John de Havilland (officer of arms) facts for kids
John von Sonntag de Havilland (born 17 October 1826 – died 18 September 1886) was an important expert in heraldry (the study of coats of arms) in London during the 1800s. He worked at the College of Arms, which is where official records of coats of arms are kept in England. John de Havilland is special because he was one of only two English heraldry officers ever born in the United States.
Early Life and Adventures
John de Havilland was born on 17 October 1826, probably near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His father, John Haviland, was an architect and engineer from England. His mother, Mary, came from a French family with a military background. Her father, Captain William Ludwig von Sonntag, was a French army officer.
John de Havilland had an adventurous spirit. He served as a lieutenant in the United States Army during the Mexican–American War (1846-1848). Later, he became a barrister (a type of lawyer) in London. He was also a Knight of Justice of the Order of Malta, which is a very old group known for helping people.
John de Havilland was very interested in his family history and coats of arms. In 1865, he updated a book about the de Havilland family. He added lots of details about his parents and grandparents, even showing their coats of arms in the book!
He shared stories about his family's brave past. For example, his grandfather, William Ludwig von Sonntag, was a French captain who helped the Americans fight for their independence during the American Revolutionary War. He was even at the important battle where the British surrendered.
John de Havilland also told stories about his other grandfather, James Haviland, who was known for his amazing strength and courage in England.
In 1872, John de Havilland became a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, a group that studies history and old things. He was also known as a "soldier of fortune" because he fought in Spain and became a General in the Spanish Army. People at the College of Arms remembered him as a very strong and interesting person.
In 1880, John de Havilland was involved in politics. He was a member of the Liberal Reform Club in London. However, he had different political ideas from some other members. He openly supported candidates from a different political party, which caused some arguments. Because of this, he was asked to leave the club.
John von Sonntag de Havilland passed away on 18 September 1886 and was buried in Langford Budville, England.
Working with Coats of Arms
John de Havilland started his official career in heraldry in 1866. He was first named Rouge Croix Pursuivant of Arms, which is a junior role at the College of Arms. Then, in 1872, he was promoted to York Herald of Arms. This was a more senior and important position.
He also helped publish the 1878 edition of Burke's General Armory. This book is still a very important guide for anyone interested in heraldry (the study and design of coats of arms).
His Coat of Arms
John de Havilland used a special coat of arms that had been recorded for his family many years ago. A coat of arms is a unique design that represents a family or person. His family's design was described as "Argent three Towers triple-towered Sable Portcullises Gules." This is a special way of describing the colors and symbols on the shield.
As York Herald, he combined his family's coat of arms with his mother's family's arms (the von Sonntag arms). He also added symbols from the Maltese Cross because he was a Knight of Malta. You can see his combined coat of arms in a stained glass window at St Peter's Church in Langford Budville, England. The window shows his father's coat of arms on the left and his mother's on the right, with his own combined design.
Images for kids
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Letters from John de Havilland during his military service.
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Envelopes addressed by John de Havilland in 1872 and 1873.
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A portrait of John de Havilland.
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John de Havilland's personal emblem or seal.
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Stained glass window at St Peter's Church showing John de Havilland's coat of arms.
