The family name of Munsell is believed to have been derived,

according to the original spelling, "Monsall," from a dale in Derbyshire,

England, or else signifying a person originally from Mansle in France. An
idea also prevails that the name is derived from the French word,
"maunche," a sleeve, and on the coat-of-arms appear three sleeves. It is
certain that branches of the one family wrote it Maunsell, Mansell, Monsell,
Monsall, Munsill, Mansel, Moncil, Munsel and Muncil; despite the
variations in orthography, the family history shows that they are of one line
alone, originating in Sir Philip de Maunsell who came from Normandy as
one of the companions of William the Conqueror, on whom was bestowed
the manor of Oxwiche, in Glamorganshire, and his grandson, Sir John
Maunsell, was constituted lord chief justice of England in the time of Henry
III.

The Munsell Arms, Shield: Argent, a chevron between three

maunches, sable. Crest: (1st) on a chapeau gules, turned up ermine, a falcon
rising proper; (2nd) a cap of maintenance, enflamed at the top, proper.
Mottoes: Quod vult valde vult, and Honorantes me honorabo.

(I) Thomas Munsell was born about 1650, and it is probable that he
came from England to New London, Connecticut, about 1680. His name first
appears on record there in 1681, and in 1683 he resided on the Great Neck at
that place. He wrote his name Munsell, Monsell, Munsel and Muncil. He had
a wife named Lydia, and died at the place mentioned, in 1712. Children:

1. Jacob, born New London, Connecticut, about 1690,

see forward.
2. Elisha, born New London, Connecticut, about 1700.
3. Mercy.
4. Deliverance.