William M. Appleton

    William M. Appleton is a native of New York, and came with his parents to the West when quite young. At the age of fourteen, began learning carriage-body making in Dayton, Ohio, and for a period of fifteen years was employed at that business at different points throughout the state. In 1860, he came to North Manchester, Wabash County, this State, and conducted a shop there about two and a half years. In 1863, he sold out and enlisted as a private in Company E, One Hundred and Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was immediately elected Second Lieutenant. At Atlanta, he was wounded in the breast; returned home on furlough and was laid up four months. On rejoining his company, he was promoted to be First Lieutenant and subsequently to the rank of Captain. He served until the close of the war, and was mustered out at Indianapolis in 1865. He then worked at his trade, at various localities until the fall of 1868, when he came to Columbia City and for five years was employed at the business. In 1873 he opened out on his own account, steadily increased his trade, and has one of the leading industries of the town, employing from eight to ten hands constantly, and turning out all kinds of wagons, buggies, etc., and running a large wareroom in connection with his factory.

    He was married in 1859 to Minerva Brower, a native of Pennsylvania, and is the father of five children, viz.: Allie Slussman, residing in town; Earl, who works in the factory; Otis, Jessie and Dora. He is Royal Arch Mason and an influential citizen.

Source: Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana, Historical and Biographical. Weston A. Goodspeed, Charles Blanchard, 1882. Page 238.