The New DGS Website
Welcome to the new look website of the Dalton Genealogical Society which is launched this month. Over the past few months I have made reference to work going on to improve our appearance and now the time has come to start making the changes. We have endeavoured to make it clearer to read and easier for you to navigate your way around. But we have not thrown anything away – all the content that you have been used to accessing is still here.
If you have reached this page, you should have come via the “Daltons in History” front page, in its turn reached from our new home page, with its new web address:
Put this address into the favourites list in your browser now, so that you can find us again easily. Don’t worry though if you forget the new address – the old one will continue to work by automatically re-directing you to the new site.
The key to navigation around the site is the toolbar on the left, which you will find on every page. It really is very easy to use – just experiment by clicking on the various buttons and you will soon become familiar with the way it works.
This month we have concentrated on putting “Daltons in History”, the Dalton DNA Project pages and the Clan Dalton pages in the new format. When you click on some of the other links from the home page, you will be routed back to the old website. Don’t worry – this is because our changeover is being phased over the next few months. We will ensure that all the links are updated so that they still take you to the right place. Do let us know if you find any links that are not working as they should.
As I’ve said, we will be implementing further changes over the coming months and I will keep you posted on these in my regular monthly “Notes from the Chairman” update right here on the website in “Daltons in History”.
I want to take the opportunity of thanking Mary Lou Weber-Elias for all her work over these past years as our webmaster, and before her, her daughter Elizabeth Weber, who was responsible for the original website design back in January 1998. Without their foresight and their commitment, encouraged and fostered by Mary Lou’s mother, Millicent Craig, our American Secretary, the DGS website would be but a shadow of what it is today. We are indeed fortunate to have had such a magnificent team who have built up this wonderful resource over the past 10 years – thank you to you all. These latest developments have been made possible by our web consultant, Martin Fitzgerald – a big thank you to him as well for working with us on this exciting project.
Now it is up to you to judge for yourself. Let us know what you like (and anything you don’t!). All comments and queries should be directed to:
We will look forward to hearing from you.
The 2007 Gathering and AGM in Worcester – 27/28/29 July
More bookings have been received during March and we now have approaching 50 delegates. There is still space for more, but time is running out – it is unlikely that we will be able to hold rooms at the Fownes Hotel after 30 April. If you are still thinking about coming, do please contact Howard Dalton, our Gathering Organiser and Coordinator, as soon as you can and advise him of your intentions. His email address is h.dalton1@ntlworld.com. Howard and I will be spending two days in Worcester in early May putting the finishing touches to the programme for the weekend and ensuring that all the arrangements are in place for a really successful and enjoyable weekend. We, along with all the other DGS officers and committee, are really looking forward to the event with eager anticipation.
This month, in “Daltons in History” you will find a short note entitled “In and around Worcester”. This gives some information about a few of the many places in and around Worcester that have not been included on our programme, but may be of interest to those who are staying in the area for a little longer. There is certainly plenty to see and do.
The Dalton International DNA Project (DIDP)
Also in this month’s “Daltons in History” you will find an update on the DNA project. Much has happened since Issue 1 of the DIDP Progress Report was issued to all participants towards the end of last year and it is time to bring you all up to date. This update will also be included in the Dalton DNA Project pages on the new website so that it is available on an ongoing basis. Just click on the link to find it.
Chris Pomery, our DNA project consultant, has invited me to speak at the Guild of One Name Studies DNA Seminar being held in Nottingham on Saturday 19 May 2007. I, along with other One Name Societies that are running DNA projects, will be reviewing our experiences and successes to date. If you want further details, go to www.one-name.org/may2007-seminar.html where you will find the programme and booking information.
Clan Dalton
On Saturday 28 April 2007, The Clans of Ireland is holding its Annual General Meeting and Open Day in Dublin. As a registered Clan, Clan Dalton will be represented at this important meeting by the Clan Chieftain and DGS Irish Secretary, Ciaran Dalton and myself as Clan Chairperson. Ciaran and I are very much looking forward to making our acquaintance with members of the Clans of Ireland Ltd Board of Directors and finding out more about the benefits that membership brings to us. After the AGM, we will be travelling to Birr in Co Offaly to start putting together the more detailed arrangements for next year’s joint Clan Dalton and DGS Gathering and AGM taking place on the weekend of 1/2/3 August 2008 at Dooly’s Hotel in Birr. We will be announcing the programme for the Birr weekend at this year’s DGS Gathering in Worcester.
