Billing Surname

Now time for my Father's family.


The Billing Surname
The spellings including Bellin, Billin, Bellon, Billing,Billinge, Billings, Billion, Bellon and Belone, this is an Anglo-French and possibly Huguenot surname. It has a number of sources and origins. Firstly, it may be a diminutive or patronymic form of "Bill", itself a short form not of William but of various Germanic personal name such as Billard and Billaud, or of the Olde English pre 7th century byname "Billa". The derivation is from "bill", meaning a sword or halberd. Secondly it may be locational either from Billing, a village in the county of Northamptonshire, recorded as Bellinge in the famous Domesday Book of 1086, and as Billinges in the Pipe Rolls of that county in 1223, or from Billinge, a village in the county of Lancashire. Both place names are tribal and mean the settlement of the Billa people. Lastly it may be French and a form of the word "belier", meaning the ram. As such it was probably a medieval nickname for a very spirited male. Early examples of the surname recordings in England include Ann Billin at the church of St Andrews Undershaft, in the city of London, on March 17th 1567, Anne Billion, a witness at St Giles Cripplegate, on July 8th 1708, and Isaac Belone, christened at Christ Church, Spitalfields, also city of London, on August 19th 1754. The first recorded spelling of the surname in any form is probably that of Osebertus Billing. This was dated 1188, in the calendar of Abbot Samson of Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, during the reign of King Henry 11nd of England. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop", often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

The village of Bilsby in Lincolnshire, England (from which the English surname Billing derives) has been proposed as having been named after Bil.(Hjúki and Bil)---> Norse Mythology 

Rind ("Bark") was a giantess, the daughter of King Billingr and, by Odin mother of Vali.

Vali was a god of nature and vengeance and spring.

Vali was born, when Baldr died and grew up to a man in only one night. Then he revenged Baldr's death and killed his brother Hödr. ----> Norse Mythology

Old Norse: Billingr

Meaning: “Twin” or a kenning for "Poetry

"de Billings" is a Saxon word meaning "a place by the meadow".  Later the "s" was added to make the name "Billings".

Fraser and Pritchard surname

Margaret Fraser (Maggie)
Father: Daniel Fraser
Mother: Hannah Pritchard
Date of Birth: 1867
Place of Birth: Nelson, New Zealand
Date of Death: March 21 1926 .


Fraser Surname

This ancient Scottish clan surname, is widely recorded in the spellings of Fraser, Frazer and Frazier, the latter being an American spelling. Curiously, although alwayts associated with Tweedale, its exact origins remain undetermined. The earliest recorded spelling forms include de Fresel, de Friselle and de Freseliere, indicating a possible French locational origin, however, there is no place in France answering to the spelling. A more likely explanation is that the name is not French at all, since the word 'fraisse' heraldically describes a strawberry, and it is known that early lands of the clan included an area at Neidpath where strawberys grew prolifically. Certainly the clan were know as the "Strawberry bearers", from their heraldic coat of arms, but this possibly sarcastic description does not seem to have harmed their chances in the world, the clan at onetime being the most powerful in Scotland. Examples of the early surname recordings include Symon Ffraser, who gave the church of Keith to the Abbey of Kelso in the late 12th Century, and George Freser who witnessed a Charter by Walter Olifard in the year 1210. Sir Simon Fraser, known as "the Scottish patriot" was one of Sir Willam Wallaces commanders. It is recorded that in the battle of Roslin in 1302, he defeated three regiments of the English army in one day. The Frasers were equally as proficient at aquiring land. By a series of advantageous marriages they spread their influence right across Scotland, William Fraser, earl of Ross, was chancellor of Scotland from 1319 - 1326. He fought with King Robert, The Bruce, at Methven in 1306. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Sir Simon Frasee, which was dated circa 1160, in "Rolls and Charters of East Lothian", Scotland, during the reign of King Malcolm 1V of Scotland, 1153 - 1165.

