Harris Genealogy
Coat of Arms


The Harris Genealogy Page

Welcome to my Harris Genealogy Page
Although not being able to trace my family back for many generations, it has been challenging, and yes, time consuming, just to keep up with the family as it continues to expand. I've followed endless dead-end leads, come across some interesting stories, and found many Harris trees that are pretty complete (I just wish I could find the missing link to get my branch of the tree in there somewhere.)

The Surname: Harris : is an English Patronymic name that comes from a pet form of the given name Henry. Some Henrys became known as Harry, and Harris was the descendant of Harry. (Reference)

I have come across various "Harris" coat of arms, the one shown above is from "BURKES GENERAL ARMORY". The original description of the arms (shield) is as follows:
"SA. THREE CRESCENTS .AR"
When translated the blazon also describes the original colors of the Harris arms as:
"BLACK; THREE SILVER CRESCENTS AR."
ABOVE THE SHIELD AND HELMET IS THE CREST WHICH IS DESCRIBED AS:
"A GOLD EAGLE WITH WINGS SPREAD"

Another Source describes the Harris Coat of Arms as :
ARMS: Argent, a Lion rampant sable, surmounted by a chevron ermine.
CREST: An Eagle displayed, (or).
MOTTO:Kur Deu Res Pub Tra, (For God and Commonwealth)
AUTHORITIES: Design data from the family; Burke�s "General Armory" ; Bolton�s "American Armory" ; Virkus "Compendium of American Genealogy".
INTERPRETATION:The above official description written in terms common to heraldry means that the arms, or shield, is silver (argent) and on this is a Lion in rampant position which is black (sable). Then, surmounting this Lion is a Chevron of ermine.
The Crest is an Eagle with wings spread (displayed) and of gold (or).

HARRIS GENEALOGY

Landric de Beaugency of Orleands France, was ancestor to the powerful Barons of Beaugency, and had two sons, John and Hericeus (or Herice). They lived about 996 to 1031 A.D.

Hericeus had a son - Ancelin de Beaumont, who went to England and held a Barony in Nottingham about 1086 A.D.
Ancelin�s son, Ivo Fitz Herice, or de Heris, was Viscount of Nottingham before 1130 A.D.
Ivo Fitz Herice�s sons were:
1. Ralph Hauseline, who held a Barony in England in 1165.
2. Robert Fitz Herice, who was executed by Henry II of England.
3. Josseline.
4. William, who held three fiefs in Nottingham and 4 in Lincoln.
5. Humphrey, who was of Berks, England in 1158.
(A William Harris possessed estates in Wilts England)
The French name "Herice" seems to have been changed to the English "Harris" by these sons.

Well.....From there, I skip about seven hundred years to 1800's America.......... to

My Genealogy Pages

If you have any information that might help link these two areas, I would greatly appreciate a link, e-mail, or guestbook line.

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