1891 HISTORY OF CLARK & JACKSON CO, WI
pg. 213

MATT KAPELLEN, a boot and shoe merchant of Neillsville, was born in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, October 27, 1857. His parents, Anton and Agnes Kapellen, natives of Germany, located in Sheboygan County, in 1857. The father purchased a tract of wild land, which, by the expenditure of much time and hard labor, he developed into a fine farm. His lack of money was overbalanced by his German thrift, and prosperity attended his efforts. He and his wife reared a family of six children. His son, the subject of this sketch, was educated in Sheboygan County, and at the age of fourteen years began to provide for himself. Some twelve years ago he was married in his native county, to Caroline Millenger, by whom he has two children. Her father was a native of Tennessee. Mr. Kapellen came to Clark County nine years ago and engaged in the boot and shoe business. He has established a lucrative trade here, and is ranked among the prominent businessmen of Neillsville.