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Variations of

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Armorial Bearings,

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Origins of the Surname

An Introduction

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History of

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Surnames

An Introduction to the Surname

The practice of inherited family surnames began in England and France during the late part of the 11^th century.   Surnames were first utilized in the Germanic region of central Europe during the second half of the 12th century.  The custom of taking on surnames began in the southern areas of Germany, and gradually spread northward during the Middle Ages.  It took about three hundred years for this tradition to apply to most families and become a constant part of one’s identity.        With the passing of generations and the movement of families from place to place many of the original identifying names were altered into some of the versions that we are familiar with today.  Over the centuries, most of our European ancestors accepted their surname as an unchangeable part of their lives.  Thus people rarely changed their surname.  Variations of most surnames were usually the result of an involuntary act such as when a government official wrote a name phonetically or made an error in transcription. 

Map of European Languages

Research into the record of this DICKSON family line indicates that the variations, meanings and history of this surname are most likely linked to that area of Europe where English, Scots, and/or Irish linguistic traditions are commonly found. 

Sources and Meanings of the Surname

Most modern Germanic and French family names are a means conveying lineage.  For the most part, German surnames were developed from four major sources: (1) Patronymic & Matronymic surnames most common in northern Germany are based on a parent’s first name, such as Niklas Albrecht (Niklas son of Albrecht);  (2) occupational surnames are last names based on the person’s job or trade for example Lukas Fischer (Lukas the Fisherman);  (3) descriptive surnames are based on a unique quality or physical feature of the individual like Karl Braun (Karl with brown hair); (4) geographical surnames are derived from the location of the homestead from which the first bearer and his family lived such as Leon Meer (Leon from by the sea), or derived from the state, region, or   village of the first bearer's origin for example Paul Cullen (Paul from Koeln/Cologne).

Most of the modern English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh family names throughout Great Britain have originated as a result of the following circumstances: patronym or matronym, names based on the name of one's father, mother or ancestor, (Johnson, Wilson). Each is a means of conveying lineage; occupation (i.e., Carpenter, Cooper, Brewer, Mason); habitational (Middleton, Sidney, or Ireland) or topographical (i.e. Hill, Brook, Forrest, Dale); nicknames (i.e., Moody Freeholder, Wise, Armstrong); status (i.e. Freeman, Bond, Knight); and acquired ornamental names that were simply made up.

Dickson is a Scottish and northern Irish patronymic  surname from the personal name Dick which in turn is a short form of Richard. Although found in every part of Britain, the form Dick is especially common in Scotland, and it was from there, in the 17th century, that the surname was taken to northern Ireland.  RICHARD is English, French, German, and Dutch from a Germanic personal name composed of the elements ric ‘power(ful)’ + hard ‘hardy’, ‘brave’, ‘strong’. 

History of the Surname

Most Germanic Surnames from Central Europe have their roots in the Germanic Middle Ages.  The process of forming family names in what is present day Germany began during Middle High German period in the history of the German language from the early 12^th Century to the 16^th century.   The nobility and wealthy land owners were the first to begin using surnames.  Merchants and townspeople then adopted the custom, as did the rural population.  This process took two or three centuries.  In most of the Germanic States of the Holy Roman Empire, the practice of using surnames was well established by the 1500s.

Surnames of the British Isles as we know them today were first assumed in Europe from the 11th to the 15th century. They were not in use in England or Scotland, before the Norman Conquest of 1066, and were first found in the Domesday Book of 1086. The employment in the use of a second name was a custom that was first introduced from the Normans who had adopted the custom just prior to this time.    Soon thereafter it became a mark of a generally higher socio-economic status and thus seen as disgraceful for a well-bred man to have only one name.  It was not until the middle of the 14^th century that surnames became general practice among all people in the British Isles

The concept of French Surnames come from the Medieval French word 'surnom' translating as "above-or-over name," surnames or descriptive names trace their use back to 11th century France, when it first became necessary to add a second name to distinguish between individuals with the same given name. The custom of using surnames did not become common for several centuries, however.

EARLY HISTORY OF THE SURNAME

     The Dickson/Dixon surname (and at least 30 other varients) was first found in Kirkcudbrightshire, an historic county of Scotland, where they held a family seat from early times. The names Richard and Dick were used as early as pre-7th Century in England, but were popularized by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066. Dickson or, as is common in England, "Dixon," is thought to have originated upon the birth of the son of Richard Keith, son of Hervey de Keith, Earl Marischal of Scotland, and Margaret, daughter of the 3rd Lord of Douglas. "Nisbet in his Heraldry (Edinburgh 1722) says 'The Dicksons are descendants from Richard Keith, said to be a son of the family of Keith, Earls Marischals of Scotland' and in proof thereof carry the chief of Keith Marischal. This Richard was commonly called Dick and the 'son' was styled after him. The affix of son in the Lowlands answering the prefix Mac in the Highlands." As a result, Clan Dickson is considered a sept of Clan Keith. Richard Keith's son, Thomas, took the surname "Dickson," meaning "Dick's son" or "Richard's son." Thomas Dickson (1247–1307) himself has quite a history. He was associated in some way with William Wallace, and was killed by the English in 1307 in battle. Tradition states he was slashed across the abdomen but continued fight holding the abdominal wound closed with one hand until he finally dropped dead. He is buried in the churchyard of St Brides, Douglas, and his marker shows him with a sword in one hand holding his belly with the other. Robert the Bruce made him Castellan of Castle Douglas the year before he was killed.  The Dixons in England who are of Scottish descent from Thomas Dickson living in 1268 are of the same origin as the Scottish Dicksons. Early records show Thomas Dicson, a follower of the Douglas clan, at the capture of Castle Douglas in 1307.    The Dickson Clans of the Border region of Scotland especially those of the houses of Buhtrig and Belchester seem always to have been recognized as the Chief, for Leitholm and others acknowledge their superiority in 1574, and Ormeston, the oldest of the Peeblesshire lairds, does the same in 1591.  A roll of the where each clan was seated shows the majority of the earliest families were seated in the counties of Berwick, and Peebles. 

     The personal name was first recorded in the 1220 Curia Rolls of Lancashire, when one Dicke Smith was mentioned and "Dik", was recorded in the Assize Court Rolls of Cheshire in 1260.  The first recorded spelling of the Dickson  family name is shown to be that of Thom Dicson, which was dated 1307, in Castle Douglas, Scotland, during the reign of King Robert "The Bruce" of Scotland, 1285-1329.  The patronymic "Dikson", meaning "son of Dick", first appears in 1332, in the Subsidy Rolls of Cumberland.  A Coat of Arms was granted to George Dixon of Rainshaw, Durham, on September 14th 1616.

     The Dickson's coat of arms show the Keith "pallets gules" and the Douglas "mullets argent", this is to show their descent from these two ancient Scottish noble families. The family mottoes include "Fortes fortuna juvat", "Coelum versus", for Dickson: translated as "Fortune favours the brave", Heavenward"; whilst "Quod dixi dixi" Dixon, is translated as "What I have said I have said".

