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Dalton Family Papers Finding Aid
The Dalton Family Papers
The collection of correspondence, papers, photographs and artefacts of the Dalton family were transferred by Mrs Gwen Hamment, daughter of the late William Dalton of 'Riversdale' Scone (1897-1974), and grand daughter of Captain John Dalton (1833 -1912), to the Archives, Rare Books and Special Collections Unit of the University of Newcastle in June 1999. Supplementary material was deposited by Mrs Gwen Hamment in March 2001.
The papers comprise a range of archival "treasures", documents, photographs and artefacts across three generations of family members and includes diary and ship's log books (1866-1870) and naval artefacts (1862-1913) of Captain John Dalton; illuminated addresses and certificates of schoolmaster James Dalton (c1835 - 1909); war time correspondence (1916 - 1919) and WWI photo albums of William Dalton; diary (1909 -1912) of James Dalton (1883-1917); printed works (1800-1990); family photographic albums, garments and handicrafts.
Scope and Contents Note
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Papers
- 1800-1990
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5 boxes
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Access - Open
Series description
CorrespondenceThe correspondence consists of letters to and from William Dalton (1897-1974) while serving in the A.I.F. during the Great War. He joined in April 1917 and served for two years in France. He was discharged in December 1919, and awaiting passage home, worked for Kincaid's shipbuilding works on the Clyde, Scotland before he returned to Australia. There is also later correspondence from Eliza Jane Dalton to William (1928-1937) and letters relating to the Australian Methodist Historical Society with replies from William Dalton (1973). |
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A8271(i) |
Correspondence to William Dalton while serving in France during First World War with two letters to Mr. John Dalton relating to the correspondents. Feb. 1918 - Dec. 1919, Nov.1946 - Dec. 1946. | |
| A8271(ii) |
Correspondence to William Dalton from various family members during World War I. Sept. 1917 - Nov. 1919. | |
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A8271(v)
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Correspondence to William Dalton together with cards, mementos, booklets and paraphernalia (including portions of an airship) relating to World War I. Oct. 1889 - Nov. 1919. | |
| A8271(vi) |
Letters to William Dalton while serving overseas during World War I from mother, Eliza Jane and brothers, Harry and John Dalton. Nov. 1917 - Nov. 1919. | |
| A8273(iv) |
Folder containing: |
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| A8275(ii) |
Wartime correspondence, papers and memorabilia including Stockton Methodist Sunday School Anniversary Hymn booklet, new clipping, vouchers, military leave passes, French Republican issue currency, postcards and notebook of William Dalton relating to Australian Imperial Forces (A.I.F.) and fellow servicemen. 1911 – 1919. |
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Diaries, Notebooks and Manuscript papersThis collection includes the only two known surviving Ship's Log books (1866-1870) of Captain John Dalton as well as his various cash accounts and banking books relating to his maritime business; notebook (c1900) belonging to James Dalton (c1835 - 1909) relating to Sunday School duties; Notebook and Diary of James Dalton (1883-1917); and manuscripts, clippings and papers (1956 - 1974) reflecting the historical research of William Dalton while President of the Scone and Upper Hunter Historical Society. |
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| A8272(vi) |
Typescripts, notes, maps, sketches and papers relating to early history of Nelson’s Bay including interviews by Mr. William Dalton with John Dalton, Samuel Thompson, Bill Blanch and Ida Horne (nee Dalton). 1956 – 1961. | |
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A8273(i)
