Stewn History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe earliest origins of the Stewn surname date from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name reveals that an early member was a stern person. The surname Stewn is derived from the Old English word styrne, which means severe, strict, uncompromising, and austere. Early Origins of the Stewn familyThe surname Stewn was first found in Buckinghamshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the manor of Grendon from early times. Early History of the Stewn familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Stewn research. Another 57 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1592, 1596, 1607, 1624, 1642, 1660, 1664, 1669, 1683, 1700, 1713, 1745, 1759 and 1768 are included under the topic Early Stewn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Stewn Spelling VariationsIt is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Stewn are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Stewn include: Sterne, Stern, Stearn, Stearns and others. Early Notables of the Stewn familyNotables of the family at this time include John Sterne, Bishop of Colchester in 1592 and held the post until his death in 1607; and Richard Sterne (c. 1596-1683), English Church of England priest, Bishop of Carlisle in 1660, Archbishop of York from 1664 to 1683. He was the alleged author of the 'Whole Duty of Man.' 1 "On the outbreak of the civil war, Sterne zealously adopted the royalist cause, and in August 1642 he arranged for the despatch of large quantities of college plate to the king. Cromwell, however, who, as one of the burgesses of Cambridge, was engaged... Migration of the Stewn family to IrelandSome of the Stewn family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Migration of the Stewn familyMany English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Stewn or a variant listed above: Abigail and Mary Stearns settled in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630; Isaac Stearns, his wife Mary, his son and four daughters settled in Massachusetts in 1630.
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