History of the von Graffenried Family

To the readers, greetings!  My grandmother was a DeGraffenried, however her parents died together suddenly before family history was passed on to her.  Consequently, we knew very little about where we came from, or how we descended.  It was only recently due to DNA tests and one scrap of paper that I was able to find the link back to our past, discovering that my great-great grandfather was Nathaniel Elvington DeGraffenried   (it is his picture I use to host this site); and at long last I learned of my connection to the von Graffenried family of Switzerland, and of the rich heritage.

If you are von Graffenried / DeGraffenried, or another interested party, and would like to add or correct information please e-mail me at  vgraffenried  AT gmail.com. I would especially appreciate any pictures you would care to allow me to use on this site.   NOTE:  I love to read comments!  Please feel free to share why you came here!

coat_of_arms

We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.  We are very fortunate that the DeGraffenried /von Graffenried family has maintained knowledge of its own lineage throughout history.  For example, Anton von Graffenried , born 1639 and died in Worb 1730, was a noted genealogist and his research is still housed in Bern.  I also want to give particular notice to Thomas Pritchett DeGraffenried, and his book “History of the DeGraffenried Family”  upon whose work this site is based.  He gathered and preserved in book form information on the family up to the 1920’s.  I confess, however, that his work confuses me as it does not give a clear linear history, for example he talks about the notable DeGraffenrieds in military, government, etc. without clearly stating how they fit into the big picture, with lines of descent.  I’ve tried to sort it out, and so created this web site, however I fear right now even this site is just as confusing, so I’ll continue working to rectify this.

Here is a link on Internet Archive for all the books by Thomas Pritchett on our family.

After giving due credit to Thomas Pritchett DeGraffenried,  we also acknowledge the wonderful work of JoAnne DeGraffenreid  .  The fine work of Degraffenreid relative, David Reese on Findagrave also needs to be mentioned.  And though I have no idea if he is of von Graffenried blood the exhaustive work of the author of: bernergeschlechter.ch website has to be recognized!  And we also are fortunate that the von Graffenrieds of Burgistein still own their family chateau (also called a “schloss”), complete with paintings of family members, that has been preserved for so many generations!

Another great resource, for anyone descended from Baker DeGraffenried is the work by Katherine Reynolds available on familysearch.org.

Background Material of the deGraffenried Family

To get a grasp of the DeGraffenrieds / von Graffenrieds overall I find it helps to first understand that spellings make very little difference, as noted here:

American Spellings of DeGraffenried

Once we get past the fact that a DeGraffenried spelled any other way is still a DeGraffenried, let’s look at their very early origins.

What is their earliest physical point of origin?:  The Count’s Clearing – Where the Graffenrieds Dwelt

What Ethnicity are the von Graffenrieds?

Switzerland – von Graffenried Country

How did they end up so involved in the history of Bern, Switzerland?: The Earliest Historical Origin of the von Graffenried Family

When first reading about the history of this family one can be overwhelmed by all the government office titles the family held; and it may not be of interest to some however if you are curious it is helpful to know a bit about the Swiss Government and how one gained exercised power in that situation:

The Early Swiss Government

The von Graffenrieds and the Bakers Guild of Bern, Switzerland

The reader may wish to learn about relevant terminology as well:  TERMINOLOGY

Before we move on to look at the actual lines of descent I wanted to touch on the question of “nobility” which is much romanticized, especially in America:  Were the von Graffenrieds “of Noble Blood”?

Thomas Pritchett DeGraffenreid does a fine job of preserving and relating to us the early line of descent.   The focus is patriarchal as property and rule usually passed from father to eldest son:  The First Five Documented  Early von Graffenried Forefathers

After this it can get confusing, after reading about the branches on the following link you may wish to consult the chart I created on the same page:  The Major Branches and Sub-Branches of the von Graffenrieds

Branch I may not seem to have much relevance to today’s reader, as it appears to be “extinct” in the male line.  However, the man I label “Niklaus the Treasurer” is of this line, and he had many children so it makes me wonder:  Branch I Johann “Hanns” Rudolf von Graffenried b. 1505

Most of the DeGraffenrieds and von Graffenrieds living today would likely descend from “Branch II” through the man noted as “Young” or “Younger Peter”.  This is the line that the bulk of American DeGraffenried / DeGraffenreid family descend from, and as well the European von Graffenrieds (which includes, as of this writing, the mayor of Bern, Switzerland, Alex von Graffenried.  He confirms he comes from the Burgistein branch.

