old map of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Clan
House
Family
As we discover more connections and cousin relationships, it is important to share how we are organizing ourselves within the Elliott Clan so we can all learn a bit about our family tree and its past and present roots. We are members of the ELLIOTT CLAN, with four (4) distinct HOUSES, further divided into different FAMILIES.
Let's break this down....
Family Tree
Clan
A CLAN is a group of people united by actual or perceived kinship and descent from a common ancestor. They usually share a sense of identity and loyalty towards one another and can be found in various cultures across the world - particularly in places like Scotland, Japan, and the continent of Africa. Clans can also be found within our African lineage, primarily Nigeria. The surname “Elliott” likely originates from Scotland [or present-day Yorkshire, Northern England], a country known for its diverse clans. We are all descendants of a common ancestor - likely one of the 3 Elliott (European/Scottish) brothers, and an African [enslaved or free] woman.
House
A HOUSE or band is smaller than a clan. In our Elliott Clan, a HOUSE is named after one of the four known patriarchs to whom most, if not all living descendants can trace their roots. These patriarchs are brothers Lancelot and Benjamin of Nevis, and brothers John James and Joseph Elliott of St. Kitts. Based on the information we have gathered via historical records, archival information and genetic testing, there are four (4) HOUSES in the Elliott Clan of St. Kitts and Nevis:
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House of Lancelot [1845-1930]
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House of Benjamin [1849 - 1927]
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House of Joseph [1859 - ?]
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House of John James [1862 - 1951]
Family Tree
Family
A FAMILY is even smaller than a HOUSE. Each Family in our Clan is named after a son or daughter of Lancelot, Benjamin, John James or Joseph. Most living descendants may trace their history back to a child of one of these four men. Each person is MOST closely [biologically] related to others in their family (first cousins, aunt/uncle/grandparent). Your extended family members (3rd, 4th, and 5th cousins) may be of the same HOUSE, but of a different family. For example, I, Kameelah Mu’Min, am a member of the Elliott Clan - House of Benjamin - Family of Jessie Lillian (she is my greatgrandmother). Lavona Hopkinson is my 3rd cousin, and also a member of the House of Benjamin, but of the FAMILY Caroline Alberta "Baby Girl" Elliott, Jessie Lillian’s eldest sister.
Example:
Lateef Mu'Min is the great-grandson of Benjamin Elliott, and Gracelyn Elliott is the great-granddaughter of Lancelot Elliott. Benjamin and Lancelot were brothers and through historical records and DNA testing, we have established that Lateef Mu'Min and Gracelyn Elliott are 3rd cousins, they share at least one 2nd great grandparent (the mother or father of Lancelot and Benjamin). Lateef and Grace are both members of the Elliott Clan; with Lateef belonging to the House of Benjamin, Family of Jessie Lillian (Benjamin's daughter) and Grace belonging to the House of Lancelot, Family of James Alfred (Lancelot's son).
In the recent family reunion survey, nearly 70.6% of those who responded stated that they can trace their lineage back to Lancelot, Benjamin or John James; with 29.5% of those who responded sharing that they either did not which patriarch they related to (or which House they belong to) or perhaps related to a different Elliott. If you do not know which House you belong to, that's ok! We can discover that together - send an email to elliottclanreunion@gmail.com.
Lineage of Elliott Clan Member: Lateef Mu'Min | USA
Family Tree
Lineage of Elliott Clan Member: Gracelyn Elliott | St. Kitts and Nevis
Family Tree