Nathan Appleton

Whig Representative of Massachusetts's 1st district

Congresses Served

House Terms

October 6, 1779 (81 years old)

Birthday

July 14, 1861

Death

American merchant and politician active in the early 19th century.
Member of “The Boston Associates,” a group of entrepreneurs instrumental in the industrialization of the United States.
Played a key role in introducing the power loom and large-scale cotton manufacturing in the U.S.
Co-founded the Merrimac Manufacturing Company and was one of the founders of the city of Lowell, Massachusetts.
Served multiple terms in the Massachusetts General Court and the U.S. House of Representatives.
Advocated for protective duties and published works on currency, banking, and tariffs.
Elected to prestigious organizations, including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Antiquarian Society.
Married twice, with notable family connections, including a daughter who married the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Experienced personal tragedy with the death of his first wife and daughter shortly before his own passing.