The Boston branch of the A. family got its start in 1691when Capt. John A. moved his family from Braintree. Like his father and grandfather, John was a maltster, or brewer of beer and beer products. According to family legend, John was also a mariner. During the time of his relocation to Boston many of the smaller ports were closed. He likely put his seafaring expertise
to good use, delivering the family product. He also seems to have done some small scale brewing.
In 1693, John went into business for himself. With an advance from his father-in-la, X Webb,
John purchased the estate of Nathaniel Newgate and converted it into a brewery. Setting up the business wasn't easy. Boston was a tightly controlled town. In order to do business there John had to appear before the selectmen, hat in hand, supply references and post a L100 bond (a substantial sum in those days). Only then would he be granted a license to brew.

An officer in the Braintree militia, John was invited to join the prestigious Ancient & Honorable
Artillery Company in xxx. His military and maritime pursuits had taught him the importance of law and order within a society. Fair, honest and devout, he soon earned the respect of his neighbors and busness aquaintances. He served as a tithingman at he Old South Meeting House and was elected town constable in xxxxx.