Jonathan Moulton

Biography

Jonathan Moulton worked as a cooper at Rye, on the New Hampshire coast, making the wooden containers on which households and commerce depended. Born at nearby Hampton on June 5, 1702, he married Elizabeth Lamprey in December 1727. Their children—Reuben, Jonathan, Daniel, Robert and Lucy—were all still young when he became seriously ill in 1735.

His will, dated May 20, set out a detailed plan for their support. Elizabeth was to have a third of the buildings, land, marsh and meadow during her life or widowhood. Until their eldest son reached twenty-one, she was also to manage the whole property. Jonathan gave her the movable possessions and livestock to use for bringing up the children.

Reuben was to receive two-thirds of the real estate, with the remainder following the end of his mother's interest. That inheritance carried obligations: twelve pounds each to his brothers Jonathan, Daniel and Robert, and five pounds to Lucy. If Reuben died before coming of age, the next surviving son would take his place and carry the same responsibilities. The arrangement kept the landed property together while charging it with the support and portions of the younger children.

Jonathan appointed Elizabeth and his brother Robert as executors. He died on May 22, two days after making the will; it was proved on June 23. His surviving instructions show the decisions of a father facing death while his household still depended on him.

The family reconstruction identifies Robert Moulton as his father and Lucy Smith as his probable mother. The marriage to Elizabeth Lamprey is dated December 21, 1727.