Knowing that a very detailed book existed for the Moulton side of the family, little thought was given for many years to researching the other branches of the family.
In hindsight, this discovery may serve as motivation to explore additional family lines—particularly those of paternal grandfathers—where far less is known. In some cases, even surnames themselves hold hidden histories.
For example, Kashmer is not the original family name. It was shortened around 1900 because people struggled to pronounce or spell Kazmierchak. At least, that is what was passed down while growing up.
— Rebecca Kashmer Davis, Eliot, Maine
The original book, Moulton Annals, written by Henry W. Moulton, is still in family possession. It is an invaluable resource for researching this branch of the family.
Even more remarkable is a handwritten deed discovered on the inside cover, dated to 1733.
After speaking at length with her father years later, Rebecca also learned that her great-aunt (her great-grandmother’s sister) was an avid family historian. In 1980, she compiled a 102-page manuscript that filled in gaps not covered in the original book, including family folklore and personal observations.
Among the details recorded were stories such as a white rose bush that still blooms at the front of the family driveway—descended from an original bush planted in the 1840s and brought from Nova Scotia.
Other details were more personal: both Rebecca’s great-grandfather and his father were described as short in stature, with dark black hair and blue eyes.
Isn’t it remarkable how entire features—like black hair—can quietly disappear from a family line over time?
— Becca
Images & Artifacts
Image Placeholder: Original cover of Moulton Annals — Henry W. Moulton
Image Placeholder: Inside cover showing the 1733 handwritten deed
Image Placeholder: Pages or notes from the 1980 family manuscript