Honoring Our Legacy • Celebrating Our Future
About Us
Our Family History
The Dalton name holds a meaningful place in the early history of North Carolina. For generations, members of the Dalton family have been known as dedicated workers, community builders, and faithful servants of their country in times of national need. Their legacy reflects perseverance, enterprise, faith, and family unity—values that continue to guide the Dalton family today.
The Dalton family lineage in America traces back to three brothers—Samuel, William, and Robert Dalton—who emigrated from England to the United States. These brothers first settled in Virginia, and in time their descendants migrated southward into North Carolina, where the Dalton name became firmly established.
Among the earliest Daltons to settle in North Carolina was Samuel Dalton, who built his home in what is now Rockingham County, near the town of Madison. From these early beginnings, the Dalton family continued to expand throughout the surrounding region.
One of the first Daltons to settle in the local community was David Dalton, who established a large plantation in Stokes County along the Dan River. This was during the era of slavery in the United States, and like many landowners of that period, he owned enslaved people who labored on the plantation. His presence marked the beginning of a long Dalton family history in that area.
David Dalton’s son, also named David Dalton, later lived near Walnut Cove and Dry Hollow. It was said that he owned a vast amount of land stretching from Walnut Cove to the Dan River. Although the old family home was eventually torn down, the Dalton family graveyard remains, with several graves still marked by tombstones—serving as a lasting reminder of the family’s deep roots in the region.
This David Dalton was the father of Absalom Dalton, who lived near Pine Hall. Absalom owned a plantation near the river and operated a tobacco factory close to his home. He married Nancy Poindexter, and together they raised a family during a time when agriculture and tobacco production were central to the region’s economy.
Their son, David Nicholas Dalton, became one of the most notable figures in the Dalton family history. He moved from Pine Hall and relocated near Pilot Mountain, where he founded a town that was named Dalton. David Nicholas Dalton was widely recognized for his strong business ability and entrepreneurial spirit. Over the course of his life, he operated a tobacco factory, two mills, a general store, and a hotel, while also managing a large farm. In addition, he founded Dalton’s Academy, contributing to the education and advancement of the local community.
David Nicholas Dalton raised a large family and employed many people through his various businesses. Among his trusted employees was Rufus Dalton, who later became the father of Walter G. Dalton, the first president of the Dalton Family Reunion. Walter G. Dalton was also a cousin of Granville Dalton, whose family would become an important branch of the Dalton lineage.
Granville Dalton and his wife Lula Dalton were the parents of fourteen children, listed in birth order:
Anna, Nick, Alice, Sarah, Mary, John, Kate, Robert, Ada, Roosevelt, Joseph, George, David, and Walter Dalton.
These siblings formed a large and close-knit family whose descendants continue to gather today. All fourteen have since passed on, but their legacy lives through generations of Dalton family members.
The Dalton Family Reunion History
Where it began
THE DALTON FAMILY HERITAGE
In 1933, a historic meeting was held at the home of John and Ethel Harrison Dalton to formally organize what became known as the Dalton Family Reunion. The following officers were elected:
1. Walter G. Dalton – President
2. John W. Dalton – Vice President
3. Ethel Dalton – Recording Secretary
4. Selena Goolsby – Assistant Secretary
5. Belzie Dalton – Program Chairperson
6. Susan Dalton – Food Basket Chairperson
7. Bedford Dalton – Business Manager
8. Houston Dalton – Chaplain
From that moment forward, the Dalton family committed to gathering each year to celebrate family, fellowship, and heritage. The reunion has been held every year on the weekend before the fourth Sunday in July, and remarkably, it has never missed a year.
Today, as we celebrate the 93rd Dalton Family Reunion, we honor the strength, faith, and determination of those who came before us. Their lives remind us to cherish our family connections, preserve our history, and pass our heritage forward to future generations.
To God be the Glory for 93 Years of Family, Faith, and Fellowship.
The Dalton Family Founding Members
Walter G. Dalton – President
John W. Dalton – Vice President
Walter G. Dalton was the Son of Rufus Dalton. Walter G. Dalton was the first president of the Dalton Family Reunion. Walter G. Dalton was also a cousin of Granville Dalton, whose family would become an important branch of the Dalton lineage.
John W. Dalton – Vice President
John W. Dalton – Vice President
John and Ethel Harrison Dalton hosted the first organized meeting for the Dalton Family Reunion at their home. John was the first Vice President for the Dalton Family Reunion. He later became the Second President of the Dalton Reunion.
Ethel Dalton – Recording Secretary
Ethel Harrison Dalton hosted the first organized meeting for the Dalton Family Reunion. She was the Recording Secretary and maintained all the records.
Selena Goolsby – Assistant Secretary
Selena Goolsby was the assistant secretary of the founding members. Supported and helped maintain the records for the reunions.
Belzie Dalton – Program Chairperson
Belzie Dalton was the first Program Chairperson for the Dalton Reunions. Adding Structure to the program's flow during the reunion. She was wife to the First President.
Susan Dalton – Food Basket Chairperson
Susan Dalton and her husband served on this founding members team. She was over the food baskets. Ensuring there was enough food for all on the day of the reunion.
Bedford Dalton – Business Manager
Bedford Dalton was the first business manager for the Dalton Reunion.
Houston Dalton – Chaplain
Houston Dalton was the first Chaplain for the Reunion and served covering the family and reunion in prayers and spiritual guidance.