Some Notable Persons, Places, or Things Having This Name

Some of the best known persons, places, or things bearing the DICKSON name, or its close variants are: Adrian Dickson (born 1977), British broadcaster;  Alexander Dicsone (1558 - c1603), Scottish writer and agent;  Major General Sir Alexander Dickson (1777–1840), British Army officer;  Alexander Dickson (1857 - 1949), British rosarian;  Alexander George Dickson (1834–1889), British politician;  Andrew Dickson White (1832–1918), American diplomat, author and educator, co-founder of Cornell University;  Anne Dickson (born 1928), Northern Ireland politician;  Barbara Dickson (born 1947), British actress and singer;  Bertram Dickson (1873 - 1913), British aviation pioneer;  Brenda Dickson (born 1949), American actress;  Brian Dickson (1916–1998), Canadian judge, and Chief Justice of Canada 1984–1990;  Brice Dickson (living), Irish academic; Bob Dickson (born 1944), American golfer;  Byron W. Dickson (1875–1930), American athlete and coach;  Carter Dickson, pen name of John Dickson Carr (1906–1977), American mystery writer;  Charles Dickson, Lord Dickson (1850–1922), Scottish judge and politician;  Chris Dickson (disambiguation);  Clarissa Dickson Wright (born 1947), British food writer;  Colin Dickson (born 1956), British rosarian;  General Sir Collingwood Dickson (1817–1904), British Army officer and Victoria Cross recipient;  Dorothy Dickson (1893–1995), American actress;  Earle Dickson (1892–1961), American inventor of adhesive bandages;  Eva Dickson (1905-1938), Swedish explorer;  Fiona Dickson (born 1940), British dancer;  Honourable Frederick Dickson (1937-2012), Canadian Senator, Government of Canada (politician and lawyer);  Frank S. Dickson (1876–1973), American politician;  Gary Dickson (living), Canadian politician;  Gloria Dickson (1917–1945), American actress;  Gordon R. Dickson (1923–2001), Canadian science fiction writer;  Lieutenant Colonel H. R. P. Dickson (1881–1959), British political agent in the Middle East, and author of several books on Kuwait;  Lieutenant Commander Harlan Dickson (1920–1944), American naval officer;  Harry Dickson, fictional detective;  Ian Dickson (born 1963), Australian music business figure and TV personality;  Itimi Dickson (born 1983), Nigerian-Singaporean football player;  James Dickson (disambiguation);  Jason Dickson (born 1973), Canadian baseball player;  Major-General Sir Jeremiah Dickson, Governor of Nova Scotia;  Joe Dickson (living), Canadian politician;  John Dickson (disambiguation);  John Dickson-Poynder, 1st Baron Islington (1866–1936), British politician;  Joseph Dickson (1745–1825), American politician;  Julie Dickson, Canadian public servant;  Lee Dickson (born 1985), British rugby player;  Lance Dickson (born 1969), American baseball player;  Larry Dickson (born 1938), American racing driver;  Leonard Eugene Dickson (1874–1954), American mathematician;  Margaret H. Dickson (living), American politician;  Michael Dickson (Irish republican) (born 1964), IRA member;  Michael Dickson (engineer) (born 1944), British structural engineer;  Murry Dickson (1916–1989), American baseball player;  Neil Dickson (living), British actor;  Ngila Dickson (born 1958), New Zealand costume designer;  Nicolle Dickson (born 1969), Australian actress;  Oscar Dickson, 1st Baron Dickson (1823–1897), Swedish Explorer and philanthropist;  Paul Dickson (living), American writer;  Paul Dickson (football player) (born 1937), American football player;  Peter Dickson (presenter), British radio personality;  Peter Dickson (footballer) who played for Scottish clubs Albion Rovers and Queen of the South;  Renn Dickson Hampden (1793–1868), English bishop;  Rick Dickson (living), American athletics director;  Robert Dickson (disambiguation);  Rob Dickson (1963–2009), Australian rules footballer and film director;  Ryan Dickson (born 1986), English footballer;  Samuel Dickson (American politician) (1807–1858), American politician;  Samuel Henry Dickson (1798–1872), American poet, physician, writer and educator;  Temple Dickson (1934–2006), American lawyer and politician;  Thomas Dickson (disambiguation);  Tommy Dickson (1929–2007), Northern Ireland footballer;  Tricia Dickson (living), American voice actor;  Tom Dickson (living), American figure skater;  Dame Violet Dickson (1896–1991), British author and botanist;  Walter Hamilton Dickson (1806–1885), Canadian politician;  William Dickson (disambiguation);  Dickson (disambiguation);  Dickson baronets;  Dixon;  Dikson (disambiguation);  and Dickinson.

More About Surname Meanings & Origins

GERMAN SURNAMES

Many German names have their roots in the Germanic Middle Ages. The process of forming family names began early in the 12^th Century and extended through the 16^th century. All social classes and demographic strata aided in the development of names. First Names (Rufnamen) identified specific persons. Over time the first name began to be applied to the bearer's whole family.  At first through verbal usage, family names (Familiennamen) were later fixed through writing.  Until the 17th century, first names played a more important role. The earliest family names derived from the first name of the first bearer (Patronym). Later names derived from the place of dwelling and location of the homestead.  If a person of family migrated from one place to another they were identified by the place they came from.  Of more recent origin are names derived from the vocation of profession of the first bearer. These names comprise the largest group and the most easily recognizable, for they tell what the first bearer did for a living.  Another group are names derived from a physical or other characteristic of the first bearer.  Finally, there are names that tell you the state or region a first bearer and his family came from; the age old division in tribes and regions (Low German, Middle German and Upper German) is often reflected in names.

BRITISH SURNAMES

Although the Domesday Book compiled by William the Conqueror required surnames, the use of them in the British Isles did not become fixed until the time period between 1250 and 1450.  The broad range of ethnic and linguistic roots for British surnames reflects the history of Britain as an oft-invaded land. These roots include, but are not limited to, Old English, Middle English, Old French, Old Norse, Irish, Gaelic, Celtic, Pictish, Welsh, Gaulish, Germanic, Latin, Greek and Hebrew.  Throughout the British Isles, there are basically five types of native surnames. Some surnames were derived from a man's occupation (Carpenter, Taylor, Brewer, Mason), a practice that was commonplace by the end of the 14th century.  Place names reflected a location of residence and were also commonly used (Hill, Brook, Forrest, Dale) as a basis for the surname, for reasons that can be easily understood.  Nicknames that stuck also became surnames.  About one-third of all surnames in the United Kingdom are patronymic in origin, and identified the first bearer of the name by his father (or grandfather in the case of some Irish names). When the coast of England was invaded by William The Conqueror in the year 1066, the Normans brought with them a store of French personal names, which soon, more or less, entirely replaced the traditional more varied Old English personal names, at least among the upper and middle classes. A century of so later, given names of the principal saints of the Christian church began to be used. It is from these two types of given name that the majority of the English patronymic surnames are derived and used to this day.  Acquired ornamental names were simply made up, and had no specific reflection on the first who bore the name. They simply sounded nice, or were made up as a means of identification, generally much later than most surnames were adopted.   Source: http://www.obcgs.com/LASTNAMES.htm

FRENCH SURNAMES

Suffixes & Prefixes - While not in common use as in Italy or Sweden, some French surnames are formed by the addition of various prefixes and suffixes. A variety of French suffixes including -eau, -elet, -elin, -elle, and -elot, mean "little son of" and can be found attached to a given name to form a patronym. Prefixes of French surnames also have specific origins. The prefixes "de," "des," "du," and "le" each translate as "of" and may be found used in patronymic and geographical French surnames. Some French-Norman patronymic surnames will have the prefix "fritz," from the Old French for "son of" (Fitzgerald - son of Gerald). 

Alias Surnames or Dit Names - In some areas of France, a second surname may have been adopted in order to distinguish between different branches of the same family, especially when the families remained in the same town for generations. These alias surnames can often be found preceded by the word "dit." Sometimes an individual even adopted the dit name as the family name, and dropped the original surname. This practice was most common in France among soldiers and sailors.

Germanic Origins of French Names - As so many French surnames are derived from first names, it is important to know that many common French first names have Germanic origins, coming into fashion during German invasions into France. Therefore, having a name with Germanic origins does not necessarily mean that you have German ancestors!

Official Name Changes in France - Beginning in 1474, anyone who wished to change his name was required to get permission from the King. These official name changes can be found indexed in: Jérôme, archiviste. Dictionnaire des changements de noms de 1803 à 1956 (Dictionary of changed names from 1803 to 1956). Paris: Librairie Française, 1974.   Source: French Surname Meanings & Origins

Use this LINK to find the ethnic origin and meaning of last

names. Surname dictionary and

genealogy helps include names of Irish, German, English, French, Italian, and Jewish descent.

Variations of the Surname

Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to unfold and expand often leading to an overwhelming number of variants.  As such one can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames because in early times, spelling in general and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized.  Later on spellings would change with the branching and movement of families. The complexity of researching records is compounded by the fact that in many cases an ancestors surname may have been misspelled.  This is especially true when searching census documents. 

Spelling variations of this family name include: Dixon, Dickson, Dixoun, Dikson, Dyxson, Dyckson, Dicksoun, Dicson  and many more, (as noted below). 

Spelling variations of this family name may be ascertained through the utilization of several systems developed over the years.  The most prominently known are Soundex, Metaphone, and the NameX systems.  Of the three we recommend NameX as the most accurate for family historians.

Click on the button to find the variants of this or any other surname by utilizing The Name Thesaurus a ground-breaking technology for finding Surname and Forename variants.

This useful genealogy research tool has identified 385 million variants for 5,929,000 Surnames and 26 million variants for 1,246,000 Forenames, as well as gender identification for more than 220,000 Forenames.

NameX matched 154 spelling variations of the DICKSON surname. The top 20 are:

Metaphone is a phonetic algorithm, first published in 1990, for indexing words by their English pronunciation.  It fundamentally improves on the Soundex algorithm by using information about variations and inconsistencies in English spelling and pronunciation to produce a more accurate encoding. Later a new version of the algorithm named Double Metaphone was created to take into account spelling peculiarities of a number of other languages. In 2009 a third version, called Metaphone 3, achieves an accuracy of approximately 99% for English words, non-English words familiar to Americans, and first names and family names commonly found in the U.S.  The Metaphone Code for DICKSON is TKSN.  There are 598 other surnames sharing this code.

The Soundex System was developed in an effort to assist with identifying spelling variations for a given surname. Soundex is a method of indexing names in the 1880, 1900, 1910, and 1920 US Census, and can aid genealogists in their research.  The Soundex Code for DICKSON is D250.  There are 5066 other surnames sharing this Code. 

