Dewitt History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Dewitts were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America:

Dewitt Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

• Tierck Claase DeWitt, who landed in New Netherland(s) in 1620-1664 6
• Jacob Dewitt, who landed in Virginia in 1637 6
• Tjark Classen DeWitt, who landed in America in 1650 6
• Pieter Janse DeWitt, who landed in New York in 1652 6
• Tjerck Claessen DeWitt, who arrived in New York in 1653 6
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Dewitt Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

• John DeWitt, who arrived in New Jersey in 1738 6
• Henry DeWitt, aged 14, who arrived in New York in 1775 6

Dewitt Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• James C Dewitt, who landed in Texas in 1835 6
• H E DeWitt, aged 20, who landed in New York, NY in 1847 6
• Geert Simon DeWitt, aged 18, who arrived in New York in 1848 6
• T DeWitt, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1850 6
• Theodore DeWitt, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1850 6
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Dewitt Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

• Mr. Everet Dewitt U.E., "Everett, Evert" who settled in Canada c. 1784 7
• Mr. Garton DeWitt U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 7
• Mr. Jacob DeWitt U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 7

Dewitt Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

• James Dewitt, who arrived in Canada in 1841

Dewitt Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• Mr. James DeWitt, (Fero), American Hunter Patriot who was convicted in Kingston, Ontario, Canada for life for unlawful invasion, transported aboard the "Brothers" on 28th September 1839, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land), captured at the battle of Windmill in 1838 8
• John De Witt, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "John Woodall" in 1849 9

• John Dewitt (1881-1930), American Olympic sliver medalist for hammer throw at the 1904 Summer Games
• Brigadier-General Wallace DeWitt (1878-1949), American Assistant Surgeon-General of the Army (1935-1939) 10
• General John Lesesne DeWitt (1880-1962), American Commanding General Western Defense Command (1941-1943) 11
• Brigadier-General Calvin Jr. DeWitt (1894-1989), American Commanding Officer Nagoya & Kobe Bases (1945-1946) 12
• Keegan DeWitt (b. 1982), American film composer, singer-songwriter and actor
• Helen DeWitt (b. 1957), American novelist
• Philip Elmer DeWitt (b. 1949), American writer and editor
• Charles DeWitt (1727-1787), American miller and statesman
• George DeWitt (1922-1979), nationally acclaimed American singer and comedian
• Blake Robert DeWitt (b. 1985), American Major League Baseball second baseman
• ... (Another 8 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)