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Diary and Ship’s Log of Captain John Dalton while aboard the ship "Rowena' sailing from Otago, New Zealand to Callio (sic), South Africa and then Cork, Ireland to Montrose, North Britain (Scotland). Nov. 1866 – July 1867. | |
| A8273(ii) |
Diary and Ship’s Log of Captain John Dalton while aboard the "Carin", "St Magnes" and "Rowena". Feb. 1868 – May 1870. | |
| A8274(ii) |
Notebook relating to Sunday school duties of teachers. Probably possession of James Dalton, brother of Captain John, who commenced first Sunday school at Nelson’s Bay [c.1900]. | |
| A8274(iv) |
Diary of Mr. James Dalton's trip to Cairns, May 17th 1910 – June 6th 1910, and Notebook Aug. 1909 – Aug. 1912. | |
| A8274(v) |
Personal Account Book [Mr. John Dalton] Aug. 1897 – June 1898. | |
| A8274(vi) |
Ledger Book [Mr. John Dalton] Oct. 1900 – Nov. 1905. | |
| A8274(vii) |
Mr. William Dalton’s High School Notebook and Methodist Church Accounts Book, March 1916 – March 1919. | |
| A8274(viii) |
School Notebook [c.1900] | |
| A8274(ix) |
John Dalton’s Cash book with diary annotations, Jan. 1906 – March 1912. | |
| A8274(x) |
Account book, April 1888 – June 1888. | |
| A8274(xi) |
Wages Book Captain John Dalton, 1900. | |
| A8274(xii) |
Bank book of Captain John Dalton, March 1888 – April 1896. | |
| A8274(xiii) | Bank book of Captain John Dalton, June 1896 – Sept. 1909. | |
| A8273(iv) |
Folder containing: |
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PhotographsThe Collection consists of albums and glass slides of photographs taken by William Dalton during is war service in France (1917-1919); photo albums documenting life on the family properties "Burton Agnes" at Salt Ash, "Westward Ho" Nelson's Bay, and Stockton, and individual family members. Many of the photographs and glass slides have been scanned and made available in the Dalton Family Archives on Living Histories. |
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| A8271(vii) | Photo Album containing images of "Burton Agnes" Salt Ash, family home of Captain John and Eliza Dalton; Dalton family members, Nelson's Bay, First Methodist Church, Stockton and Newcastle. 1909 - 1916. | |
| A8271(viii) | Photo Album containing images from First World War taken by Mr. William Dalton with written annotations on the reverse side of the photographs.1916 - c.1919 | |
| A8272(i) | Photo Album presented to 'Mr. James Dalton by The Officers and Teachers of the Gravel Lane Wesleyan Ragged School as a token of esteem, and in recognition of the valuable services which were rendered by him as Superintendent in successfully opening, organising and conducting the School.Salford, December 2nd 1871.' | |
| A8273(iv) |
Folder containing: |
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| A8275(iv) | Photographs: Captain John Dalton and Eliza Jane Dalton, [c1890s]; S.S. "Kingsley" owned by Captain John Dalton, Nelson’s Bay, [c.1880s];William, John, Fanny and Ida Dalton, children of Captain John and Eliza Dalton, "Westward Ho", Nelson’s Bay, [c.1880s];Eliza Jane Dalton (nee Cox), [c.1890s]; James Dalton, brother of William and John Dalton, [c.1890s]; James Dalton, [c.1890s];William Dalton, brother of James and Captain John Dalton, [c.1890s];Mr. George Brown of "Fern Ridge", Salt Ash [c.1905] | |
| A8275(v) | Photographs of Tahlee, Salt Ash, Nelson’s Bay and Carrington, Port Stephens, 1958 – 1960. | |
| A8275(vi) | Postcards and photographs of locomotive, Eliza Jane and Ida Dalton at "Burton Agnes" Salt Ash; Harry and Harold Laman at funeral of their father; views of Nelson’s Bay; Legion of Frontiersmen, Anna Bay; Hinton Bridge; Chelmsford Institute Stockton, 1910 – 1940. | |
| A8275(vii) | Postcards and photographs relating to World War I and William Dalton’s service in the Australian Imperial Forces, 1917 – 1919. | |
| A8275(viii) | Two glass negatives of soldiers circa World World I | |
