Origins of the Caperton Name

by Bernard M. Caperton

Much speculation has been advanced about the European antecedent of John Caperton. I have done no original research on this matter, but feel that I must pass on to the family the information discovered by others that has recently come to my attention. Adm. Wm. B. Caperton (E-8531), and Woods A. Caperton (F-71511) of Indianapolis did some research in England and Scotland, and reported their findings to Katherine Phelps Caperton (0-743) from whom I obtained the followinq Information. All three of these persons corresponded with one another, and were much Interested in the European origins of John Caperton. In 1932 Woods A. Caperton visited England, and upon the Instigation of Adm. Caperton, he hired a genealogist and searched in Scotland for the Caperton name. The names of Caprington and Cunningham were most thoroughly investigated, and the results seem to have been that there was no connection betweeen these two names and the Caperton name. Katherine Phelps Caperton came to the conlusion that the Capertons did not penetrate into Scotland. Their research seems to disprove any connection between the Caperton and Caprington and Cunningham names in Scotland. Katherine Phelps Caperton states that the family tradition that they are of French ancestry Is confirmed by the record at Canterbury. These records found by Woods A. Caperton. and reported by Katherine Phelps Caperton in her manuscript, are as follows: 1705, May 28th. Monsieur Caperton, godfather to David La Croix, Walloon Church, Canterbury. 1712-13, Mar 2nd Richard Caperton of Wells, Sommersetshire and Nary Devorelle, to marry at St. Cuthberts, Wells. Marriage license-Diocese of Bath and Wells. "1745, Oct 2 - Thos. Cappiden and Elizabeth Holland married at Irby, Lincoinshire. 1824, Nov. 30th Joseph Payne, bachelor, and Sallie Caperton, spinster, license to marry, she of Middlesex. 1830, June 2nd Thos Caperton and Jemima Davis m. at St. Georges, Hanover Square, London. It Is thought that our John Caperton could have been a younger son of the Richard Caperton and Mary Devorelle above. Perhaps this Is true, but I have no documentary basis for this statement. I think the Important thing Is that the Caperton name did exist In England - although not profusely - and that it is connected with French names In the earlier records. The early spelling of Cape-britton in Virginia certainly lends support to family traditions of a French origin. The speculation that the Caperton name descended from Hugh Capet, King of France seems to be too far fetched for further comment. Woods A. Caperton died the year after his visit to England so he did not pursue his research In Somersetshire. Adm. Caperton and Katherine Phelps Caperton both died In the early l94Os; and, did not follow the matter further. I do not mean to imply that the above information is idle speculation. It is most probable that the Capertons were French Huguenots who sojourned in England for a time before coming to America, and I think this the most likely path to pursue in further research into the European background of John Caperton.

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