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

In this intimate mid‑nineteenth‑century document, a close executor reflects on the life and final wishes of Samuel Appleton, a self‑made Boston merchant whose will is presented alongside heartfelt commentary. The remarks open with a gentle sketch of Appleton’s long marriage to Mary Gore, emphasizing his steady affection and her devoted care in his final days. Listeners are drawn into the quiet dignity of a man who, despite great wealth, remained rooted in simple manners and unassuming generosity.

The narrative weaves together community tributes, newspaper eulogies, and vivid anecdotes that illustrate Appleton’s lifelong habit of quiet charity—from school‑house teaching to daily acts of kindness. It also details his modest funeral, the affectionate nickname “Uncle Sam” bestowed by neighbors, and his painstaking plans for a lasting monument at Mount Auburn. The piece offers a window into a bygone era of civic virtue, making Appleton’s story both personal and emblematic of early American philanthropy.