Edward Beeson

ORIGINS OF THE BEESON NAME

The exact origins of the Beesons are unclear. Certainly Beeson is an old family name. The coat of arms for the Beeson and Beeston family are the same.

There is a Beeston Castle in England. The Beeston name is found in the Doomsday Book written in 1086 for both the Cheshire and Nottinghamshire sections of England.

It is possible that the Beesons were of French origin, as there was an officer in the army of William the Conqueror named Bezon. Bezon (after the Norman conquest of England) became an officer in the royal guard. His descendants settled in the Isle of Man.

It is also possible that Beeson is of Norman origin. The Norman's were originally Viking Traders who settled in NW France. Sir Godfrey Buison was with William the Conqueror's army in 1066.

Most, if not all, of the Beeson (including Beason) surnames in America originated with Edward Beeson. A Captain Thomas Beeson settled in Maryland before 1657. This Captain Beeson was in the House Assembly held at St. Mary's in Anne Arundel County. His will is recorded in 1679 in Anne Arundel County. Any proven record of his relation to the Beeson/Beason descendents herein is still not known to me.

The Beesons have been a part of American history. Beesons/Beasons have fought in every war since the American Revolution. Beeson/Beasons were on both sides of the American Civil War, the war truly pitted “brother against brother”.

Beesons have been teachers, warriors, leaders, farmers, lawyers, doctors, business people and artists. Overall, the Beesons have made quite an impact in America from simple Quaker beginnings.

The change in spelling of Beeson to Beason was done in North Carolina when Edward was ‘disowned’ by the Quakers probably for “marrying out” and having been involved in the Revolutionary War.

Religion has been a big part of the Beeson/Beason family. Edward's family (generation No. 4) seems to have been Quakers and many of his descendants were and remain Quakers. As the line progressed, different religions were added to the Beeson/Beason profession of faith.