The Graf family from Rockenhausen Germany.

 

The word "Graf" is a title of distinction in German that is given to royalty much like "Duke" or "Earl."  With that said I have never found a connection back to royalty so far.  Looking at the early church records the name was spelled "Grav."  The pronounciation of "f" and "v" in German is very similar.  The name is spelled "Graff" in later church records.  By the time the family immigrated to the US the church records spelled the name "Graf."  I have to make assumptions as that the Pastor spelled the name as he understood the pronounciation. 

Several people have asked why I spell my name Graff.  My family that originated from Illinois spelled it both ways, but my direct line spelled it Graff.  I have understood from family members that the family gave their children similar names, therefore cousins had the same first and last name.  The mail would get mixed up and part of the family changed the spelling.  I don't know if this story is true, I believe it was just a difference of opinion  about how is should be spelled.

 

My research has taken me back to the mid 1600's.  I assume the church records before this were destroyed in the many wars that were fought in Germany.  What I know is my family tree starts with Nickel Grav that was born about 1666.

The family started immigrating to the United States in 1840 and continued for the next two decades.  Many brothers and cousins traveled together on ships to the US.  A large portion of the family settled in Indiana, but my direct line called Illinois home.  

Unless otherwise noted the information contained on this web site was taken from "The Graf Family" book, written in 1921 by Emma Graf-Richer and Louise Graf-Froelich.

Please feel free to contact me if a correction needs to be made.