Show ContentsWhitecotton History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Whitecotton family

The surname Whitecotton was first found in Shropshire where the family is descended from William de Whichcote of Whichcote in 1255.

During the reign of Edward IV, the family inherited Harpswell, Lincolnshire by marriage with the heiress of Tyrwhitt and this became the family seat for many years. [1] Of this latter branch, John Wichcote of Harpswell was High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in 1466.

Early History of the Whitecotton family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Whitecotton research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487, 1609, 1614, 1643, 1675, 1677, 1683, 1692, 1721 and 1775 are included under the topic Early Whitecotton History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Whitecotton Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Whichcote, Whichcott, Whichcot, Whitcott and others.

Early Notables of the Whitecotton family

Distinguished members of the family include Benjamin Whichcote (1609-1683), English philosopher and theologian, born in Stoke, Shropshire, England regarded as the spiritual founder of the "Cambridge Platonists." [2]Sir Jeremy Whichcote, 1st Baronet (c. 1614-1677), received his baronetcy as a reward for his...
Another 42 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Whitecotton Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Whitecotton migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Whitecotton Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Jeannie Whitecotton, aged 47, who landed in America, in 1914
  • Lily B. Whitecotton, aged 47, who immigrated to America, in 1914

Contemporary Notables of the name Whitecotton (post 1700) +

  • Joseph W. Whitecotton (b. 1937), American academic anthropologist and ethnohistorian
  • W. E. Whitecotton (b. 1866), American Democratic Party politician, Member of Missouri State House of Representatives from Monroe County, 1919-34 [3]
  • James H. Whitecotton (b. 1855), American Democratic Party politician, Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney, 1889-93; Speaker of the Missouri State House of Representatives, 1901-04; Member of Missouri State Senate 13th District, 1921-32 [3]
  • Howard Whitecotton, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Indiana, 1964 [3]
  • Ethel Jean Whitecotton, American Democratic Party politician, Member of West Virginia Democratic State Executive Committee, 1945 [3]
  • Dustin Whitecotton (b. 1979), Canadian former professional ice hockey player from Cherryville, British Columbia


The Whitecotton Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Juste et droit
Motto Translation: Just and right.


  1. Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.
  2. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  3. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, January 29) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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