Dodge Center Newspaper, Dodge City, Minnesota, Jan. 8, 1920.
Joel Tappan, pioneer, Christian, friend, deacon, was born on a farm between Matuchen and Perth Amboy, New Jersey September 12, 1826, and passed away at Dodge Center, Minn., Sunday morning, January 4, 1920 being 93 years, 3 months and 23 days of age. He was the son of Isaac and Sarah Ayars Tappan. When 14 years old he was apprenticed to John D. Titsworth, a tailor of Plainfield, with whom he faithfully served seven years.
It was at Plainfield, N. J. that he was married November 10, 1847 to Caroline Saunders whose grandfather was a Seventh Day Baptist minister of Newport, R. I the first S. D. B. church in America. From this union were born six children, Alfred B., of Valasaty, Fred S. of New Auburn, Wisconsin, who was accidentally killed April 29, 1919, Frank E. of Battle Creek, Michigan, Mrs. Joanna Ayars, Superior, Wisconsin, Mrs Josephine Brown, Battle Creek, Michigan, and Mrs. Eva Langworthy, Dodge Center, Minn. Mrs. Ellen Churchward, in whose home he died and was so tenderly cared for, was an adopted daughter. Mrs Caroline Tappan went home December 15, 1895.
Deacon Tappan was one of the earliest settlers in the southeastern part of Wasioja township, arriving from Milton, Wisconsin, in June,1856. He located on the farm upon which largely the southeastern part of the village of Dodge Center is built. 'Grandpa Tappan,' as so many have the right, and so many others loved to call him, was a quiet man,and unassuming, letting his deeds of Christian love and good will speak for him.
While he lived his life in the present, he loved to recall some of the past and his early experiences were enjoyed by all who were privileged to hear him. The writer recalls most pleasantly his telling about cutting the logs for the old house which only recently has be removed and of hauling them from the present picnic grounds owned by Mr. Stivers, with ox teams. This would seem slow work in our day of fast autos and easy building material already prepared. It may be doubted if many would have the patience and endurance manifested by him and others of his determination of character.
While his wife, Caroline, was one of the constituents members of the Dodge Center S. D. B. church, it does not appear that brother Tappan joined until December 27, 1862, receiving the hand of fellowship from Elder O. P. Hull. He was called to ordination in 1902, receiving the rites in October of that year.
This office he held and consistently filled until age and failing health would not permit the further performance of public duties.
We, his children, other relatives and friends will miss him sadly, but we must mourn him not for we know his faith and readiness and desire to go, and he has come to his grave in a full age, like a shock of corn cometh in his season.
'Servant of God well done!
Thy glorious warfare's past;
The battle is fought the race is won,
And Thou art crowned at last.
The funeral was conducted at the seventh Day Baptist church Tuesday afternoon, January 6, conducted by Pastor Van Horn assisted by Rev. E. H. Socwell, and the body laid at rest in Riverside cemetery.
