If you can get me a copy of the letter I can get a true translation of it. I am rusty with my German but the rest of my high school friends are not. We were all in the German club in high school, and after 25 years most are very active in the German community in the Dallas area. I also have access to 2 German teachers. :)
My great grandmother told me about the Apel family that was back in Germany behind the Iron Curtain. She never told me who but that they were still over there.

William Apel is buried in Turner Cemetery in Wood County. His birth date is 15 nov 1823, And death date is 21 Aug 1898.
I think that I took a picture when I went last time. Let me look through my stuff to find it.
Later!
Ginger