Applegate, T. S.

APPLEGATE, RIVERS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 8/23/2009 at 09:04:46

Unknown source
(Poweshiek Co. IA Hist/Gene. Society; Montezuma, Iowa)

T.S. APPLEGATE

It is with pleasure that we mention Thomas S. Applegate, one of the most honored citizens of Sugar Creek until two years ago. He was born in Indiana and came to Iowa in December, 1852, and settled in the township and this was his home. On July 16, 1853, he was united in marriage with Sarah Rivers. Mr. Applegate in speaking of his wife says, "Her father, Richard Rivers, was one of the three first settlers in the township as now known as Sugar Creek. She, from the best information, was the first white woman to settle in the township. Her father's family being detained by sickness near Sigourney in Keokuk county, she came on to Poweshiek with her brothers to prepare a home for her father's family."

Mr. Applegate after his marriage lived with his wife's people until 1856 and then moved to Missouri. But after eight months there they returned to Iowa. In 1857 he located on section 24 in Sugar Creek township and resided there until he enlisted in the service. On August 11, 1862, he in company with his brother, Ira Applegate, enlisted in Co. C., 28th Iowa Infantry. When the company went to Camp Pope at Iowa City these brothers left their families at home, and then came the weary marches, the battles and the anxious waiting for letters from home. While Mr. Applegate was in camp at Algiers, La., he received the sad news of the death of his little daughter. He followed the fortunes of the heroic 28th and when at Cedar Creek, Va., he received a gun shot in the left ankle which incapacitated him for further military service and on account of this wound he was discharged and came home broken in health. He continued on the farm for a number of years but owing to ill health was compelled to leave this work. In 1883 he engaged in the mercantile business in Searsboro. The next year he was elected a member of the board of supervisors and served two terms. During his residence in Searsboro he served as mayor four terms, was justice of the peace and held other township offices. For a number of years he was engaged in the hardware and implement business, selling this in 1896. In 1898 he moved to Montezuma where he now resides. His brother, Ira Applegate, who enlisted with him is now a resident of Norton county, Kansas.