OR

source:wikipedia.org
20 Nov, 1848
22 Jan, 1915
Natural causes
American
Janitor
66
James Murray Spangler, born on November 20, 1848, in Plain Township, Pennsylvania, was an American inventor best known for creating the first commercially successful portable electric vacuum cleaner. His invention transformed household cleaning and laid the foundation for modern vacuum technology. James Spangler was born to William and Elizabeth Lind Spangler, one of ten children. The family later moved to Stark County, Ohio. On May 21, 1874, he married Elista Amanda Holtz, with whom he had three children: Clarence, Francis, and Jennie.
He worked various jobs throughout his life. In 1880, the family moved to Akron, Ohio, where Spangler initially worked as a salesman, first for his brother and later for the Aultman Company. Spangler’s inventive nature was evident early on. His first patent, granted in 1887, was for improvements to a grain harvester. In 1893, he patented a combined hay rake and tedder, which aimed to reduce costs by combining two tools into one. He also patented a velocipede wagon in 1897, though its success was limited due to the rising popularity of bicycles
Spangler’s most significant contribution came while working as a janitor at Zollinger’s Dry Goods Store in Canton, Ohio. As an asthmatic, he found that the dust stirred up by his carpet sweeper aggravated his condition. This personal challenge inspired him to create a solution.
In 1907, Spangler developed his first prototype. He mounted an electric fan motor on a carpet sweeper, added a box and a broom handle, and used a pillowcase as a dust collector. After refining his design, Spangler received a patent for his “suction sweeper” on June 2, 1908.
Spangler’s invention revolutionized home cleaning. His vacuum cleaner was the first to be practical for home use, featuring both a cloth filter bag and cleaning attachments. Initially, Spangler attempted to manufacture and sell his invention himself, forming the Electric Suction Sweeper Company. However, financial constraints led him to sell his patent to William H. Hoover in 1908.
After selling his patent, Spangler continued to work for the Hoover Company as a superintendent. His wife and daughter made bags for the sweepers until 1914, and his son worked for the company for a year. James Murray Spangler passed away on January 22, 1915, at the age of 66, just before he was set to take his first vacation in Florida.
Spangler’s invention of the portable electric vacuum cleaner not only improved the lives of millions by making home cleaning easier and more efficient but also laid the groundwork for an entire industry. While his name may not be as widely recognized as Hoover’s, James Murray Spangler’s innovative spirit and problem-solving approach left an indelible mark on household technology.
James Spangler
James Spangler
Male
Natural causes
Plains Township, Pennsylvania, USA
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Defender: Very dedicated and warm protectors, always ready to defend their loved ones. Spangler’s practicality, dedication to problem solving and willingness to pursue a solution for a cleaner environment suggest a personality focused on practicality and a deep sense of responsibility.
Spangler’s first vacuum used a pillowcase as a dust collector
Spangler invented other devices, though none were as successful as the vacuum
The Hoover Company continued to use Spangler’s core design in their vacuums for decades
His invention helped reduce indoor air pollutants significantly
Received a patent for his vacuum cleaner in 1908.
Invented the first portable electric vacuum cleaner in 1907.
Laid the groundwork for the Hoover Company’s successful line of vacuums.
His invention revolutionized household cleaning and appliance design.