The Biographical Dictionary of America/Appleton, John (diplomatist)

APPLETON, John, diplomatist, was born in Beverly, Mass., Feb. 11, 1815. He was graduated from Bowdoin college in 1834, and admitted to the bar in 1837. In 1838 he became editor of the Eastern Argus, published in Portland, Me., and in 1845 he was appointed chief clerk of the navy department at Washington, and later chief clerk of the state department. He was sent to Bolivia as charge d'affaires in 1848. On his return to the United States in 1849 he began the practice of law in Portland with the Hon. Nathan Clifford. He was elected to represent his district in the 32d Congress in 1850. In 1855 he went to London as secretary of the legation; in 1855-'56 was assistant secretary of state; and in 1860 was appointed U. S. minister to Russia by President Buchanan. He died in Portland, Me., Aug. 22, 1894.