In recognition of the upcoming 250th celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the DAR America 250! Committee of the Botetourt County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is placing a spotlight on members’ Patriot ancestors who helped the country achieve American Independence. Caleb Carlton is a Patriot ancestor of DAR members Ann Bell Layman and Mary Ann Layman Miller.
The Carlton family’s service to this country— and to England before it— stretches back centuries. In 1638, Edward Carleton crossed the Atlantic aboard the John of London, becoming one of the founding settlers of Rowley in Essex County, Mass. Edward was the second great-grandfather of Caleb Carlton, linking Caleb’s Revolutionary service to deep Colonial roots.
Caleb was born on June 22, 1757, in Tolland, Conn., the son of Richard Carlton (1713-1758) and Hannah Hutchins (1717-1785). His father died when Caleb was only a year old, leaving Hannah to raise a large family alone. The household endured further tragedy when two of Caleb’s older brothers were killed in the French & Indian War, shaping a childhood marked by loss and resilience.
At just 18, Caleb enlisted as a private in Captain Jonathan Parker’s Company, 3rd Battalion, under Brigadier General James Wadsworth’s Connecticut Brigade. Stationed in New York City and on Long Island during the campaigns of 1776, Caleb and his fellow soldiers faced the full force of the British advance. From the chaos of Kip’s Bay to the retreat at White Plains, they stood firm in defense of Washington’s army.
His service stretched across the war years, a testament to youthful endurance and patriotic resolve. Today, his name is recorded among the recognized Patriots of both the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR, Ancestor #A019160) and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR, Patriot #P128590), ensuring his legacy is preserved for future generations.
After the war, Caleb married Margaret Day (1758-1840), daughter of Adonijah Day and Sarah Loomis Day of Colchester, Conn. Margaret’s family also contributed to the Revolutionary cause, with several of her brothers serving as Patriots, extending the tradition of service beyond Caleb himself. Together, Caleb and Margaret raised seven children, balancing farm life, faith, and the responsibilities of postwar householding.
In 1814, Caleb and Margaret, along with their children, joined the westward migration to the Connecticut Western Reserve in Ohio, settling in Mantua Station, Portage County. There, the Carlton family helped carve homesteads from dense forest, building cabins, mills, and churches that anchored the pioneer community. Caleb died on November 9, 1823, at age 66, and was buried in East Lawn Cemetery, Mantua Center. Margaret lived on until October 3, 1840, passing at age 82, and was laid to rest beside him, ensuring their shared legacy endured in Ohio soil.
For every member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a Patriot’s story is a living reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary men and women who secured extraordinary freedoms. From Europe to the colonies, from the East Coast to the frontier and beyond, each Patriot line embodies the endurance of family, faith, and patriotism across centuries. Caleb Carlton’s life— rooted in the founding of New England, tested in the Revolution, and carried westward into Ohio— stands as one such enduring story.
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-profit, non-political organization open to any woman who has lineage to a Patriot who contributed to the success of the American Revolution. Founded over 125 years ago, it is focused on service to the community and fosters Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism. If you are interested or have questions about joining the chapter, contact Membership Chair Emily Talbot Guillote via email at eptg1019@gmail.com, or Registrar JoElla John at jjohnregistrar@gmail.com.
