Besch History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The German state of Prussia, which reached the zenith of its power in the late 19th century, is the glorious birthplace of the distinguished surname Besch. In the medieval era, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the German lands were inhabited by a variety of Barbarian tribes. The borders of the Barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known as Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. The colorful history of Brandenburg-Prussia provides a glimpse at the oldest origins of the Besch family.

Early Origins of the Besch family

The surname Besch was first found in Prussia, where the family made a great early contribution to the feudal society of early Europe.

Early History of the Besch family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Besch research. Another 103 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1630, 1705, 1711 and 1731 are included under the topic Early Besch History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Besch Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Besch include Beschefer, Bescheffer, Bescheferr, Beshefer, Besheffer, Besheferr, Beschefen, Beschefel, Beschefele, Beschefle, Bescheffen, Bescheffel, Bescheffele, Bescheffle, Beshefen, Beshefel, Beshefele, Beshefle, Besheffen, Besheffel, Besheffele and many more.

Early Notables of the Besch family

Notable figures of the time with the name Besch were

Thierry Beschefer, sometimes given as "Theodore", (1630-1711), a Jesuit missionary and became the superior of the Canadian mission

Besch migration to the United States +

Since medieval times, the state of Prussia has played an important part in the history of Germany. The state's military powers were historically very strong, and endured until after the Second World War, when the territory was broken up and divided between the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. A spurt of migration followed, with some Prussians going elsewhere in Europe and many others crossing the ocean to North America. Most entered the United States through Philadelphia. Some remained there, while more moved on to the states of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Others traveled to Canada and settled Ontario and the prairie provinces. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Besch or a variant listed above:

Besch Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Anton Besch, who arrived in Venezuela in 1843
Carl Besch, who arrived in Texas in 1846 aboard the ship "Flavius"
Mr. Ferdinand Besch, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1846 aboard the ship "Flavius"
Mrs. Antoniette Besch, (nee Bick), German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1846 aboard the ship "Flavius"
Mr. Emil Besch, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1846 aboard the ship "Flavius"
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)