| A8275(ix) | Box containing glass negatives:Sailing ship at wharf, [c.1890s]; Tombstone of John Dalton, Methodist Church Stockton, c.1912; Jim Dalton, 1917; Eliza Jane and Jack Dalton, Sandy Hollow 1927; "Burton Agnes" Salt Ash, 1913; Military training at Liverpool, 1917; "Burton Agnes" Salt Ash (3 images) 1916 – 1917; William Dalton and Col Porteous, 1915;Children on horseback, [c.1890s]. | |
| A8275(x) | Box containing glass slides: Jack Dalton, 1927;"Westward Ho" Nelson’s Bay, 1913; Eliza Jane Dalton, 1916; Nelson’s Bay Public School, 1913; Nelson’s Bay, 1913; Methodist Church, Nelson’s Bay, 1913; James Dalton’s Memorial, Williamtown, [c1920s]; Military personnel, Tornuto Italy [1920s]; Bill Horne and Harry Dalton, 1919; Ida Dalton, 1913; Harold Mathewson, 1915 | |
| A8275(xi) | Box containing glass negatives of Dalton family members and including Electric Coal Loading Crane at Basin Newcastle and Methodist Church Stockton.1913 – 1919. | |
| A8275(xii) | Box containing glass negatives of Dalton family members, gravesites of John and James Dalton and Blanch family. 1913 – 1917. | |
| A8275(xiii) | Box containing glass negatives relating to John Graham and family, Blanch family, Liverpool military training for William Dalton, Liverpool Cemetery, and Hetton Pit.1913 – 1919. | |
| A8275(xiv) | Box containing glass negatives relating to Dalton family, Ernie Gilbert, Albert Forrest and Mathewson family.1914 – 1919 | |
| A8275(xvi) | Slides of Harold Mathewson’s coaches, Australian Agricultural Company’s hay wagon; Gloucester House; Salt Ash Post Office and Sunday School; A.A.C. Church at Carrington (Tahlee), Hexham, Fly Point, Shoal Bay and Nelson’s Bay. [Annotated by William Dalton 1965] 1906 – 1965. | |
| A8275(xvii) | Slides relating to Nelson’s Bay, Tahlee Homestead, Port Stephens, S.S. "Kingsley", S.S. "Maitland" and miscellaneous images including London Bridge, Lower Portland, Dunedin, Lawrence Hargrave and Riversdale Ironbark. 1865 – 1965. | |
| A8275(xviii) |
Handwritten index notes to William Dalton’s Box Brownie wartime images, [c.1916-1919] and early image of Newcastle Harbour [c.1880] (shown below).
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Printed materialVarious books owned by family members including a rare relic of Norfolk Island's Convict past (c.1800); stellar navigational works (1853-1856); and a short biography of William Dalton written by his son Jack Dalton (c1974). |
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| A8271(iii) | Two copies of: William Dalton of "Riversdale", Scone by Jack Dalton [c1974] | |
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A8272(iv)
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Copy of: View Album of the City of Hull [c.1900] [Cover Title: Photographic Album of the City of Hull] Gift from William Dalton to his father, Captain John Dalton. | |
| A8272(v) | Copy of: Nelson’s Bay A Facet of Its History by William Dalton, "Riversdale", Scone, 1990. [Cover title: Reminiscences of Nelson’s Bay] | |
| A8274(i) | Copy of: Australian Nature Stories for Children by Constance Tisdall, B.A. [c.1900] Owned by W. Dalton Public School Salt Ash, 1906. | |
| A8274(iii) | Copy of: An Abridgment of the New Testament, consisting of Lessons composed from the Writings of the Four Evangelists: For the Use of Schools and Families. By Mrs. Trimmer. London, c.1800. [From "Norfolk Island Anglican Catholic Prisoners School, Convict Dept."] | |
| A8274(xiv) | Copy of: Bacon’s Gem Map of London and Suburbs, London: G.W. Bacon & Sons, c.1890. | |
| A8275(iii) | News clipping relating to John Dalton, son of Captain John Dalton, entitled "’Old Father’ Sees New Year In", [c1970s]. | |
| A7773 | Assorted Children’s Books 1900 – 1908; World War I related material including military training booklets, weapons manuals, newsclippings, maps, 1914 - 1931. | |
| A7774 |
Four works owned by James Dalton, eldest son of Captain J Dalton and Eliza Jane, who was born in 1883 and was killed in action in the First World War. The Swiss Family Robinson [n.d.] Natural History by Rev J.G. Wood (1868), The Story of the Bible by James Foster [n.d.] and Little Lord Fauntleroy by Mrs F.H. Burnett (1889) and three stellar navigational works owned by Captain John Dalton 1853 – 1856. |
