Ercel B. Ruppenthal, Sr. was a pioneer in the orchard business mainly in West Virginia and Maryland.  His father, Henry M. Ruppenthal's farm was continued by Ercel who turned it into a large commercial enterprise. He was also a consultant for Robinson's Orchards in Virginia in later life.

It was always a treat to visit Uncle Ercel's orchard especially when the trees were loaded with apples, peaches or cherries.  Plum and Pear were also available.

Ercel was instrumental in the development of his own Ruppenthal Jonathan apple in the 1940s. Buntings' Nurseries of Selbyville, Delware supplied some of this apple strain to others in the general area who were familiar with it.

December 10, 1895 - July 3, 1975