So, the DGS is as busy as ever with some important meetings, events and project development work coming up in April and May. As ever, we will keep you informed about all this and more, through “Daltons in History”, your regular monthly update on everything that is happening in the world of Dalton family history.
Thank you for your attention and best wishes to you all.
Yours very sincerely
Michael Neale Dalton
Chairman and Honorary Life President of the Dalton Genealogical Society
Those who are coming to the Worcester DGS 2007 Gathering at the end of July may wish to plan additional visits and tours either before or after the Gathering weekend. Here is a little information about some of the places in and around Worcester which may be of interest. These details have been assembled by our Chairman, Michael Dalton.
Worcester and the County of Worcestershire lie at the centre of what is known as the Heart of England. To the north is Shropshire, to the north east Birmingham and the West Midlands, to the east Warwickshire, to the south Gloucestershire and to the west Herefordshire. The countryside across these counties is predominantly pastoral with gentle rolling hills, pretty old villages and meandering rivers. Birmingham is at the centre of a major urban area with substantial modern commercial and industrial development. This is in contrast to the remainder of the area, which has retained much of its charm from bygone days. The county towns of Worcester, Hereford, Gloucester, Warwick and Shrewsbury all offer much of historical interest to the visitor.
This cannot be a comprehensive guide to the area – it is simply a list of a few places to whet the appetite. If you have the time to explore, you will find many more.
Starting in the City of Worcester, the cathedral is not to be missed with its magnificent central tower which dominates the skyline, its long and imposing nave and its wonderful carved stonework and stained glass. Much of the building dates back to the 14th century and earlier. You should also visit the Guildhall, which was built on the site of the original old town hall in the 1720’s. This has a beautiful façade with a statue of Queen Anne above the main entrance and is still used as the city’s town hall. Not far from the Guildhall is The Greyfriars, originally built in 1480 as a guest house or hostelry for travellers. Now a National Trust property, it is one of the finest timber framed buildings in the county with a 69 foot long street façade and a large double doorway leading through a cobbled passage to an inner courtyard. You can also visit Royal Worcester, the famous china and porcelain manufacturers. At the visitor centre, you can look around the museum, go on a factory tour, see a film on how figurines are designed and manufactured and, of course, purchase Royal Worcester in the shop.
Hereford lies about 30 miles to the west and a little south of Worcester and is another county town boasting a very fine cathedral. It is most famous for the priceless Mappa Mundi, a 13th century map of the world with Jerusalem at its centre, which is displayed in the cathedral. The third major cathedral is at Gloucester, about 30 miles due south of Worcester, and this year in August will be hosting the famous annual Three Choirs Festival. Started nearly 300 years ago, this internationally renowned festival of classical music combines the choirs of Worcester, Hereford and Gloucester cathedrals and each city hosts it in turn.
When you are in Hereford you should also visit the Old House. Built in 1621 this was one of a row of timber-framed buildings, and with its three gables is the only one surviving today. Originally a place where animals were slaughtered and meat sold, it became a saddlery and tackle shop, then a hardware store and then a bank. In 1928 Lloyds Bank presented it to the City and it is now a museum housing a fascinating collection of 17th century furniture.
Not far from Gloucester Cathedral are the Docks. In medieval times, Gloucester was a thriving inland port. In 1827 a 16 mile long ship canal was built to link the port to the Bristol Channel. In recent years the Victorian dockland brick warehouses have been restored and one of them now houses the National Waterways Museum, illustrating the story of Britain’s canals and well worth a visit.
Two other major cities must be mentioned – Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon. At Warwick, 35 miles to the east of Worcester, is Warwick Castle, one of the finest medieval castles in England. Built in the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries, the castle overlooks the River Avon. In 1572 Queen Elizabeth I was entertained there by Dudley, Earl of Warwick. Today it is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Stratford lies south west of Warwick and is of course the birthplace of William Shakespeare. You can visit the half-timbered house in Henley Street where he was born on 23 April 1564. In the nearby village of Shottery is Anne Hathaway’s Cottage – Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway in 1582. The cottage where her family lived is a 15th century half timbered building with irregular walls, a high-pitched thatched roof, tall brick chimney stacks and tiny latticed windows. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden filled with traditional flowers.
