Henry Spangenberg, who has lived in Delaware county for a period covering forty six years, is the owner of a tract of land embracing two hundred and sixteen acres in Richland township and is successfully engaged in farming and dairying. His birth occurred in Cook county, Illinois, on the 28th of December, 1862, his parents being John and Sophia (Presing) Spangenberg, both of whom were natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States in 1850 and resided on a farm in Cook county, Illinois, until 1868, when they came to Delaware county, Iowa, purchasing a tract of land on sections 33 and 34, Richland township. Here they spent the remainder of their lives. Their children were five in number and three survive.

      Henry Spangenberg, who was about six years of age when brought to this county by his parents, pursued his education in the common schools and remained at home until he had attained his majority. Subsequently he cultivated rented land for two years and on the expiration of that period purchased the property, his holdings now embracing two hundred and sixteen acres of land constituting a productive and highly improved farm in Richland township. He cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also conducts a dairy, meeting with well merited success in both branches of his business. With the assistance of his estimable wife he has accumulated a handsome fortune and is worthy of much commendation as a self made man who has labored diligently and earnestly to reach his goal.

      On the 6th of February, 1889, Mr. Spangenberg was united in marriage to Miss Delila Quitmyer, a native of Fayette county, Iowa, and a daughter of Henry and Sophia (Bentz) Quitmyer, both of whom were born in Germany. They emigrated to America in an early day and made their way direct to Iowa, both being still residents of Lament, this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Spangenberg have been born six children, as follows: Edwin and Pearl, both of whom are deceased; and Floyd, Delila, Alma and Myrtle, all at home. Mr. Spangenberg gives his political allegiance to the republican party, ably served as trustee for a period of fifteen years and has also been school director. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs. Wherever he is known he is respected for his unfaltering allegiance to principles of honorable manhood as manifested in business relations, in matters of citizenship and in all phases of life.