John Hale MOULTON
Biography

COL. JOHN HALE MOULTON, who was born at Centre Harbor, N.H. June 24, 1795, and died at his residence, Moulton House, June 3, 1885, aged ninety years.
Colonel John Hale Moulton was of the sixth generation in descent from the emigrant John and grandson of General Jonathan and son of Benning and Sally (Leavitt) Moulton. After a common-school education, he entered his brother's store in his native town and continued with him until 1812, when he was employed as a clerk in Hampton for three years. Returning to Centre Harbor, he resumed his old position in his brother's employ, and also had the opportunity of adding to his education by receiving instruction from that able teacher, "Master" Dudley Leavitt... Three years after, 1818, he established himself in trade and continued merchandising for ten years... in 1828 purchased a mill privilege in an adjoining town, erected a saw, grist, and shingle mill, and also owned and conducted a freighting boat on Lake Winnipesaukee, with which he conveyed his lumber to market. In 1836, Colonel Moulton again established himself in Centre Harbor, as a merchant, and in 1848 he purchased the hotel which as for so many years borne his name.
He continued in business, managing his store and farm.. until 1880, when he retired from active life.
In 1832, Colonel Moulton married Susan Sargent, daughter of Rev. Huntington Porter, of Rye, N.H. Mrs. Moulton is a descendant of two old colonial families of consequence, Huntington and Porter, and is a lady of winning personal presence and amiable character. Her father, Rev. Mr. Porter, was an able and noted minister of the gospel... Colonel and Mrs. Moulton had three children - Franklin Hale (died aged two years), Oliver Porter (died in infancy) and Susan Huntington, who married Smith F. Emergy. They have two children- Caroline Porter Emery and Alice Huntington Emergy.
Before he attained his majority in 1815, Colonel Moulton enlisted in the New Hampshire Light Infantry... and, in 1832, received his commission as colonel, and was considered an able officer.
In politics he was an uncompromising Democrat...He represented Centre Harbor in the General Court in 1847 and 1848, and again from 1852 to 1856, and was county commissioner from 1858 to 1861. In 1819, he was chosen selectman, and was often re-elected until 1862 when he was made chairman of the board and retained that position until 1868. He was moderator for years and repeatedly served as town treasurer, and justice of the peace. He also held the office of deputy sheriff of Strafford County for five years.
In early life Colonel Moulton was a believer in Universalism, but later, changed his views and subscribed to the "Articles of Faith" adopted by the Congregationalists, although he never became a
communicant with the church in Centre Harbor.

History of Merrimack and Belknap Counties, New Hampshire Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885

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