Between Stratford and Warwick lies Charlecote Park, home of the Lucy family. The present house, which is now a National Trust property, was built in 1558 by Sir Thomas Lucy and designed in the shape of a capital “E”, in honour of Queen Elizabeth I. The grounds were landscaped by Capability Brown in the mid 18th century.
Worcester stands on the River Severn and upstream you will find Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury in Shropshire. In the south west corner of Shropshire, near the Welsh border is Ludlow, with its castle and the decorative, timber-framed Feathers Hotel dating from 1603. The surrounding countryside includes the Clee Hills and further north, near Church Stretton, the Long Mynd and Wenlock Edge provide more rugged terrain.
Hereford is on the River Wye and downstream you will find Ross-on-Wye, a beautiful old market town perched above the river, and a little further on Symond’s Yat, a high rock above the river with spectacular views in all directions. To the west are the Black Mountains on the border with Wales and nearby is Abbey Dore, founded in 1147 for Cistercian monks.
These are just a few ideas. I could have mentioned Ironbridge and Coalport in Shropshire, the homes of the Industrial Revolution and of another china manufactory. I could have mentioned the Cotswolds, which lie to the south east of Worcester and offer charming towns such as Broadway, Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh and Bourton-on-the-Water. I have missed out Cheltenham, an elegant spa town with its classical terraces and pump room, and many more. If I have inspired you to take a closer look at your guide books and your maps, and plan to visit just one of the places I have mentioned, I will have achieved my purpose. The Heart of England has a rich heritage and it is worthy of your attention.
Since the publication of Issue 1 of the Dalton International DNA Project Progress Report to all participants towards the end of 2006, much further work has been undertaken. DGS Chairman Michael Dalton has prepared this update to keep everyone abreast of the latest developments.
The Dalton International DNA Project (DIDP) commenced in May 2003. Issue 1 of the Progress Report was completed in November 2006 and took account of all genetic data on 71 Y chromosome testees up to the end of September 2006. At that time eight “genetic families” were identified and 17 of the 71 participants were classified as “singletons”, in other words they did not appear to be members of any of the identified genetic families. Six of the genetic families (A, B C, D, E and F) were designated as of R Haplogroup ethnic origin and two (Y and Z) were I Haplogroup. A summary of the report and copies of the slides used at the presentation given at the American Gathering at Hampton, New Hampshire in October 2006, have been and continue to be available on this website. Just click on the Dalton DNA Project link to find them, if you have not seen them before. In this update, I will make some general observations and give a brief note on each genetic family.
General observations
The project has been expanded since September 2006 in two ways. 12 new testees have been added to the project and some 20 tests have been upgraded to either 37 or 67 markers. We have also identified one new genetic family. This gives our project consultant, Chris Pomery, the opportunity to provide a much expanded commentary on the results to date, and also to be more precise about the focus for further testing and more detailed traditional family history research. He will be making a detailed presentation of his thoughts and giving further advice when he speaks to us at the DGS Gathering in Worcester at the end of July 2007.
Of course, the project is very much an ongoing one and we need new testees, particularly from known Dalton families with roots in various English counties. We are drawing up a list of current DGS members for whom we believe it will be advantageous to join the project and we will be contacting these members shortly. It is open for any male with the surname of Dalton to come forward and join the project and, if you wish to participate, you should contact Millicent Craig, who is the project coordinator, at millicenty@aol.com, and discuss what is involved in more detail.
We have added another item to the Dalton DNA Project webpage – this is the foreword that was written to preface Issue 1 of the Progress Report. It gives an overview of the project since its inception in 2003 and will be of interest to those who are not currently participants in the project, but may be thinking about joining.
As a result of upgraded tests, we now have a number of singleton participants where there is a possibility that they can be assigned to one of the already identified genetic families. We have to proceed with caution and not jump to conclusions prematurely, but we are constructing a number of hypotheses for testing. In most cases this is likely to involve substantive traditional family history research to identify evidence in support of the hypothesis.
