of 1845. The husband and father survived until November 21, 1866, when he too entered into rest. The good couple were the parents of three children, our subject being the first born. His natal day was February 10, 1840, and his birthplace, "the little German home across the sea." He grew to manhood in this county, receiving his education in the common schools of Gardner Township, and under his father's direction learning the art of agriculture.

When about nineteen years old young Spengler left home and began working out by the month in Gardner Township. On May 16, 1867, he became the husband of Melinda Meyer, a lady of estimable character, good judgment and housewifely skill. She was born in Union County, Pa., November 5, 1843, and is a daughter of Abraham Meyer, who died in Cotton Hill Township, this county. The first four years of their wedded life were spent by Mr. and Mrs. Spengler in Gardner Township on rented land. They then, in the fall of 1871, took possession of their present home, where they have continued to carry on the affairs of life. Their home is brightened by the presence of nine children: Thomas M., Samuel H., Artemus L., Mary M., Alice J., Rose A., Gilbert, John C. and Charles L.

Mr. Spengler has been called upon by his fellow men to serve in various public capacities. He has been Assessor, highway Commissioner, held the different school offices, and is now serving his third term as Supervisor. In each capacity he has manifested a desire to advance the interests of his community and the more thorough development of the resources of this section of country. He believes in the principles laid down in the Democratic platform and therefore casts a Democratic ticket on election day. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church and have good standing among their associates.