If The Name Thesaurus doesn’t adequately address the name you are looking for check out the following link:

Top 10 Tips for Finding Alternative Surname Spellings & Variations

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Locations of the Surname

Locational Distribution of this Surname

Historical Distribution of this Surname

Locational Distribution of This Surname

Knowing the geographical areas where the surname you are researching is clustered and distributed is an indispensable tool in deciding where to focus your research.  We believe that the “Public Profiler” website will open up to you a wide range of solutions which implement current research in spatial analysis.  This site provides an array of local spatial information tools useful to the genealogist. 

The information presented herein shows where the DICKSON surname is distributed within North America as well as in Europe the location of origin for this surname.      Statistics show that the country were this surname is the most highly clustered is Australia with approximately 492.78 persons per million of population.  The density of population in the within the United States is 143.42 persons per million of population.  The top region in the World where this surname is the most highly clustered is Gore District, New Zealand with 2256.18 persons per million, and Edinburgh, Scotland is the top city where this surname is found.

North America

Europe

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Click on the LINK to the right to see more information about the World distribution of a surname.  You can

get greater detail for any of the following maps by clicking on the area, i.e state, county that you are interested in.

·        Database of Surnames in the Netherlands

·        Database of Surnames in Belgium

·        Names Distribution in France

·        Map of the surname: Austria

·        Distribution of Surnames in Spain

·        Map of the Surname: Switzerland

·        Distribution of Surnames in Italy

Historical Distribution of this Surname

The main value in historical surname distribution databases and maps is that they enable genealogists to pinpoint the predominant location of a surname. This can quickly narrow down your search for a BDM certificate.  Knowing where to look is half the battle to finding ancestry records; if you can narrow down the search field it can save you a lot of time and trouble.  The core of historical surname distribution is that most people stayed within a fairly close locale.  Concentrations of surnames are clearly visible on Surname Distribution Maps, and name distribution tables (along with an atlas) make it quite likely that the origin of that name is from the area of its highest concentration.

The following “historical locations” for the DICKSON surname and some of its close variant spellings have been primarily extracted from either Burke’s The general armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, Rietstap’s Armorial General, or J. Siebmacher's Great and General Armorial.   These books were published in the mid-19^th Century and revised thereafter.  The information therein is relevant to that period as well as earlier times as far back as 1500.   Most of the locations cited by Riestap, and Siebmacher are on the continent of Europe such as Germany, France, Switzerland, etc.        

(2) = the frequency with which this place occurs.

We recommend that you utilize our Tools for Finding Ancestral Locations.  If you have an elementary knowledge of heraldry you may wish to use this practice to trace your founding forefather.  For more information about this approach to seeking out your ancestral locations see our Using Heraldry as a Family History Research Tool.  

·        Great Britain Family Names - 1881 Census

·        England and Wales: 1891 Census

·        Scotland: 1891 Census

·        Distribution of surnames in Ireland in 1890

·        Family Name Distribution in Germany: 1942

·        Nom de famille en France: 1891-1915; 1916-40; 1941-65; 1966-90

·        United States: 1920

Armorial Bearings, Mottoes & Symbols

An Introduction to

 European Heraldry

Gallery of Images

Descriptions of the

Armorial Bearings

Heraldry as a Family

History Research Tool

Motto(es) Associated

 With This Surname

An Introduction To European Heraldry

     The art of designing, displaying, describing, and recording arms is called heraldry. The use of coats of arms by countries, states, provinces, towns and villages is called civic heraldry.   A coat of arms, more properly called an armorial achievement, armorial bearings or often just arms for short.  A Coat of Arms is defined as a group of emblems and figures (heraldic bearings) usually arranged on and around a shield and serving as the special insignia of some person, family, or institution.  Except for a few cases, there is really no such thing as a standard "coat of arms" for a surname.    The rules and traditions regarding Coats of Arms vary from country to country. Therefore a Coat of Arms for an English family would differ from that of a German family even when the surname is the same. 

     The seeds of heraldic structure in personal identification can be detected in the account in a contemporary chronicle of Henry I of England, on the occasion of his knighting his son-in-law Geoffrey V, Count of Anjou, in 1127. He placed to hang around his neck a shield painted with golden lions. The funerary enamel of Geoffrey (died 1151), dressed in blue and gold and bearing his blue shield emblazoned with gold lions, is the first recorded depiction of a coat of arms.

       By the middle of the 12th century, coats of arms were being inherited by the children of armigers (persons entitled to use a coat of arms) across Europe. Between 1135 and 1155, seals representing the generalized figure of the owner attest to the general adoption of heraldic devices in England, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.  By the end of the century, heraldry appears as the sole device on seals.  In England, the practice of using marks of cadency arose to distinguish one son from another: the conventions became standardized in about 1500, and are traditionally supposed to have been devised by John Writhe.

     In the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, heraldry became a highly developed discipline, regulated by professional officers of arms. As its use in jousting became obsolete, coats of arms remained popular for visually identifying a person in other ways – impressed in sealing wax on documents, carved on family tombs, and flown as a banner on country homes. The first work of heraldic jurisprudence, De Insigniis et Armis, was written in the 1350s by Bartolus de Saxoferrato, a professor of law at the University of Padua.

    In the Germanic areas of Central Europe heraldry spread to the German burgher class in the 13th century, and even some peasants used arms in the 14th century.  A German coat of arms is usually referred to by any of the following terms; Wappen, Familienwappen, Blasonierung, Heraldik, or Wappenschablonen.

     In the British Isles the College of Arms, (founded in 1483), is the Royal corporation of heralds who record proved pedigrees and grant armorial bearings.  In Scottish heraldry, the Lord Lyon King of Arms in the Act of 1672 is empowered to grant arms to "vertuous [virtuous] and well deserving persons."

     Although heraldry in France and the lowlands of Belguim and Holland had a considerable history, like England, existing from the eleventh century, such formality has largely died out in these locations. The role of the herald (héraut) in France declined in the seventeenth century.  Many of the terms in international heraldry come from French.

Gallery of Images

Our galleries contain full-sized images of Coats-of Arms that pertain to the surnames of our direct ancestral lineage.   As most surnames have many variant spellings we suggest that you also view the galleries of our other two sub-sites as they make have a surname that is similar or has a slightly different spelling that the one you are researching

Use this LINK to find images of many unique coat-of-arms in a wide

variety of surnames many of them not found anywhere else on the internet.

Descriptions of the Armorial Bearings

Descriptions of the Arms

Copyright @ 2013-14

The associated armorial bearings for this surname and close variant spellings are recorded in Burke’s General Armoire, Rietstap’s Armorial General or J. Siebmacher's Great and General Armorial.  The additional information, presented below, is offered with regard to the armorial bearings we’ve identified from the aforementioned sources. 

Crest - The word crest is often mistakenly applied to a coat of arms.  The crest was a later development arising from the love of pageantry.  Initially the crest consisted of charges painted onto a ridge on top of the helmet.

Wreath or Torse – The torse is a twist of cloth or wreath underneath and part of a crest. Always shown as six twists, the first tincture being the tincture of the field, the second the tincture of the metal, and so on.

Mantling – The mantling is a drapery tied to the helmet above the shield. It forms a backdrop for the shield.

Helm or Helmet - The helmet or helm is situated above the shield and bears the torse and crest. The style of helmet displayed varies according to rank and social status, and these styles developed over time, in step with the development of actual military helmets.

Shield or Arms - The basis of all coats of arms.  At their simplest, arms consist of a shield with a plain field on which appears a geometrical shape or object.  The items appearing on the shield are known as charges.

Motto - The motto was originally a war cry, but later mottoes often expressed some worthy sentiment. It may appear at the top or bottom of a family coat of arms.

When reading the following descriptions of these armorial bearings you may come across a term that you would like to know more about. 

As such we recommend you utilize this LINK BUTTON to locate additional information within the classic resource book originally published by James Parker and Company in 1894.

In addition to an image of the selected Armorial Bearings, presented below, we have divided each into three specific areas of content.  They are:

About the Proprietor:  A coat-of-arms design is usually granted only to a single person not to an entire family or to a particular surname. Coats of arms are inheritable property, and they generally descend to male lineal descendents of the original arms grantee.  Therefore the descriptive narratives below generally refer to this person as the “proprietor”.   The information given within the category primarily focuses upon the name of the proprietor, when the armorial bearings were granted, and by whom, as well as where he was seated.    

Blazoning the Arms:  In heraldry a blazon is a formal description of the coat of arms, from which the reader can reconstruct the appropriate image.  Primarily our blazons will focus upon a description of the shield, crest and mantling, as well as a motto, if known.  We attempt to construct our blazons utilizing current-day  terminology for better comprehension. 

