Egidius Slanghen was the mayor of Hoensbroek from 11 March 1855 till his death and a historian. Before being mayor of Hoensbroek, he was, thanks to mediation by the count Jean Bapriste d'Ansembourg of Amstenrade, land agent for the frueles of Aldenhoor in Haelen (1845–1853), while in this function his interest for history grow.