| ![Show Contents]() Schwank History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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 Germany A multitude of prestigious family names, such as the surname Schwank, were formed in the lands which became the modern German state of Prussia, known for its beauty, industry and military power. However, in the medieval era, Prussia was fragmented and inhabited by numerous barbarian tribes, who fought amongst themselves for control of the land. The borders of the barbarian kingdoms, which were established after the fall of the Roman Empire, changed repeatedly. The region that came to be known as Prussia was roughly divided between the territories of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia and East Prussia The Schwank family emerged in Brandenburg-Prussia, which is essentially the birthplace of modern Germany. By the 19th century, Brandenburg-Prussia had incorporated East Prussia, West Prussia and many other German territories. Moreover, in the late 19th century, it led the German states in the unification of Germany. Early Origins of the Schwank familyThe surname Schwank was first found in Mecklenburg, in the western Baltic region, where the name was closely identified in early mediaeval times, as early as 1202, with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout European history. Old Mecklenburg chronicles mention Carston von Schwan in 1202 and Heinrich von Schwan, court tutor (Hofmeister) to the Duke of Mecklenburg, in 1248. In 1413 the Knight, Carl von Schwan, accompanied the Bishop Sigismund to Camin to the historical Council of Costnitz. The name would later be associated with a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches in the eastern provinces of Pomerania and Meissen. They became noted for their involvement in social, economic and political affairs, giving the name Schwan to a city near the port of Rostock. Early History of the Schwank familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Schwank research. Another 125 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1563, 1610, 1679, 1729, 1760, 1810 and 1882 are included under the topic Early Schwank History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Schwank Spelling VariationsOne can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Schwank include Schwan, Schwann, Schwahn and others. Early Notables of the Schwank familyNotable figures of the time with the name Schwank were Michael Schwenke (1563-1610), was a German sculptor from Pirna, Saxony. Theodor Schwann (1810-1882), who was one of the most important biologists of the 19th century, mainly because...
Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Schwank Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Schwank familyMuch of German history has been shaped by the state of Prussia. It was an enduring military power until after the Second World War. At that time, the state was abolished altogether and its land divided between the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. While some Prussians were content to remain in those countries, others moved away, many of them migrating to North America. They entered the United States mostly through Philadelphia, moving on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Others went to Canada, settling on the prairies and in the province of Ontario. Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were: John Schwan, who emigrated to England and/or America in 1709. Johann Schwan, age 36, and Johann Heinrich Schwan, age 24, who both came to Canada in 1783.
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