Heron Family Genealogy & History

Gilbert Saint Elmo Heron, a pioneering Jamaican footballer, made history as the first black player for Scottish club Celtic. Known as "The Black Arrow" and "The Black Flash," Heron showcased his skills as a center forward, scoring on his debut in 1951. His career highlights include top scoring for Detroit Wolverines in the North American Soccer Football League and playing for notable teams like Chicago Maroons and Windsor Corinthians. Heron's influence extended beyond football, as he later became a published poet.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Heron came from a well-off family, with parents Walter Gilbert Heron and Lucille Gentles. His brother, Roy Trevor Gilbert Heron, served in the Norwegian Merchant Navy and was active in black Canadian politics. Gil Heron also fathered four children, including the renowned poet and musician Gil Scott-Heron.

James Michael Heron, known as Mike Heron, is a renowned Scottish singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his influential role in the Incredible String Band during the 1960s and 1970s. Born on December 27, 1942, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Heron helped pioneer a blend of folk, rock, and world music that resonated with the hippy lifestyle of the era. His solo works, including "Smiling Men with Bad Reputations" and "Where the Mystics Swim," showcase his eclectic musical style. Heron's collaborations with notable musicians like Pete Townshend, Keith Moon, and Elton John underscore his impact on the music scene.

Heron was educated at the Royal High School and George Heriot's School in Edinburgh, where his father was a teacher. He briefly attended the University of Edinburgh before pursuing a career in music.

Mustapha Jahhad Heron, born on December 12, 1997, in Derby, Connecticut, is a professional basketball player known for his impressive career in both college and international leagues. Playing for teams like the Auburn Tigers and St. John's Red Storm, Heron achieved notable success, including being named to the SEC All-Freshman team and helping St. John's reach the NCAA Tournament. His professional journey spans multiple countries, including the UK, Hungary, Iceland, and Qatar, showcasing his versatile skills and dedication to the sport.

Heron was born to parents Thalia Levey and Bryan Heron, and he grew up with three sisters and one brother: Imani, Zari, Aja, and Raheem. His early life in Derby, Connecticut, set the foundation for a successful basketball career.

Patrick Heron (1920–1999) was a renowned British abstract and figurative artist, noted for his exploration of color and light. Influenced by masters like Cézanne and Matisse, Heron made significant contributions to modernist painting and art criticism. He achieved acclaim with exhibitions at prominent galleries, such as his first solo show at the Redfern Gallery in 1947. Heron was also known for his fabric designs for Cresta Silks and a stained-glass window for Tate St Ives, showcasing his versatility in various media. Appointed a CBE in 1977, Heron left a lasting impact on British art, particularly through his vibrant non-figurative works and his connection to the St Ives art movement.

Patrick Heron was born in Headingley, Leeds, as the eldest of four children to Thomas Milner Heron and Eulalie Mabel (née Davies). The family relocated to Cornwall when Heron was five, where his father worked with Alec Walker at Cryséde. In 1929, they moved to Welwyn Garden City, where Thomas established Cresta Silks. Heron married Delia Reiss, and they had two daughters, Katharine and Susanna. His familial ties to Cornwall remained strong, and he ultimately settled permanently in Zennor in 1956, living there until his death in 1999.