Everard Jack Appleton (1872–1931) was an American poet and newspaper columnist. Public information about him is limited, and the details of his life are largely unknown, yet in his day he was known among newspaper readers for humorous verse and essays. He drew light, playful poetry from everyday trifles and ordinary people, with a witty yet gentle touch that let readers savor the flavor of life amid a knowing smile. Such work appeared mostly in newspaper columns, easy to read and easy to set aside, and for that reason his writing stayed close to the taste of ordinary readers rather than pursuing abstruse literary experiment. His representative work, With the Colors, judging by its title, likely relates to military or wartime experience and continues his customary popular style. The library holds one of his works; though few in number, it offers a glimpse of humorous journalism in early twentieth-century America.
