Introduction
Have you ever wondered if your family has a coat of arms? In this article, we will follow the journey of Kelly Kraft as she explores her family’s history and discovers the truth behind her grandfather’s claims of a prestigious lineage. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of genealogy and heraldry to uncover the secrets of the Salazar family crest.
Step 1: Begin with the Family Tree
Kelly Kraft started her quest for the family crest by providing us with her family tree. According to the information she provided, her maternal grandfather, Charles Albert Reed Jr., always told her about their descent from an important family with a coat of arms. Intrigued by this claim, Kelly was eager to find out if there was any truth to it.
Step 2: Explore Charles Albert Reed’s Lineage
To kickstart our investigation, we dug deeper into Charles Albert Reed’s lineage. Born in 1839, Charles was a prominent citizen in Massachusetts during the latter part of the 19th century. While researching his background, we stumbled upon an intriguing excerpt in a book titled “Matthew’s American Armory and Blue Book” published in 1908. According to this book, Charles informally used a coat of arms consisting of a red shield with four yellow garbs between a yellow diagonal cross, known as gules a saltire between four garbs or in heraldry terminology.
Step 3: Tracing the Ancestors
With this newfound information, we turned our attention to the earlier generations in Kelly’s family tree. Starting with her eighth great grandfather, William Reed, born in England in 1601, we embarked on a meticulous research journey. Our efforts paid off when we discovered that William’s father was Thomas Reed, born in Barton Court, Berkshire, England, around 1565 AD.
Step 4: Unearthing the Coat of Arms
Our investigation took an exciting turn when we stumbled upon the book “Genealogical and Personal Memoirs Relating to the Families of Boston and Eastern Massachusetts Volume 3” by William Richard Cutter, published in 1910. According to this source, Thomas Reed, Kelly’s 10th great grandfather, was granted a coat of arms by William Camden, the King of Arms in 1597. The blazon of the coat of arms was recorded as gules a saltire between four garbs, aligning perfectly with the coat of arms used by Charles Albert Reed.
Step 5: Seeking Further Corroboration
To further validate our findings, we consulted the “General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales” by Bernard Burke, published in 1884. This authoritative source listed the same blazon, gules a saltire between four garbs or, under the Reed surname, with a mention of Barton County, Berkshire. The pieces were starting to fit together, solidifying the Salazar family’s claim to a coat of arms.
Step 6: Decoding the Symbolism
Now that we have established the authenticity of the Salazar family crest, let’s delve into its aesthetic and symbolic attributes. The shield depicts a red background with four yellow garbs between a yellow cross. The crest features a falcon rising, belted with jest or, perched on a green tree stump. Adding to the family’s legacy, the motto “Kadant Armatogai,” which translates to “May war give way to peace” in English, embodies the ideals and aspirations of the Salazar lineage.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Salazar Family Crest
After a thorough investigation of Kelly Kraft’s family history, we can confidently confirm the existence of the Salazar family crest. The journey started with the stories told by her maternal grandfather, driving her curiosity to uncover the truth. With the report we provide, which includes all the relevant information and sources, Kelly can now proudly share this newfound knowledge with her family.
This revelation holds numerous possibilities for Kelly and her family. From impressing relatives at family reunions to incorporating the crest into personalized wedding decor, this rich heritage can be celebrated and shared with future generations. Additionally, the report is a valuable resource for educational purposes, aiding school presentations and projects, as well as instilling a sense of pride and interest in history among grandchildren.
Embark on your own journey of discovery and uncover the secrets of your family’s past. Start today and let FindMyCoat.com guide you through the intricate tapestry of your family history, revealing the stories and symbols that make your lineage truly unique. Remember, there is no such thing as “just a family crest” – it is a reflection of generations of history, tradition, and identity.
So, what are you waiting for? Begin your quest to uncover your family’s coat of arms and embrace the rich heritage that lies within. Start your journey with FindMyCoat.com today!
