Asa Waters

Asa Waters II was born on November 2, 1769, in Sutton, Massachusetts, and died on December 24, 1841, in Millbury, Massachusetts. He was an American gunsmith and industrialist known for his contributions to firearm manufacturing and his involvement in regional industry and finance.

Waters received foundational training in gunsmithing from his father. His technical innovations included obtaining a patent for turning a gun barrel on a lathe, which contributed to advancements in firearms manufacturing. In 1808, he co-founded an armory with his brother Elijah Waters, which secured contracts with the United States government. The establishment of this armory marked Waters' entrance into the industrial sector and supported the development of firearm production during the early 19th century.

In addition to his manufacturing endeavors, Waters expanded his influence into finance by founding the Millbury Bank in 1825. His involvement in politics included his election to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1823.

Waters married Susan Holman Waters on May 19, 1802. The couple had eight children:

- Susan Holman Waters (later Torrey), born in 1803, died in 1866; she married Samuel Davenport Torrey (1789–1877), and they had five children. One of their children, Louisa Maria Torrey, was the mother of William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States.

- Sarafina Waters, about whom specific details are not provided.

- Asa Holman Waters, born February 8, 1808, and died January 17, 1887; he married Mary Elizabeth Hovey (1829–1892). Their descendants include Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor, editor of National Geographic Magazine.

- Fanny Jane Waters, about whom specific information is not available.

- Anna Jane Waters, about whom specific details are not provided.

- Harriet Newell Waters (Dutton), born August 18, 1814, and died July 3, 1864; she married Samuel William Southmayd Dutton (1814–1866).

- Adelia Augusta Waters (Tarbox), born January 18, 1820, and died October 7, 1883; she married Increase Niles Tarbox (1815–1888), with whom she had two children.

- Caroline S. Waters, born January 17, 1826, and died August 7, 1886; she married Jonathan Forbush (1802–1882), and they had two children.

Between 1824 and 1829, Waters built the Asa Waters Mansion, a notable residence reflecting his status in the community.

Among Waters's publications is a biographical sketch of Thomas Blanchard and his inventions, published in 1878 by L. P. Goddard in Worcester, Massachusetts.