Thomas L. Appelman, born in 1935 in the nearby Bracken County community of Chatham, was a former mayor and one of the leading citizens in Augusta's history. He married Betty Habermehl in 1956, and together they had 8 children. Beginning in 1970, Appelman served as mayor of Augusta for 16 years. Under his administration, the river town was revitalized through his leadership efforts. Homes were restored, low income housing was built, recreational facilities were established, ferryboat service was continued, medical service was re-established, a newspaper was started, and industry was kept in the town. During his tenure, three movies were filmed in the city, and the annual heritage days and the stern wheeler boat regatta were initiated. A business and civic leader, he was a 42-year employee of Clopay Corporation and became plant manager. He died in 2003.