Captain William Lowden (born circa 1740 – died 20 February 1820) was an early shipbuilder and pioneer of Pictou, Nova Scotia.
On one of these visits, in 1777, his ship (Molly) was captured by American privateers from Machias, Maine: The vessel was loading with timber for the British market.
Waugh was an old Scotch Covenanter, and from rigid adherence to the principles of that body, would not swear allegiance to the British Crown, and though afterward he was in the employment of the Government, yet, at this time, seemingly from the common fact of their not taking these oaths, sympathized with the Americans.
In the meantime, a strong party, fully armed, proceeded to the vessel, and finding scarcely any person on board, easily took possession of her, and made the mate a prisoner, confining him in the cabin.
When the ship reached Baie Verte, the privateers abandoned the Molly, and Waugh was forced to flee to Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia.
He erected a building on the east side of Coleraine street, which he used for boarding his men, but which was commonly known as the Salt House.
David Lowden, William's son, was the captain on the Harriet's maiden voyage, in which a French privateer approached but did not attack because the ship seemed heavily armed.