Interpreting the Arms:  Heraldry symbols such as the colors, lines and shapes found on coats-of-arms are generally referred to as charges.  Although there is some debate over whether or not the charges have any universal symbolism many persons do believe they may represent an idea or skill of the person who originally had the armorial bearings created.  If this assumption has any validity charges may provide clues to early family history of that person. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dickson of Bughtrig

Dickson of Clocksbriggs

Dickson of Dublin

Dickson of Durham

Dickson of Hardingham

Dickson of Lancaster

Dickson of Limerick

Dickson of London

Dickson of Roxburgh

Dickson of Sornbeg & Inveresk

Dickson of Wester Binning

Dickyson of Yorkshire

Dickson of Bughtrig

LINK to full-size image

About the Proprietor: These arms were probably granted to a John Dickson whose descendants were seated at Bughtrig House located, in the Scottish Borders an area of southern Scotland that together with neighboring areas of England, was part of the historical Borders region. 

Blazoning the Arms: The shield is blue and is charged with three silver stars.  On a chief of gold are three red palets.  The crest features a dexter (right) hand holding a sword in bend.  The motto associated with these arms is “As the last”.

Interpreting the Arms: A gold chief with three red palets is common on many Dickson coats-of-arms.  The palet is a diminutive of the pale which considered as one of the honourable ordinaries, and may occupy one third of the width of the shield.  A pale or palet represents military strength.

Dickson of Clocksbriggs

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About the Proprietor: These arms were granted, in 1856, to David Dickson (1811-1869) of Clocksbriggs and Rescobie.  Both places are in the parish and town of Forfar, in Angus, Scotland.  Forfar is the county town of Angus, which was officially known as Forfarshire from the 18th century until 1929.  James A. Dickson, (1818-1901), of Woodville near Arbroath, in Angus Scotland had similar arms (within a white border) and the same crest and motto as those of David Dickson.  Col. John F. Dickson of Panbride House, at Panbride, in Angus, Scotland also had similar arms (within a red border) and the same crest and motto.

Blazoning the Arms:  The shield is partitioned blue and white per fesse.  In the blue chief is a golden martlet between two white stars. In the white base is a ship in full sail in the sea between a garb and a thistle.   At the top is a gold chief with three red palets.  The crest is a dexter hand holding a sword in bend.   The motto associated with these arms is, “Fortes fort una jurat” translated as “Fortune favors the bold.”

Interpreting the Arms: These arms are interesting in that they incorporate several charges not seen in other Dickson armorial bearings.  The martlet signifies nobility acquired through bravery, prowess or intelligence.  The garb or wheat-sheaf signifies plenty and commendable hospitality in the bearer.  It may also mean that the harvest of the bearer’s hopes is secured.  The ship is an emblem of joy, happiness and adventure. It usually points to some notable quest at sea, by which the first bearer became famous.  The thistle is an ancient heraldic emblem of pain and suffering. Legend states that the thistle was chosen as the royal badge of Scotland as a result of the battle of Largs in 1262.

Dickson of Dublin

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About the Proprietor: According to Burke’s General Armoire these arms were bestowed upon a Patrick Dickson, of Dublin, Ireland, who died in 1628. 

Blazoning the Arms: The shield is silver or white and is charged with a black bull's head, on a red chief a sword fessways of the field, pommel and hilt of gold.  Any crest or motto associated with these arms is not known.

Interpreting the Arms:  A bull in a coat of arms, on a crest or a shield, represents valor and magnanimity, bravery and generosity. The horns represent strength and fortitude. The sword is said to be the emblem of military honor and should incite the bearer to a just and generous pursuit of honor and virtue. It is symbolic of liberty and strength.

Dickson of Durham

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About the Proprietor: This coat-of-arms was granted to Richard Dickson, Esq., (1750-1830) of Stocktonupon-Tees, in the county of Durham, England.  He was also Lord of the manor of Beverley Watertowns, in the East Riding of the county of York. 

Blazoning the Arms: The shield is silver or white and contains three red stars. On a chief of red are three gold palets.  All within a blue engrailed border of bezants.   The crest features a buck on a green mound in front of a tree all between two branches of palm.  Any motto associated with these arms is not known.

Interpreting the Arms: The bezant was the coin of Byzantium. In heraldry it is it is represented by a roundel being a general name applied to any circular charges of color or metal. It is thought that the bezant, also sometimes called a talent, was introduced into armory at the time of the Crusades. It is the emblem of justice and of equal dealing among people. The sign of the bezant is borne by those deemed worthy of trust and treasure.

Dickson of Hardingham

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About the Proprietor: These are the armorial bearings of the Dickson Baronetcy, of Hardingham Hall in the County of Norfolk, was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom on 21 September 1802 for Archibald Dickson. The sixth holder of this creation was elevated to the peerage as Baron Islington in 1910.

Blazoning the Arms: The blue shield holds an anchor erect, encircled with a green oak-wreath all between three golden pierced mullets pierced.  On a chief is a paly of seven three red surmounted by a silver mural crown.  The crest displays an armored arm brandishing a falchion, as well as a trident and spear of gold in saltire.  The motto associated with these arms is, “Fortes fort una jurat” translated as “Fortune favors the bold.”

Interpreting the Arms: The anchor is the emblem of salvation and hope. The trident is a symbol of maritime dominion.  Both are appropriate devices for the coat of arms of a family with a seafaring tradition. They are common figures in the English armor, which is not surprising given that Britain is an island.  A falchion is a one-handed, single-edged sword of European origin beginning around 1100, but only since the 14th century did it become popular.

Dickson of Lancaster

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About the Proprietor: This coat-arms has been attributed to Arthur Benson Dickson of Blackbeck and Abbots-Reading, near Haverthwaite, in Lancashire.   Arthur was a direct descendant of William Dickson who, in 1786, married Sarah Willatt a daughter of John Willatt and Sarah Benson. 

Blazoning the Arms: The shield is partitioned quarterly.  The 1^st and 4^th quarters represents Dickson with a blue field charged with three white stars and a gold chief with three red palets.  The 2^nd and 3^rd quarters represent Benson with a white field on which is a chevron charged with three escallops between three black goats’ heads (erased).  The 1^st crest represents Dickson shows a dexter hand holding a sword in bend.  The 2^nd crest for Benson features the goat's head, as in the arms.  Any motto associated with these arms is not known.

Interpreting the Arms: It is obvious that this coat-of-arms represents to joining of the Dickson and Benson families.  As such they may originally date back to the time of the aforementioned William Dickson or they may have been created anew by Arthur Benson Dickson based upon fact that he was given Benson as his middle name thus his coat-of-arms would represent his full name. 

Dickson of Limerick

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About the Proprietor:  These armorial bearings were confirmed to Samuel Auchmuty Dickson, (d.1870), of Croom Castle, county Limerick. Dickson owned at least 7 townlands in the parish of Kilmoylan, barony of Shanid.  It is probable that he inherited at least some of the estate of his uncle Stephen who had died in 1839.   Samuel A. Dickson was a member of the UK Parliament for County Limerick, from 1859 to 1865. 

Blazoning the Arms: The blue shield contains a white crescent between three white stars and a gold chief on which are three red palets.  The crest depicts a naked arm (embowed) holding a sword and coming out of battlements.   The motto associated with these arms is, “Fortes fort una jurat” translated as “Fortune favors the bold.”

Interpreting the Arms: The crescent stands for one who has been ‘enlightened and honored by the gracious aspect of his sovereign’.  It is also borne as a symbol of the hope of greater glory.  The naked arm (embowed) represents an industrious person with qualities of leadership.

Dickson of London

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About the Proprietor: These interesting armorial bearings were granted to a James Dickson, Esquire, of London, England. This Dickson is believed to have been the Chairman of the Imperial Bank of London Board of Directors during the 1880’s and 1890’s.

Blazoning the Arms: The shield has a field of ermine over which is a blue eagle (displayed) covered with golden gouttes.  On a chief blue is a gold pale between two golden stars.   The crest displays the eagle, of the shield, holding in its beak a Scottish thistle and resting each claw upon a gold scallop shell.   The motto associated with these arms is, “Fides et libertas” translated as “Faith and Liberty.”

Interpreting the Arms: Scottish thistle is an ancient heraldic emblem of pain and suffering. Legend states that the thistle was chosen as the royal badge of Scotland as a result of the battle of Largs in 1262.  Gouttees look like elongated pear-shape and are displayed as a pattern of drops.   The scallop or escallop is one of the most widely used heraldic symbols in all countries. Before the days of heraldry the symbol was the emblem of St. James, the patron saint of pilgrims and consequently the escallop was introduced into armory to signify a soldier who had make long journeys or voyages to far countries, borne considerable naval command, or gained great victories.  Thus it is an emblem of safe travel and is found on the shields of many families during the time of the crusades. Because its shells, once separated, can never be rejoined, the escallop is also an emblem of fidelity.

