The Biographical Dictionary of America/Appleton, William

APPLETON, William, representative, was born at Brookfield, Mass., Nov. 16, 1786, son of Joseph Appleton, a clergyman. His early mercantile training was acquired in a country store. He went to Boston in 1807, where he engaged in commercial business and accumulated a large fortune. From 1832 to 1836 he was president of the United States branch bank, and of the Provident institution for savings. He held the position of president of the Massachusetts general hospital and was prominent in other philanthropic enterprises. By his will he left the sum of $30,000 to the Massachusetts hospital, also liberal legacies to similar institutions. He was elected a representative to the 32d Congress in 1850 on the Whig ticket, and was re-elected to the 33d Congress. He was also a member of the special session of the 37th Congress called in July, 1861, and resigned his seat in August, 1861. He died Feb. 20, 1862.