Show ContentsRichtor History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

A multitude of prestigious family names, such as the surname Richtor, were formed in the lands which became the modern German state of Prussia, which is 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 Richtor family emerged in Brandenburg-Prussia, and 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 German Unification.

Early Origins of the Richtor family

The surname Richtor was first found in Brandenburg, where this family became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from ancient times. Always prominent in social affairs, the name became an integral part of that turbulent region as it emerged to form alliances with other families within the feudal system.

Early History of the Richtor family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Richtor research. Another 129 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1676, 1682, 1702, 1711, 1732, 1749, 1755, 1763, 1767, 1803, 1813, 1825 and 1884 are included under the topic Early Richtor History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Richtor Spelling Variations

In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Richtor include Richter, Ricter, Rickter, Rychter, Rycter and many more.

Early Notables of the Richtor family

Notable figures of the time with the name Richtor were Christoph, or Christian, Friedrich Richter (1676-1711), a German hymnwriter and entomologist; and Johann Paul Richter (1763-1825), one of the most important and popular German writers of the early 19th century. He is known universally as "Jean Paul." Joseph Richter (1749-1813) was a satirical Viennese journalist. Ludwig Richter...
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Richtor Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Richtor migration to the United States +

The state of Prussia was a great influence on the shape of modern Germany. After the Second World War, Prussia's land was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany and the state was abolished. Some Prussians remained in those countries after the war, while many others migrated to North America in search of a new start. Philadelphia was their primary point of entry to the United States, after which many of them moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. A large number of Prussians also migrated to Ontario and the prairie provinces as United Empire Loyalists. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Richtors to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Richtor Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Frangott Richtor, aged 27, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1847 aboard the ship "Natchez"


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