George B. APPEL, b. 1866

George B. Appel, whose farming interests are represented by a fine tract of land of two hundred and forty-five acres well improved with modern equipments, was born in Richland township, Mahaska county, April 24, 1866. His father, Peter Appel, was, a native of Germany, born March 5, 1837, and died upon the old homestead farm in Richland township, January 27, 1903. He was only seven years of age when brought to America and he lived near Lewisburg, Ohio, with a sister. He was reared in that locality and attended school and at the age of about twenty years he came to Iowa, where he worked for one season in the employ of Alanson Ridpath, an early settler. He then returned to Ohio, but the following year again came to Mahaska county, where he made a permanent location. He was married in this county to Miss Margaret Bacon, who was born in White county, Indiana, June 6, 1836, and is a daughter of Ira Bacon, who was born in Massachusetts and died in Richland township, Mahaska county, at the age of sixty-six years. His wife, Mrs. Mary Bacon, was a native of Ohio and died in Richland township, at the age of seventy-eight years. They came to Mahaska county in 1852 and secured a claim of government land, ultimately becoming owners five hundred acres in Richland township. Mr. Bacon at first built a little log cabin, in which the family lived in true pioneer style, but later he erected a more commodious and modern residence upon his farm and there continued to make his home until his death. Peter Appel, carrying on farming pursuits in this county, purchased one hundred and seventy-five acres of land which is now owned by his son, George B. Appel. This was an unimproved farm, but Peter Appel built thereon all of the present buildings, including a fine two-story frame residence, which is well painted and is tastefully furnished. There are good barns and outbuildings upon the place and Mr. Appel was recognized as an enterprising and energetic agriculturist. In politics he was a republican and was prominent in local affairs, exercising considerable influence in local councils of his party. He was county supervisor for one term and held all the minor township offices. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which he took an active and helpful interest. He was also for years a prominent Mason, joining Tri Luminar lodge in Oskaloosa. His life was honorable and upright and all who knew him esteemed him for his genuine personal worth. His widow still survives and now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. John Ashton, of Richland township, the latter being her daughter. In the family were four children: Ira D., who died in infancy; Martha E., the deceased wife of John I. Lundy; George B., of this review; and Mary M., who was born in 1871 and is the wife of John Ashton. George B. Appel has always made his home in Richland township upon the farm where he now resides. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He was married in 1888 to Miss Lillie L. Rice, a daughter of William Rice, of Richland township. She died in 1889, leaving one son, Merril L., who at the age of sixteen years is attending the public schools. On the 30th of August, 1893, Mr. Appel wedded Miss Mary E. Sheehy, who was born in Richland township, April 23, 1872, and is a daughter of Miles Sheehy, who was born in Ireland, and is now a retired farmer residing in Pella, Iowa. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Sarah E. Chase, is now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Appel has been born a son, Karl C., now eleven years of age. Mr. Appel is today the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and forty-five acres, which he is keeping under a high state of cultivation, utilizing it to the best advantage. He is quite extensively engaged in feeding cattle and hogs and he buys grain to feed. He is a thoroughly up-to-date farmer, active and enterprising in all that he does and his labors are being attended with a gratifying measure of success. In his political views Mr. Appel is an earnest democrat, supporting the party since William Jennings Bryan was presidential candidate, prior to which time he had been a republican. He has served as assessor for one term, as township clerk for eight years, as school director and as president of the school board. He belongs to Central lodge, No. 388, A. F. & A. M., of Peoria, of which he is now secretary, and he is likewise a member of Peoria lodge, No. 501, I. O. O. F. He has filled all of the chairs in both lodges and is a valued and worthy representative of the organizations. Mr. Appel has spent his entire life in Mahaska county, and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood days to the present time is an indication that his life has been an upright and honorable one. He has always followed farming and stands today among the representative agriculturists of this part of the state.

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from Past and Present of Mahaska County, Iowa by Manoah Hedge The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1906

Past and Present of Mahaska County, Iowa

Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy

Iowa Genealogy

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