SAMUEL APPLETON (1625-1696)

Source:  “Soldiers In King Philip’s War” by Rev. George M. Bodge of Dorchester, Mass.

 

Major Samuel Appleton was christened 2 Feb 1625 in Little Waldingfield, County Suffolk, England.

He came to the New World with his father at the age of 11 years and settled at Ipswich, MA.  His first wife was Hannah Paine, daughter of William Paine and Ann Clarke.  By her he had Hannah, Judith and Samuel.  His second wife was Mary Oliver who was age 16 at their marriage, 8 Dec 1656.  By her he had John, Major Isaac, Oliver and Joanna.

 

He was chosen deputy to the General Court in 1668, under the title of Lieutenant; and, also in 1669 to 1671, in company with his brother, Capt. John, and again by himself in 1673 and 1675.

 

He served as an officer of the Massachusetts Colony during King Philip’s war and was considered a commander of the highest ability.  In 1676, soon after the battle of Narraganset, he retired from the arduous service he had given in the field.  On 19 October of that year, the Court appointed him to command an expedition to Pascataqua but he probably declined since that order was rescinded on Oct 23rd.   At one time he was proscribed by Sir Edmund’s officer, Randolph, as one of the “factious”.  He was arrested on the general complaint of being “evil disposed and seditious”. and was  committed to Boston Jail where he was kept for many months until his age forced his reluctant submission and he was set free 7 Mar 1688.  In the new charter of William and Mary, in 1691, he was made one of the Council.  He died 15 May 1696, leaving an honored name for posterity.

 

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