R Haplogroup Families
Genetic Family A
This group now has 29 participants, which include 5 new testees and 10 upgrades. 13 of these are at 67 markers and another 9 at 37 markers. The group can all be traced back to the states of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee, USA and the key issue is to determine who the first immigrant(s) were in the 17th century and from where they came. The Niall link suggests possible Irish descent and further research is focusing on this. A number of members of the group are working actively with Millicent Craig to identify key data.
Genetic Family B
There are now seven participants in this group, two of whom have upgraded their markers. The group originates from Ireland and further work is being coordinated by DGS member, Wendy Fleming of Bundoora, Victoria, Australia (wendy.fleming@optusnet.com.au).
Genetic Family C
Two of the four participants in this group have upgraded their markers and this has consolidated the DNA signature for the group. The family, which is that of DGS Chairman, Michael Dalton, originates from South Wales in the 17th century with a link back to Oxfordshire, and possible links back to Lancashire in the 13th century. Michael is the group coordinator (michaelndalton@aol.com).
Genetic Family D
With two new participants and most of this group now upgraded to 67 markers, the genetic data is of great interest. This is another Irish Dalton family which is distinct from Group B. Lines have been traced back to Tipperary, Waterford, Limerick and Dublin and the coordinator for this group is Karen Preston of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA (karen@golden-hills.com).
Genetic Family E
This group with origins in Lancashire, England now has three participants, all currently at 25 markers, two identical. Tests need to be upgraded to establish a definitive DNA signature for the group. Millicent Craig (millicenty@aol.com) is the coordinator for the group.
Genetic Family F
There are now two participants, one having been moved into the new Group G. This family has English origins with London and Kent identified by the two participants. Some singletons may be eligible for inclusion in this group in due course.
Genetic Family G
This new group has two participants and is the family that emigrated from Suffolk, England and settled in Hampton, New Hampshire, USA in 1635. Both testees are at 25 markers and need to be upgraded to establish a definitive DNA signature for the group.
I Haplogroup Families
Genetic Family Y
This group still has two participants with one testee upgrading to 67 markers to establish a definitive DNA signature for the group. The family originates from Oldham, Lancashire, England and has been well documented. The coordinator is DGS Journal Editor, John Dalton (johndalton78@hotmail.com).
Genetic Family Z
This group has five participants and the results, all at 25 markers, are quite diverse. Tests need to be upgraded for further conclusions to be drawn. The identified origins of the group are Yorkshire and Buckinghamshire, England. The group coordinator is DGS committee member, Howard J Dalton (h.dalton1@ntlworld.com).
Concluding note
The above information is necessarily brief. Anyone interested to have further information about any particular genetic family group is invited to contact the appropriate group coordinator, where a name and an email address have been given. For groups without a coordinator or more general enquiries, please be in touch with the overall project coordinator, Millicent Craig (millicenty@aol.com) in the first instance.
Daniel Lievois of Belgium has recently contacted our American Secretary, Millicent Craig, with the following information about a Melchior Dalton, whose tombstone was discovered by the Archeological Service of the city of Ghent, Belgium. He was born in Ireland and died at Ghent on the 27th February 1665 aged 70 years and 3 months. He was educated in Belgium and was a learned man who knew 8 languages. He became a priest in 1630 and was appointed apostolic protonotary. He served first as pastor at a royal hospital in Mechelen and afterwards as pastor of the Cistercian Bijloke hospital in Ghent.
The inscription on the tombstone says :-
D.O.M.
PIIS MANIBVS
R.D. MELCHIORIS DALTON
PROTONOTARII APOSTOLICI
XENODOCHIORVM REGIORV[M] MECHLINIENS[IVM]
DEIN HVIVS GANDENSIS
ANNIS XXVI PERVIGILIS PASTORIS
QVEM HIBERNIA NATIVITATE, BELGIUM
[E]DVCATIONEM SIBI VINDICANT SEIPSVM
MVNDO SPECTABILEM VIRTVTE, SCIENTIA
ET OCTO LINGVARVM DONO REDDIT
MERITIS ITA MATVRVS VT ALTIVS
[P]ROMOVENDVS FORET, NISI MORTE
PRAEVENTVS AETAT[IS] AN[NORVM] 70 MENSE III
SACERDOTII 35. V. KALL[ENDAE]MARTII,1665
ANIMA EIVS VT PACE FRVATVR, VIATOR
[P]RECARE CVIVS CORPORI SVB HOC MARMORE.
