Overview of our Mumford Ancestors – Family History and Life Stories

The Mumford surname has a French locational origin from Montford-sur-Risle in Normandy, France. It is based on the Olde French “mont” (a hill) plus “fort” (strong and impregnable). The ancient Coat of Arms has the blazon of a blue lion saliant on a gold field, the Crest being a demi cat rampant. The first recorded spelling of the family name is that of Hugo de Montford, which was dated 1086, in the Domesday Book, during the reign of King William I, known as “William the Conqueror” (1066-1087).

The Mumford Family ancestors have their roots in England dating back to before 1566 when Hugh Parker Mumford was born. He was the son of John Mumford (1542-1574) and Margaret Parker (1543-1574) who lived in Essex, England. The three generations of descendants of Hugh Mumford were all named Thomas Mumford.

The ancestry records indicate that Thomas Mumford I (1585-1660) emigrated to the the British colonies in North America in 1650. Thomas Mumford II (1625-1692) had a son named Thomas Mumford III (1656-1726) who was born in Kingstown, Washington County, Rhode Island, USA (New England).

His descendant, George Mumford was born on December 9, 1730, in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. He married Mary Dickenson (1742-1803) on April 6, 1761, in his hometown. A short time later, the family emigrated to Nova Scotia in Canada. Their son, Benjamin Mumford (1764-1841) was born in Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada.

For an overview of our Mumford ancestors in North America, read Family History of the Mumford Ancestors – Life Stories. It contains excerpts from Appendix E of the 2018 book titled Exploring Our Ancestry: The Roy-Apted Family History in Canada and Beyond, by J. Paul-Emile Roy, CPA, CA.