Very often it can be difficult to find biographical details of a person’s life in the 17th century, even more so for 17th century women. What we know of Wilmet Mould, however, paints a picture of a prominent local woman. Born around 1626, Wilmet first appears in records as the wife of Edward Mould, a “mariner and bonesetter’ who served as a surgeon for the surrounding area. Edward does not seem to have pursued politics, but his frequent appointment to various probate committees shows a man who was judged to be trustworthy. While we don’t know whether WIlmet learned about medicine from her ‘chirurgeon’ husband or from other women in the community, she seems to have been something of a medical practitioner in her own right, beyond simply assisting Edward.
On multiple occasions Wilmet can be seen operating in a legal medical capacity. In 1682 the court noted eight shillings to be paid to “Mrs Mould” for ointment and cloths used to treat Eleazer Keyzer’s injuries. She would testify, along with Ann and Mary Cromwell, at the divorce proceedings of Katherine Ellenwood, who pushed for divorce from her husband on grounds of “insufficiency” (the court annulled the marriage). Most prominently, after Jacob Goodale’s violent beating at the hands of Giles Corey and Corey’s son-in-law, Jacob was specifically taken to Wilmet Mould for medical treatment. Wilmet seems to have initially stabilized Jacob’s condition, though he would die shortly afterward and GIles Corey would be fined for his death.
Edward and Wilmet seem to have only had one child, Edward, who does not appear to have lived very long. Edward did not remarry after Wilmets death some time in July of 1684 (she was 58) and when he died himself in 1688 (also at 58) his property on Central Street (about where Modern Millie is) was left to his remaining relative: a sister living in Devonshire, England.