Appleton, Jesse

Appleton, Jesse D.D., president of Bowdoin College, was born at New Ipswich, New Hampshire, Nov. 17, 1772, and was graduated at Dartmouth College in 1792. Having spent two years in teaching at Dover and Amherst, he studied theology under Dr. Lathrop, of West Springfield, and in February, 1797, was ordained pastor at Hampton, New Hampshire. His religious sentiments at this period were Arminian. By his faithful, affectionate services he was very much endeared to his people. At his suggestion the Piscataqua Evangelical Magazine was published, to which he contributed valuable essays, with the signature of Leighton. In 1807 he was chosen president of Bowdoin College, in which office he served faithfully until his death, Nov. 12, 1819. In health he was sometimes anxious, in a high degree, in regard to the college; but in his sickness he said, in cheerful confidence, "God has taken care of the college, and God will take care of it." Among his last expressions were heard the words, "Glory to God in the highest! the whole earth shall be filled with his glory." In 1820 a volume of his addresses was published, with a sketch of his character, by Rev. Dr. Nichols, of Portland. In 1822 his lectures and occasional sermons were published, with a memoir, by Rev. B. Tappan. These and other writings are collected in "'The Works of Jesse Appleton, D.D.," with memoir (Andover, 1836, 2 vols. 8vo). — Bibl. Repository, Jan. 1836, p. 19; Sprague, Annals, 2, 382.