Main Index to the Dayton/Deighton Surname Database

Ralph Dayton became ancestor of all the Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut pioneer Daytons:, and by now all of the country. From 1639 to 1649, Ralph was a member of New Haven Colony where he was enrolled as a Free Burgess or free planter 1639 and became a church member and soon a representative at Hartford. His daughter Alice married Thomas Baker June 20, 1643. Leaving New Haven in 1649, stopping briefly in Southold and Southampton, the Dayton: and the Bakers were in East Hampton by 1650. Ralph was sent to Connecticut "for to procure the evidence of our lands and a boddie of our laws." The report he brought back was adopted. In 1651 he was chosen Constable, an official who by law moderated the General Court. This officer was always a reputable citizen wielding great authority. Ralph's wife probably died in East Hampton. "1 1656 he married Mary, widow of James Haines of Southold. On Sept. 22, 1658, his will was brought before the Quarter Court and approved by the magistrates. Ralph probably died in a house he owned at North Sea, Southampton. which he left to Samuel. There is no record of his burial in East Hampton. His will is in the possession of his descendant C. Frank Dayton. 10th generation, of East Hampton. The surname Dayton has been variously spelled. Some authorities trace it back to "de Deighton" in 14th century England; it has also been spelled Deighton, Dalton, and Drayton. His wife, Alice (Tritton) Goldhatch was Born 1596 and Died 1656 in East Hampton, New York.

"The Record of a Family Descent from Ralph Dayton and Alice (Goldhatch) Tritton, Married June 16, 1617, Ashford, County Kent, England
A Genealogical and Biographical Account of One Branch of the Dayton Family in America
by Edson C. Dayton - Privately Printed, 1931 - Copyright 1931 by Caroline K. Dayton