In any case I need to do some work on simplifying these postings, however here is the information about Branch II:  Branch II “Young” Peter and 5 Sub-Branches

The European descendants of Branch II largely come from Anton von Graffenried, born 1597.  Those with landed estates that survived up to modern times were through him:

Branch II “Younger” Peter: Europe – Anton B 1545; Anton B 1573; Anton von Graffenried B 1597 (Chateau Carrouge ) Father of sub-branches Muchenwyler/Villars, Kehrsatz and Burgistein

Aside: Here’s a link to an interesting article on the modern von Graffenried family in 2009.

The American von Graffenried / Degraffenried /DeGraffenreid Descendants

The American descendants of Branch II largely descend from Abraham von Graffenried, born 1580, and more particularly from his great-grandson Christopher DeGraffenried, born 1691, who married Regina von Tscharner , and had children at Worb, Switzerland, and who came to America in 1710:  The von Graffenrieds come to America

Note: the portrait often identified as “our” Christopher Degraffenreid has since been identified as that of his cousin of the same name.  The portrait on the back says his name but says “Lord of Worb” and dated 1710.  (There is a bust at New Bern, NC, based on the portrait.)  “Our” Christopher did not become Lord of Worb until the death of his father, Anton, in 1730, so he could not have been the Lord of Worb in 1710 as written on the portrait, but his cousin of the same name was.).  And Anton himself did not become Lord of Worb until 1721, at age 82.  (This has made me wonder where “our” Christopher was actually born, and where Anton lived.)

Christopher returned to Europe to try and get help for the New Bern colony, but failing that returned to Worb.  The adventure to America was financially a failure.

Back in America one adult son was left, Christopher Degraffenreid (Jr) who became the progenitor for most American DeGraffenrieds.

If the reader wishes to know the details of Christopher Degraffenreid’s trip to America and subsequent return, they may read his own account here.

Here is a letter that Christopher (Sr.) wrote from Worb, Switzerland back to his son Christopher (Jr.) in America.  Imparting advice and giving a bit of genealogy:

Letter from Christoph von Graffenried to his son in America

The American descendants of Christopher von Graffenied have their rightful inheritance stolen.  The main perpetrator killed himself.  

It’s so easy to get “lost” in all the details about the many, many descendants of Christopher deGraffenried (Jr.), b. 1691, through his only child Anton Tscharner DeGraffenreid, born 1722 (commonly known as “Tscharner”.)

To simplify matters (for me at least) I’ve labeled the lines from him the “13 of Tscharner” or “13 children of Tscharner”.   Most of the American DeGraffenried / DeGraffenreid families should able to trace their line of ancestry back to one of these 13 (with the exception of most of  those who adopted the DeGraffenried / deGraffenreid surname after the Civil War*):

Branch II “Young” Peter’s American Line: The 13 Children of Tscharner b. 1722

Note:  In Worb, Switzerland, the old castle (schloss in German, chateau in French) still exists but was sold out of the family long ago and is privately owned.  There is also the “new” Schloss (neuschloss) nearby that has mistakenly been said to have been built for Christopher upon his return from America.  It was actually built by Christopher’s son Ludwig, apparently because the two of them did not get along.  They had very public arguments in fact.  The neuschloss was also sold out of the Worb branch of the von Graffenried family.  Christopher von Graffenried, it should again be noted was not a financial success, and his trip to America did not  fix that problem.  The Worb branch of the family in now extinct in Europe to the best of my knowledge, at least in regard to the male line of descent.

The neuschloss  was sold out of the family but was bought by  Charles von Graffenried, of the Burgistein branch, in modern times and he had it restored.  He had a book written about it (which is in German but has many nice pictures).


Here ends the narrative regarding descent, and we turn our attention to various topics of interest (to me at least).



Notable American von Graffenried Descendants


Notable Early von Graffenried Ancestors:

Hans Franz Nägeli

Niklaus Manuel Deutsch

Ludwig von Diesbach b 1452

The von Diesbach Family our Ancestors


LANDS/PROPERTIES

Estates/Rule of the von Graffenried Family

Aigle

Chillon

Holligen

Landshut  / Landshout

Münchenwiler / Villars

Münchenwiler / Villars

Saint-Triphon

Thun

The Vaud/Waadt

Worb


Blog Posts

Worb

How I would love to walk hose halls where my ancestors walked, and to sit quietly in the church wherein they worshipped and were buried.  Alas, I shall never go there, but at least there are pictures!

