MRS. A. N. APPLEBY IS DEAD

PIONEER OF PONCHA SPRINGS

   Mrs. A. N. Appleby, one of the prominent old time residents of Poncha Springs, passed away yesterday

morning at 10:30 o'clock at the Emergency Hospital after a long illness.  Death was due to heart trouble

with complications.  She was 64 years old.

    She had been bothered with light attacks of heart trouble for many years but only during the past five

or six years had her health been failing.  She retired from business in July 1919 on account of failing

health.  The following fall, she and her youngest daughter went to Texas, where they spent six months in

hopes that the change would benefit her.  She was but slightly benefited.  During the past year, her health

had failed rapidly and she had suffered intensely since December 16th, when she had a severe attack.

She was bedfast the last three weeks.  As a last resort she was brought to the Emergency hospital

Saturday but she was practically beyond medical help, though she improved slightly.  Her condition was

very serious Wednesday but she rallied that night and was feeling better Thursday morning.

   A few minutes before the end came she complained of being very tired and her daughter, Mrs. Mundlein

who had just goen in to see her, stepped out in the hall with the nurse.  Upon their return, a few minutes

later they found she had dropped off in a deep sleep.  While the end was expected at most any time, her

death came as a great shock to her family and friends.

   Antonia Nathelia Baumgaerther was born in Anderson, Grimes County, Texas, January 10, 1859.  She

removed to Giddings, Texas with her parents in 1876.  February 12, 1878 she was united in marriage to

William Appleby, a merchant of Giddings.  He came to Colorado in 1879 during the gold excitement,

looking for a location in Leadville, but did not remain there.  He located in Poncha Springs, which was then

a large and thriving city and went into business, first having a meat market, later a grocery store.  Mrs.

Appleby joined him two years later and had lived in Poncha Springs continuously since that time.

   Three daughters were born to this union, tow of whom survive her, the eldest Mrs. Carrie Vann, having

died January 23, 1913.  Mr. Appleby, died September 14, 1899, since which time Mrs. Appleby had

conducted the business.  She had made a brave struggle being left a widow with three small children, but

with her strong perseverance and will power had made a success of the business which she so capably

conducted for twenty years.

   The deceased had lived a beautiful Christian life.  She was a member of the Episcopal church, and had

always taken an active part in the Poncha Springs Church.  She was ever ready to do an act of kindness.

In sickness or sorrow she was always one of the first to help in any way.  While much of her life was given

up to her business, she was devoted to her home and family.  She was active in  public life, always willing

to lend her support to any worthy cause.  She had a host of friends by whom she was greatly beloved.  The

peaceful end came as a fitting close to the beautiful life she had lived.

  Those who survive her are two daughters, Mrs. Annie Mundlein and Miss Mary Appleby, with the latter

of whom she had made her home ; three grandchildren, Marie, Jack and Blanche Mundlein, one sister,

Mrs. Annie Rousseau of Giddings, Texas and her step mother, Mrs. Augusta Reling (Reiling), also of

Giddings.

   The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Poncha Springs church.  The Rev.

G. G. Hatsbolt will officiate.  Interment will be in Poncha Springs Cemetery.

news article courtesy of Salida, Colorado Library  

Notes:

According to census records of 1870, Mrs. Reiling and her husband, Thomas, did not adopt the two 

daughter of J. G. and Anna Baumgaertner.   Neither was Augusta Reiling  Antonia's "step mother", 

but evidently did raise Antonia and her sister, Annie, until their marriages.  The Reilings may have 

had a family connection.