Owners and Tenants, 1819-1956

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  Mary Beale
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TIMELINE OF OWNERS AND TENANTS
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William Appleton (tenant, 1851-1857)

The residency of members of Congress at Decatur House continued with William Appleton, a Whig representative from Massachusetts. Appleton was the son of the Reverend Joseph Appleton of Massachusetts and began his career as a merchant and public servant in Boston. As president of the U.S. branch bank from 1832 to 1836, Appleton became well known for his generous contributions to institutions. He began his first term in Congress in 1850, serving two terms before failing to be reelected in 1854 and 1856, but returned to his seat again in 1861.

A confidante of President Franklin Pierce, Appleton frequently crossed Lafayette Square to visit the White House. In 1854 Appleton opposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed slavery above the 36º30’ latitude. In an attempt to stave off hostilities between the North and South, President Pierce broke with his friend’s politics and signed the Act into law.

Appleton did not live long enough to see the conflict between the States resolved. Due to failing health, he resigned his seat in Congress in 1861 and died the following year on February 15, 1862.

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