Worb Reformed Church Graves

Kirche Worb Fenster

Grafenried, Worb and Bern

Schloss Worb The Von Graffenried Castle

Schloss Worb

von Graffenried Worb Schloss 1785

Back of the Worb Schloss

Photo of Reformed Church at Worb

Layout of Land Worb 1805

Choir area reformed church at Worb Switzerland


von Graffenried / DeGraffenried Links

article degraffenried history


48 thoughts on “History of the von Graffenried Family

  1. Just found your website! Thank you so much.

    I am descended from John C de Graffenreid’s daughter Catherine. She married Gaddis E. Miller (Sr.). Catherine & Gaddis and 3 generations of family ended up New Mexico. Catherine’s sister Letitia married Thomas Henry Dawson, their son was James B. Dawson, who with family assistance purchased the Maxwell Land grant. The Millers, Dawsons & de Graffenreids went from MO to KY to AK, to TX and then to NM. They lived the life of true cowboys, in the old westerns: fighting Indians, cattle drives, wagon trains, mining towns… Several de Graffenreid were buried in the Dawson Family Cemetery, in Colfax county NM.

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    1. Y’all’s Closer Ancestors Carried on That Pioneer Spirit Very Well of The 2 Barons Christopher Von Graffenrieds Who Came over From Bern Switzerland to Found New Bern. The Dad Came back to Worb to Die, But the Son of the Same Name Died over Here within a Year of His Dad’s Death If Memory Serves. Awesome Family History For Y’all. I am Descended Thru My Dad’s Tharp Family to the De Graffenrieds who Descended from Baker De Graffenried along with Some Hobsons, etc.

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      1. As far as I can tell we are related to Christopher back 6 generations on my fathers side 🙂 Very interesting! My great-great grandfather was Arthur Finn Bowen of Raleigh and a really interesting chap – I think my first visit out to Henderson house and talking with my dad’s cousin got my interested in family history. I only just recently thought to look up the Riley side and it sure is interesting! Interestingly my dad’s middle name is Lawson which has been passed down as a middle name through our family for generations and he never knew the connection!

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    2. My great grand mother was Nevada De Graffenreid who married my great grandfather Cornelius Daley in New Mexico. She was listed on page 1 of the 1870 census for Precinct 3 of Colfax Co. with her father Chas and brother (?) Frank. Another Degraffenreid family listed was John, Elizabeth, Creed, Joseph, James, Rodic, & Mathrew. My grandfather was Charles Creed Daley. I have wondered whether Creed was a family name. On page 2 of this census also listed are John B. Dawson, Laura, George, & Andrew.

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      1. In your immediate line, “Creed Taylor” were the middle names of Nevada’s father “Charles Creed Taylor DeGraffenried”, so that is likely why Nevada gave your grandfather the middle name of “Creed”. The origin of “Creed” or “Creed Taylor” would appear to come from the marriage of Samuel Taylor (b. 1724) and Sophia Creed (b. 1724) parents of Creed Taylor (B. 1766) who married DeGraffenried descendant, “Sarah Sally Woodson (b. 1774). Note that that is not in your immediate line. I was looking to see whether your line lived close to the line from Sarah Sally Woodson Taylor, but haven’t found it yet. Could just be a coincidence perhaps?

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    3. As I was about to add our little family story this caught my eye! Beth, I am so excited to hear your addition information as I was a resident of Colfax County for 18 years. I wish I had known this while I was living there and could have visited the cemetery to find their names. I hope this finds you doing well.

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  2. Sorry, I need to correct and clarify my 15 Aug 2017 post. It should have read John B. Dawson – not “James.” Further, John Dawson purchased thousands of acres (NM & CO) directly from Lucien Maxwell (Beaubien Grant – over 2 million acres). The remainder of the land was ultimately purchased by The Maxwell Land Grant Company, a European group. The Europeans went about forcefully removing settlers who were there with Maxell’s permission. When The Maxwell Land Grant Company went after John Dawson’s land, there was a lawsuit. Dawson secured his ownership with more land than he thought. Again John Dawson’s mother was Letitia deGraffenried Dawson. Her sister K/Catherine deGraffenried Miller is my direct ascendant. They all lived, travelled, and worked together.

