William Cotton was the Archdeacon of Totnes.
He was born in London, the son of William Cotton, who was archdeacon of Lewes and later Bishop of Exeter, and the brother of Edward Cotton. He was educated at Christ Church, Oxford, matriculating in 1597/8, and graduating B.A. in 1602 and M.A. in 1605. He became vicar of Breage, Cornwall, canon of Exeter cathedral in 1607, precentor of Exeter cathedral in 1607, rector of Whimple in 1608, and rector of Silverton, Devon in 1613. He was collated archdeacon of Totnes in 1621, serving until 1622.
He married [settlement 23 Jul 1607] Elizabeth, daughter of John Hender, of Bottreaux Castle, Cornwall by his wife Jane Thorne. [Visitation of Cornwall, 1620, p. 93].
William made his will on 26 Apr 1652, proved London 28 Oct 1656. Children per Vivian's additions to the Visitations of Devon [Vol Ia, p. 241]:-
William, + 25 Dec 1673, m[1] 5 Jun 1649 Katherine, dau D E Rawlinson, [2] 27 May 1657 Eleanor Larder [s/sp]. Edward, bur 16 Mar 1675, will 16 Dec 1674, pr. Exeter 27 May 1675. Sir John, baptised Dec 1628 + 2 Feb 1703, will pr. Exeter 2 Feb 1704. M Sarah, dau John Fuljames, of Somerset - she + 6 Mar 1675. Mary [eldest dau] m Robert Walker, of Exeter. Elizabeth m [1] Edward Amey [Amy] & [2] Rev. John Eastbrook. Jane m John Silly, of Trevelver, Cornwall. Grace m John Were, of Dunsmoor, Devon. Frances m Thomas Were, of Silverton, Devon
He was father of Edward, born 1632. [this date must be wrong as Edward was 2nd son and John 3rd b 1628]