John Stilwell Applegate (August 6, 1837 – November 10, 1916) was an American politician, lawyer and writer.

He studied law in Red Bank, New Jersey with Robert Allen Jr.

[1][3][4] During the American Civil War, Applegate was commissioned as a special deputy of the Union League for Monmouth County.

[1] He served as president of the first building and loan association of the shore section of Monmouth County from 1871 to 1875.

[2] Applegate was involved in local politics and was part of the first municipal council of Red Bank after it was incorporated as a town in 1871.

[1][2] A notable bill he helped pass was to contract out to the lowest bidder the public printing of the state.

[6] He also drafted a bill allowing smaller towns and villages in New Jersey to construct and maintain their own water works.

[1][5][6] Applegate also served as president of New York & Atlantic Highlands Railroad Company.

[2][3] Applegate received an honorary Bachelor of Laws degree from Colgate University in 1904.