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  3. Hello, I am descended from Johan degraffenreid (1430-1511). If I have everything correct the lineage downward is as follows: Johan deGraffenreid – Nicholas V. (1447-1557) – Peter (1507-1562) – Anton (1545-1612) – Lord Abraham (1580-1620) – Christopher E (1603-1687) – Anton (1639-1730) – Baron Christopher (1661-1743) – Christopher (1691-1742) – Tscharner (1722-1794) – William G (1749-1809) – William (1794-1877) – William L (1830-1884) – Edwin L (1868-1923) – Annie M (1901-1968). Annie is the first female deGraffenreid in my line and she married a Johnson. Her son, Palmer, is my father. Not sure if it provides any new info but I do hope it helps..

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  4. Since my previous posts, I have learned and documented so much more. I descend through Gaddis and Catherine de Graffenried Miller, daughter of John/Baker… In researching the Millers in Texas and in Colfax county NM, I have found a huge amount of information. In NM, for example they purchased/held several parcels of land: Red River (640 acres) and Sugarite where I found at least two parcels one 160 acres, the other I haven’t found the deed yet but based on current info it was about 640 acres, NE of the other parcel. The Sugarite is a state park now. In addition, Richard had property on the Vermejo River. Copied several deeds and going back for more documentation. Suffice to say the land holding, adventurous de Graffenried gene continued through Catherine de Graffenried Miller and her children Gaddis Jr and Richard Miller.

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  5. My wife and I are setting up our visit to Europe for 2020. How many castles or manors are there in Switzerland associated with our ancestors ? and do you have any contact info for anyone there we could ask about visiting any of them.

    Thanks Rick DeGraffenreid

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    1. I’m sorry I took so long to respond Rick, this was buried, so my apologies. I’d encourage you to look at a copy of the DeGraffenried Family Scrapbook, 1191-1956. You can find a pdf copy inside familysearch.org (but you’ll have to join for free to see it). There’s a listing of many of the von Graffenried associated places. Off the top of my head Chillon castle is one, though not of our direct line, it’s a public place so you can get in. Holligen is another, Aigle. Burgistein is not of our direct line but is still in the family and they still maintain portraits. I have no contacts for anyone, for which I apologize. I’ll see if I can’t come up with a better list. Since the family had many who governed even for a brief time there are several places where there is an association.

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  6. I have appreciated all of your posts so much. I always knew I was a direct descendant…Thanks for helping me through the generations!

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  7. This site is awesome! I just got started. I am a cousin.

    Zoa Elizabeth DeGraffenreid
    William Monroe DeGraffenreid
    Zachariah Marshall DeGraffenreid
    William Monroe DeGraffenreid
    Tscharner…..and so on.
    My grandmother Zoa is in that 20’s book, but there was an error if I remember right. I’ll have to check out the link you have for it and see.
    Thank you so much for all this info online for all of us to appreciate.

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    1. Thanks! I’m glad you like the site and can use the info! Also, wanted to ask if you wanted your comment posted publicly or meant it just as a private message? Either is fine. It’s neat that your grandmother was in Thomas Pritchett’s book!

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  8. My grandmother, Mary Campbell Ford Massie, was the great-great granddaughter of Mary Baker DeGraffenried. She was always so very proud of her Swiss ancestors. Thank you so much for the wonderful background you have given me here. If anyone wants to talk “family”, you can contact me at
    tahoeduo@charter.net. Barbara Massie Kurek

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  9. Hello. I do not yet know if my family has a connection to the de Graffenreid family. I did, however, purchase a rather large book at an estate sale that is connected. This book belonged to Thomas P. De Graffenreid as noted by his signature on the inside cover as well as a business card. The title of the book is The Colonial Records of North Carolina, Volume 1, 1662-1712, copyright 1886 by William Saunders. He marked the book with penciled notes in various places where there are references to the de Graffenreid ancestor who was governor of the German colony. Very interesting, but I am certainly willing to part with it if there is interest from a family member.

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  10. just heard about the website after a connection on ancestry. my great grandmother was lura degraffenreid who was originally from Paducah ky and died in California in the thirties.

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  11. I am from Nancy Needham DeGraffenreid & William B. Maxey family line. Nancy was the daughter of Vincent Monroe DeGraffenreid.

    I have enjoyed reading your information on the DeGraffenreid family.

    Coyal Ann Maxey Gorman

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    1. My fourth-great grandmother was Mary Baker deGraffenreid. She was the daughter of Anton Tscharner de Graffenreid. Her daughter, Patsy Woodson, married my third-great grandfather, Samuel Taylor III. His uncle, Creed Taylor, had a law school in Appomattox County, VA named “Needham”. Have you been there?

