Essex History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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England

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Early Origins of the Essex family

The surname Essex was first found in Middlesex where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. 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 13th century when they held estates in that shire.

Early History of the Essex family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Essex research. Another 204 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1081, 1139, 1172, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1513, 1532, 1549, 1599, 1600, 1670 and 1680 are included under the topic Early Essex History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Essex 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 Essex were recorded, including Essex, Essecks, Esecks, Esex, Essax, Essacks and others.

Early Notables of the Essex family

Distinguished members of the family include

Cornelius Essex (died 1680) was an English buccaneer who took part in Captain Bartholomew Sharp's privateering expedition, the "Pacific Adventure", during the late 1670s

Essex Ranking

In the United States, the name Essex is the 7,617^th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1

Migration of the Essex family to Ireland

Some of the Essex family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 61 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Essex migration to the United States +

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 Essex family emigrate to North America:

Essex Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

John Essex, who arrived in Virginia in 1636 2
Mary Essex, who arrived in Virginia in 1663 2

Essex Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Tho Essex, who landed in Virginia in 1703 2
Thomas Essex, who arrived in Virginia in 1714 2

Essex Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

William Essex, aged 20, who landed in Kentucky in 1812 2

Essex Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Annie Mariah Essex, who landed in Arkansas in 1903 2

Essex migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Essex Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Enoch Essex, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Duke of Roxburghe" in 1838 3
Harriett Essex, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Duke of Roxburghe" in 1838 3
Mr. William Essex, English convict who was convicted in Birmingham, England for 8 years, transported aboard the "Edwin Fox" on 24th August 1858, arriving in Western Australia, Australia

Essex migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Essex Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. Charles Essex, (b. 1847), aged 27, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Peter Denny" arriving in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 26th July 1874 4
Mrs. Mary A. Essex, (b. 1850), aged 24, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Peter Denny" arriving in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 26th July 1874 4
Mr. Charles Essex, (b. 1872), aged 2, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Peter Denny" arriving in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 26th July 1874 4

Contemporary Notables of the name Essex (post 1700) +

Thomas Essex, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Indiana, 1964 5
Paula Anne Essex, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from California, 1972 5
Lew R. Essex, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Wyoming, 1932 5
Helen E. Essex, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from New York, 1936, 1940 5
Harry Essex, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Indiana, 1952 5
Clyde Essex, American politician, Representative from Texas 6th District, 1920 5
Trai J. Essex (b. 1982), American offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League
William Essex (1784-1869), English enamel-painter who was for many years the chief, and, after the death of H. P. Bone, the sole, exponent of the art of painting in enamel in England 6
Timothy Essex (1765-1847), English composer, born in or about 1765 at Coventry, Warwickshire, the son of Timothy Essex of that town
James Essex (1722-1784), English builder and architect, of Cambridge, the son of a builder, or, as he is usually termed, a 'joyner,' of the same name
... (Another 2 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)