Emil Anderson Sr. had done some extensive research and documentation of the Anderson line (my paternal), reportedly tracing the family pedigree back to near Norse times. Unfortunately his work was lost following his death. Even though we have traced several lines back to Europe, none of our family lines are documented back into the ancient families of that continent. Therefore, at this time, we have no way of knowing whether or not we are actually connected to any of the royal houses who may have officially recorded a crest and/or motto into the ancient heraldic archives.

However, among the family lines documented in this web site, there could potentially be someone of noble blood concealed high in the branches of one of the family trees. The reason so - according to British heraldic expert L.G. Pine, is that in continental Europe royal family circles kept very much to themselves, forming a kind of marriage trade union. The same thing happened with the nobility, so that they would not be contaminated with commoner folk. But in England, Scotland and Wales these rules were not observed, so that from royalty to peasant, there were degrees of relationship over several generations. Consequently, many distinguished connections turn up in families of everyday folk. A kingly ancestor, therefore, is highly probable for anyone with many connections to the United Kingdom (as ours) and it would be a lot of fun to find out.

In Terry's paternal ancestral lines, there is the family tale about the Hodnett's having ties to a castle. I have received an email from Allison Hodnett Sedgwick saying

"There is a Hodnett Castle . . . it is located in Ireland (I'm pretty sure). I have some information on it somewhere. Also there is a Hodnett Village in England."

I have seen maps and photos (on the HodNet web site) that show a Hodnett Village so I know that this place does indeed exist. Now, if documentation can be located that ties the Hodnett line to a castle (keeping in mind that castle names change with proprietorship), we may find a crest and motto associated with the arms that would most likely have been raised to defend the castle and it’s assets. This is really fun!

However, the reality is that if researchers are able to trace a family line back to the ancient ancestors, they will most likely find the antecedents as members of townships (commoners) with no registered crest or motto at all.

On my paternal lines, I have documented the Klaerner family as having ties to the Altenburg or "old castle" which overlooks the Rhine River between Koblenz and Weisbaden Germany. Ancestors are recorded as being born, married and buried at Altenburg. My 5th grt-grd-father was recorded as having been a church elder at the Altenburg chapel. As far as the history of the Altenburg castle itself, I have found that the structure dates back to 1109, but was likely constructed on the site of an older palisade castle. In 1251 the castle came into the hands of the bishops of Bamberg and they resided there until the 16th century. In the 14th and 15th century Altenburg was designated as a regional castle. Sometime in 1553, the castle was perceived as having become too strong by the Margrave of Kulmbach, Alcibiates and and therefore a threat. As a result, the Margrave ordered the castle to be destroyed by fire. Other than the intentional fire of 1553, the castle has suffered damage by two other fires, but has since been restored. About 1818, the castle became the property of the Altenburg Association which keeps the castle interior private but the tower and grounds are open to the public. Click here to view photos of Altenburg Castle . Another interesting note . . . there is also a Maus Castle located just north of Altenburg. Unfortunately, my research has not progressed to a point that would allow me to determine as to whether or not my Maus ancestors have connections to this fortress or . . not. Click here to view photos of Maus Castle(1) and Maus Castle(2).

Thus far, connections to some of the old European castles, tales or speculation, is the extent of our claim to the old castles and fortresses of Europe. But who knows . . . there is Terry's family story about the Hodnett castle to investigate and my own Maus line which warrants further research.

On my side, you can find Brown, Rogers, Street, Thompson, Turner, Winstead and other family crests by looking up the surnames in a book of arms (called an “armory”). On Terry's side you'll find Cass(a)idy, Hodnett, Mitchell, Richards, Russell. If you are looking for armories check out the genealogical section of your public libraries.

Heraldry Shops purveying crests and documents, are strictly curiosities and do not represent individual lineage or a particular family tree. While there is nothing wrong with having a mail-order wall plaque with your family name on it just for the fun of it, you should be aware of the fact that it is probably not authentic. These arms companies, generally create their crests by combining two or more registered crests for a family name, resulting in a crest with a disclaimer against any representation of a family’s lineage. If you want to display Arms from these sources and if someone asks, an honest and haraldically correct answer, would be “Oh, the arms belonged to someone with my surname a long time ago.”

