Our first known ancestor that we can prove a connection to is William Henry Castlen. William was born 1822 in Gallitan County, Kentucky and died 1904 in Daviess County, Kentucky. William married first Melodie Tracha, the daughter of a plantation owner in southern Louisiana.
William and Melodie had six children. They were: William Nicholas, Charles Henry, Andrew L., Rosalie Catherine, Sarah Nancy and Sterman.
William's second marriage was to Sarah Frances Gardner (Dean) (Dobson) 1870 in Daviess County, Kentucky. They had two children: Mattie M. and Edgar N.
At this time we are searching for proof of Willliam Henry Castlen's parents. We believe that they are Andrew Castlen Jr. and Nancy Leet. Both from Virginia. If indeed this is correct, then we also believe Andrew Jr's father is Andrew Castlen Sr and his father is John Castlen Sr. from England. We are still gathering information to connect Andrew Jr to William Henry, but everything we have so far is leading us to believe that the above is true.
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I just want to let ALL of our contributors and researchers know how much they are appreciated.
Thank you for your time and efforts in all that you have contributed for the Castlen family research.
Here is a special thanks to Bruce Castlen, Mary Helen Caldwell and Marge Dyer for all of their dedication to research and family!
The Castlen Surname
It is not clear at this time the actual origin of the surname Castlen, but there are several books that indicate the meaning is: the governor of a royal castle; or warder or guard of a castle; also, warder of a prison.
Source:
1. From the book "English Surnames" written by Charles Wareing Bardsley.
Castlen, also Castelen/Castelan/Chatelain was the governor of a royal castle from which the word "constable" is derived. Information provided by John DeMott.
2. From the book "A Dictionary of Surnames" written by Patrick Hanks and Flavia Hodges. CASTLEN - couldn't find as given but did find:
CASTELLAN, CASTELAN (English [Norman], French [Provençal]) Both forms are an occupational name for the governor or constable of a castle, or the warder of a prison, originally from the Latin "castellanus", a derivative of "castellum" (Castle). Information provided by Barbara LaChance.
3. From the book "Surnames of the United Kingdom" written by Henry Harrison (WWI era). CASTLEN Perhaps a variant of CASTLEMAN which meant a warder or guard at a castle. (English). Information provided by Gary Radcliffe.
By the year 1300 all English families had surnames. Some areas and social classes had surnames, others did not. Those with very little were among the last to take on or be given surnames. Property owners had surnames early on. And the French seem to have had surnames long before the English.
This page was last updated on: February 11, 2004
My name is Kristin and I maintain this site for all the Castlen Cousins out there. If you would like to contact me for additions or corrections to this site then please feel free to do so.
Thanks!
Welcome Page - gives a brief description of what this web site is about.
Index of Names - index of names listed on this web site. (not completed)
Newsletter Articles - stories, bio's and other articles. ( We're always looking for more to add! )
Unidentified Castlens - list of persons with the surname Castlen who have not been placed in our Castlen family tree as of yet. Can you identify any of them? Take a look and see!
Web Links - links to some genealogy sites, Castlen message boards, other informational sites and downloadable forms.
Family Tree Charts - list of family tree charts for the Castlen family, starting with William Henry Castlen. (not completed)
