KHaszard Family Tree
This has been quite a journey.On June 3, 2003, I began to trace our family roots never expecting to become this involved.It has now become an addictive hobby.Mainly I started just finding where the Haszards came from.I learned there are Haszards all over the world, including New Zealand, Australia, as well as in Canada, Europe and the US.Just how widespread and prolific the family was, I had no idea.My father and grandfather were under the impression that they were the last of the Haszards who spelled it with the “sz”.However, I have discovered there have been Haszards in California, Nebraska, and Iowa. The family tradition Dad passed down of how “Hazard” got to be “Haszard” has been confirmed. Our predecessors came to the colonies from England and Wales.According to "Recollections of Olden Times" by Thomas R. Hazard of Rhode Island (He cites as his source John Hassard Short, Esq. of Edlington Grove, county Lincoln.)the family was founded by the Duke de Charante (c.1060) on the borders of Switzerland.Two bearing the title of Duke de Charante visited the Holy Land as crusaders.One apparently was his son who was killed in battle against the French King along with his father.(The duke's wife and one son, then about ten years old, fled to England.) He traces the genealogy in England back to the duke. The name was taken from the two words “has” meaning high and “ard” meaning nature, therefore, high disposition, proud, independent. These two words are of ancient British or Welsh language. In old documents the name is indiscriminately spelled Hasard, Hassard and Hazard. “The Hazards are a strongly marked race, handing down and retaining certain peculiarities, from generation to generation.One is, a peculiar decision of character, a certain amount of pride, and pronounced independence, coupled with a slight reserve.Physically they are strongly marked.Generally speaking, they are of good stature, and vigorous frame, with a rather square head, high forehead, brown hair, blue eyes, straight or aquiline nose, and with their will shown by a firmly set jaw.Their complexion is fair, a little inclined to florid.” according to "Recollections of Olden Times." Thomas R. Hazard relates an anecdote of an American Hazard, when in Ireland, was observed by a stranger.The stranger approached and asked, “Pray, excuse me, but is not your name Hazard? I thought so, for I watched you as you walked up and down, and thought how much you moved and looked like a Hazard; but when I heard you speak, I felt so sure of it, I made bold to address you.That is also my name!”The American Hazard was promptly invited to spend some time at the home of the Irishman’s castle. The current generations ofHaszards in New England are connected to some well-known historical figures, such as Roger Conant who founded Salem and Beverly, MA,; Roger Williams of RI; Oliver Hazard Perry noted hero of the war of 1812 as well as to many of New England’s old families. The White side of the family has been more difficult to research.Our branch comes from Portsmouth, NH.Apparently, many records were destroyed by fire in the City Hall. My great-grandfather was Franklin Pierce White son of Sarah Jane White and William Ramsdell.Why is his name not Ramsdell?Who is Sarah Jane White and where did her family originate? The family tradition is that we descended from Peregrine White, born aboard the Mayflower.However, neither I nor my uncle have been able to discover the connection. | KHaszard Family Tree Updated September 26, 2008 |
Kathleen A Schultz Fax: 330-220-4431 [email protected] | |
My Family History | |
Family Photos | |
| |