William MOULTON
Biography

William (2), son of William (1) Moulton, was born May 25, 1664, died in 1732. His will was dated October 12, 1732, and proved October 30, 1732. He owned land in Amesbury and Salisbury, Massachusetts, and his estate was valued at one thousand four hundred and thirty-three pounds, seven shil lings. In various deeds on record he was called a weaver, inn holder, trader and mer chant. He was the first of the famous Moul ton silversmiths. The "Towle Manufacturing Company," one of the finest silverware manu factories in the world, has grown up from his small shop. Mr. Towle learned the trade from William's son Joseph, and his son William took the business after his death. William Moulton lived at Newbury and here began the manufacture of silver shoe buckles and some silver spoons. He bought land on which there was limestone which he made into "quick lime," and near his store he had a "Blacksmith & Whitesmith Shop," and also began there to make the shoe buckles. Newbury later was named Newburyport and there the business has remained. In the church records the following entry is found : "Dinah, Indian, Serv ant to William Moulton, joined 1698." He married (first) May 27, 1685, Abigail, daughter of John Webster Jr., son of John Webster, of Ipswich. John Webster Jr. was the ancestor of the famous Daniel Webster, and Abigail Webster was a cousin of Hannah Dustin, who was held in captivity by the Indians. Abigail Moulton died July 24, 1723. He married (second) Sarah , who survived him. Children by first wife: Abigail, born June 13, 1686; Batt, July 4, 1688; William, about 1690; Jonathan, September 7, 1692; Joseph, November 25, 1694; Stephen, mentioned below; Margaret, February 21, 1698-99; Sarah, July 4, 1701 ; Mary, August 2, 1705.

New England Families, Genealogical and Memorial: A Record of the Achievements of Her People in the Making of Commonwealths and the Founding of a Nation, Volume 2
Editor William Richard Cutter
Publisher Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1914



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