The Coat of Arms shown was sent from Scotland as a Scottish family arms. It is likely the original British Wyseman-Wiseman arms from Essex, England. If so, all with the names WYSEMAN, WISEMAN, WYSE, WISE, may be able to lay claim to them. They would be heritable within the male line.
Some genealogical experts claim that those with family blood lines, but with a different surname, and females, could also lay claim.
This is actual reproduction of the same Coat of Arms, but is shown bearing the family motto.
A picture of a Wyse Wise Scottish family arms may be found via the "Wyseman" link at the bottom of this webpage. As with the Wyseman Wiseman family arms there are a number of different and individual family arms and they can be Scottish, English, and Irish.
A Scottish Wyseman Wyse coat of arms is also shown below.
SAPIT QUI DEO SAPIT (He is wise who is wise through GOD)
The motto of the Wyseman, Wiseman, family.
Special appreciation to MILNE ROBERTS, Dunbar, Scotland for his kindness in research of our family history and to BRYAN WISEMAN, Caloundra, Australia for his patient guidance in web site design.
This site can be of interest to those with surnames:
(This information is from "The Surnames of Scotland" by Black)
WYSEMAN, WISEMAN, WYSE, WISE.
WISEMAN. An old surname in Angus and Moray. Andrea Wysman witnessed excambion of the lands of Dolays Mychel in 1232 (REM., p. 88), and in the following year attested a confirmation charter by Andrew, bishop of Moray(Pluscardyn, 203). Thomas Wisman, prepositus of Elgin, was one of an inquest concerning the king's garden there, 1261 (APS.,i, p. 99 red; Elgin, n, p. 475), and he and William Wisman were jurors on inquest concerning the lands of Mefth, 1262 (Bain, i,2323). William Wysman witnessed a charter by the earl of Ross, 1263 (REM., p. 279), designed 'de Fores' in 1266 (ER., i, p. 34), c. 1278 and 1286 attested charters bv Hugh Herock, burgess of Elgin (REM., p. 284, 461). He may be the William Wysman of Elginshire who rendered homage at Elgin, 1295, and was appointed sheriff of Elgin, 1305(Bain, n, p. 183, 209, 458). Adam dictus Wiseman made a grant of lands to Coldingham Priory, 1285 (Raine, 262). William Wiseman obtained from David n the barony of Don forfeited by David de Strabolgi (Stodart, a. p. 311), and Willelmus Wyseman, senior, and Willelmus Wyseman, junior, were jurors on an inquest held regarding the episcopal lands of Aldrochty, 1393 ( REM., p. 205). Patrick Wyisman was admitted burgess of Aberdeen, 1484 (NSCM., i, p. 31), and Marion Wyseman is recorded in Goslingtown, Stanehaven, 1630 (Lanark CR.). Vvseman 1393, Vysman 1601, Wisman 1667.
Definitions:
"excambion" could mean church related, or division of land into a narrow long piece tapering to a point.
"prepositus" reeve, provost, steward, prior, abbot
"sherrif" a shire-reeve, an agent or representative of the king, similar to a contemporary governor general
"burgess" citizen, representative of a town, university
"canon" church minister, priest
"episcopal" pertaining to bishops, church government, or the protestant Episcopalian church
The WYSE, WISE surnames have been described as variations of the family name.
WISE, WYSE. Perhaps from ME. wys(e, learned, sage. William Wys was a canon of Moray in 1358 (Bain, in, 17), Thomas Wyse, canon of Caithness, 1381 (Pap. Pet., I, p. 561-562), and Robertus Wys was canon of the church of Aberdeen in 1386, 1391 (REA., i, p. 172, 189). Johannes Wyss on inquest in Stravelyn, 1411 (Scon, p. 162), John Wis or Wiys, stonecutter to bishop of Dunkeld, 1511(Rent. Dunk.) William Wyeis was member of council of Stirling in 1522 (SBR., p. 275), and David Wyse and his wife had a charter of a "saline patella in Kirkcaldrie" in 1603 (RD., p. 497). Wysse in the parish of Laurencekirk in the eighteenth century.
While these families' coats of arms tend to display a sable (black) background and an ermine (white) chevron,elements on the family arms tend to be distinct. The families also have a distinct motto.