Pritchard

This notable surname is of medieval Welsh origin, and is a patronymic of the male given name Richard, formed from a fusion of the Welsh suffix "ap", with the personal name. Richard derives from the Old German "Ric(h)ard", a compound of the elements "ric", power, and "hard", hardy, brave, strong. Found occasionally in pre-Conquest Britain as "Ricehard", the name was not popularized in England until after the Norman Conquest of 1066, and "Ricard" (without surname) appears in the Domesday Book of 1086. A quotation from the Privy Purse Expenses of Princess Mary reads, "Item, geven to William ap-Richard vs."; in 1545, a William Ap-Richard or Prichard was entered in the Oxford University Register. The surname is particularly well recorded in Shropshire Church Registers from the late 16th Century, and on February 7th 1595, the christening of Jane, daughter of Henry Pritchard, took place at Great Ness. Notable bearers of the name include: Sir William Pritchard, Lord Mayor of London, 1682; Hannah Pritchard (1711 - 1768), actress, who played at Drury Lane, London, and was held to be the greatest Lady MacBeth of her day; and Charles Pritchard, Savilian professor of astronomy at Cambridge, 1867. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of David Aprycharde, which was dated 1521, in the "Oxford University Register", during the reign of King Henry V111, known as "Bluff King Hal", 1509 - 1547.

Wills,Williams and Hawking Surnames

Wills Surname

The Wills surname has been traced back more than 900 years to ancient times with the name first found on record in Saltash, Cornwall, England. From the beginning of the 11^th century the surname of Wills along with some other influential families were somewhat quite wealthy. Historians have found that the Wills’s owned land and estates around various parts of England during that time.

Recorded in many spellings including Willas, Wiles, Willes, Wills, Willys, Williss, Willos and Wileson, this is an English patronymic surname. It is however arguably of early Germanic or Anglo-Saxon pre 7th century origins deriving from the popular personal name William, composed of the elements "wil" meaning will or desire, and "helm", a helmet or protector. This name was particularly popular with the Norman-French and became so in both England and to a lesser extent, Scotland, after the 1066 conquest. Robertus filius Willelmi is recorded in the famous Domesday Book of 1086, whilst amongst the early hereditary recordings is that of Richard Willam in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire in 1275. The patronymic forms are first recorded slightly later with Johannes Willeson and Adam Wylis appearing in the Poll Tax records of Yorkshire in 1379. Early examples of the name recording taken from surviving church registers in the diocese of Greater London include: John Willys at St Stephans, Coleman Street, on December 6th 1549, William Willes, a christening witness at Christchurch Greyfriars, on April 6th 1565, the marriage of Alexander Willis and Jane Smallwood on October 1st 1598, at St. Dunstan's, Stepney, and John Willas who marrieed Ann Blows at St Giles Cripplegate, on August 28th 1838. An interesting namebearer, recorded in the "Dictionary of National Biography", was Francis Willis (1718 - 1807), a physician who attended King George 111rd in his first attack of madness in 1788, and who became popular at court.

Thomas Wills married Elizabeth Hawkings

This famous surname recorded in the modern spellings of Hawkings, Hawkyens, Hawking, Hawken, Hawkin, and Hawkins.Amongst the long list of British naval heroes, the names of Sir John Hawkins and Lord Hawkins (no relation), the conquerors with Sir Francis Drake of the 1588 Spanish Armada, stand almost supreme. The name itself, deriving from the Olde English pre 7th Century "Hafoc" meaning "Hawk", is descriptive for one who possessed that bird's ferocious instincts. The name, as a personal name without a surname is recorded in the spelling of "Havok" in the Domesday Book of 1086, compiled by William the Conqueror. In the spelling form as Hawkings, the name is a double diminutive or patronymic which translates as "the son(s) of the son (kin) of the Hawk". The surname as "Hawk" is very early, being first recorded in 1176, when Roger Havech appeared in the Pipe Rolls of Dover, Kent; as "Hawkin" the first recording is that of Roger Havekin in the Essex Rolls of 1298; and as Hawkyns, the medieval spelling, the name is recorded in the early 14th Century (see below), whilst Agnes Hawkins, who married Roger Carpinter (as spelt) at St. Peter Westcheap, London, on August 4th 1560, is an early example of the "modern" spelling. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Margery Haukyns, which was dated 1327, in the "Subsidy Pipe Rolls of Worcestershire", during the reign of King Edward 111, known as "The Father of the Navy", 1327 - 1377.

