Image shows William H. Appleton of Company I. He wears a dark civilian suit with a white shirt and dark tie.  Bottom of the mount has a printed caption that reads “CORP’L WM. H. APPLETON, CO. I.” over “CAPTAIN AND BREVET MAJOR U.S.C.T.”

Image has good clarity and contrast. Paper and mount are excellent.

Reverse has photographer’s mark for DANA…NEW YORK. Period ink inscription at top reads “WILLIAM H. APPLETON, TIMES BUILDING NY CITY CO. I 2^nd N.H.V.I. CORP.” At bottom is signature “YOURS VERY TRULY, WM. H. APPELTON FORMERLY CO I. 2^nd N.H. VOLS.”

William H. Appleton was born in Chichester, New Hampshire on November 11, 1842.

He enlisted at Manchester as a Private in Company I on May 9, 1861. He was promoted Corporal on November 11, 1862 and was discharged for promotion on July 30, 1863.

Appleton was commissioned a 1^st Lieutenant in the 4^th US Colored Troops on August 3, 1863, Captain on November 25, 1864 and Major by brevet on March 13, 1865. He was discharged on May 8, 1866.

While Appleton was with the 2nd  they saw action at 1st Bull Run, Williamsburg, Oak Grove, Gaines’ Mill, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, 2nd Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg where the 2nd bore the brunt of the assault on the Peach Orchard.

The 4^th U.S. Colored Infantry served with the 18^th and 25^th Corps and saw action throughout the Petersburg Campaign during which Appleton received the Medal of Honor.

His citation reads "The first man of the Eighteenth Corps to enter the enemy's works at Petersburg, VA. Valiant service in a desperate assault at New Market Heights, VA., inspiring the Union troops by his example of steady courage.”

His Medal was awarded to him on February 18, 1891, almost twenty-seven years after his brave act.

Appleton died in Pembroke, New Hampshire on September 9, 1912 and is buried there in Evergreen Cemetery.  [ad]

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