Beginning with this issue of "Daltons in History", February 2000, your editor will present a series of thinkpieces on subjects that relate to the work of the genealogist and the family historian. As the Human Genome Project nears completion, the literature has been flooded with information - too much and too technical for most of us to understand or to put in perspective. This series of monographs will take small "bites" of information and attempt to present some ideas or scenarios as to what impact they will have on our work. By looking at this astronomical, scientific phenomenon through the eyeglasses of business development, particularly here in Silicon Valley, the commercial/social/ legislative changes become harbingers of things to come. We hope you enjoy our efforts even though they may be a bit "far out", but remember that we cannot turn back the clock. If you obtain one new idea from the series or can extrapolate it into a useful action, it will have been a worthwhile exercise. This month's monograph is entitled, "A Treasury of DNA". Millicent V. Craig |
from Millicent V. Craig From 1869 to the 1930's, over 100,000 children from Great Britain were sent to Canada. Many were orphans, neglected, or living in the workhouses of England with a relative. Their burgeoning numbers placed such a heavy economic burden on the Crown that Dr. Thomas Barnardo, who had founded several of the homes, developed a scheme to reduce their numbers in Great Britain. The idea was that the unfortunates would have a better chance at life in Canada, grow up in loving homes, and at the same time reduce the financial toll on the country. In most cases just the opposite prevailed for the children -- a socio/economic plan that went awry. If the data is correct, the Barnado Group accounted for a small number of the children who were transported. Other agencies involved in the emigration of Dalton children included: the Catholic Children's Protective Society, Rev Father Rossall's party; Catholic Emigration Society; Father Berry's Home, Catholic Emigration Association of Great Britain; and Byrow Hall, Liverpool to name a few. During this 61 year period, children ranging in age from 3 to 15 years were sent to Distribution Centers in Montreal and Ottawa, Canada where they were parceled out, largely to farmers as work hands. Few were adopted or became part of a family. In their later years, many have told tales of deprivation of food, clothing and shoes, schooling and of sleeping in a barn with the animals. Girls and boys encountered physical abuse which led to runaways and suicides. Those farm hands who remained were often turned out at age 18 and some roamed Canada without skills, devoid of education and a wanted trade. Others found their way into the United States. Those children who learned a trade were better prepared to earn a living. But for many of these small statured English/Scottish children, it was a life of utter loneliness, a life without the love of an adopted family, or of the comfort of siblings from whom they were separated at the Distribution Center, often never to find each other again. In many instances the youngest children had no recollection of their origins or their parents. Although complaints to the overseeing authorities were rampant, few remedial actions were taken Gradually, word of their plight reached the English authorities who made a decision to discontinue their transportation. (However this practice was resumed between 1939 and 1945 because of poverty levels and the loss of fathers in WWII). It is only fair to say that in the accounts that were documented and read by your editor, there were no cases where children as adults spoke out about a happy family life although it is most likely that many experienced acceptance and familial love. There is a bibliography of books and articles that have been written on the subject if you care to pursue it further. Working with ship's passengers lists, the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa is locating and indexing the Home Children, and the National Archives of Canada has begun posting information about them on their website. It includes full name, age, embarkation port in England, name of ship, date of arrival and Canadian port of entry. A few children were transported to Maine (US). Also included is the agency in England which handled the transportation. For additional information log on to this Canadian Web site. http://cyberus.ca/bifhsgo/homechildren.htm/ In the listings which at this time are completed to 1913, there were
16 Dalton children. There is no listing yet of the second wave of children. After checking the web site, further information may be obtained for
Barnado Children from the Barnardo Agency in London. A search will be
made of the Barnardo records, where any letters, names of visitors, etc.