Dickson of Roxburgh

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About the Proprietor:   These arms belonged to Robert Dickson of Huntlaw and Hassendean, born 1742, and his brother Archibald Dickson of Chatto, born 1755.  Both of these family seats were located in Roxburghshire, Scotland.   They were sons of  Archibald Dickson of Hassendeanburn and Horsley Hill, county Berwick, born 1718.   Another branch of this family had the similar arms with the bar engrailed and the same crest and motto.  These Dicksons were seated at Chatto, Housebyres, Castlelaw, as well as Boughtrig, all located within Roxburghshire.  

Blazoning the Arms:  The shield is blue with a gold bar between three white stars or mullets.  On a chief of gold are two red pallets.   The crest features a dexter hand holding a sword in bend.  The motto associated with these arms is, “Fortes fort una jurat” translated as “Fortune favors the bold.”

Interpreting the Arms:  Several versions of the chief in these arms are seen on various Dickson coat of arms.   The design exhibits the Keith "pallets gules" and the Douglas "mullets argent", this is to show their descent from these two ancient Scottish noble families. 

Dickson of Sornbeg & Inveresk

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About the Proprietor: This coat-of-arms was granted to Sir Robert Dickson who, in 1695, was created Baronet of Sornbeg and Inveresk, in the County of Ayr, Scotland.  The title became either extinct or dormant in 1760 on the death his son Robert the second Baronet

Blazoning the Arms: A silver shield holds three red stars (mullets).  On a chief of red are three gold palets.  The crest features a golden hart (couchant and guardant), within two branches of green laurel (orleways).   The motto associated with these arms is, “Cubo sed curo” translated as “I rest but care”.

Interpreting the Arms: A Hart is another name for a male deer such as a Stag or Buck. It is an emblem of purity and fleetness.  The Hart’s antlers represent strength and fortitude.  Couchant refers to the position of lying down.  It is a term not often used, but it may be applied both to beasts of prey as well as to beasts of chase, that is to the lion as well as to the deer.  Laurel branches are a common heraldic symbol.  They are representative of triumph and fame, especially when it is gained after a long, inner struggle.

Dickson of Wester Binning

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About the Proprietor:  Alexander Dickson of Wester Binning, Scotland registered these arms in the Lyon office between the years 1672 and 1694.   This Dickson descended from the Dickson Clan of Buhtrig.  Wester Binning may have been located in either Linlithgow or Haddingtonshire.  

Blazoning the Arms:  A blue shield containing three white mullets or stars.  On a gold chief are three red palets. All within a gold engrailed border or brodure.  The crest presents a man's heart with silver wing.   The motto associated with these arms is, “Cerium versus” translated as “Heavenward.”

Interpreting the Arms: The shield is charged with the typical elements of many Dickson arms with the exception of the engrailed border or bordure.   The bordure is either a mark of cadency, displaying the status of a younger son or brother, or a mark of illegitimacy.  A bordure wavy is still a mark of illegitimacy in England and the bordure compony serves the same purpose in Scotland.  As this brodure is neither wavy or compony it may be assumed that the proprietor may have incorporated this element as a mark of cadency.

Dickyson of Yorkshire

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About the Proprietor: According to Burke’s General Armoire these arms belonged to a Dickyson of Yorkshire.  It is not known who this Dickson is.  It is possible that it may have been an Archibald Dickson, of Pontefract, or a descendent of Richard Dickson, of Durham who was Lord of the manor of Beverley Watertowns, in the East Riding of the county of York. 

Blazoning the Arms: A silver or white shield with a black pale.  On the pale is a gold crescent two golden lions' heads (erased). Any crest or motto associated with these arms is not known.

Interpreting the Arms: The lion has always held a high place in heraldry as the emblem of deathless courage, and, hence, that of a valiant warrior. It is said to be a lively image of a good soldier, who must be ‘valiant in courage, strong of body, politic in council and a foe to fear’.   The colors chosen by the proprietor for his arms are gold, black and silver or white.  Gold symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind.  Black constancy or grief.  White or silver Peace and sincerity.

Heraldry as a Family History Research Tool

Wondering whether you are descended of the nobility*?  Are you aware of an ancestor who held a prominent political position or had a title such as Sir, or Esquire?  If so you just might be descended from royalty.   If you are of European descent, you are probably a descendant of Charlemagne.  Once you are able to prove your line of descent from him, you will then find thousands of links to other royalty in your list of relatives.  It is rare indeed that the genealogy of a person of European descent, when traceable, doesn’t hit nobility somewhere.  And once it hits one European noble, whether you like it or not, hundreds of new names will become a part of your family.

*The nobility is a class of people who had special political and social status. Nobility is inherited or granted by the Crown as a reward to people who perform a heroic deed, achieve greatness in some endeavor, or hold a prominent government position.

    If you have an elementary knowledge of heraldry you may wish to use this practice to trace your founding forefather.  If you know the geographical place (country, county, city) where the family coat-of-arms was first identified, you may well search its history for the family name in question in order to find your direct ancestor.  Remember that most noble European family pedigrees have been thoroughly researched and published.   By putting together the family surname with the known location you may find a treasure trove of valuable information about your ancestors.  Upon pursing your research you should be aware of the possibility of variant spellings of the surname.  See Variations of the Surname for more information about variant spellings of the surname.

Many family historians who have not connected with a noble ancestor may just want to know what their family coat-of-arms looks like.  If this is the situation you must know that except for a few cases, there is really no such thing as a standard "coat of arms" for a surname.  A coat of arms is a design usually granted only to a single person not to an entire family or to a particular surname.  Coats of arms are inheritable property, and they generally descend to male lineal descendents of the original arms grantee.  As a result you are advised to seek out a coat-of-arms for the locale where your ancestor resided.

For example: we have an Arnold ancestor who is known to have emigrated to America from the town of Erlangen, in Bavaria, Germany.  Current research shows Erlangen is located in the area of Bavaria known as Middle Franconia.  Upon review of the historic locations for Arnold as noted in one source of armorial bearings we find places in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, The Netherlands and others.   One coat-of-arms is listed as belonging to an Arnold of Franconia, Bavaria.  As such we may conclude that this is the coat-of-arms having some relevance to our ancestor.  He may well be a blood relative of the aforementioned noble Arnold.   He or his ancestor may have been employed by or a serf of the noble Arnold family of that locale.  In some cases the name of the noble family becomes the name of the locale resulting in the ancestor appropriating it a as surname, see Sources and Meanings of the Surname to ascertain whether the surname you are interested in is a locational name.

Some Resources for Locating Nobility

·     Austria-Hungary - untitled nobility

·     Austrian nobility

·     Baltic nobility

·     Bavarian noble families

·     Belgium noble families

·     Croatian nobility

·     Dutch noble families

·     Dutch Noble Family Names, 1814 to Present

·     France – House of Bourbon

·     French nobility – present remaining families

·     Holy Roman Empire – German nobility

·     Holy Roman Empire - nobility (1)

·     Holy Roman Empire – nobility (2)

·     Holy Roman Empire - noble families

·     Hungarian noble families

·     Lithuanian nobility

·     Medieval European Nobility

·     Normandy nobility

·     Norway Aristocracy

·     Polish nobility coats of arms

·     Polish noble families – Barons

·     Polish noble families - Counts

·     Polish noble families - Marquess

·     Scottish nobility

·     Swedish noble families

·     Swiss nobility

If you are interested in the armorial bearings of a particular surname we strongly advise that you utilize the resources provided within this area of our web page.  If you have any questions or need any assistance with regard to using heraldry as a means to further or widen your family history research you are welcome to contact us, see About This Webpage.

Mottoes of this Surname

Mottoes associated with this surname

British Isles

A motto is a word or sentence usually written upon a scroll and generally placed below the shield, but sometimes, especially in Scotland, above the crest.    Many ancient mottoes were war-cries such as the Douglas motto of “Forward.”    Many mottoes refer to the name of the bearer, for example “cole regem” for Coleridge.   In general most mottoes convey a sentiment, hope, or determination, such as the Cotter motto “Dum spiro spero” where the meaning is “While I have breath I hope“.     Mottoes are often used by several successive generations, but may be changed at any time by the grantee. The languages most in use are Latin, French, and English.  Exceptions are seen in Scotland where they are often in the old Lowland dialect, and in Wales, often in the language of the principality.   