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      1. Thank you for your information. No, I have not checked out Creed Taylor, but I will. I just joined DAR
        with my line going to Anton Tscharner de Graffenreid.

        My tree is at Ancestry and Geni. I am also a member of Ged-Match.

        My email address is: racecarfan1@suddenlink.net

        Coyal

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      2. Dear Coyle, Thank you so much for sending me the link to all the Needham info. My sister and I drove down there a few years ago (I grew up in Nelson County) so I have the same pictures. I remember it wasn’t too far from Farmville which made me think it was in Appomattox County, but sounds like it’s really in Cumberland County. My home now is in Nevada, but I try to get back to Virginia as often as possible. My line comes down from Dr. Samuel Taylor IV (Manchester). His daughter, Mary Maria, was my great-grandmother. She married Samuel Alexander Ford. Their daughter (my grandmother) was Mary Campbell Ford who married a Massie from Nelson County. Which line is yours? I don’t have a membership to Ancestry. I use Family Search. Do you live anywhere near or in Virginia? Barbara

        —————————————–

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  12. Thank you for the great article.
    My 9th great grandmother was Anna Margaretha Dorothea Salome von Graffenried and she is my closest von Graffenried ancestor. Her father my 10th great grandfather was Baron Anton von Graffenreid. I am a decedent of another notable Swiss family in the Bern area called von Steiger. I am creating a family tree right now and was wondering if you could tell me some more of my von Graffenried ancestors. I can trace my von Graffenried ancestors back to Abraham von Graffenried ( 1580-1620) who is my 12th great grandfather. I am hoping you can give me more information about some of his ancestors.

    Thanks, Elijah Hallberg

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  13. Hey! I’m not entirely sure how because I’m just getting into ancestry, but a genealogy one of my grandparents filled out years ago shows that I’m somehow related to niklaus the monk and Peter de Graffenreid. This is all so cool to learn about! Thanks for the information.

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    1. Hi Ben! You are certainly welcome! Yup, if you are an American and have a DeGraffenried/reid ancestor then it is also very likely you are descended from Niklaus the Monk and his son Peter. Christopher DeGraffenried (Jr) (who stayed in America) was descended from them and he had only one child, Tscharner, but then Tscharner had 13 children that lived to adulthood and most Caucasian DeGraffenrieds in America are descended from them. You are also likely descended from the artist Niklaus Manuel Deutsch (Google him,pretty interesting)

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  14. Hi, I am a descendant also. Mary Baker DeGraffenried, who is married to Miller Woodson, are my 5th great grandparents. I have a tree on ancestry, and love learning. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this wonderful reseach. I don’t have any pictures of my ancestors, passed Nannie Temple Woodson. Do you have any? Who is this picture of that you have on this paper?

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  15. I along with some of the others who have posted about their DGraffenried connection are very close related to my line, down and up, from Creed Taylor DeGrffenried. The book, DeGraffnried Scrapbook 1191-1956, kind of leaves Creed Taylor DeGrasffenried out. Miss Katherine Reynolds, compiled 464 pages of the best family genealogy in her book: Descendants of Baker and Sarah Vass De Graffenried of Virginia and North Carolina. A lady I have kind of forgotin her name, seems like Betty Thomas, published a few books, etc., and they were some what mixed up. I am very pleased to read the family records here and have printed out some of the pages, I love to read my hand copies.

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    1. Yes, sadly Thomas Pritchett, in a History of the de Graffenried Family 1191 AD – 1925, did not include information on the descendants of Baker deGraffenried. But it was wonderful that Katherine Reynolds could do a follow up and provide that information for future generations! Folks can see her manuscript on familysearch.org at:

      https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/81725-descendants-of-baker-and-sarah-vass-de-graffenried-virginia-and-north-carolina?offset=11

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      1. It looks like Baker is my fifth great grandfather. His son John c is fourth great grandfather. His son Tscharner C is my third great grandfather. His daughter Mary Frances de grafenreid was my second great grandmother. She married a Wm James and their son Jacob James was my Grandma Helen James Dutton dad so that is my connection to DeGraffenreid.