there sons name was Thomas Wills 1754- 1830
Thomas married Elizabeth Williams

Williams surname

Recorded in various spellings including William, Williams, and Williamson, this is a surname which can be of English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh origins. Wherever found it is ultimately Germanic, and was introduced into England and Scotland around the time of the Norman Conquest of 1066. Carried by four English kings, it derives from the personal name "Wilhelm" composed of the elements "wil", meaning "of strong mind", and "helm", translating literally as helmet, but in this context meaning "protection". As a patronymic the short form of "s", meaning "son of", is often added, although the name is popular particularly in Scotland in its long style of Williamson. Political correctness is not a new phenomena, and after the accession of King William 1st in 1066, the name became the most popular British personal name, and with the creation of surnames from the 12th century, an equally popular surname. The list of prominent holders of the surname is almost endless, but one of the more unusual could be said to be the famous republican Oliver Cromwell, who "reigned" in England from 1650 to 1658, and whose family were formerly called Williams. They held extensive estates in Wales, but under instructions from King Henry V111 (1510 - 1547), the family name was changed to Cromwell. Griffith Williams, (1589 -1672), was the bishop of Ossory in Ireland, and a staunch supporter of the martyrd King Charles 1st. Edward Williams, (1746 - 1826), helped to preserve the ancient Welsh language being Chief Druid and bard of Wales.

Thomas and Elizabeth Wills had a son James Williams Wills 1800-1869.

James married Elizabeth Betsy Rickard.

James is the father of Thirza  Foote( born Wills)

Doidge, Rickard,Vosper, Brooming,Surname

Arthur Doidge and Joan Doidge were the parents of Jane Doidge (1695-1759)


Doidge Surname =

This is an anglicized form of the Olde Scots Gaelic name Mac Gille Doig - a compound of the elements "mac" meaning "son of", "gille", a servant, plus the personal name Doig, a short form of Cadog. The name therefore translates as "son of St. Cadog's servant". In Scotland, the name appears most often on record in places where St. Cadog was commemorated. It is first recorded in the latter half of the 14th century (see below). In the 15th century, the name was spelt Dog. Other modern variants of the name are Doag, Doeg, Doak, and Doidge. One Alexander Dog was cannon of Inchmahome in Menteith (1491). The spelling Doig appears in the sixteen hundreds. Thomas Doig held land in Craigmakerone in 1644 (Records at Scon). On June 10th 1682, Barbara, daughter of John and Margaret Doig, was christened at Edinburgh parish church, Edinburgh, Midlothian and Walter, son of Henrie and Christian Doig was christened at the same place on October 10th 1690. An interesting namebearer was Dr. David Doig (1719-1800), rector of Stirling Grammar School whom Burns met on his Highland tour. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Alexander Doge, vicar of Dunnychtyne, which was dated 1372, in the "Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis", Edinburgh, during the reign of King Robert 11 of Scotland 1371-1390.

