Hi Milla,
The origin of Captain Roth is an intriguing mystery. There seem to be rotating 2 theories:
1) he is from Germany, a mercenary who was "invited" by the king to his service. There are claims to the connection of The Counts of Comburg-Rothenburg who founded Rothenburg city in Germany. If he were indeed of this lineage, it would mean further down he (and us) are the descendants of Charlemagne.
However, having researched "Roth" and Schwäbish Hall, I found a rich merchant at that time there by the name of Hans Roth. So the Roth name origin and background can be very varied. His and his wife's portrait was painted by one of the most famous artist of the time, Bernhard Strigel (1527 and 1528), to mark their wedding.
This claim to Germany and Schwäbish Hall, his said birth place, is not evidenced in any way I have come across. We can see how much all the names change though the records, especially in Sweden. Also, his coat of arms were given to him in Sweden.
I actually find his coat of arms intriguing- tree in heraldry marks family strength and continuance, however Captain Roth has a dead tree stomp on green grass. We know his line continued, so what does the tree stomp refer to?
I have also just discovered a family tree online what is of interest, but I have no knowledge of it's provenance.
http://kotisaaressa.fi/sukupuu/GGtextPC.htm#I299519
In Generation XV you can find Birger Larsson Roth, Generation XVI there is Laurentius Roth, however nothing in Generation XVII for Roths. The reason this family tree is of interest, is that it goes back 3000 years (ambitious) and in Generation XXXVII you can find Charlemagne. (I could not find and Counts of Coburg and Rothenburg). So, Im wondering if this lineage has been a false inspiration to link Roth to Germany?
Furthermore, I have added father and grandfather to Captain Roth as found in geneanet.org. It looks like Matts Larsson Roth and this person could be the same person:
Matts Larsson Ruuth
He is of Swedish origin.
2) 2nd theory is that the name comes from the name of the lake. But Ruuth could = Rude?
I am not a genealogist and very new to research, I hope someone more knowledgeable will pick up my notes and gives a better context.
Wishing you a good day!
Kat