For additional information pertaining to heraldy, coat of arms and the like, consult your public library. They have many books on the subject of heraldry such as, Burke’s General Armory.

Below: An example of information received from one of the many mail-order arms companies, flooding the country with “personalized” computerized letters announcing “Good news for the Street family . . Did you know that the family name Street has an exclusive and particularly beautiful coat of arms?”

The Street Coat of Arms illustrated left was drawn by an heraldic artist from information officially recorded in ancient heraldic archives. Documentation for the Street Coat of Arms design can be found in Burke’s General Armory. Heraldic artists of old developed their own unique language to describe an individual Coat of Arms. In their language, the Arms (Shield) is as follows:

When translated the blazon also describes the original colors of the Street Arms and Crest as it appeared centuries ago. Family mottos are believed to have originated as battle cries in medieval times. A motto was not recorded with this Street Coat of Arms. Although bearer’s of the old and distinguished Street name comprise a small fraction of the population there are a number who have established for it a significant place in history. They include:

MODBERT STREET (Strete) (c.1110) who is recorded in the publication of Old English Bynames.
RICHARD DEL STREET (Strete) (fl.1245) Is recorded in the publications of Assize Rolls as a resident of Somerset.
REGINALD ATTE STREET (Strete) whose name is recorded in the Letter Books of the City of London in 1309.
ALFRED BILLINGS STREET (1811-1881) was a poet, lawyer and librarian and was Director of the New York State Library from 1848 to 1862 and Law Librarian until 1868. He was the author of “The Burning of Schenectady” and “Frontenac” a long historical poem.
JOHN WILLIAMS STREET (Streeter) (b.1841) American physician who established Streeter Hospital in 1888. He was Surgeon-General in the Illinois National Guard and Charter member of Milwaukee Surgeons, USA.

In most countries, coat of arms were issued to individuals rather than families. Under most heraldic rules, only first sons of first sons of the recipient of a coat of arms may legally bear their ancestor’s arms. Younger sons may use a version of their father’s arms, but the rules of heraldry are that the arms must be changed or “differenced”. If the possessor of a coat of arms (called an “armiger”) dies without male heirs, his daughter may combine her father’s arms with her husband’s arms (called “impaling”). There are many more such ancient rules, but these give you the general idea.

ENGLAND -

IRELAND - Excellent website pertaining to the Cassidy Clan. This site features historical information and maps pertaining to the townland name of Ballycassidy, Devenish Island, and County Fermanagh, Ireland; links to numerous Cassidy Genealogical websites; Membership applications to the Cassidy Clan. Also family motto, crest and information on annual Cassidy Clan rallys.

GERMANY -

SCOTLAND -

SWEDEN - governs heraldry through an official board called the Riddarhusdirektionen (the Directoreate of the House of the Nobility). This group approves coat of arms for flags, towns and individuals. Write Riksheraldiker, Riddarhuset, P. O. Box 2022, S-103 11, Stockholm for information.

WALES -

Heraldry is very much alive today. Contemporary uses include: commercial logos i.e. the red, white and blue torch that you see at Amoco or Standard gasoline stations, Canada Dry and Pepperell Fabrics; U.S. Governmental Seals i.e. Dept. of the Interior, Dept of Agriculture, Dept of Justice; Academic crests are associated with every University that I can think of; Coin designs - worldwide; Club/Organizational emblems i.e. Shriners and many others.

It is possible to have a coat of arms, other than through inheritance or a grant from a foreign power. American families can design and register their own coat of arms and mottos in ancient manner. New arms would need to be copyrighted to prevent others from using them and then you would then have the modern equivalent of a medieval grant of arms. If it all seems a bit silly, it is no more so than the way arms were originally granted by some European Countries. While the American College of Heraldry, Augustan Society and other organizations are seeking to register the use of arms in this country, unlike the College of Arms in Englend, they have no legal standing and are unable to enforce the registration of your arms. You can find more information by visiting your local library.

References: Finding Your Roots; author Jeane Eddy Westin; published 1978