Applegate, Thomas S. 1834-1920

APPLEGATE, RIVERS, WATSON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 8/23/2009 at 08:45:43

Montezuma (IA) Republican; 10/14 1920

AN AGED PIONEER PASSED AWAY

THOMAS S. APPLEGATE DIED IN MONTEZUMA SATURDAY

Came to Iowa in Fifties, Served in Civil War, Farmed, Conducted a Store, Served in Office.

Thomas S. Applegate died at his home in Montezuma Saturday night at the age of 85 years, 10 months and 7 days. In his death Montezuma and Poweshiek county loses one of the few remaining pioneers of the state. A few years ago, becoming almost blind, Mr. Applegate entered the soldier's home at Marshalltown where he remained until a few weeks ago when he was brought home to die. As the shadows became more pronounced the greater was the desire of the sufferer to come home. He wished to pass away near the scenes of his younger days and in the midst of old and tried friends. Faithfully watching over him and caring for his wants were his two sons, William and George.

Thomas S. Applegate was born in Morgan county, Indiana, December 3, 1834. He came to Iowa with his parents in 1854, driving across the country and settled on a farm in Sugar Creek township, Poweshiek county. The father entered government land and made the place his home until he died. When the Civil war endangered the union the deceased and a brother, Ira enlisted at Montezuma, August 11, 1862, in Co. C., 28th Iowa Infantry under Capt. J.W. Carr. They took part in all the engagements of the regiment until Thomas S. was wounded in the last fight at Cedar Creek, Virginia, October 19, 1864, a fragment of a shell striking him in the ankle. He was honorably discharged January, 1865.

Recovering from his injuries the deceased resumed farming and continued successfully until 1884 when he sold the farm in Sugar Creek township and established a hardware and implement business in Searsboro. In 1898 he sold the store and moved to Montezuma.

July 16, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Rivers. Of the children born to this union three died in infancy or early life: Joseph Richard, Mary LaVina, and John. Those still living are William and George of Montezuma.

Mr. Applegate was a member of Wisner Post. G.A.R., the Masonic order and a member of the Church of Christ. In church work he was ever faithful. His public services were distinguished by his fidelity to every trust. He was honorable in all things and an ardent advocate of the Golden Rule. From 1884 to 1889 he served as supervisor of the county giving eminent satisfaction. When a resident of Sugar Creek township he served two terms as justisce of the peace and held a like office in Montezuma for many years commencing in 1900. None were held in higher esteem by all than was Thomas S. Applegate.

The deceased joined the Church of Christ at a very early age and on removing to Searsboro identified himself with the Church of Christ of New Sharon, transfering to the Montezuma church in 1898. He served the local church faithfully hold(ing) all offices and as a mark of esteem, when removed to the Soldier's Home at Marshalltown, was elected a life Elder by an unanimous vote of the church, an honor confered on very few.

Three brothers and one sister survive: Ira of Norton, Kansas; Peter N. of Arkansas; William of Long Beach, California, and Mrs. Zelda Watson of Touchet, Wash.

Funeral services were held from the Church of Christ Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. S. Walton Fay of Grinnell. A large number of friends and comrades followed the remains to the West Liberty church where a second service was held by Rev. S. Walton Fay and burial made in the cemetery nearby.