Germany

It is unusual to find a motto associated with the coat-of-arms of a noble of the European continent especially a German family.  This does not necessarily mean that the Germanic culture is devoid of mottos.  For example, the national motto of Germany is “Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit”, meaning Unity and Justice and Freedom.  The German word for motto is “Wahlspruch.”   Some of the more well known German mottoes are as follows: Alte Wunden bluten leicht – Old wounds readily bleed anew;    Blut und Eisen – Blood and iron;  Das beste is gut genug – The best is good enough;  Ein’ feste Burg is unser Gott – Our God is a strong tower of defense;  Ewigkeit – Eternity;  Für Gott und Iht – All for God and her;  Gott is überall – God is over all;  Gott mit uns – God is with us;  Ich dien – I serve;  Krieg – War;  Mehr Licht! – More light!;  Nichts zoviel – Nothing in excess;  Prosit! – Good luck!;    Vaterland – Fatherland;  Vertrau’ auf Gott – Put your trust in God;  Vorwärts! – Forward!;        Zu dienen – At your service.

France

French phrases adopted as mottos, have a certain air of chivalry and perhaps a distinctly feudal sense of duty and allegiance. French mottos are more indicative of the warrior culture of the Middle Ages. Some of these phrases, however, are translations of better known Latin mottos, such as Toujours fidèle for Semper fidelis. Some of these phrases are often found in Old French spelling.  Examples of some well known French mottoes are as follows: Aimez loyaulté - Love loyalty;  Boutez en avant - Push forward;  C’est la seule vertu qui donne la noblesse - Virtue alone confers nobility;  Droit à chacun - To each his right;  En Dieu est ma foy - In God is my faith;  Foy pour devoir - Faith for duty;  Garde la foy - Keep the faith;  Inébranlable - Not to be shaken;  J’ai bonne cause - I have good reason;  Loyauté sans tache - Loyalty without defect;  Maintien le droit - Support the right;  Ni dessus, ni dessous - Neither above nor below;  Oublier ne puis - I cannot forget;  Parle bien ou parle rien - Speak well or say nothing;  Rien sans Dieu - Nothing without God;  Suivez raison - Follow reason;  Tachez surpasser en vertue - Strive to surpass in virtue;  Un Dieu, un roy, un foy - One God, one king, one faith;  Veilliez et ne craignez pas - Watch and fear not.

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Our Ancestral Lineage

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Ancestral Lineage

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Family History

     We have traced this branch of our family back to a Simon Dickson, born around 1607.  He was probably a low-land Scot.  Simon followed Cromwell in his conquest of Ireland in 1649-1650.  As a reward for his military service, he received 400 acres of land in County Down, Ireland. He settled there to raise a family.

     Simon’s great-grandson Michael is the progenitor of the Dickson family in America when he and his wife Nancy Campbell Dickson came to America about 1715. With them came their two sons John b.1704 and William b.1706.   It is most probable that they located in Chester County, Pennsylvania where there were other Scots-Irish families who belonged to the Presbyterian faith.

     Our lineage is traced through the son John.  It appears that as a young man John returned to Ireland some time between 1725-30.  It is unclear why he went back but while there he seems to have married and fathered two sons, Michael b.1731 and John Jr. b. 1733.  By 1737 John had returned from Ireland to Pennsylvania.  As with so many Scots-Irish of this time he saw opportunity in the colonies to the south. After living in Chester County Pennsylvania, John with his wife Anne and his young sons Michael, John, and William migrated southward to Maryland.  It is also likely that they lived in Virginia for a brief period.  By 1744 John had brought his family to that portion of New Hanover County, North Carolina that would later become Duplin County in 1749.

      John’s son Michael born 1731 married Sarah Neely some time between 1750-55.  For most of his married life Michael lived in the area of South Carolina that is now Chester County.  He is a patriot of the American Revolution.  Major Michael Dickson served with General Sumter's patriot forces after the fall of Charleston in May 1780.   He was present on August 6, 1780 at the Battle of Hanging Rock and it is probable that Major Dickson also participated in the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780.  About 1789 Michael and Sarah Dickson moved westward to Pendleton District, (now Anderson County) South Carolina where they lived out the balance of their lives.  The Dickson's, while not of the wealth and social prominence of many of their neighbors, were among the earlier residents of Pendleton, South Carolina and were good substantial citizens well regarded in the community. Michael was deeply involved with that community and was instrumental in founding the Old Stone Church at Clemson, where some members of his family are buried.

    Michael’s daughter Jane is our 5^th great-grandmother.  She was born 1758 in South Carolina and married Nicholas Bishop, III. 

Ancestral Lineage

Additional information about the persons in our database  as   well  as   a   complete  listing   of

individuals with this surname may be reviewed by clicking on this LINK.

SIMON¹ DICKSON was born in 1607 in England. He died in County Down, Ireland.

Simon Dickson had the following child:

i.      JOSEPH² DICKSON was born about 1632 in Dumfries, Scotland. He died in County Down, Ireland.

JOSEPH² DICKSON (Simon¹) was born about 1632 in Dumfries, Scotland. He died in County Down, Ireland.

Joseph Dickson had the following child:

i.      JOSEPH³ DICKSON JR. was born in 1657 in County Down, (Ulster), Ireland. He died in 1751 in County Down, (Ulster), Ireland ?.

 JOSEPH³ DICKSON JR. (Joseph², Simon¹) was born in 1657 in County Down, (Ulster), Ireland. He died in 1751 in County Down, (Ulster), Ireland ?

Joseph Dickson Jr. had the following children:

                                i.          MICHAEL⁴ DICKSON was born in 1682 in County Down, (Ulster) N. Ireland. He died between 1756-1766 in Duplin County, North Carolina. He married Nancy Campbell about 1702 in Newry, County Down, (Ulster) N. Ireland. She was born about 1685 in Scotland. She died between 1710-1715 in (Ulster) N. Ireland.

ii.     ROBERT DICKSON.

MICHAEL⁴ DICKSON (Joseph³ Jr., Joseph², Simon¹) was born in 1682 in County Down, (Ulster) N. Ireland. He died between 1756-1766 in Duplin County, North Carolina. He married Nancy Campbell about 1702 in Newry, County Down, (Ulster) N. Ireland. She was born about 1685 in Scotland. She died between 1710-1715 in (Ulster) N. Ireland.

Michael Dickson and Nancy Campbell had the following children:

i.         JOHN⁵ DICKSON was born in 1704 in Newry, County Down, Ireland. He died on 25 Dec 1774 in Dulpin County, North Carolina. He married (1) ELIZABETH DICKSON (NEE?) about 1730 in Ireland. She was born in 1709 in Newry, County Down, Ireland?. He married (2) ANNE GREER WILLIAMS about 1734 in Ireland. She was born about 1708 in Ireland. She died in Dec 1777 in Dulpin County, North Carolina.

ii.      WILLIAM DICKSON was born about 1710 in Newry, County Down, Ireland. He died on 01 Jan 1775 in Newberry, Ninety Six District, South Carolina. He married ELIZABETH DICKSON (NEE?).

JOHN⁵ DICKSON (Michael⁴, Joseph³ Jr., Joseph², Simon¹) was born in 1704 in Newry, County Down, Ireland. He died on 25 Dec 1774 in Dulpin County, North Carolina. He married (1) ELIZABETH DICKSON (NEE?) about 1730 in Ireland. She was born in 1709 in Newry, County Down, Ireland?. He married (2) ANNE G REER WILLIAMS about 1734 in Ireland. She was born about 1708 in Ireland. She died in Dec 1777 in Dulpin County, North Carolina.

John Dickson and Elizabeth Dickson (nee?) had the following children:

i.              MICHAEL⁶ DICKSON was born on 17 Jun 1731 in Near Newery, County Down, Ireland. He died on 17 Jul 1825 in Pendleton District, South Carolina. He married Sarah Neely, daughter of Samuel Henry Neely and Elizabeth Neely (nee?) in 1755 in South Carolina. She was born in Feb 1735 in Chester County, Pennsylvania??. She died on 17 Feb 1815 in Pendleton District, South Carolina.

ii.            JOHN DICKSON was born in 1732 in Newry, County Down, Ireland. He died in 1795 in Abbeville County, South Carolina.

John Dickson married (2) Anne Greer Williams about 1737 in Pennsylvania?.

John Dickson and Anne Greer Williams had the following children:

iii.      WILLIAM DICKSON was born on 10 Jan 1739 in Chester County, Pennsylvania. He died on 20 Jan 1820 in Duplin County, North Carolina. He married Mary Williams, daughter of Joseph Williams and Mary Hix on 29 Oct 1767 in Dulpin County, North Carolina. She was born on 23 Feb 1749 in Onslow County, North Carolina. She died on 22 Jul 1812 in Duplin County, North Carolina.

iv.      ROBERT DICKSON was born in 1742 in North Carolina, USA. He died in 1790 in Dulpin County, North Carolina. He married (1) CATHERINE PEARSALL about 1764 in Dulpin County, North Carolina. She was born about 1740. She died after 1793 in Duplin County, North Carolina?. He married (2) BARBARA BONEY about 1782 in Dulpin County, North Carolina.

v.     JOSEPH DICKSON. He died in 1803 in Dickson County, Tennessee. He married JANE MOULTON. She was born in 1752 in   Dulpin County, North Carolina. She died in 1803 in Dickson Co., Tennessee.

vi.      ALEXANDER DICKSON was born in 1743.

vii.     EDWARD DICKSON was born in 1744. He married FIRST NM. UNK. DICKSON (NEE?).

viii.     JOHN DICKSON JR. was born in 1745.

ix.     JAMES DICKSON was born in 1746. He died in North Carolina, USA. He married DOROTHY PERSALL.

x.      MARY DICKSON was born in 1747. She married WILLIAM MCGOWAN.