DatVr sep VLChrVM
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a) Melchior Dalton Tombstone |
b) Detail with the
Coat of Arms covered by |
Daniel has undertaken further research to see if Melchior Dalton studied at the Catholic University of Leuven. His name is not included in A. Schilling’s publications of the matriculas but in Part V, which covers the period 1616 – 1651 there is a mention in Porcenses pauperes (24 January 1634) of a number 355 Oliverius Daltonus, Hybernus. There was therefore an Oliver Dalton at the university. The college where Oliver stayed during his time at Leuven was that of the Pork, in Flemisch Het Varken. This was the house name of course. He belonged to the pauperes, the poor students.
Daniel has also found out that the holy Oliver Plunkett, a bishop of Armagh, and student of the Irish College in Rome was, on 30th November 1669, ordained as a priest in the crypt of St. Baafs Cathedral in Ghent by the local bishop. He is continuing to try and find if there is any connection with Melchior as they both probably were in Ghent at the same time.
If anyone can add any further information about Melchior Dalton please contact either the Editor or Millicent Craig, who will pass the information on to Daniel in Belgium.
Photo origin Georges Antheunis, Dienst Archeologie, Stad Gent, Belgium
by Sir Geoffrey Dalton
This article is based on the talk Geoffrey gave at the AGM held at his home in Catherington in June 2006. Part 1 is a general introduction to the Livery Companies of the City of London. Next month in Part 2, Geoffrey tells us about the Drapers Company in particular and the part that Daltons have played in the Drapers Company.
Some Livery Companies probably had their origins before 1066 and are similar to Fraternities and Guilds or Mysteries which flourished throughout Europe for many centuries. The term Mystery is still in use and derives from the latin mysterium meaning professional skill. In England the development of guilds was not confined to London as many cities had craft guilds some of which still survive today also Scotland and Ireland have a living tradition.
In London in the early days people following the same trade or craft tended to live and work near each other and began to make informal arrangements amongst themselves for regulating competition and keeping professional standards high for mutual benefit as well as looking after the welfare of their members in sickness and hardship. The earliest record is probably the granting of a Royal Charter to the Weavers Company in 1155 and it is believed that by then many guilds were actively overseeing and supporting their trade or craft. Members paid to belong and the word Guild derives from the Saxon Gilda meaning to pay. Additionally there was a strong religious connection with each guild having a patron saint and link with a church or monastry.
In medieval times ‘livery’ was the term used for the clothing, food and drink provided to the officers and retainers of households, colleges and guilds. The term became restricted to the distinctive clothing and badges which were symbols of privilege and protection and since the members of each guild were distinguished from other people in this way, the guilds gradually became known as livery companies.
The usual way of entry was by apprenticeship which lasted 7 years, on successful completion of which they could claim their freedom which entitled them to serve under any master. This privilege of freedom was eagerly sought as a road to prosperity in the City of London and today remains as a qualification for Civic Office or admission to the Livery of a company.
Gradually many of the Companies acquired a permanent meeting place called Halls many of which are beautiful buildings but sadly a number were destroyed in the Great fire of 1666 and during the blitz in the last war.
Most of the ancient companies acquired Royal Charters and many have more than one. The early charters provided Royal recognition and gave them control over their own crafts and empowered them to own property. The earliest charters seem to have been granted around the 12th century and from Norman times to the middle ages the guilds flourished. Some of their members became very wealthy and their power and prestige helped the city of London to retain a degree of independence from the crown and the courts. By the early 17th century the guilds had reached the height of their development and wealth. Decline, however, then became imminent as on the whole the guilds powers were restricted to the city itself and as suburbs sprang up tradesmen and craftsmen who were not guild members began practicing their undercutting those controlled by city laws and livery company regulation. The city had opportunities to govern these activities but took a decision not to be responsible for them. However, some companies still regulate their trades outside the city most noticeably the Goldsmiths who are responsible for the quality and standards of gold and silverware and the hallmarking of individual items through their assay office.
Another cause of decline was the constant exhortation of money from the Livery companies by the Tudor and Stuart Monarchs. Later in the 18th century the livery companies faced further hardships and many faced the threat of insolvency because fewer people were seeking the freedom of companies as the drift from the city continued, rents were static and the rebuilding of the city after the great fire was costly.