Jane Doidge married Henry RICKARD (1695-1749)


Rickard surname =

Anglo-Scottish surname, but of Germanic origins. It derives from the famous pre 7th century personal name "Richard", meaning "powerful ruler", from the elements "ric", meaning power, and "hard", brave and strong. Given such a pedigree it is not perhaps surprising that throughout the centuries it was, and remains, one of the most popular names. It is said to have been introduced into Britain by the Normans after the 1066 Invasion, and it is therefore perhaps surprising that it is so romantically associated with King Richard 1st of England, and known as Coeur de Lyon. He was of the usual Norman-French origins, but publically at least in the legends of Robin Hood, he espoused the "Saxon" cause. The "s" of Rickards is the patronymic form, and means "son of". Amongst the many distinguished name holders was Sir George Rickards K.C.B. (1812 - 1889), a political economist, and counsel to the speaker of the House of Commons from 1851 to 1882. He was also Drummond Professor of Political Economy at the university of Oxford. The first recorded spelling of the family name is believed to be that of Adam Ricard. This was dated 1327, in the Subsidy Rolls of the county of Somerset, during the reign of King Edward IInd, 1307 - 1327.

Henry and Jane had a Son called Henry Rickard 1718- 1781, he married a lady named Mary (?-1760)
Their son's name was John Rickard. 1747-1794.

John married Martha Vosper (1749- 1778)


Vosper surname= 

 

This famous English surname, much associated with the building of warships, has something of an unproven origin. It would seem to be residential or possibly occupational, and to describe a person who lived by or worked at, a 'waess', or who came from some place so named. This word was the pre 7th century Olde English for a swamp, fen, or lakeland region, and was found in various parts of the country including a village called Wass in the North Riding of Yorkshire. The intrusive 'p' in the surname may be a tranpsposition of the letter 'b' as shown below, or an aid to pronunciation, as found for instance in the surname Thompson. If this is so Vosper could have originated from Vobster, a now 'lost' medieval village, in the county of Somerset. Certainly the surname seems to be of South or West Country origins, since it is in those counties and the city of London, where the name recordings appear to be most prominent. Residential surnames are by their nature 'from' names. That is to say name given as identifiication to people after they left their original home to move somewhere else. Spelling over the centuries being at best erratic, and local dialects very thick, often lead to the development of 'sounds like' spellings, sometimes far removed from the original form.

Martha and John had a son called John Rickard 1775-1833.

John married Elizabeth Broomley (?-1821)

Broomley surname =

Recorded in the spellings of Bromley, Bromiley, and Bramley this is an English locational surname. It derives from the pre 7th Century compound 'brom-leah' translating as the clearing in the broom wood. The yellow broom tree was both popular and pictorial, villages and towns called Bromley being recorded in several parts of England. The first such village recording which predates the original surname by several centuries is that of 'Bromleag' in Kent. This recording appears in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles of the year 862 in reference to Viking raids in the district. The village of Abbotts Bromley in Staffordshire, then Bromleage is first recorded in 1002, as part of the Abbey of Burton. Place names were adopted as an easy means of identifying 'strangers' at a time in the Middle Ages when people were beginning to migrate from their birth places. Early examples of the name recording include Sir John Bromley in the heraldic roll of King Edward 1V in 1461, John Bromley of Elstead in Kent on October 28th 1551, and Elizabeth Bromley who married Nicolas Clifton at St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington, in 1585. The name was also one of the first settler surnames into the new American Colonies. Davie Bromley, aged 15, being a passenger on the ship 'America', which left Gravesend, England, for Virginia on June 23rd 1635. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Hubert de Brumle, which was dated 1194, in the Staffordshire Chartularly rolls, during the reign of King Richard 1, known as "The Lionheart, 1189 - 1199".

John Rickard and Elizabeth Broomley are the parents of Elizabeth Betsy Wills (born Rickard)
and John is the Grandfather of Thirza Foote (Wills).

Children of Thomas Andrew Foote and Margaret Fraser

Children of Thomas Andrew Foote and Margaret Fraser

1: Thirza Isobel (Belle) Foote 1891-1943
married William (Bill) John Rowe.
Thier daughter was Janet Margaret Evelyn Rowe 1920-1985.


