.
Assumed Coat of Arms of Richard Dennis Souther
Blazon
Shield: Per fess wavy Argent and Gules in chief two quills in saltire Azure above a bar wavy Azure in base an anchor Argent cabled Or above a carpenter's square point to base Or garnished Sable.
Crest: Upon a helm with a wreath Argent and Gules a Stag's head erased Or charged on the shoulder with a Trailing Arbutus, "Mayflower", (Epigaea repense) laaved Vert blossom Argent.
Motto: Prend Moi Tel Que Je Suis. (Take me as I am)
Mantling: Gules doubled Argent
Symbolism:
The design of the shield depicts the naval heritage of Mr. Souther through the wavy partition line and the wavy blue bar. His service as a United States Navy yeoman is shown by the crossed quill insignia of rank which also symbolizes his civilian occupation.
Seven male ancestors in Mr. Souther's direct line were shipwrights. The carpenter's square and cabled anchor allude to that occupation. The color red is of arbitrary selection by Mr. Souther.
The Souther family originated in Derbyshire, England which is symbolized by the stag's head from the arms of Derbyshire County Council. In addition, the stag's head is on the arms of Governor William Bradford of Plimoth Colony, Massachusetts. Nathaniel (Sowther) Souther was the first clerk for Governor Bradford.
Massachusetts has been the birthplace of Mr. Souther's line since 1658. The Trailing Arbutus, "Mayflower", being the state flower, symbolizes that fact along with Mr. Souther's direct decent from 10 of the Mayflower passengers including Governor William Bradford above.
Richard McNamee Crossett, BA, FACH, MAS, SHA
Graphic and Heraldic Art
American College of Heraldry
College of Arms (Heraldry)
Directory of Royal Genealogical Data
Heraldica
Richard Dennis Souther
Souther Family Association
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