Fortunately the 18th and 19th Centuries brought the industrial revolution and the opportunity to embrace the modern world and led to many of the companies renewing contact with their former trades. The wheel had come full circle and starting in the 1870’s the Livery Companies began providing increasing support for technical and other education and this support continues to this day. Early in the 1900’s the idea of new trades or professions coming together in new Livery companies began to offer advantages after a long lapse. This renewal started after the end of the first world war and by 1945 20 new companies had been established. The result is that the majority of the more than 100 Livery Companies support their trade, craft or profession in one way or another. Much of this support goes to universities and other institutions which train young people for careers, including apprenticeships as well as supporting schools throughout the country. One of the first charitable tasks undertaken by the early guilds was the care of the sick and elderly, the latter through the provision of Almshouses. In additional to this traditional provision many companies have broadened their giving into many areas of modern life both at home and abroad. Supporting people with disabilities, museums and libraries, housing, the arts, young people and medical research are some of the many deserving causes to which the Companies give millions of pounds from the charitable trusts for which they are trustees.
Part 2 of this article will be published in the next issue of “Daltons in History” in May 2007.
by Ciaran Dalton
The term “The Wild Geese” associated with a particular
era in Irish history, has become more understood in recent times. Today
there are a number of websites devoted to the subject and more archival
material has become available. Briefly, it refers to the period from the
late 16th century towards the end of the 18th when Irishmen travelled
to Europe as soldiers of fortune or mercenaries. Many were of the families
of the dispossessed, who lost their lands after the Desmond rebellion,
the Flight of the Earls and the Cromwellian and Williamite confiscations.
Formed into various regiments, they fought in many continental wars.
A popular ballad about the Wild Geese, tells of the affections of a woman
for her soldier lover, who is going to war:
I’ll sell my rod, I’ll sell my reel
I’ll sell my only spinning wheel,
To buy my love a sword of steel,
Is go dte tu mho mhuirnin slan.
(The last line translated from the Irish, expresses a wish that he might travel safely)
The Dalton records below were extracted from “Wild Geese in Spanish Flanders” edited by Rev. Brendan Jennings and printed for the Irish Manuscripts Commission, 1964. They deal mainly with military matters of the 17th century. Among them are applications for licences to revisit Ireland. Earlier D.G S. journals and Daltons in History recounted the exploits of Count D’Alton of Westmeath and the D’Altons of Grennanstown in Tipperary, however, the extracts here mention other Daltons. The documents do not reveal where in Ireland they lived.
6/10/1605 Binche. Grant of sixteen crowns monthly to Redmund Dalton to serve in the Irish infantry; reports having been made to us of birth and good parts. (There were a number of Daltons with the name Redmond)
14/2/1608. Brussels. Special grants to the following soldiers of the Regiment of Col. Henry O’Neill for services at the Siege of Rheinberg. Morgan Dalton.
Aug/17/1609. Brussels. Licence for Ireland, on business concerning his family, to Miles Daltan (sic) of the company of Arturo O’Neill.
Aug/19/1609. Brussels. Licence for Ireland to Redmond Dalton, pensioner, in the Irish infantry; on business relating to his family.
29/2/1632. Brussels. Grant of thirty crowns to Walter Dalton etc. captains
of the Irish companies recruited by Tyrconnell.
3/9/1634. From the village of Lunack. Pay of twelve crowns monthly to Miler Dalton, prefect of the Irish college, to serve as chaplain of the military hospital in place of Fr. Bernard Magrall, who has died.
2/10/1634. Licence for Ireland for Sgt. William Qucli of the company of infantry of Captain Walter Dalton.
11/3/1636. Brussels. In the garrison of Notre Dame de Hal Eugenio O’Farrell, invalided soldier of the company of Walter Dalton.
24/4/1636. Licence for Spain to Captain Oliver Dalton, pensioner in the company of Spanish infantry of Col. Francisco Zapata.
3/1/1637. Brussels. Licence to Capt. Walter Dalton, pensioner of the company of Spanish Infantry of the Count de Fontclara on business to his advancement.
26/8/1640. From the camp at Ognies. Special grant of four crowns monthly to Ambrose Dalton, of the company of Nicholas Dalton, regiment of the Col. Eugenio O’Neill: has served his majesty for some time, after the example of the said Captain his father.
