- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
John Royston Coleman
Moorestown, New Jersey, United States of America
Registration of Arms
October 15, 2012
Vol. VI, p. 190
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Or two chevronels the dexter surmounting the sinister Vert, in chief three lamps Sable enflamed proper, all within a bordure engrailed Gules;
Crest
A demi-golden retriever Or gorged with a collar Sable attached thereto a line reflexed over the back Vert holding in the dexter paw by a rope Sable a New England lobster buoy per fess Argent and Gules;
Motto
AMICUS OMNIBUS;
Symbolism
Arms
The lamps are taken from the arms of Victoria University, Toronto, which three older generations of the Coleman family have attended. They represent the importance of higher education to the family. The colours of the lamps, black and red, are those of Haverford College in Pennsylvania, which Mr. Coleman and his son attended and of which he was president. The green chevronels refer to the Green Mountains of Vermont, where he lived for about three decades. The three lamps and two chevronels together refer to his five children. The engrailed border alludes to the rocky coast of Maine, especially that of Monhegan Island, the family’s summer residence.
Crest
The golden retriever refers to a beloved family pet. The lobster buoy is in the colours of the Canadian flag to allude to his Canadian identity. It also alludes to Monhegan Island, where lobster fishing is the chief industry.
Motto
This Latin motto means “A friend to all” and represents the family’s commitment to philanthropy and charitable work, and their Quaker identity.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 23, 2012, in Volume 147, page 537 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Timothy Duke, Chester Herald, College of Arms, London.
Painter
Artist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Individual
The recipient's emblems were originally recorded in the records of the College of Arms, London, England, 10 August 2012.