He was in the shipyard business with Thomas CORAM, and then independently. John also owned iron works, which he bequeathed half to Jacob, and half to Isaac.
His Will is dated 23 May 1723, bequeathed half the iron works to his son Jacob and the other half to his son Isaac. His Will proved 11 Jun 1730. He had received 18th lot in Freetown from his father, located about a mile below Assonet Village on Fall River Rd only 100 rods wide at the Rd. but extended about 4 miles to the river. He was a Selectman for 12 years. John Hathaway and Shadrack Wilbore witnessed Walter Deane's will 1716, [Amer. Gen. Vol. 23, p176]. History of Dighton, 1962, p. 148ff, states that John Hathaway and Thomas Coram chose the spot on the west side of the river for their shipyard as early as 1693, and built houses side by side; after 10 years Coram returned to England and left John Hathaway with the business. A lawsuit involved 2 ships completed one fully rigged and ready for sea.
A Lisc. Innkeeper 5 June 1684.