Show ContentsBarnous History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Barnous family

The surname Barnous was first found in Devon where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor of Rous. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the year 1147 when William Bernehus held estates in that shire.

Early History of the Barnous family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Barnous research. Another 129 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1080, 1091, 1164, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1538 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Barnous History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Barnous Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Barnous were recorded, including Barnhouse, Barnehouse, Bernehouse, Barnus, Bernus and others.

Early Notables of the Barnous family

More information is included under the topic Early Barnous Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Barnous family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Barnous family emigrate to North America: Mabel Barnhouse, aged 42, who arrived at Ellis Island from Watsonville, Cal., in 1923; and Samuel Dallas Barnhouse, aged 32, who arrived at Ellis Island from Terralta/WV, in 1917..



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