2:  Daniel Fraser Foote 1893- 1964
Married Dorothy Marchant

3: Grace Margaret Setford (Born Foote) 1895-1970
Married Albert Setford


4 : Thomas Harold Foote 1896- 1980
Married Edith Ralph.


5: Raymond (Ray) Andrew Foote

Full Name

Raymond Andrew Foote

Rank Last Held

Lance Corporal

Forename(s)

Raymond Andrew

Surname

Foote

War	World War I, 1914-1918

Serial No.

16214

First Known Rank

Rifleman

Occupation before Enlistment

Labourer

Next of Kin

Mrs M. Foote (mother), Kakahi, New Zealand

Body on Embarkation

New Zealand Rifle Brigade

Embarkation Unit

8th Reinforcements to 2nd Battalion, Machine-Gun Section

Embarkation Date

26 June 1916

Place of Embarkation

Wellington, New Zealand

Transport

HMNZT 56 HMNZT 57

Vessel

Maunganui or Tahiti

Destination

Devonport, England

Nominal Roll Number

34

Page on Nominal Roll

34

Last Unit Served

New Zealand Cycle Corps

Place of Death

France

Date of Death

4 August 1918

Year of Death

1918

Cause of Death

Died of wounds

Description of Image

Portrait, Auckland Weekly News 1918

Archives NZ source

Military personnel file

Sources Used

Nominal Rolls of New Zealand Expeditionary Force Volume II. Wellington: Govt. Printer, 1917

6: Roger Mahau Foote 1898-1971)
Married Eilleen Swinbourne.

The name Mahau comes from Mahau Bay/ Mahau Sound in Marlborough, New Zealand
ThePlace of Death for Robert Benjamin Foote and where Robert Benjamin Foote owned property/ personal Estate.


7: Alexander (Alec) Robert Foote 1899-1967
Married Doris Muriel Thurtston ( 1902-1953)
Their son's name was Robert Lance ( Lancelot)
1923-1992.

8: George Richard Foote 1902-1975
Married Annie Speers.

9:Cecil (Ces) Pritchard Foote 1903-1983.
He married Winifred (Win) Adeline Clara Foote (Born Lyttle)

10:  Olive Janet Fletcher (Born Foote) 1908- 2000
She Married Walter Vernon Roy (Vern) Fletcher.

Thomas Andrew Foote and Margaret Fraser

Thomas Andrew Foote
Father: Robert Benjamin Foote
Mother: Thirza Rickard Wills
Date of birth: Sep 18 1857
Place of birth: New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand
Date of Death May 11 1910

Margaret Fraser (Maggie)
Father: Daniel Fraser
Mother: Hannah Pritchard
Date of Birth: 1867
Place of Birth: Nelson, New Zealand
Date of Death: March 21 1926

Thirza Rickard Wills and Robert Benjamin Foote

Thirza Rickard Wills
Birth: May 30 1826.
Place of Birth: Calstock,Devon,Cornwall,England.
Date of Death: Aug 2
Place of death: Mahau, Marlborough, New Zealand.
Mother Elizabeth Betsy Brooming Wills
Father: James Williams Wills
Brothers: Albert Frederick Williams WILLS , James William WILLS,Thomas John WILLS.

Robert Benjamin Foote
Date of birth- 1810
Place of Birth- Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland
Mother: Jane Dougald.
Father: John Foot
Date of death- Dec 30 1897
Place of Death- Mahau Sound, Marlborough, New Zealand

Children of Robert and Thirza Foote

James David (1852-1920)
Betsy Jane Rickard (1853-1936)
Eliza Rickard (1856-1922)
Thomas Andrew( Sep 18 1857-May 11 1910 )
Maria Williams (1859-1918)
Robert Benjamin II (1861-1940)
Selina Anne Wills (1863-1931)
Albert Frederick William (1866-1942)
John Lee( 1868-1903)
Martin Henry (1870- 1930)