who had contact with the children are on file. Requests must be accompanied
by a ten pound note, the birth certificate of the requestor, and the reason
for seeking the information. Our special appreciation is extended to Marie J. Huntley, Ontario, Canada, a member of the GOONS, (Guild of One Name Studies) for her contribution of background material for this article. |
from Millicent V. Craig In the "Index of Of Prerogative Wills of Ireland, (1536-1810)" edited by Sir Arthur Vicars, F. S. A., there is a listing of the will of Oliver Count D'Alton of Mount D'Alton, 1799. This appears to be the same Oliver whose family was given title by Emperor Joseph and Empress Maria Theresa of Austria for military service to the empire. His will was rather simple and follows. "In the name of God Amen. I Oliver Count D'Alton of Mount D'Alton in the County of Westmeath, being of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding but considering the uncertaintly of life do make and publish this my last Will and Testament. I give to my sister Countess Eliza D'Alton the sum of three thousand pounds sterling and also my carriages and horses ordering all my just and lawful debts to be paid out of my estate and effects and the remainder of my entire property, personal and seal to be equally divided between my three sisters namely Sophia O'Reilly alias D'Alton, Countess Eliza D'Alton, and Catherine O'Connor alias D'Alton. In witness thereof I put my hand and seal this third day of May one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine. Oliver Count D'Alton seal This will did not list issue. D'Altons researching this line might examine
the estate papers of O'Reilly and O'Connor. Also listed in the Index to
Prerogative Wills are those of Count Edward D'Alton, Lieutenant - General
in the Emperor's service, dated 1797, and of Count James, |
from Tina Culbertson Tina Culbertson, DGS member of Florida presented her Dalton family in the Fall Issue of the DGS Journal., Vol. 31, November, 1999. Her article is entitled: "My Dalton Lineage" and her search has taken her back to Wetheral, England, the home of Thomas Dalton and Ann Ainsley in 1800. It contained much information of significant family history which will not be repeated in this issue of "Daltons in History". However, her search for cousins continues strong and she is now in contact with a few. Hopefully, this account of her lineage will yield responses from additional cousins in England, Scotland, America or other corners of the globe who recognize this family. Also itemized on this page are affidavits which contain the names of neighbors and friends of her ancestors in Upland, PA. Direct ancestors of Tina Culbertson Thomas Dalton and Ann Ainsley, m. Jan 2, 1800, Wetheral, Cumberland,
England Joseph Dalton, Sr.(above), m Jane Weightman (Whitman) b. (?) about 1830,
place unknown. Isaac and Mary Dickinson Dalton (above). William Dalton and Sarah Dalton's Children: William (above) is a brother
to Isaac. Joseph Dalton, Jr. (brother to Isaac), m. Emma Caroline Cloud on May
2, 1866 in Chester, PA. Descendents of Edward Dalton and Margaretta Dalton (above). Descendents of William Harvey Jackson and Margaretta Wynyall Dalton Jackson. William Thomas Jackson, (above)m. Estelle Mae Pierce, Aug 29, 1942. Government records relating to Tina's Dalton family with notations of family, neighbors and friends. 1861, Aug. 18. Enlistment papers of Joseph Dalton, 3 Regt, PA Cavalry. Age 21, ht. 5" 5', light complexion, blue eyes, sandy hair, muster in as private in Capt. Grant's Company for 3 years 1867, Apr. 10. Questionnaire from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pension on the marital status of Joseph Dalton and the birth dates of his children. 1892, Nov. Affidavit filed by Benjamin W. Clark and William Crothers attesting to apoplexy of Joseph Dalton and inability to perform physical work in his petition for a government pension. 1893, Apr.24. General Affidavit filed in pension claim of Joseph Dalton. Illness attested to by Robert Cluelow and Rev. C. L. Williams. 1895, 6 Feb. General Affidavit filed by John G. Taylor, John Pedlow on behalf of Joseph Dalton petition for disablity pension. 1895, Apr 17. Declaration for Original Invalid Pension for Joseph Dalton. Rejected Nov 9, 1895 1896, Feb. 28. Declaration for Invalid Pension, with detailed account of the illnesses of Joseph Dalton. 1903, June 30. U. S. Pension Ageny. Pensioner dropped from rolls, last paid $12 to Feb 4, 1903. He was paid at the rate of $30 a month. 1903, May 6. Declaration for Widows Pension to the State of PA for Emma Cloud Dalton, age 61, widow of John Dalton. 1903. General Affidavit, application for pension for Emma Cloud Dalton. Margaret McDaniel and Eliza McDowell attest that Mrs. Dalton has no income and had no life insurance at the death of her husband, Joseph Dalton. 1903, July1. Affidavit by Emma Cloud Dalton for pension and states that she owns no property, has $3 weekly income from a son, and did receive a funeral benefit of $75 from the Knights of Pythias. Tina has done an excellent job of documenting the life of her ancestors. Anyone recognizing names of ancestors or friends of this family may contact Tina : CupaTea712@aol.com She would especially like to hear from English Dalton relatives. |
Little South African information exists on the web, but a resident , Ash Amery, sent the following list of Daltons living in the Johannesburg area. Perhaps you may recognize a name or initial. A. B. Dalton, 23 Peachtree Village, Bryanston (phone 11 706 3834) Although the telephone numbers may prove helpful, please note that postal deliveries to street addresses are very rare in South Africa. |
The popularity of "Daltons in History" has been instrumental in attracting additional members to the DGS in America and in England. We welcome the support of our Dalton brethren and trust that membership, the Journals, entitlements and inter action with Dalton volunteers in England, Australia and America will be a pleasant experience for all. Below is listed some of the Daltons who became members between July 1999 and December 1999. (The list of new members for the first half of 1999 was posted on the July 1999 "Daltons in History", Vol. 2, No. 7). Andrew M. Dalton, Germany |