SAPETE AUDE (Dare to be wise)
I have researched a few family names in Scotland. They are mainly in Dundee, Angus but our family is found in Moray, Aberdeen, and other Scottish locales. The original name is found in Essex, England as "Wyseman". Through years of intermarriage the original Anglo-Saxon name can now be predominantly Scottish or Irish.
Our family names include Hamilton, Ogilvie, Robert, Gair, Timmons, Morrice, Jamie. Some of these are separate clan names, (Hamilton, Ogilvie, Robertson), while others are septs of clans. One definition of a clan is a family that could put "ahorse" 250 warriors within an hour. A sept is usually defined as a family allied to a clan by blood ties or chosen association. For example, (Morrice is described as sept of Buchanan or of Gordon clan) (Jamie is described as a sept of Gunn or of Stewart clan)
Unusual clan relationships also occur. At one point the name Macgregor was proscribed or banned due to MacGregor clan prominent role in opposition to English rule. Various aliases were introduced and included. my Gair name, my wife's Petrie name and a daughter-in-law's Black name. All of these have a probable tie to the legendary Rob Roy MacGregor.
Tracing clan affiliations can be interesting, but some Scottish friends and relatives indicate that the clan identification is not common in Scotland. The clan may change, (depending on the source of information), and identified clans may be, susequently, defined as members of other clans.
We have established the following affiliations within only a few generations.
HAMILTON Hamilton
The Hamilton clan badge is taken from the crest (top) of the arms of the Duke of Hamilton. The clan motto is gaelic, "TROIMH" or "THROUGH". My grandmother was Mary Ann Hamilton
OGILVIE Ogilvie Ogilvy
The Ogilvie clan badge is taken from the crest of the arms of the Earl of Airlie. The clan motto is "A FIN" or "TO THE END". My great grandmother was Margaret Stewart Ogilvie
ROBERT MacRobert Robertson Donnachaidh
The clan motto is "VIRTUTIS GLORIA MERCES" or "GLORY IS THE REWARD OF VALOUR". My great, great, grandmother was Ann Robert(s)
MCKAY MacKay
GAIR MacGair Gayre Ross Macgregor
MORRICE MacMaurice Gordon Buchanan
JAMIE Jamieson Stuart-Stewart Gunn
COOK(e) Stuart MacDonald
TIMMONS Originally an Irish clan but well rooted in Scotland
Some of the clan badges our family is entitled to are shown below: The badges include HAMILTON OGILVIE ROBERTSON GUNN GORDON STEWART BUCHANAN MCKAY MACGREGOR
Some of my wife's clan affiliations
PETRIE MacPetrie MacGregor
CHRISTIE MacChristie Farquarson Ogilvie
LYALL Stewart Sinclair
All Scottish Wyseman, Wiseman families are directly entitled to the tartans of ANGUS DISTRICT and LORNE DISTRICT and there are numerous English, Scottish, and Irish individual family coats of arms. They tend to exhibit the same colours and the some of the same elements, for example a white chevron, and a black background. These are the exclusive arms of individual families and only the "Ancient Wyseman" arms, which are shown at the webpage beginning, could be potentially claimed by all family members.
Research into our family clan ties indicates ties to most Scottish clans.
Relationships are found with many English, Irish, Welsh and continental European families. Deeper study seems to substantiate the interelationship of all people.
In the words of Rudyard Kipling from his poem, "The Colonel's Lady", "The Colonel's Lady an' Judy O'Grady are sisters under their skins"
The name spelling has a number of variations.
The family name originates from a language root meaning "wise" or "clever".
The family originates from the north eastern European area. It was found in the general area of the north eastern Rhine River valley, as far north as Denmark
The family has produced a number of outstanding religious leaders. Prominent are General Clarence Wiseman, head of the Salvation Army, 1974-1977, and, Cardinal Nicholas Patrick Wiseman, 1802-1865, first Archbishop of Westminister.
Some family members were crusaders and this may be reflected in the religious theme of the family motto. An early family coat of arms contains, on its crest, a "moor" emerging from a tower and armed with a spear or a dart. This may also be related to the crusade involvement since a "moor" can be an "arab". Another coat of arms displays God's hand in blessing and a number of crosses on the white chevron.
