The news of the death of Stephen Appel, Sr., at his home in Highland township, as it flashed over the county yesterday, came as a shock to all who knew the prominent old settler. Mr. Appel was a strong, well-preserved man, and was not known to be ill. He went out into the yard yesterday morning and did not return for two hours. A search was instituted and his dead body found in one of the buildings. Heart failure apparently brought on the sudden end.
Stephen Appel was born in Lauden, Baden, Germany, in 1834. Coming to America with his parents as a boy, he spent some time in Erie county, Pennsylvania, and in 1859 struck out for what was then considered the wild and wooly west. He arrived in Minnesota and located on a claim in Highland township, this county. He remained there alone for a number of years, erecting some primitive buildings and breaking the virgin soil. The second year proved disastrous for him, a fire destroying his little shack, including his money and all his belongings. It was a bitter experience, alone and in a new country, but he was young and strong, and possessed the qualities necessary to cope with reverses. He started out anew, his misfortune having strengthened his determination to win success.
On June 10, 1863, Mr. Appel was married at St. Felix church, Wabasha, to Elizabeth Hillenbrandt, Father Tissot performing the ceremony. The young couple had little in the way of earthly goods to start out with, but they toiled and conquered and succeeded until they had earned for themselves and their family a competence of which they could justly be proud. There came to them, as to all the old settlers, days of severe trials, of hardships, of disappointments, but with brave and determined hearts they toiled on, making every sacrifice, meeting every difficulty squarely.
In 1876 Mr. Appel purchased the old Lyons mill, which was the first flour mill in Wabasha county. He operated the mill until 1890, after which he devoted himself entirely to farming. Mr. and Mrs. Appel observed their golden wedding anniversary last June. Mr. Appel is survived by the widow and ten children: Mrs. John McMillin, Theilman; John A. Appel, Plainview; William A. Appel, San Francisco, Cal.; August M. and Edward S. Appel, Newport, Wash.; Frank J. Appel, Highland; Ida M. Melzner, Butte, Mont; Stephen U. Appel, at home; Miss Amanda B. Appel, Butte, Mont; Eliza A. Campbell, Bingham, Utah. One son, Louis Philip, died in infancy.
Mr. Appel was a fine type of the substantial farmer of this section. He was a hard worker always. He lived for his home and his family. He gave each one of his children a good education and saw to it that they became well established in life. He was broad-gauged in his views, a good neighbor, a faithful friend. He was honored, from time to time, with positions of public trust having been town supervisor, town clerk and town treasurer.
Contributor: MI Ring (48179705)
The news of the death of Stephen Appel, Sr., at his home in Highland township, as it flashed over the county yesterday, came as a shock to all who knew the prominent old settler. Mr. Appel was a strong, well-preserved man, and was not known to be ill. He went out into the yard yesterday morning and did not return for two hours. A search was instituted and his dead body found in one of the buildings. Heart failure apparently brought on the sudden end.
Stephen Appel was born in Lauden, Baden, Germany, in 1834. Coming to America with his parents as a boy, he spent some time in Erie county, Pennsylvania, and in 1859 struck out for what was then considered the wild and wooly west. He arrived in Minnesota and located on a claim in Highland township, this county. He remained there alone for a number of years, erecting some primitive buildings and breaking the virgin soil. The second year proved disastrous for him, a fire destroying his little shack, including his money and all his belongings. It was a bitter experience, alone and in a new country, but he was young and strong, and possessed the qualities necessary to cope with reverses. He started out anew, his misfortune having strengthened his determination to win success.
On June 10, 1863, Mr. Appel was married at St. Felix church, Wabasha, to Elizabeth Hillenbrandt, Father Tissot performing the ceremony. The young couple had little in the way of earthly goods to start out with, but they toiled and conquered and succeeded until they had earned for themselves and their family a competence of which they could justly be proud. There came to them, as to all the old settlers, days of severe trials, of hardships, of disappointments, but with brave and determined hearts they toiled on, making every sacrifice, meeting every difficulty squarely.
In 1876 Mr. Appel purchased the old Lyons mill, which was the first flour mill in Wabasha county. He operated the mill until 1890, after which he devoted himself entirely to farming. Mr. and Mrs. Appel observed their golden wedding anniversary last June. Mr. Appel is survived by the widow and ten children: Mrs. John McMillin, Theilman; John A. Appel, Plainview; William A. Appel, San Francisco, Cal.; August M. and Edward S. Appel, Newport, Wash.; Frank J. Appel, Highland; Ida M. Melzner, Butte, Mont; Stephen U. Appel, at home; Miss Amanda B. Appel, Butte, Mont; Eliza A. Campbell, Bingham, Utah. One son, Louis Philip, died in infancy.
Mr. Appel was a fine type of the substantial farmer of this section. He was a hard worker always. He lived for his home and his family. He gave each one of his children a good education and saw to it that they became well established in life. He was broad-gauged in his views, a good neighbor, a faithful friend. He was honored, from time to time, with positions of public trust having been town supervisor, town clerk and town treasurer.
Contributor: MI Ring (48179705)
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