Show ContentsBesheffen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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 Besheffen. 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 Besheffen family.

Early Origins of the Besheffen family

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

Early History of the Besheffen family

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

Besheffen 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 Besheffen 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 Besheffen family

Notable figures of the time with the name Besheffen were Thierry Beschefer, sometimes given as "Theodore", (1630-1711), a Jesuit missionary and became the superior of the Canadian mission; and Jacques Beschefer, a Prussian lieutenant, who received his diploma on January 18, 1705. He owned several...
Another 45 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Besheffen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Besheffen family

Prussia played an extremely influential role in shaping modern German history. It remained a part of Germany until after the Second World War. Prussia was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. Many Prussians became residents of these new countries after the War, and many migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly to Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Besheffen were Aba. H. Basch, who settled in New York, NY in 1867; Amalie Basch, who arrived in New York, NY in 1859; Catherine Basch, who came to New York, NY in 1861.



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