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CertificatesThis collection of certificates includes those awarded to James Dalton (c1835-1909) for his services to education and certificates relating to the maritime career of Captain John Dalton. |
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| A8272(ii) |
Iron Canister containing: Certificate accompanying Gold Watch and Chain presented to Mr. James Dalton Master of Barnstaple, Wesleyan Day School. June 19th 1862. Schoolmasters Certificate of Mr. James Dalton. December 1856 – July 1882. United Grand Lodge Certificate awarded to Mr. John Dalton upon having attained the 3rd Degree on 19th September 1878. Dated October 1878. |
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| A8273(iii) | Folder containing Competency Certificates, Certificates of Character, Conditional Purchase receipts and legal correspondence relating to the estates of Henry Dalton and Captain John Dalton. Sept. 1862 – Dec. 1913. | |
| A8273(viii) | Parchment scroll presented to Mr. James Dalton March 28th 1865, with handwritten notes on verso by Mr. William Dalton, Sept. 1964. | |
| A8273(ix) | Parchment scroll presented to Mr. James Dalton from the Barnstaple Literary and Scientific Institution Session 1865 – 1866, with handwritten notes on verso by Mr. William Dalton, Sept. 1964. | |
| A8275(i) | Benevolent Society of New South Wales Donation Certificate to William Dalton, [c.1915]. | |
Artefacts |
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| A8271(iv) | Illuminated address from Manchester District Wesleyan Teachers Association to Mr. James Dalton. Dated July 28th 1882. Together with booklet entitled Names of the Subscribers to a Testimonial to be Presented to Mr. James Dalton June 19th 1862. | |
| A8272(iii) | Text and Autograph Album, 1881. | |
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A8273(iv)
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Folder containing: |
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| A8273(v) | Grass fan purchased by Captain John Dalton in Hong Kong, 1870. | |
| A8273(vi) | Fan owned by Eliza Dalton, c.1870. | |
| A8273(vii) | Nautical instrument used by Captain John Dalton [c.1860s] | |
| A8274(xv) | Binoculars of Captain John Dalton, [c.1850s]. | |
| A8274(xvi) | Artefacts: Leather knife pouch, c.1860; Glove hook, c.1870; Pincushion, c.1900; ‘First Field Dressing’, c.1915; Powder Puff, c.1890; Wooden holder vinaigrette from Royal Palace of Stirling, [c.1900]; Two miniature flags, [c.1900] | |
| A8274(xvii) | Soap box containing: Two pieces of embroidered French linen, c.1914 – 1918; Various postcards, 1914 – 1916; Copy of: Chips from Dickens Selected by Thomas Mason, Glasgow: David Bryce & Son, [c.1898]; Copy of: London in Your Pocket, London, 1914. | |
| A8274(xviii) | Three embroidered postcards from the Great War period, 1918. | |
| A8274(xix) | Captain John Dalton’s Lodge of Australia Jubilee Medal with accompanying Certificate, 1878 [in case]. | |
| A8275(ii) | Wartime correspondence, papers and memorabilia including Stockton Methodist Sunday School Anniversary Hymn booklet, new clipping, vouchers, military leave passes, French Republican issue currency, postcards and notebook of William Dalton relating to Australian Imperial Forces (A.I.F.) and fellow servicemen. 1911 – 1919. |
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| A8275(xv) | Artefacts: Two brooches, Red Cross badge and silver thimble belonging to Eliza Jane Dalton, 1912 – 1914. | |
Diary and captain's log
We have uploaded to our Living Histories site the full digitised version of the Diary and Log of Captain John Dalton recording the voyages of his ship the Rowena from Otago, New Zealand to Callio (sic), South Africa and then Cork, Ireland to Montrose, North Britain (Scotland) during November 1866 to July 1867. [Archives Shelf Location A8273(i)].
SubjectDalton FamilyPersonWilliam DaltonJack DaltonAnne DaltonJames DaltonThomas DaltonJohn DaltonCreatorGwen HammentCollection Dalton Family ArchivesSpecial Collections Finding Aidsa tag or press ESC to cancel