Dalton Family Reunion Presidents 1933 to Present 1. Walter Dalton 2. John Dalton 3. Marvin Dalton 4. Albert Dalton 5. Co-President Marvin (Skip) Dalton 6. Eleanor Dalton Williams 7. Dr. Tonya Caroline Miller
Withers Chapel Church
Dalton Family Reunion Home Church History
Withers Chapel Church was the home of the first Dalton Family Reunion in July 1933.
In 1903, a new church named Withers Chapel was built on an acre of land purchased from the Withers Estate in Stokes County for $100 by Mr. Simpson. Over the years, the church underwent significant changes, particularly in 1955 when Rev. B. W. Stewart led a remodeling project. This renovation brought modern amenities such as a furnace, new pews, carpeting, and restrooms. Additionally, the United Methodist Youth purchased a new piano, and in 1978, the Goolsby Family generously donated an organ to enhance the musical offerings of the church.
Tragically, on October 6, 1982, Withers Chapel was destroyed by fire. Despite this setback, Rev. R. L. Hunter, with support from Rev. G. Howard Allred and various organizations, spearheaded efforts to rebuild, culminating in a groundbreaking ceremony on May 22, 1983.
Celebrating its community ties, Withers Chapel hosted its first Dalton Family Reunion in 1933, which became a cherished annual event held on the fourth Sunday in July at no charge. While all reunions have typically taken place at the church, they continued to contribute donations for the use of the venue, with only a few exceptions during the COVID pandemic and one other year.
The Dalton Family Reunion Officers
Tonya Miller, PhD - President
Dr. Tonya Caroline Miller is a distinguished leader, educator, and servant committed to faith, family, and excellence. She holds a Doctorate in Christian Education, an MBA, and a BBA, blending spiritual insight with strong business leadership.
She is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and ISO 9001 Lead Auditor through North Carolina State University, and served three years as an Examiner for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, representing North Carolina under the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Rooted in the Dalton family legacy, she is the daughter of Eleanor Dalton Williams, granddaughter of George S. Dalton, and great-granddaughter of William Granville Dalton. She continues to honor and uplift the family’s heritage.
A proud mother of three, Michael, Michelle, and Jalen. A grandmother of three, Sean Jeremiah, and Demi. Dr. Miller’s life reflects leadership, legacy, and lasting impact.
John Bill Dalton - Vice President
John W. (Bill) Dalton is the younger son of Marvin and Dorothy Dalton. He has an older brother, Marvin (Skip) Dalton, and a sister, Dana Dalton. His grandfather, Bedford Dalton, was the first treasurer of the Dalton reunion.
Bill previously served as co-vice president and is currently the vice president of the reunion. He is from Walnut Cove, NC, where he still resides. Bill began his education at London High School and graduated from South Stokes High School in Walnut Cove. He holds both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master's degree from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC.
In 2013, Bill retired from USDA Rural Development after 43 years of service. He currently attends St. Mary's United Methodist Church in Walnut Cove. Bill is married to his wife, Carolyn, and they have one daughter, Johna. He enjoys retirement and taking life easy these days. Bill expresses his appreciation for the previous officers and supporters of the Dalton reunion, who have kept the event viable since 1933.
Dana L. Dalton, PhD, MPH - Treasure
Dr. Michelle L. Christopher Secretary
Dana L. Dalton, PhD, MPH is a native of Walnut Cove, NC.
While living in Atlanta for almost 15 years, she began her professional career in higher education at the prestigious institutions in the Atlanta University Center and the CDC.
Upon returning to NC, she has worked for many institutions in the UNC System as the chief compliance and accreditation officer.
"Doc" enjoys traveling and working in the community.
Dr. Michelle L. Christopher Secretary
Dr. Michelle L. Christopher Secretary
Dr. Michelle L. Christopher Secretary
Michelle L. Christopher, PhD is a dedicated professional who combines operational expertise with a strong commitment to service and education. With a background in business administration and public service, she is known for streamlining complex systems while keeping people at the center.
She holds a PhD in Christian Education, a Master’s in Public Administration, and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, equipping her with both strategic leadership and ethical insight.
A servant-leader at heart, Michelle is passionate about mentoring, community engagement, and empowering others through example. Above all, she is a proud and devoted mother, building a legacy rooted in love, faith, and purpose.
Pastor Gary Wayne Dalton - Chaplin
Dr. Michelle L. Christopher Secretary
Pastor Gary Wayne Dalton - Chaplin
Pastor Gary Wayne Dalton is a devoted family man, spiritual leader, and retired public servant whose life reflects dedication and faith. He's the son of Curtis and Dorothy Dalton and has been married to his loving wife, Lena Sutton Dalton, for 50 years. Together, they have built a strong family foundation, raising three children—Gary Gione, Shanese Dalton-Edney, and Tameka Dalton-Staley and cherishing the joy of 10 grandchildren. After retiring from a 35-year career with New York City Transit, He relocated to South Carolina, where He deepened his commitment to ministry. At Macedonia Baptist Church in Kershaw, South Carolina, He faithfully served first as a deacon, then as an associate pastor, and eventually answered the call to become senior pastor. Continuing a proud family legacy, he is also the grandson of John and Ethel Dalton and the great-grandson of Grandville Dalton, carrying forward a heritage rooted in strength, faith, and perseverance.