Lucy Smith Moulton

Biography

Lucy Smith married Robert Moulton in Hampton, on the coast of present-day New Hampshire, on May 29, 1689. Their household included four sons: William, born in 1690; Robert in 1693; Jeremiah in 1696; and Jonathan in 1702.

Lucy appears directly in Robert's will of May 1727. Before setting out the division of his land, he required Jeremiah to support her honorably and well throughout her widowhood. He also gave her control over the movable possessions that were already her own, allowing her to dispose of them as she pleased. Jeremiah's inheritance included the house, barn, orchard, and farming equipment, linking his responsibility for Lucy to the principal household property.

The arrangement gives a concrete view of Lucy's position within the family. Her support was expressly provided for, and her belongings were distinguished from the goods Robert distributed among their sons. Robert died in October 1732, and the will was proved on November 6.

The family chronology estimates Lucy’s birth around 1665. The compiled genealogy identifies her as Jonathan’s probable mother.