It would appear that all members of the SARFAS family in this country are related to Henry and Mary Sarfas who lived in Old Gravel Lane, Stepney, London. It was always thought that the name Sarfas was of German origin and this is confirmed by an entry found at the British Library in an account of the Society of Friends of Foreigners in Distress for 1824 for a pension.

Heinrich Zarfas of Old Gravel Lane is described as 79 years old and a native of Hanover, many years in this country and formerly a labourer in a Sugar House.

Henry and Mary had five children namely:

• Betty born 12th September 1773.
• William born 26th March 1775.
• Mary Ann born 5th April 1779.
• Henry born 7th January 1781
• Sarah born 21st April 1783

All these children were baptised at St. George in the East, Stepney, London.

SARFAS variants are - SARFASS - SARFES.-.SERFAS - SARPAS - ZERFAS - ZARFAS - ZARPHAS - ZARFASS - ZIRFAS - SURFAS - SURFASS - SURFES - SURFACE

Acknowledgement to those who have helped with this research:

Donald Thomas Sarfas
Graham Wortley Sarfas
Chris and Les Hough

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