Mary A. (Lewis) Appelgate (1856-1920)

LEWIS, APPELGATE, ATKINSON, PROCTOR, DAVIS, MEYER

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 10/28/2021 at 21:27:04

From Nevada Representative July 8, 1920 (page 6)

MARY A. APPLEGATE [SHOULD BE APPELGATE]

Mary A. Lewis was a native of Connecticut, her birth having occurred February 14, 1856. When she was about three years old the family removed to the vicinity of Rochelle, Ill. A second move brought them to Story county, Iowa, about 1856 or 1866. Her marriage took place January 26, 1876, to M. F. Applegate [should be Appelgate], and they began housekeeping south of Nevada, in the same neighborhood where they have lived ever since. Three children were born to this couple, a son, Hubert L. Applegate [should be Appelgate], whose hme is with the parents, and two daughters, Mrs. Bernice F. Applegate [should be Appelgate], whose home is near Nevada, and Mrs. Edith Verne Atkinson, of near Zearing. Mrs. Applegate's health has been poor for the past three years. Although she made no complaint, a very deep seated and malignant condition was gradually increasing its hold upon her. A short time ago she went to Des Moines to seek relief in surgical intervention. The operation took place on Thursday, two weeks ago, and disclosed conditions that were far more serious than had been anticipated. Had she lived it would have been only to undergo most distressing suffering, with death staring her in the face. It was at 3:15 on Monday morning, June 28, that she passed away, with the son and one of the daughters with her. In conversation a short time before undergoing the operation, she spoke of the time when she had begun the Christian life twenty-four years ago, and expressed her confidence that she was ready to go should that experience be in waiting for her. This loss is the more keenly felt because it is the first break in this family circle, though some of her brothers and sisters have gone, among them Frank Lewis, who died in August, 1882. Mrs. Applegate's father died May 21, 1881, and her mother when she was but a small girl. Mrs. Applegate of Nevada is a step-sister and she, with three half-sisters are the near surviving relatives, who are Mrs. Stella Proctor of Nashville, Tenn., Mrs. Edith Davis of Chicago, and Mrs. Bertha Meyer of Freeport, Ill. There are also four grandchildren. To this group of relatives and to the larger circle of neighbors and friends there remains the memory of one who endeared herself to them during many years.

Mrs. Applegate by virtue of her Lewis parentage and Applegate marriage belonged to a numerous group of our very worthy and useful pioneer citizens. A group that exerted a very helpful influence in making Story county the substantial and progressive county it has become.

The funeral service was held at the home two and a half miles south and east of Nevada, and was numerously attended by near neighbors an old-time friends Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 20 at 2:30 o'clock. Dr. R. M. Shipman was in charge, and the interment was in the Nevada cemetery.