Byberry is a township in the northeast corner of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. The Walton brothers were early settlers. Moreland Township was just west of Byberry. When Montgomery County broke off in 1784, Moreland was divided into two townships, both called Moreland. In 1917 the Montgomery County Moreland split into Upper Moreland Township and Lower Moreland Township.
Elizabeth Eastburn Walton was the daughter of John Eastburn and Margaret Jones of Southampton Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She was born on January 16, 1695.
Thomas Walton & Elizabeth Eastburn having declared intentions before two meetings, are at liberty to accomplish their marriage.
There is some doubt as to which Thomas Walton she married. Byberry Waltons described the problem:
Concerning this doubt, the following evidence appears: At the time of the later marriage mentioned above, Thomas was about 77 and his new wife Elizabeth Eastburn a 41 year old spinster from a neighboring farm. The will of Elizabeth's mother, drawn June 10, 1739, said Elizabeth was wife of Thomas Walton and left her 28 pounds, but if she die without issue before the end of four years son John may keep the unpaid balance except five schillings to Thomas Walton. Also to daughter Elizabeth Walton a little oak desk.
In 1755 this same Elizabeth Walton was willed five pounds by her uncle Robert Eastburn and in 1774, 30 pounds by her brother John Eastburn.
24 May 1746 Thomas Walton of Manor of Moreland, County of Phila., Yeoman and wife Elizabeth, with other heirs of John Eastburn the elder, for divers good causes and considerations released to eldest son John Eastburn of Southampton Twp, clockmaker, 206 acres, and to son Thomas Eastburn of same 100 acres.
As to the possibility of 16 Thomas having been the one who married Elizabeth Eastburn, the 1777 will of 54 Nathaniel Walton, drawn the same year as the death of 16 Thomas, said he expected to inherit, as eldest son of the eldest brother of 16 Thomas. The existence then of William and of several of William's children would have prevented such expectation, had William been son of 16 Thomas.
Elizabeth died on May 6, 1777.
Old Style Calendar
Before 1752 the year began on Lady Day, March 25th,. Dates between January 1st and March 24th were at the end of the year. Old Style (O.S.) and New Style (N.S.) are used to indicate whether the year has been adjusted. Often both dates are used.
The Society of Friends (Quakers) began in England in the 1650s, when they broke away from the Puritans. Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn, as a safe place for Friends to live and practice their faith.
