James Appleton (1786-1862) was an American abolitionist, temperance activist and politician from Maine. Appleton fought in the War of 1812 and earned the rank of colonel. Appleton lived much of his life in Ipswich, Massachusetts and nearby Marblehead, Massachusetts prior to moving to Maine. Upon moving to Portland, Maine, he served in the Maine House of Representatives.Appleton ran for Governor of Maine in 1842 with the Liberty Party, an abolitionist political party.