Some were mercinaries and fought in the armies of many European countries. They were well represented in WW1 and in WW2 and many were killed in action. Several have been prominent in the British armed forces and include Lieutenant-General Somerset Molyneux Wiseman-Clarke, commanding officer of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers Regiment ( 1903 ), and Rear Admiral Sir William Saltonstall Wiseman.
A modern military hero was Lieutenant Osborne Beeman Wiseman. He was a pilot during the Battle of Midway, WW2. As a result of his bravery he was awarded the Navy Cross and the USS WISEMAN DE 667 was named for him.
They were among the original settlers in Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand.
The list of family notables, and achievements is respectable. There is a current Baron Wiseman and an original knighthood was conferred on Sir John Wyseman in 1513 by king Henry 8th. The honour resulted from Sir John's bravery in action at the Battle of Spurs in the 100 years war.
My father, Warrant Officer John (Jock) Peter Wyseman was born in Dundee. Scotland, in 1902. He was in the Royal Highland Regiment Black Watch, and served in the last year of WW1 at 15 years of age. He also served in India, Egypt, Malta, and Ireland.
He came to Canada and served in The Royal Canadian Horse Artillery and the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. He was at Dunkirk, Normandy, the liberation of Holland and the invasion of Germany.
When he arrived in Canada, he said he was obliged to learn English. When he ordered soldiers to "tairn recht" (turn right) they didn't know "what the hell I was talking about".
He visited Winnipeg in the 1960's when hippie demonstrations were in process After a number of marches and setting garbage cans on fire, I asked what he felt about the behaviour. This conservative, career officer stated that he did not entirely agree with them but two world wars were fought to guarantee their freedom of expression.
He often noted that he would see "Saint Nick" (I guess this was a Scottish euphemism for Satan). He said they would never, "make porridge for one" in heaven. He seemed to have uncanny insight into the intrinsic Scottish character.
When he retired from the armed service, he tied his steel battle helmet to his fence, in Victoria, and planted flowers in it. Given the fact that he had worn it at the "D-day" landing in Normandy I took it back to Winnipeg.
GUEST BOOK ENTRIES IN THE SITE Your entry can be used for possible location of relatives or ancestors. If you include some family details and your location, these could be helpful.
You may receive replies by your e mail or you can check for replies or read other entries by clicking "view guestbook".
FAVOURITE WEBSITES Clicking on the web site "Wyseman", which is highlighted in red, provides some personal information but also details general family history,surname origin,notables.
(This web site is just below.)
For example, various coats of arms are shown or described for the Wyseman-Wiseman and the Wyse-Wise names.
The link indicated contains considerable reference information. The data has been provided by many different persons.
I would appreciate any comments, additions, or questions.
Please contact me at
If you scroll to the bottom of the page a direct e mail link is at "This page belongs to". Just click on my name to send an e mail message.
Here are some of my favorite websites:
wyseman **This is a MAIN LINK ** to infomation.**
It contains pictures of family Coats of Arms,(including Wyse,Wise and Wyseman, Wiseman), name origin, family history JUST CLICK ON THIS LINK (http://www.genealogy.com/genealogy/users/w/y/s/John-K-Wysemanmckay/index.html)
dedication to my father,Warrant Officer. John "Jock" Peter Wyseman, born Dundee, Scotland (http://ca.geocities.com/raeb7802002/wyseman.html)
Bryan Wiseman's Australian Family Page-includes a guest book http://usrwww.optusnet.com.au/~bryanwiseman1/
Scottish 1881 Census-Surname and place of occurrence. To determine if your surname was found in Scotland in 1881, just enter your surname, at top left of page, and click "GO" (http://www.ancestralscotland.com)
Find your Scottish clan by your "sept", or, ( "allied family" )
, surname. This excellent list prepared by Pauline Black, Australia.
Just click on this link. Go to "site contents". Go to "surnames list for 70 clans" (http://www.everascot.com)
This is a site with extensive information about american pioneers and early colonists. To access this site click on this link. (http://www.colonialfamilies.org}
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