Show ContentsChissehone History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Boernician-Scottish Chissehone family lived in the Barony of Chisolm in the Parish of Roberton, Roxburghshire. The Gaelic form of the name is Siosalach and together the Clan is known as An Siosalach.

Early Origins of the Chissehone family

The surname Chissehone was first found in Roxburghshire, from the barony of Chisholm. One of the first times the name was listed was John de Chesehelme, in Roxburghshire in 1254. Robert de Chesholme was custodian of Urchard Castle in the 1300s. By the mid-14th century, much of the family had moved north: Robert de Chesholme appears as the sheriff of Inverness in 1359. Many feel that Robert was the founder of the Clan.

Early History of the Chissehone family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chissehone research. Another 188 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1176, 1486, 1527, 1561, 1564, 1593, 1629, 1647, 1684, 1715 and 1785 are included under the topic Early Chissehone History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Chissehone Spelling Variations

Spelling rules had not yet evolved in medieval Scotland, some names dating from that era often appear many different ways. Some spelling variations of Chissehone include Chisholme, Chisum, Chissum, Chissolm, Chissholm, Chisolt, Chism, Chisholm, Chisham, Chiseholm, Chisam and many more.

Early Notables of the Chissehone family

Notable amongst the family name during their early history was William Chisholm (d. 1564), Bishop of Dunblane, the second son of Edmund Chisholm of Cromlix, near Dunblane, a son of Chisholm of that Ilk in Rhoxburghshire and half-brother of James Chisholm, who was Bishop of Dunblane from 1486 to 1527, when he resigned his see, with the consent of Pope Clement VII and King James V, in favour of William Chisholm. William Chisholm was consecrated bishop at Stirling on 14 April 1527. 1 Another William Chisholm (d. 1593), was Bishop of Dunblane and Bishop of Vaison, a son of Chisholm of Cromlix...
Another 105 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Chissehone Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Chissehone family to Ireland

Some of the Chissehone family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Chissehone family

The Boernician-Scottish people who came to North America were often nearly penniless when they arrived, and brought very few personal effects with them. Much Scottish heritage was lost in the process, and it is only this century that highland games, Clan societies, and other patriotic Scottish organizations have helped the ancestors of Scots to rediscover their national legacy. Chissehones were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Thomas Chisham who settled in Jamaica in 1774; Alexander Chisholme settled in Georgia in 1735; George Chisom settled in Philadelphia in 1840; Dr. Chisolm settled in Jamaica in 1774.



The Chissehone 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: Feros ferio
Motto Translation: I am fierce with the fiercest


  1. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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