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  16. What a great tool for any one doing research on the Baker DeGraffenried (other spellings) family. It is a almost impossible book/manuscript to find. I was so blessed to have been able to buy a copy years ago. My copy is well worn and a great steping stone to finding many finds on my family. Thank you for the site of where to set in your home and study the book, for many others doing research. My direct line is on page 340 —– Elizabeth VIAN de Graffenried born 1835 in KY. dau of Creed Taylor de Graffenried md: 15 Aug., 1857 in Grayson Co., Texas —- Afam L. Lawrence. Thy went in a wagon train to Cimarron, N. M., in 1865. I am 90 years old and still finding records to answer those many, many questions, since starting this hobby in 1980s. Thank you for posting that book for others to find their answers…….. pat-igree-kenn@charter.net

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    1. Wanted to let you know I’ve long admired your work on the DeGraffenried family that I have seen over the years! Thank you for helping to preserve information for future generations!

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    1. All that I know is what I said about her on Creed Taylor’s page :” Creed Taylor deGraffenried, a grandson of Baker, is said to have been born in Virginia, and to have had two brothers, John deGraffenried and Tscharner deGraffenried. He married Martha Permila Edna Howard, Thomas Pritchett deGraffenried stated that Martha was a granddaughter of William Baker deGraffenried, however this is uncertain. Her father was Reuben B. Howard, b. 1823, in Christian County Kentucky, bears further research.”

      Martha Permila Edna Howard, 1818–1856

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  17. Would appreciate the opportunity to talk to a descendent of Thomas P. deGraffenried JR as I am preparing a first person monologue in the near future in Russellville Kentucky…his birthplace. Contact larryvaught2015 @gmail.com Thanks

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    1. Hi, thanks for the comment, yes it was founded by Christopher deGraffenried, he went back to Worb, but his son stayed here in America and most American deGraffenrieds are descended from him. : )

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  18. I am a descendant of Mary Polly Baker De Graffenried, she married Gideon William Johnson Jr. Their daughter Ursula Allen Johnson married Charles Powhatan May, their daughter Elizabeth Hunter May married William Harrison Jennings. Their daughter, Margarett Ursula Jennings married Thomas A. Smith and their son Albert Claud Smith is my great grandfather. Thank you for all your work, I look forward to traveling someday and visiting our ancestral lands.

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  19. My journey began while I lived in Raton, NM in the 1990’s. I happened to visit the home of one of the very few African-Americans living the area, a dear friend, and while she was not at home there was an empty 5 gallon pickle bucket sitting by her front door stairs. The label had “DeGraffenried & Sons”. It jumped out at me because I had been asking my father about why my grandfather’s middle name was something so difficult to spell and pronounce as “DeGraffenried”. He didn’t know. I knew enough about the thought process behind naming children in the eighteen hundreds that it must have been a family name. At that time the interest in genealogy was just beginning to hit the internet and nothing I searched seemed to shed any light on the family. I moved to Florida and life takes it’s twists and turns. I did not get back to the mystery for awhile but it was nagging my brain.

    My grandfather’s name was Aubrey DeGraffenried Culley and he was known by all in his community as “Mr. Dee”. He was born in 1880 in Madison, Madison County, Mississippi and was 50 years old when my father, his youngest son, was born. His father was named D’Aubrey Culley as that just added to the mystery. Why the strange “D”? Sometime before 2003 I was invited to the dedication of a cemetery memorial in Madison County, MS that had been discovered by a developer clearing land for a new subdivision. I would discover that this was my Great, Great Grandfather DeVander Culley. Another “D” mystery. Was he the link to this DeGraffenried name?
    He was…. BY MARRIAGE. I did not discover this until 2 years ago posted by other relations on Find A Grave.
    DeVander Culley married Mary De Graffenried Patteson daughter of Samuel Patteson whose mother was Regina De Graffenried. Regina is Tscharner’s Daughter by Elizabeth Allen Embrey his 3rd wife.
    Thanks to the efforts of so many good people who also have a certain passion and fascination with family and history it now makes sense why my Grandfather had the name that confused us for so long. This family has longevity on it’s side. D’Aubrey was called “Pap” by the time my father was alive and he lived with the family on their “farm” in Churchhill, Jefferson County, Mississippi at the end of his life. He was 90 when he died in 1937.
    Thank you so much for all the links to the books written about the family and the wonderful little factoids of a rich history. It makes for many evenings of smiles wondering how they would all act if in the same room!

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  20. Hello, all so interesting, I am a DeGraffenreid, my father was Bert DeGraffenreid from Monroe, Louisiana related through Tscharner and Christopher DeGraffenreid from Bern, North Carolina. Thank you!

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