MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS BOOK ONE

Source: REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS , BOOK One, page 428
submitted by Phyllis Hazen, Novmeber 26, 2007

MARTIN J. APPEL DEAD.

South Muscatine mourns the departure of one of its pioneer settlers, Martin J. Appel, who passed away tranquilly at 5:25 o’clock last evening, death being attributable to a paralytic stroke sustained on last Monday evening, and under which he rapidly failed, though conscious almost to the last, his age being 62 years, 7 months and 25 days. Mr. Appel was a native of Baden, Germany, and was the youngest of a family of ten children, they being Adam, Sebastian, Mary, Margaret, Catherine, Susanna, George, Michael and John.

In company with his brother, John, he left his native land at the age of eighteen years and emigrated to America, landing in New York on Aug. 4, 1852. He spent two months in that city working on a plank road and then went to Scranton, Pa., where he secured work in a saw mill and remained for three years. It was there that he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Smith on March 4th, 1856. Shortly after their marriage they came to Muscatine and here they had resided continuously since. He first entered the employ of the late H. W. Moore, but after a short time engaged with the Hershey Lumber Company, with which he continued until death called him to his eternal home. Not long after entering its service he was appointed foreman of the sawing department, and the long period in which he filled that position is a high testimonial of the satisfactory manner in which he performed his duties and the respect and confidence in which he was held by his employers.

He was universally liked by the mill employes, and many who have grown gray in the service of this company with him will deeply grieve over the loss of their old foreman and friend. He was a man of sterling worth and upright character. Socially he was a member of the Odd Fellows’ order since 1854, of the Masonic order since 1864, and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen since 1876. He was also a member of the Muscatine City and County Aid association. Religiously the deceased was a member of the German Reform church. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Appel, eight of whom survive, they being George, who married Helen McGurdy and is a resident of Sacramento, Cal.; Will A., Emma F., Della, Christie, wife of John Butler, Charles, Grace and Aura, all of this city. The funeral is appointed to take place Sunday at 2 o’clock from the residence, No. 1136 Hershey Avenue. The arrangements will be in charge of Iowa lodge, No. 2, A. F. and A. M., with the Eagle lodge, No 10, A. O. U. W., and Muscatine lodge No. 5, I. O. O. F., acting as escort.

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