James Spangler, born 3 October 1880, son of Civil War veteran George Spangler (1846-1921) of Lykens, was instantly killed on 16 July 1925 while working on Level 3 of the Short Mountain Colliery, when a shot that he and his fellow worker were preparing, exploded prematurely. The notice of the accident appeared in the Lykens Standard of 17 July 1925 along with Spangler’s obituary. The funeral, which was held the next week, was conducted by the Ku Klux Klan and, according to news reports, drew more than 300 Klansmen from the area. Articles appeared in the 24 July 1925 edition of the Lykens Standard and they included the names of many who attended the funeral, some of whom were “robed” and “hooded.” Pictures of the funeral also appeared in the Lykens Standard of 31 July 1925.
From the Lykens Standard, 17 July 1925:
James Spangler, Victim of Mine Accident Yesterday
James Spangler, of West North Street, this place, met almost instant death yesterday afternoon about 1 p.m. while employed at mining coal in No.3 level, Short Mountain Colliery, of the Susquehanna Collieries Company, when a shot which he and his fellow-workman Joseph Hentz were about to fire exploded prematurely.
Hentz escaped uninjured, except for slight contusions and shock, but Spangler was badly mangled.
His body was recovered about two o’clock and taken to the undertaking parlor of Reiff and Helt, where the body was prepared for burial.
Mr. Spangler was aged 45 years, was born in Lykens and was the son of George Spangler and Annie Spangler.
Surviving are his wife and the following children: James Spangler, Evelyn Spangler; Melvin Spangler; Martha Spangler; LeRoy Spangler; and Alfred Spangler. Three sisters: Mrs. Alfred Grimm of this place; Mrs. Irvin Daubert and Mrs. Edgar Zimmerman, both of Llewellyn; and one brother, William Spangler, also survive.
Fraternally, he was a member of the Junior Order United American Mechanics; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Knights of the Golden Eagles; and Loyal Order of Moose. He was also connected with Liberty Hose Company of this place; was quite active for improvement to West Borough Park and his petition was filed for nomination for Council for the West Ward, this borough, for the fall primary.
At the time of going to press no arrangements were completed for the funeral.
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News article from Newspapers.com.