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An American Family History

Daniel Walton

 
“Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists."
― Franklin D. Roosevelt
 

In 1688, during the Glorious Revolution, the Protestant king and queen,William and Mary, took the English throne from Catholic King James II. The bloodless revolution profoundly impacted the American colonies.

Daniel Walton was born in Byberry Parish, Gloucestershire, England about 1660. His parents were William Walton and Alice Martin.

He came to America with his three brothers. They settled in Byberry, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania and were early members of the Byberry Friends Meeting.

He married Mary Lamb on June 21, 1688. 

Daniel and Mary's children included:
Samuel Walton (about 1689, married Marcy Waterman),
Daniel Walton, Jr. (about 1691, married Elizabeth Clinton),
Joshua Walton (about 1693, married Catherine Albertson),
Joseph Walton (about 1698, married Esther Carver),
Benjamin Walton (1701, married Rebecca Homer),
Nathan Walton (about 1703), and
Mary Walton Homer (about 1708, married William Homer).

In 1691, at the time of the Keithian Separation, the Byberry meeting went Keithian. Nathaniel was the only one of the Walton brothers who remained. The others went with those at the home of Henry English. 

His will had the following interesting stipulation in his will:

In considering my eldest son Samuel Walton and his disobedience and undutifullness to me and his mother and also his extravagant Life whereby I have been forced to pay Severall Sums of money to discharge his debuts which doth amount to Such a Sum or to so great a part of my Estate as I do think fitt to be his portion thearfore I do give him One English Shilling and no more.

He died on February 20, 1719 and was buried  at "John Harts at Bybury on ye Creek Poequesy."

Children of William and Alice Walton
  • Nathaniel Walton
  • Thomas Walton
  • Daniel Walton
  • William Walton
  •  

    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.

     

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    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.

    A History of the Townships of Byberry and Moreland in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Joseph C. Martindale

    Daniel Walton, one of the four brothers. . .He married Mary Lamb, 6th mo. 21st, 1688 (O. S.). Throughout his long life he was much respected, and was considered among the faithful Friends of that day. He died in 1719, leaving seven children: Samuel, Daniel, Joshua, Joseph, Benjamin, Nathan, and Mary. Nearly all the Waltons at present residing in the vicinity of Byberry are descendants of the ancient Daniel.

    (1.) Daniel and Mary Walton's Children.

    (2.) Samuel [Walton], was disinherited by his father, for "disobedience to his mother," but inherited the estate belonging to his brother Nathan, who died intestate. He left the neighborhood and settled near Quakertown, in Bucks County. He had four sons, Samuel, Benjamin, Abraham, and Jacob, most of whom emigrated to the Western country.

    (3.) Daniel [Walton, Jr.], married Clifton. . .His farm extended eastward to John Samms's Corner. He left three children, Daniel, Jane, and Massy.

    (4.) Joshua [Walton], took the western part of his father's farm. . .He married Catharine Albertson, usually called "Case Walton." In the domestic history of the family many unpleasant traits are apparent. Joshua committed suicide by hanging himself to a tree in front of his house, and was buried in one of his back fields. His widow died 12th mo. 18th, 1759. For many years after the death of Joshua the premises were believed by the superstitious to be haunted, and

    marvellous tales were told of sights, sounds, and presentations, terrific in their nature.

    Men were actually frightened from the "Timber Swamp" in the daytime, but the ghosts have since departed. Joshua left three sons: Joshua, who died in 1779; Albertson, and Jonathan.

    (5.) Joseph [Walton], married Esther, daughter of John Carver, of Buckingham. Children: Richard and Rachel.

    (6.) Benjamin [Walton], was born in Byberry about 1693. He married Rebecca Homer, in 1724, by whom he had nine children. He settled on his father's farm in Byberry, and was prosperous in business. He was a member with Friends, and much respected by his contemporaries. He died in 11th mo. 1753; and his widow in 8th mo., 1783, aged 79 years. Rebecca was much esteemed, and her virtues are handed down to us in some verses made by James Thornton, Jr., shortly after her decease. Their children were, Elizabeth, Mary, Daniel, Hannah, Eebecca, Sarah, Benjamin, Esther, and William.

    (7.) Mary [Walton], married William Homer... She died in 1788. Her sons, "Taff, Joe, and Jake, were bachelors, lounging about home and drinking a great deal of whiskey." They were called "The young Homers," being from their father's second wife.

    Lush forests in Colonial America allowed settlers to build wooden homes.

    Alcohol played a significant role in the daily lives of colonists; even children. They feared polluted water and believed in alcohol's nourishing and medicinal properties.

    Colonial Maryland
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    New Jersey Baptists
     
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    Watauga Settlement
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    Jewish Immigrants

    ©Roberta Tuller 2020
    tuller.roberta@gmail.com
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