John T. Apperson (December 23, 1834 – April 3, 1917)[1] was an American steamboat captain and military officer who also served in the Oregon Legislative Assembly.

He was born in Christian County, Kentucky, son of Beverly Apperson and Jane Gilbert Tubbs.

He served as a first lieutenant in Company "E" of the Oregon Cavalry during the American Civil War.

In 1861, Apperson built the steamboat Unio on the Willamette River at Canemah, Oregon and operated it from its launching in October 1861 to December of the same year, when Apperson sold the boat to another steamboat captain, James D.

[6][7] Despite having sold Unio to Miller, Apperson as of April 1862, held a position on the boat as clerk.