Biographical Sketch of

Benjamin Rappole

Transcribed by Joan Benner


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 579 - 580


Benjamin F. Rappole, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 32, in the town 
of Mt. Morris, is numbered among the early settlers of Waushara County, and is one of its progressive 
and enterprising citizens. He dates his residence from 1854 and therefore witnessed the greater part 
of the changes which have transformed the county from a wild and unsettled wilderness to its present 
advanced position.

Mr. Rappole was born in Oneida county, N. Y., on the 28th of October, 1823, and is a son of Daniel and 
Mary (Bellington) Rappole, who were also natives of the Empire State, the father born of German parentage, 
while the mother was of German and Scotch descent. They were married in Oneida County, where three children 
were born unto them, Benjamin F., being the eldest; John is now living in Jefferson County, N. Y., and 
James M. is a resident of Orleans County, N. Y.  The mother, who was a sincere Christian woman, loved 
and respected by all, died in 1828, when her children were quite young. Mr. Rappole afterwards wedded 
Emily Cole, and unto them were born four children: Mary, who became the wife of Henry Huff and died in 
October, 1888; Eliza, wife of William Pierce of Jefferson County, N. Y.; Emily, who is still single, and 
Francis A., who resides on the old homestead. Mr. Rappole died in Jefferson County, N. Y., on the 27th of 
December, 1878. He was for many years a member of the Methodist Church and was widely known for his acts 
of charity and benevolence. His wife still survives him.

Our subject when a lad went with his father to Jefferson county, N. Y., where he was reared to manhood, 
receiving his education in the district schools. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-four 
years of age and then began work as a farm hand. Since his emigration to the West he has made Waushara 
County his home. He decided to try his fortune in the West in 1854, and has never had occasion to regret 
his choice. When he began life for himself he worked as a farm hand for $10 per month. His wages were 
afterwards increased and with the money thus obtained he purchased his farm, which is situated on section 
32 in the town of Mt. Morris. It containes 125 acres of highly cultivated land, furnished with good
buildings and is a confortable and substantial home. He thoroughly understands his business, is 
enterprising and progressive and ranks among the leading farmers in the community.


Mr. Rappole was single when he came to Waushara County, but chose for himself a helpmate in the person of 
Miss Sarah Leach, the union being celebrated March 25, 1857. The lady is the daughter of William and Sarah 
(Haynes) Leach, who were parents of three children. William, who enlisted in the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, 
was taken a prisoner and died in Lynchburg, Pennsylvania July 18, 1862; Jonas H., who served his country 
as a member of the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry, died in Oshkosh on the 24th of November, 1864. Mrs. Leach died 
in Jefferson County, New York in December, 1841, and in 1854 Mr. Leach came to Waushara County, and is now 
living in Mt. Morris Township at the age of eighty-eight years.

In his political affiliations, Mr. Rappole is a Republican and has held several local offices. He has ever 
been a warm friend of education and has done his share for the advancement of the moral interests of the 
community and the upbuilding of the churches, although he is not a member of any religious organization. 
His wife, a most estimable lady, is a member of the Baptist church. They have one son, Frank D., who is 
still at home.






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