John Appel

Background

John George Appel was born on 15 March 1859 in Brisbane, Queensland, to George Appel and Maria Jane Appel, née Haussmann.

Career

He served from 1908-1929 as a delegate for the electoral district of Albert and from 1909-1915 as the Secretary of Mine and Public Works and Home Secretary of Queensland. He received his education first at Brisbane Normal School on Adelaide Street in Brisbane and then at the Brisbane Grammar School. After further instruction at a private school run by Reverend Doctorate. A’Court, he passed the preliminary bar examination for solicitors and was articled to G.V. Hellicar, of the law firm Thompson & Hellicar, on 3 June 1875.

After five years, he passed his finals and was admitted to the bar on 3 August 1880.

In 1885 Gill became a crown solicitor and Appel continued the practice alone until 1887, when bad health forced him to Townsville. Appel was a freemason and in 1888-1889, while living in Townsville, he was master of the North Australian Lodge Number.

1, United Grand Lodge of Queensland. In 1889 Appel quit the practice of law for good and moved to a farm in Nerang, at Glencoe, where he both farmed and operated a dairy.

During this time he owned two houses, one at Hamilton and one at Elston, near his farm.

He quickly became involved in local politics at Hamilton, serving on the Hamilton Shire Council from 1890 to 1908 and as chairman twice during that period. He also served as Hamilton’s mayor two times, and was on the Nerang Shire Council from 1902 to 1908. During his career as a local politician, Appel made several attempts to transition to national politics, first standing for the electorate of Nundah as an Independent Liberal Democrat in 1893 and then again in 1907 for the electorate of Albert, losing both campaigns.

On 29 October 1908 he became Secretary for Mines and Public Works under Queensland Premier William Kidston and then became Home Secretary instead on 29 June 1909.

On 22 October 1909 he once again received the Mines portfolio and was both Mines Secretary and Home Secretary until 26 February 1915 when, due to a disagreement with then-Premier Digby Denham, he resigned. He next became involved in the Queensland Farmers" Union, the forerunner of the Country Party of Australia, and led it in the Legislative Assembly from 1915 until 1918.

On 19 March 1929, he died at Clayfield and was buried in South Brisbane Cemetery.

Achievements

• In February 1908, however, he won the seat of Albert and held it until his death in 1929. During his time in the ministry, his most significant achievements were health legislation and codification of the Local Authorities Acting.

Membership

In addition, he was active in the agricultural community as president of the Southport Horticultural and Agricultural Association and member of the Queensland Fish Board.

Connections

Partner:

James Howard