The Will of Samuel Appleton, with Remarks by One of the Executors (eBook)

Samuel Appleton (1624–1696) was a notable figure in early American history, remembered predominantly for his philanthropic and civic contributions rather than a traditional literary career. Born in England, he immigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony, where he became an affluent merchant and a respected leader within the community. Appleton's influence extended to his participation in the colonial military and his active role in local governance. After his death, 'The Will of Samuel Appleton, with Remarks by One of the Executors' (undated) became a document of interest, not for its literary flourish but for the light it shed upon the values and dispositional intent of a colonial settler of substantial means and standing. Although Appleton may not have been an author by vocation, the posthumously published will, often referenced in historical accounts, reveals a man of devout faith, dedicated to the welfare of his community and family, emboldening his executors to sustain his legacy. His will serves as a primary source for scholars interested in the practices of bequeathal and social hierarchy within the framework of early American society. As such, Apple's textual contribution, though singular, remains a piece of the colonial historical puzzle, offering insights into the era's cultural and socio-economic fabric.