MICHAEL⁶ DICKSON (John⁵, Michael⁴, Joseph³ Jr., Joseph², Simon¹) was born on 17 Jun 1731 in Near Newery, County Down, Ireland. He died on 17 Jul 1825 in Pendleton District, South Carolina. He married Sarah Neely, daughter of Samuel Henry Neely and Elizabeth Neely (nee?) in 1755 in South Carolina. She was born in Feb 1735 in Chester County, Pennsylvania??. She died on 17 Feb 1815 in Pendleton District, South Carolina.

Michael Dickson and Sarah Neely had the following children:

                                    i.    ROBERT⁷ DICKSON was born about 1750. He died about 1783 in Rocky Ford, Effingham Co., Georgia. He married Susannah Jones in Jan 1771 in (Ebenezer Church), St Matthews Parish, Effingham, Georgia. She was born about 1753 in Cumberland, North Carolina. She died about 1814 in Bulloch, Georgia.

ii.    JANE DICKSON was born in 1758 in South Carolina. She died on 17 Aug 1842 in Pendleton, Anderson Co., South Carolina. She married Nicholas Bishop III, son of Nicholas Bishop Jr. and Hannah Bracken about 1785 in Chester District, South Carolina. He was born in 1760 in Pennsylvania. He died on 18 Nov 1843 in Pendleton, Anderson Co., South Carolina.

iii.   JAMES DICKSON was born about 1763 in Camden District (Chester Co.), South Carolina. He died on 31 Oct 1805.

iv.   SAMUEL HENRY DICKSON was born in 1765 in Camden District (Chester Co.), South Carolina. He died in 1835 in South Carolina. He married REBECCA HUTTON. She was born in 1773. She died in 1836.

v.    JOHN DICKSON was born in 1768 in Camden District (Chester Co.), South Carolina. He died in 1831 in Newnan, Coweta Co., Georgia. He married LINDA TOURTELOTTE.

vi.      ELIZABETH DICKSON was born on 15 Oct 1772 in Camden District (Chester Co.), South Carolina. She died in Georgia. She  married JONATHON FIELDING.

vii.     HUGH DICKSON was born on 15 Oct 1772 in Camden District (Chester Co.), South Carolina. He died on 09 Jul 1853.

viii.      NANCY DICKSON was born about 1776 in Camden District (Chester Co.), South Carolina. She died on 06 Sep 1807.

ix.       WILLIAM DICKSON was born on 26 Nov 1779 in Ninety-Six District (Chester Co.), South Carolina. He married Elizabeth Sanders on 04 Mar 1806 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

JANE⁷ DICKSON (Michael⁶, John⁵, Michael⁴, Joseph³ Jr., Joseph², Simon¹) was born in 1758 in South Carolina. She died on 17 Aug 1842 in Pendleton, Anderson Co., South Carolina. She married Nicholas Bishop III, son of Nicholas Bishop Jr. and Hannah Bracken about 1785 in Chester District, South Carolina. He was born in 1760 in Pennsylvania. He died on 18 Nov 1843 in Pendleton, Anderson Co., South Carolina.

Nicholas Bishop III and Jane Dickson had the following children:

i.        SARAH ANN⁸ BISHOP was born in 1788 in Pendleton District, South Carolina. She died in 1863 in Pickens County, Alabama. She married John Robert Henderson, son of Daniel Henderson and Anne Brown on 23 Sep 1817 in Pendleton District, South Carolina. He was born in 1796 in York County, South Carolina. He died in Oct 1868 in Pickens County, Alabama.

ii.       HENRY NEELY BISHOP was born on 17 Dec 1791 in Pendleton District, South Carolina. He died on 19 Nov 1869 in Brenham, Washington Co., Texas. He married Hannah Long, daughter of Gabriel Long and Mary Latimer in 1820 in Pendleton County, South Carolina. She was born on 22 Dec 1792 in Ninety-Six District, South Carolina. She died on 25 Apr 1834 in Greene County, Alabama.

iii.     ELIZABETH BISHOP was born on 04 Sep 1793 in Pendleton District, South Carolina. She died on 20 Jun 1844 in Pickensville, Pickens Co., South Carolina. She married James Franklin Henderson Sr. on 12 Mar 1816 in Pendleton District, South Carolina. He was born on 15 Feb 1795 in York County, South Carolina. He died on 21 Aug 1861 in Brushy Creek, Anderson Co., Texas.

iv.     JANE BISHOP was born on 22 Sep 1795 in Pendleton District, South Carolina. She died on 11 Feb 1881 in Pendleton, Anderson Co., South Carolina.

v.     JOHN BISHOP was born about 1798 in Pendleton District, South Carolina. He died on 17 Nov 1828 in Pendleton District, South Carolina.

vi.     DORCAS BISHOP was born on 06 Sep 1800 in Pendleton District, South Carolina. She died on 10 Sep 1868 in Pendleton, Anderson Co., South Carolina.

vii.    NANCY DICKSON BISHOP was born on 31 May 1802 in Pendleton District, South Carolina. She died on 30 Oct 1843 in Cog Hill, McMinn Co., Tennessee. She married John Douglass, son of Robert Douglass Jr. and Elizabeth Robertson on 20 Feb 1817 in Pendleton District, South Carolina. He was born on 09 Mar 1793 in Sevier County, Tennessee. He died on 07 Apr 1863 in Cog Hill, McMinn Co., Tennessee.

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Source documents

The documents contained within this “Source Documents Archives” have been located during our research of this family, and used as evidence to prove many of the facts contained within the database of this family’s record.   We have source documents related to the following persons within our database with this surname.

·         An Account of the Douglass, Bishop,& Dickson Families

·         Dickson - Dickson Family of Dickson County, TN

·         Jane DICKSON Bishop - head & foot stones

·         Jane DICKSON Bishop – Headstone

·         Michael & William - Sons of John Dickson

·         Michael Dickson – Headstone

·         Michael Dickson - Rev. War Record

·         Michael Dickson & Pickens Chapel

·         Rev. Robert Dickson – Sermon

·         Robert Dickson - 1785 letter from nephew John Joyce

·         The Dickson Letters - by Wm. Dickson, James O. Carr, ed., pub. 1901

This Link will take you to our

archive of source documents.  

     Most of these documents can be considered as primary or secondary evidence.  Primary evidence is usually defined as the best available to prove the fact in question, usually in an original document or record.  Secondary evidence is in essence all that evidence which is inferior in its origin to primary evidence. That does not mean secondary evidence is always in error, but there is a greater chance of error.  Examples of this type of evidence would be a copy of an original record, or oral testimony of a record’s contents.  Published genealogies and family histories are also secondary evidence.

     Classifying evidence as either primary or secondary does not tell anything about its accuracy or ultimate value.  This is especially true of secondary evidence.  Thus it is always a good idea to ask the following questions: (1) How far removed from the original is it, (when it is a copy)?; (2) What was the reason for the creation of the source which contains this evidence?; and (3) Who was responsible for creating this secondary evidence and what interest did they have in its accuracy?

SOURCE: Greenwood, Val D., The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy, 2^nd edition, Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, MD 21202, 1990, pgs. 62-63

You are welcome to download any of the documents contained within this archive that does not cite a copyright.  Should you encounter a problem obtaining a copy you may get in touch with us via the contact information found at the end of this web-page.

Migration routes

       Tracing our own family’s paths of migration can prove crucial in identifying previous generations and eventually, figuring out where and how they arrived in the “New World” as well as where they eventually settled.  Knowing the network of trails American pioneers traveled can help you guess where to start looking.  The trail map(s) provided below may assist you in understanding the routes that our direct ancestors of this family may have taken to find new homes and opportunities in the vast area now encompassed by the United States.

      During the 17^th, 18^th and 19^th centuries hundreds of thousands of Europeans made the perilous ocean voyage to America.  For many it was an escape from economic hardship and religious persecution.  For most it was an opportunity to start over, own their own land, and make a better future for their descendents.

Immigration records show a number of people bearing the name of DICKSON, or one of its variants, as arriving in North America between the 17^th and 20^th centuries.  Some of these immigrants were: Joan Dickson who settled in Pennsylvania in 1682; Stephen Dickson settled in Virginia in 1619; one year before the "Mayflower"; William Dickson settled in Maryland in 1719.

