He was a progressive farmer and also an Innkeeper seven miles west of York on the York and Gettysburg turnpike. He was the first farmer in his section to burn and introduce lime. He possessed a sound judgement, good business qualifications and sterling integrity. In 1824 he joined the "York Washington Artillerists," then under the command of Capt. Wm. Nes, and continued a member until 1831. Every Saturday he came to York, a distance of seven miles, to engage in the artillery drill. He participated in the dinner given in honor of Gen. Lafayette on the occasion of his second visit to York in 1825, hereinafter described. The following is a copy of his discharge: York, Feb'y 22nd, 1831 I certify hereby, that Rudolph Spangler having been uniformed and equipped agreeably to law, has faithfully served as a member of the "YORK WASHINGTON ARTILLERISTS," an organized VOLUNTEER CORPS OF ARTILLERISTS, with the bounds of the 1st Brigade, 5th Division, Pennsylvania Militia, for seven successive years from the 22nd day of February eighteen hundred and twenty-four, and attended on at least three-fourths of the days of parade and training of his Company, unless absent for some of the causes which authorized him to be excused agreeably to law. Witness my hand and seal, Jacob Upp, Jr. [Seal] Captain, "Washington Artillerists" Rudolph Spangler was a member of the "Vigilance Committee" on the part of the Farmers Republican ticket in the bitter and acrimonious Presidential campaign of 1836. Then, as now, every species of disorder and distress was predicted to follow the election of the opposing candidate. Van Buren was elected, and the Republic still lives. The representative picture was taken from the Pennsylvania Republican of York of October 12, 1836. The succeeding Presidential campaign between the same candidates was still more virulent.
Rudolph was born on 27 June 1800. He was the son of
Henry Spengler and
Catherine Mohr. He married
Sarah Harbaugh at
York Co., Pennsylvania, on 3 May 1827. Rudolph was listed as the head of a family on the 1850 Census at
Paradise Twp., York Co., Pennsylvania. In the 1850 census for Paradise Twp., York Co., Pennsylvania the following family is found at dwelling and family # 268:
Rudolph Spangler, age 49, male, farmer, real estate valued at $10,500, born in Pennsylvania;
Sarah Spangler, age 44, female, born in Pennsylvania;
Henry Spangler, age 19, male, born in Pennsylvania;
Susan Spangler, age 17, female, born in Pennsylvania ;
Sarah Spangler, age 14, female, born in Pennsylvania, attended school within the year;
Julia Spangler, age 12, female, born in Pennsylvania, attended school within the year;
Leah Spangler, age 10, female, born in Pennsylvania;
Benny Spangler, age 8, male, born in Pennsylvania;
Edward Spangler, age 5, male, born in Pennsylvania;
Jacob Spangler, age one month, male, born in Pennsylvania;
Lucas Lemhart, age 49, male, laborer, born in Germany.
. Rudolph died on 30 September 1851 at
Jackson Twp., York Co., Pennsylvania, at age 51.