Wharton (FAMILY). The Whartons of Wharton were an old north of England family, and in 1543 THOMAS WHARTON (1495-1568) was created a baron for his services in border warfare. From him descended the 2nd, 3rd and 4th barons; and the latter, PHILIP WHARTON (1613-1696), was the father of Thomas Wharton.