Elgar History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Many 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 Elgar or a variant listed above:

Elgar Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

• Joseph Elgar, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1720 ^[1]
• Francis Elgar, who settled in Georgia in 1733
• Bishop Elgar, who arrived in Georgia in 1739 ^[1]
• Fra Elgar, who landed in Georgia in 1739 ^[1]
• Mary and William Elgar, who landed in America in 1764

Elgar Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• James Elgar, who arrived in New York in 1835 ^[1]

• Sir Edward William Elgar OM, GCVO (1857-1934), one of the great English orchestral composers, who wrote the popular "Pomp and Circumstance" marches, Cello Concerto and many more
• Charles Anthony "Charlie" Elgar (1879-1973), American jazz bandleader
• Avril Elgar (b. 1932), English stage, radio and television actress
• Caroline Alice Elgar (1848-1920), Lady Elgar, born Caroline Alice Roberts, an English author of verse and prose fiction, wife of the composer Edward Elgar
• Michael Maximino "Mike" C. Elgar (b. 1976), Filipino musician, lead guitarist of Rivermaya
• Dean Elgar (b. 1987), South African cricketer
• George Elgar Hicks (1824-1914), English painter
• Elgar Howarth (b. 1935), English conductor and composer