The above extracts are taken from documents relating
chiefly to Irish Regiments, from the Archive Generales Du Royaume, Brussels
and other sources. (Title page of Wild Geese In Spanish Flanders.).
See also A Military History of Ireland (eds.) Thomas Bartlett &
Keith Jeffrey. ……….The Wild Geese, The Irish Brigades of France and Spain,
Marc G. McLaughlin.
from Millicent V Craig
The ancestry of Henry Dalton has been the topic of research by many descendents of his family. Perhaps a reader can assist this family with its origins in either Yorkshire or Lancashire, England.
Henry Dalton, son of Thomas Dalton and Hannah Dalton, was born in Preston, in Holderness, Yorkshire, England on August 30, 1831. In 1848 he was converted and united with the Church as a Methodist Episcopal Minister.
In1853 Henry married Maria Graves in Lincolnshire. He had begun to preach in 1851 serving as Assistant Pastor and Preacher in Charge from 1854 to 1857. Henry and family emigrated to Ohio, U. S. A. and lived in Germantown, Montgomery County. Their history in Ohio is well documented in the Dalton Data Bank.
From Ohio, Henry moved first to Missouri and then to Kansas in 1881 where he served in Logan, 1881, Marvin 1884-85; Lenora 1886, Densmore 1887, Lindsborg 1892-3 and then moved to Junction City in 1893. He died in Joplin MO, February 7, 1910 at the home of his son William Henry, and was interred in Highland Cemetery, Junction City, Kansas where his wife Maria who died in 1904 was buried.
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Henry and his children were prominent in the history of Kansas' development and six survived him. John Thomas was born in England, William Henry in Ohio. Maria returned to England where Joseph Ryder was born. Alice May (Crawford), George Mark and Charles Benjamin were born in Ohio. (Two children, Albert Shuey born in Ohio and Edward Franklin born in Missouri, died quite young.)
DGS member, Shirley Dalton of Kansas City, Missouri has begun researching this family and would like to hear from any relatives of Henry or Maria to exchange information. Contact Shirley at:
Note: Extractions are from the obituary of Henry Dalton, 1910 Northwest Kansas Conference Journal of the Methodist Episcopal Church and from Shirley Dalton's notes.
The deadline is approaching for literary contributions to the Spring/Summer Journal. If you are attempting to locate ancestors, please assemble a short article for the MN&Q section. Breakthroughs in your family history, births, deaths or marriages are also welcome by the editor, John Dalton.
Testees in Group A of the Dalton International DNA Project be sure to read the article, "Wild Geese" from our Irish Secretary, Ciaran Dalton. There are mentions of Daltons and O'Neills (Niall) in the document and they are 17th Century connections.
To date eight Americans have made reservations for the AGM in Worcester, England on July 27, 28, 29, 2007. If you wish to stay at the Fownes Hotel and have the advantage of being in the midst of activities, please send your reservation to Howard. J. Dalton by the end of April. Howard has arranged a splendid program on the historical and cultural aspects of Worcester, plus the latest developments in the DGS programs.
During the month of March, two more American families were added to the DGS membership roster. We welcome Kenneth and Candace Johnson of Virginia who have traced Kenneth's Irish ancestry to his Dalton emigrant in New York and now hope to make the link to a County in Ireland. Shirley Dalton of Missouri is actively researching her husband's Yorkshire line of Daltons. See above article, Henry Dalton, Kansas Minister. Welcome to Tom and Shirley Gale Dalton of Ohio, who is also a descendent of this family and has prepared an item for the June/July Journal.
Mary Lou Weber-Elias of Alabama will begin working on the upgrades to the Dalton Data Bank in April. Argentina, Australia and Canada are the priorities. Additional data for these countries that is received after April 10, 2007 will be held over for the next upgrade in 2008.
Our appreciation is extended to the latest group of volunteers; Pat Setser of MO, Archie Dalton of AR, Joyce Ringler of OH, and David Coleman Daulton of KY. Nancy Samuelson has provided her compilations of Carroll County, VA data and our volunteers will be preparing it for the internet. Our thanks are extended to Nancy.
Many thanks to all of you who have contributed to this
month’s issue. Please continue to send your contributions. E-mail dairneirwin@ntlworld.com.