Apple, Harry W.

The following data is extracted from Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement.

One of the most prosperous and substantial citizens of Norway Township is Harry W. Apple, whose home is on section 26. He has been a lifelong resident of that Township, where his birth occurred June 29. 1875. His parents, Adam and Dorothy (Eckels) Apple, were natives of Germany, the former born in 1839 and the latter in 1849. They were married, however, in Norway Township, this County, and continued to make their home here throughout the remainder of their lives, the father dying in April, 1907, and the mother in February, 1913. In 1849 the father went to California and after his return from the Pacific coast, in the '50s, came to Racine County. He purchased a farm of one hundred acres in Norway Township, and as time passed and he prospered in his undertakings he added to his property from time to time until he had three hundred and forty acres. He was very successful in all his undertakings and became one of the wealthiest men of his community. He was quite prominent in public affairs and was called upon to fill all of the town offices, serving as chairman for a number of terms. He was state representative for twelve or fourteen years and state senator for two terms. His political support was given the Democratic Party and he was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity. He attended the Methodist church and was a man highly honored and esteemed wherever known. In his family were eight children, of whom seven are still living: Ella, now the wife of Charles Blakey, a farmer and real estate dealer of Estherville, Iowa; Josie, the wife of Daniel Clump, a farmer of Superior, Iowa; Anna, a resident of North Cape. Wisconsin; Andy, who is conducting a grocery and meat market in Chicago: Charles, a retired farmer of Waterford, Wisconsin; Flora. a resident of North Cape, and Harry W., of this review.

Upon the home farm the last named passed the days of his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farmer lads. He began his education in the district school and later attended Rochester Academy. For a number of years he gave his father the benefit of his services upon the home farm and since starting out in life for him has continuously engaged in agricultural pursuits. He now owns one hundred and seventy-five acres of land which he has placed under excellent cultivation and which is improved with a beautiful brick residence and splendid buildings. This is his father's old homestead and it is one of the best farms in the locality. Mr. Apple follows dairying to some extent and for this purpose keeps full blooded Durham cattle.

In 1905 Mr. Apple was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Smith, a daughter of John H. Smith, a well known and highly esteemed resident of Dover Township. To this union four children have been born: Harold, Boyd, Alma and Eugene, all at home. The family attends the Methodist Church and Mr. Apple holds membership in the Masonic lodge at Waterford. In his political affiliations he is a democrat and he is justly regarded as one of the leading citizens of Norway Township.

Source: Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement

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