Gov. John Webster

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WEBSTER - Coat of Arms

The surname of WEBSTER was an occupational name 'the weaver of cloth'. The name was derived from the Old English word Wefan, and was a familiar entry in medieval records. Occupational surnames originally denoted the actual occupation followed by the individual. At what period they became hereditary is a difficult problem. Many of the occupation names were descriptive and could be varied. In the Middle Ages, at least among the Christian population, people did not usually pursue specialized occupations exclusively to the extent that we do today, and they would, in fact, turn their hand to any form of work that needed to be done, particularly in a large house or mansion, or on farms and smallholdings. In early documents, surnames often refer to the actual holder of an office, whether the church or state. Early records of the name mention John le Webester, 1275 County Norfolk. William le Webbester, was documented in the year 1284 in the of County Lancashire. Robertus Webester of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Elizabeth Webster was buried at Kensington Parish Church, London in the year 1575. John Webster (1580-1625) was an English writer of comedies and tragedies. Noah Webster (1758-1843). Lexicographer and advocate of the reform of English spelling. The name was taken early to Scotland by settlers, and Robert textor de Inuerdoret, a witness in 1288, is probably the first on record there. Malcolm Webster was the burgess of Stirling in 1436, and William Webster was a baker and burgess of Dundee in 1688. The name has also been spelt as Wobstar, 1586, Wobstair, 1567, and Vobstar in 1562. It is still occasionally as Webber. The coat of arms was at first a practical matter which served a function on the battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield, and embroidered on his surcoat, the draped and flowing garment worn over the armour. The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884.

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