Clarksown History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsClarksown is an ancient Anglo-Saxon name that is derived from the popular family name Clark, and means the son of Clark. The surname also has an occupational origin and was likely derived from the trade or profession of the original bearer. In this case the surname denotes that the bearer was a clerical worker or a clergyman who was employed in religious institutions to write books from old documents. The bearers of this surname were handed high status in the community because of their ability to read and write. One must remember that during the Middle Ages most of the population was quite illiterate by today's standards. Early Origins of the Clarksown familyThe surname Clarksown was first found in Yorkshire where it is "a well-known Yorkshire surname, which has spread over the North of England." 1 The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 list: Johannes Clerke and Thomas Clerkson, father and son; Ricardus Clerkson; Wilielmus Klereson; and Alicia Clerkson. 1 By the early 15th century, the name appeared in Scotland. "Thomas Clerkson de Aldane was a forestaller in Aberdeen in 1402. Simon Clerici (Latin) witnessed an instrument of resignation in Brechin in 1434, and a booth was set to Besse Clerkson in Lanark in 1488." 2 Early History of the Clarksown familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Clarksown research. Another 167 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1300, 1500, 1501, 1504, 1513, 1531, 1567, 1615, 1622, 1649, 1667, 1685, 1686, 1697, 1716, 1721 and 1763 are included under the topic Early Clarksown History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Clarksown Spelling VariationsClarksown has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Clarksown have been found, including Clarkson, Clarksone, Clerkson and others. Early Notables of the Clarksown familyNotables of the family at this time include Agnes Clarkson who in the 'Test' in lowland Scotland refused to acknowledge the King or his church and was hanged for Witchcraft.
David Clarkson (1622-1686), was an ejected minister, son of Robert Clarkson, was born at Bradford... Migration of the Clarksown family to IrelandSome of the Clarksown 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 Clarksown familyIn an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Clarksowns to arrive on North American shores: Anne Clarkson who settled in Virginia in 1638 with Jane, her sister; Richard Clarkson arrived in Jamaica in 1685; Charles Clarkson arrived in Fort Cumberland Nova Scotia in 1774..
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