Stoff History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Stoff is from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of the Britain and comes from Christopher, an ancient and popular personal name which has been popular for many years as literally, the name means 'Bearer of Christ'. "I have been told that all who bear the somewhat rare name of Christopherson hail from Furness, in North Lancashire. Anyway it is a native, and owes its origin to the treacherous sands of Morecombe and Duddon. The legend of St. Christopher is that he found an occupation in guiding passengers across a wide stream. One night he bare unawares the child Christ, and was about to sink under an ever-increasing weight, when the Saviour said, 'Thou bearest Him who beareth the sins of the world.' No doubt there would be a shrine to the Saint for belated travellers on Chapel Isle, opposite Conishead Priory. Many a babe would be dedicated to him in gratitude for some hairbreadth escape his father had experienced. " 1 Early Origins of the Stoff familyThe surname Stoff was first found in North Lancashire at Furness (now known as Dalton-In-Furness. "The town derived its principal importance from the erection of the magnificent Abbey of Furness, founded in 1127, by Stephen, afterwards king of England, for monks of the Cistercian order, whom he removed from Tulketh, in Amounderness, to this valley, where, obtaining valuable grants, they continued for more than four centuries. " 2 Early History of the Stoff familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Stoff research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1225, 1245, 1295, 1558, 1613 and 1659 are included under the topic Early Stoff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Stoff Spelling VariationsThe first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Stoff has been spelled many different ways, including Christopher, Cristopher and others. Early Notables of the Stoff familyDistinguished members of the family include John Christopherson (d. 1558), Bishop of Chichester, "a native of Ulverstone in Lancashire, and was educated in the university of Cambridge, first at Pembroke... Migration of the Stoff family to IrelandSome of the Stoff family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Stoffs to arrive in North America: Stoff Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Stoff Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
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