Appleton, William H. 1839 - 1925

APPLETON, LOVETT, PORTER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 10/16/2020 at 22:44:54

Elkader Register, Thur., 25 June 1925.

William H. Appleton was born in Tellatown, Penn., on the 22nd day of July, 1839. At break of day, on June 7th, 1925, he quietly passed from the delights of a beautiful summer morning to the glorious verities of Eternal Day. He had lived 85 years, 10 months and 15 days. His parents were Richard and Crisanna Appleton. He had three brothers and one sister, all of whom have preceded him in the journey he has now taken. His last brother, the youngest of the family, died two years ago.

When only four years old, the subject of this notice was made an orphan by the death of his father. Following that sad event, and until he was nine years old he lived with his aunt. In accord with the prevailing custom, he was then "bound out" to Esquire Burton, a devout Quaker. The term of his servitude ended when he was 16 years of age, but he continued with his good friend for another year. He came to Clayton county, Iowa, when 18 years of age, stopping with friends in the country north of Colesburg, in which town he for some time attended the high school.

It is an enviable record which tells of the military service of this patriotic citizen, during the Civil War. When President Lincoln issued his first call for volunteers, he at once enlisted. Before the company to which he was attached had been mustered into service, word came that the quota had been filled, and he, with other young patriots, was turned back home. Reports from his old home in Pennsylvania, led him to hope that he might more quickly enter active service from that place. Accordingly he made the trip back east, but was again disappointed. Coming again to Iowa he enlisted on the first day of August, 1862, in Company B., 21st Iowa Volunteer Infantry. When his three year term of enlistment expired, without coming home he re-enlisted as a veteran, and continued at the front until the close of the war. Only once during the entire time did he come home. Then he was granted a furlough of sixty days, his health having been so impaired that physicians gave little hope of his recovery. Before the sixty days were finished, he was back at his post of duty ready for service. He participated in the battles of Springfield, Mo., Champion Hills, Black River, Miss.; was present during the siege of Blakely and Spanish Forks. He was finally discharged in July, 1865.

After returning from southern battlefields, for two years he worked on the farms during the summer and taught school during the winter months.

On June 9th, 1867, Mr. Appleton was united in marriage with Miss Phoebe Lovett, a native of Ohio. Of the eight children born to this union, five are living - Lena May, now Mrs. George Porter; William W.; Mark L.; Otto B.; and Roy R., all of Edgewood, Iowa. Two daughters, their first born were taken in infancy and Olive passed away when six years if age. There are also fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Supreme sorrow came to the life of Mr. Appleton when in September, 1913, his faithful and beloved companion left his side in the life journey, to watch on the "other shore" for his final coming. They are now re-united amid blissful surroundings.

Before his marriage, the subject of this sketch, purchased a tract of 240 acres of land in Elk township. To this spot, where primitive conditions existed, he brought his bride, and it became a home where joy reigned and peace filled each heart. As time passed more territory was added and modern improvements made, and here his home has continued through the passing years. Since the death of his beloved wife, he has lived with his children, for the past eleven years his home having been with the family of his son Roy.

For more than 55 years he has been an active member of the Methodist church. During the earlier days worship was conducted in school houses, the class being connected with the Edgewood circuit.

As a charter member he was foremost in organizing the Asbury church and in erecting a house of worship. When it was thought wise to move the church building to a new location, he loyally shared in the work and the expense. When Providence seemed to direct the union of the two neighboring churches, he was again in the front ranks of the faithful members, whose devoted co-operation rendered possible the beautiful and commodious church edifice and the Parsonage as they stand today. Not only was he a generous contributor to the expenses of the church, he was also a faithful attendant and his earnest and intelligent attention was an inspiration to pastor and a worthy example to fellow members.

The temperance principles of Mr. Appleton were well known, and he remarked to a member of his family, that he thought they might have been strengthened by his early associations with Quakers. He was an honorary member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and the cause of Prohibition always had in him an ardent supporter.

He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and when the post at Edgewood surrendered its charter, his membership was transferred to Manchester.

Although not seeking office, he was called by his fellow citizens at various times to serve them as school director, township clerk, assessor, township trustee and Justice of the Peace. In each instance he was faithful and competent.

Mr. Appleton was passionately fond of little children, and they seemed instinctively to recognize in him a friend. In his associations with his fellow men, he was quick to commend and slow to criticize. When ones course was made a matter of question he would say "give him the benefit of the doubt."

While visiting at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George Porter, in Edgewood, he was prostrated by a stroke of paralysis, which in a few days closed his earthly life.

For years he has spoken to members of his family of his willingness, and even of his desire to pass to the Heavenly Life. He told them he was prepared to go. For some days previous to his departure, he seemed to have a presentiment of the approaching close of life. Who shall say that he did not recognize the beckoning hands of waiting loved ones ? A good man has gone from the community; the last chapter of a worthy life has been closed; already the words "well done" have been uttered by the Master.

On Tuesday afternoon, June 9th, funeral services were conducted at the Wood M.E. church in charge of the pastor, Rev. A. Meyer. He was assisted by Rev. Mr. Smith of Colesburg. Mr. Herman Wessel also made remarks by request of the family. Four veterans of the Civil War acted as honorary pall bearers while the younger men, soldiers of the World War, rendered active service, displaying military honors in token of respect for the service given to his country by the departed. Burial was made in the Brown cemetery, north of Colesburg, the resting place of the other members of the family who have gone on before.