William Appleton

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — William Appleton of Las Cruces, N.M., passed away following a brief illness on Friday, Dec. 14, 2007.

William was born March 1, 1910, a twin son, to Daniel and Ethel Appleton of Beverly.

William followed his father's footsteps farming the family land which was granted to the family in the late 1600s by the then King of England.

William was to become highly regarded by his peers in poultry husbandry and the production of eggs. He was elected for several terms the president of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau and was a representative of Farmers and World Affairs Inc.

William and his wife of 61 years, Marjorie, traveled extensively in India as representatives. William also represented the United States in programs to Russia, Switzerland, and Germany. William, Marjorie, and their friends often entertained exchange representatives from India at the family farm. Additionally William and Marjorie assisted doctors and their families from India in relocating to Beverly to practice at the hospitals.

In retirement William and Marjorie wintered in Brownsville, Texas and Las Cruces, N.M. Following retirement and the sale of the farm, William and Marjorie located to Hampton, N.H. where they were active in senior citizens. Upon Marjorie's death, William moved to Las Cruces, N.M. After several years he returned to Exeter, N.H. and was again active in senior citizens. Following an illness William again located to the warmer climate of Las Cruces, N.M. William resided at the Good Samaritan and most recently the Golden Mesa.

William was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Marjorie; his elder son, William; his twin brother, John; sisters, Annah and Alfrith. William is survived by his daughters-in-law, Sandra, Hildegarde, Fernanda, and Judith; four grandchildren, Robin, Esther, William, and Alicia; cousins, nephews, nieces, great-grandchildren; and his son, Daniel of Las Cruces, N.M.