Migration(s) of the Dickson Family in America

     It is probable that Michael Dickson (1682-c.1760) came to America about 1715.  With him came his two sons John, b.1704, and William, b.1706.  They probably located in Nantmeal¹, Chester County, Pennsylvania where there were other Scotch-Irish families who belonged to the Presbyterian faith.  It is believed that this Michael Dickson eventually removed to Duplin County, North Carolina where he resided for the remainder of his life. 

    It appears that Michael’s son John Dickson, Sr. returned to Ireland sometime between 1725 and 1730.  It is unclear why he went, but while there, he seems to have married, and fathered two sons, Michael, b.1731, and John Jr., b. 1733.   Educated guesses, (there is no proof) are that John's first wife, Elizabeth, either died on the ship coming back to America, or shortly thereafter in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Records also show him on the Londonderry Township,² (organized 1734), tax list of 1739.  He appears to have remarried about 1737, and his third son William,

LINK to a full-sized image

was born in Pennsylvania to his second wife Anne.  By 1744 had removed southward to Maryland where they likely settled in Cecil County for a while It is also possible that they lived in Virginia for a brief period.   By 1745 John had brought his family to that portion of New Hanover County, North Carolina that would become Dulpin County in 1749.  The family home-site may have been at a location near Elder Creek³ in that county.  In 1752, John was Clerk of the County for Duplin County.  He lived the remainder of his days in Duplin County where he passed away on Christmas day 1774 at the age of 70. 

     Michael Dickson, born 1731, was the first son of the aforementioned John Dickson.  By early manhood, Michael Dickson had traveled extensively throughout the western frontier of North Carolina. It is unclear where he lived during his young adult year, but he ultimately settled back in Duplin County where he owned land and pursued the occupation of farming.  His farm, circa 1767, was probably located in the vicinity of Northeast (Cape Fear) and Black Rivers and Widow Evans' Branch.⁴  Further evidence of his Duplin residency comes from the records of Grove Presbyterian Church.   Records show that during his life time Michael obtained many parcels of land in North and South Carolina.    They lay in several counties, among them Anson, and Mecklenburg, in North Carolina, and Camden, and Pendleton Districts, in South Carolina.  After the 1772, North Carolina-South Carolina, border survey, Some of his holdings in Mecklenburg County, fell into South Carolina, within the counties of York, and Craven, (Craven County became Chester County in 1785).  These lands were re-granted by the Governor of South Carolina, after the permanent border had been established.  Both Michael and his brother John Jr, obtained early land grants (1763) from Governor Thomas Boone because they were eligible to receive their grants under the Bounty Act of 1761.  The purpose of the act was to encourage the immigration of Protestants from Europe, to South Carolina.  The lands were located in Boonesborough Township, South Carolina.  The Township was surveyed in 1762 by Patrick Calhoun and named for Gov. Thomas Boone, this 20,500-acre township was one of four townships laid out west of Ninety-Six as a buffer between white and Cherokee lands. In 1763 Scots-Irish families began to settle in the area near Long Cane, Park´s and Chickasaw Creeks.  The Dickson Land Grants were located, "on waters of Long Cane", (Creek), near the Savannah River⁵.  Michael received 200 acres, one hundred for each adult in the household, and John received 100 acres which almost certainly indicates that he was still unmarried in 1763. It is believed that John moved to his grant almost immediately, even though it was situated in what was still Indian Territory, until 1789.

     Sometime between 1750 and 1755, probably in Anson County, North Carolina, Michael Dickson chose Sarah Neeley for his wife.    It is known that the Neeleys lived for some time, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the area of Chester County known as Nantmeal Township, as did Michael's family.  Thus it is entirely possible that the two families were acquainted as early as 1736, long before either migrated to the Carolinas.       For most of his married life Michael lived in the area of South Carolina that is now Chester County.  The home of Michael and Sarah Dickson, was situated upon a 48 acre tract,  "between the Broad and Catawba rivers on both sides of Rocky Creek, at the ford of the "Saludy (Saluda) road"⁶.  The Saluda Road, from the time of Michael and Sarah Dickson, evolved to be present day Route 72, and crosses Rocky Creek some three and one half miles northeast of present day Chester, South Carolina.  It is believed that Michael and Sarah were living there, before, and during the Revolution.

     About 1789, Michael and Sarah Dickson moved westward from the Chester District of South Carolina to that part of the old Pendleton District that now falls into Anderson County, South Carolina.  He acquired lands along Twenty and Three Creek and Garvin Creek⁷.  This property lay in the vicinity of Pendleton, near the home of his daughter Jane and son-in-law Nicholas Bishop.  Michael and Sarah lived out the balance of their lives at this location and are buried at the Pickens Chapel Cemetery.

¹ See map of Nantmeal location.

² See map of Londonderry.  This Township was originally a part of Nottingham Township

³ See map of Elder Creek in Duplin County, North Carolina.

⁴ See map of the possible location of this property.  In 1767 Duplin County included Sampson County.  The deed book wherein this record was found was taken to Sampson County when it was formed from Duplin County.  Thus it is probable that the location is now in that county.  The site is likely actually what is now known as the South River that is a branch of the Cape Fear River.   The south river formed the western boundary of Duplin and Sampson Counties and at no time during their history did either county border on or contained the Cape Fear River.  The site marked on this map is in within a mile of the junction of the Black and South Rivers.  It is also within a mile of a road called Evans Lane which is located on an unnamed stream that runs into the South River.  The site is also on a road that is likely to have been in use during the colonial period in North Carolina.

⁵ See map of the vicinity were this property was located.  There is no evidence that Michael Dickson ever resided here.  

⁶ See map of location where Michael and Sarah Dickson resided between about circa 1753 and 1789.

⁷ See map showing locations where Michael Dickson and his daughter Jane Dickson Bishop lived between 1789 and 1842. 

Use the following links to find more early immigrants with this surname:

$ Search Ancestry.com Immigration Records; or Free Ship’s Passenger lists at OliveTreeGenealogy.com

The Development of an Historical Migration Route

It is understood that in many if not all cases we do not know exactly what routes our ancestors took as they migrated throughout the United States.   As such certain assumptions have been utilized to re-create the migration path presented above.  With regard to 18^th and 19^th century land routes we assume that they travelled along few trails and roads that were in existence at the time.  Research shows that a great many of these old paths and trails are today designated as U.S. Highway Routes.  For example, a major east-west route of migration known as the National Road is now U.S. Route 40, and a primary north-south migration route of the 18^th century followed the Great Indian War and Trading Path is now U.S. Route 11.  In some situations the re-created migration route may travel along state routes that connect or run through the seat of a county as that populated place is probably the oldest settlement in the area. The use of water as a migration route is also likely.  For example, during the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries many families travelled west on the Ohio River as they moved on the new lands in Missouri or the Old Northwest Territory.  As such when applicable water routes have been included as the possible migration route.   

Ancestral locations

Researching the locations where our ancestors lived has provided us with valuable evidence needed to fill in the gaps in our family trees.  It has also led us to many interesting facts that enhance the overall picture of each family group.

The names of states and counties on the following list were derived from the known places where the Direct Ancestors in the “Ancestral Lineage” (see above) were born, married, and / or died.

UNITED KINGDOM

Scotland

Dumfries

Northern Ireland (Ulster)

County Down

UNITED STATES

OF AMERICA

North Carolina

Dulpin

South Carolina

Chester;   Anderson

Use this LINK to find out more about this

ancestral family and the locations listed above.

Where are my

Resources which enhance our knowledge of the places inhabited by our ancestors are almost as important as their names. The LINK to the right will take you to Maps, Gazetteers,   and  other  helpful   resources 

that will assist in discovering Ancestral Locations.  These web sites comprise only a small portion of what is available for researchers interested in learning more about where their ancestors lived.

Images gallery

During our research we have collected images and photographs that are of general interest to a particular family.  Some of them are presented on this website because we believe they tend to provide the reader with additional information which may aid in the understanding of our ancestors past lives.  We have images related to the following persons within our database with this surname.

·         Michael Dickson-homesite, Rocky Creek & Rt. 72

·         Michael Dickson-Pickens Chapel burial location

·         Michael Dickson-site of home & tavern Chester Co., SC

·         Michael Dickson-site of home & tavern Chester Co.,SC2

·        Michael Dickson-site of home & tavern Chester Co.,SC3

·        Map of Nantmeal and Londonderry Townships, Chester Co., PA

·        Map of  Elder Creek Locale, Dulpin County, NC

·        Map of possible 1767 Micheal Dickson Property, Duplin Co., NC

·        Map of Michael Dickson’s 1763 Land Grant

·        Map of Micheal & Sarah Dickson residence c. 1753-1789

·        Map of Dickson residences in Pendleton District, SC  

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