William Thomas Appleton (1859-1930), was an Australian businessman, shipping agent and public servant. He was born on 2 May 1859 in Leeds, Yorkshire, England. His father, Thomas Appleton was a bookbinder, and his mother was Mary (née Burnley). Whilst on the Harbour Trust, Appleton supported long-term plans for new dock construction. Appleton Dock on the north side of the Yarra River was named after him. During World War I Appleton held a number of temporary official posts. He died of cancer at his home in Malvern on 16 February 1930 leaving an estate of £131,323.