William Charlton was born in about 1665. A British colonist, he resided in Chowan Precinct, North Carolina. He served as an interpreter for the Tuscarora Indians that lived near him, and more specifically their chief, King Tom Blount. In return for his interpretation services, Blount granted Charlton a plot of land from the Tuscarora's territory. Charlton died in Chowan County in about 1726.