Maxfield Family Genealogy
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Descendants of Hiram T. Maxfield - Jay Maxfield
Descendants of Marshall - Daisy Sterling
Descendents of Sterling - Daisy Sterling
Dorothy Maxfield Pedigree Line
- Spelling
variations include: Macclesfield, Macksfield, Maxfield, Mexfield, Mixfield
and many more.
First found in Cheshire where they were anciently seated as Lords of the Manor.
- Some of the first settlers of this name or some of its variants were: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands.
Family Crests and
Coats of Arms: Elements
Again the Family Crest
is just part of the story of Coats of Arms or Heraldry. Heraldry is defined
as the hereditary art or science of blazoning, the description is appropriate
technical terms of Coats-of-Arms and other heraldic and armorial insignia,
and is of very ancient origin. These insignia were the reward of personal
merit and could be secured by the humblest as well as the highest. They are
today the testimonials and warrants of bravery, heroism, and meritorious deeds
of our ancestors.
Arms:
Shields at first were painted
simply with one or more bands of color or 'ordinaries'. Later, the ordinaries
were used in conjunction with other figures or symbols; e.g. beasts, birds,
fish, flowers, celestial objects, monsters, etc. Heraldry was thus rapidly
enriched through the constant necessity to archive distinction.
Crest:
This device was worn on
top of the helmet, and was usually made of wood, metal, or boiled leather.
It provided the double advantage of easy identification and addition of height
to the wearer. In heraldry today, the crest and arms are usually displayed
together.
Motto:
The motto generally evolved
from the watchword or war-cry of the family. Often the motto contained an
allusion to a memorable event in the family history; e.g., the "Bruce"
motto 'Fuimus' (Latin-'We were') refers to the fact that the family were once
the kings of Scotland.
Torse (torse or Wreath):
The torse was formed by
two pieces of silk twisted together by the lady who chose the bearer for her
knight, and was used to hold the crest and mantling in place on the helm.
The tinctures of the torse are always those of the principal metal and color
of the arms, with the exception being in continental heraldry.
Helm (Helmet, Casque,
or Morion):
These varied in shape in
different ages and countries, and always in the case of titled arms.
The Esquire Helm, as depicted in family arms, is always with closed visor and facing to the left.
Mantling:
The mantling was spread
over and draped from the helmet, and served as protection, "to repel
the extremities of wet, cold, and heat, and to preserve the armour from rust".
The numerous cuts and slits
indicated that it had been torn and hacked in the field of battle, and betokened
a certain evidence of prowess.
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