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Sign up freeBechtel Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the Bechtel Surname
The Bechtel surname is of German origin, first appearing in historical records during the early 16th century. This surname is deeply rooted in German linguistic and cultural traditions, marking the beginning of a complex and storied family history. As a German surname, Bechtel reflects the regional identity of its bearers and serves as a significant marker for those interested in tracing their ancestral lineage within the context of broader genealogical studies.
Over the centuries, the Bechtel surname saw geographical and cultural evolution, particularly noted during the 17th century when family members began to spread across various regions of Germany. This expansion laid the groundwork for the Bechtel family tree, creating diverse lines of descent that spanned across continents. By the 18th century, many Bechtels had emigrated to the United States, further broadening their geographical presence and contributing to the formation of new family branches while preserving their German heritage.
The YourRoots dataset provides valuable insights into the genealogy and history of the Bechtel family. It confirms the early presence of the Bechtel surname in Germany, aligning with its historical roots. The dataset highlights how the surname expanded during the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in the United States, where it became a prominent hub for the family. This data enriches our understanding of the Bechtel genealogy, illustrating a pattern of migration and adaptation that has characterized the surname over the centuries.
For genealogists and family-tree researchers, the YourRoots data offers a comprehensive resource for exploring the Bechtel family tree. By delving into these records, individuals can uncover unique ancestral connections and gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience and adaptability of the Bechtel family across different eras and regions. This continuity between historical accounts and YourRoots records provides a rich foundation for anyone interested in tracing their Bechtel lineage.
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GBGeorge Wilson BechtelBirth: 1846 – 1848 New Orleans, LADeath: 1846 – 1848 New Orleans, LAFather: Jacob Hortter BechtelMother: Sarah ShunkReliability Score: CGBGeorge Wilson BechtelBirth: 1846 – 1848 New Orleans, LADeath: 1846 – 1848 New Orleans, LAFather: Jacob Hortter BechtelMother: Sarah ShunkReliability Score: C
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CBClaire BechtelBirth: 1891 – 1939 Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USADeath: 1891 – 1939 Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USAFather: Theodore Adolphus BechtelMother: Maud RahnReliability Score: BCBClaire BechtelBirth: 1891 – 1939 Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USADeath: 1891 – 1939 Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USAFather: Theodore Adolphus BechtelMother: Maud RahnReliability Score: B
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VBVirginia B BechtelBirth: 1858 – 1937 Richmond, VADeath: 1858 – 1937 unkFather: Jacob Hortter BechtelMother: Sarah ShunkReliability Score: CVBVirginia B BechtelBirth: 1858 – 1937 Richmond, VADeath: 1858 – 1937 unkFather: Jacob Hortter BechtelMother: Sarah ShunkReliability Score: C
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CBCharles Edward BechtelBirth: 1852 – 1886 Philadelphia, PADeath: 1852 – 1886 Philadelphia, PAFather: Jacob Hortter BechtelMother: Sarah ShunkReliability Score: CCBCharles Edward BechtelBirth: 1852 – 1886 Philadelphia, PADeath: 1852 – 1886 Philadelphia, PAFather: Jacob Hortter BechtelMother: Sarah ShunkReliability Score: C
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ABAlfred Rahn BechtelBirth: 1893 – 1994 Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USADeath: 1893 – 1994 Middletown, Newport, Rhode Island, USAFather: Theodore Adolphus BechtelMother: Maud RahnReliability Score: AABAlfred Rahn BechtelBirth: 1893 – 1994 Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USADeath: 1893 – 1994 Middletown, Newport, Rhode Island, USAFather: Theodore Adolphus BechtelMother: Maud RahnReliability Score: A
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SBSarah BechtelBirth: 1835 – 1950 PennsylvaniaDeath: 1835 – 1950 unkFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: CSBSarah BechtelBirth: 1835 – 1950 PennsylvaniaDeath: 1835 – 1950 unkFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: C
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JBJames Giffen BechtelBirth: 1848 – 1925 PennsylvaniaDeath: 1848 – 1925 Baltimore, MDFather: Jacob Hortter BechtelMother: Sarah ShunkReliability Score: CJBJames Giffen BechtelBirth: 1848 – 1925 PennsylvaniaDeath: 1848 – 1925 Baltimore, MDFather: Jacob Hortter BechtelMother: Sarah ShunkReliability Score: C
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GBGeorge Hortter BechtelBirth: 1821 – 1901 PennsylvaniaDeath: 1821 – 1901 unkFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: CGBGeorge Hortter BechtelBirth: 1821 – 1901 PennsylvaniaDeath: 1821 – 1901 unkFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: C
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JBJacob Hortter BechtelBirth: 1822 – 1864 Philadelphia, PADeath: 1822 – 1864 Fort Gilmer, Richmond, VAFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: AJBJacob Hortter BechtelBirth: 1822 – 1864 Philadelphia, PADeath: 1822 – 1864 Fort Gilmer, Richmond, VAFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: A
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ABAlfred Rahn BechtelBirth: 1917 – 2006 Massillon, Stark, Ohio, USADeath: 1917 – 2006 State College PA.Father: Alfred Rahn BechtelMother: Miriam Gladys PatchettReliability Score: AABAlfred Rahn BechtelBirth: 1917 – 2006 Massillon, Stark, Ohio, USADeath: 1917 – 2006 State College PA.Father: Alfred Rahn BechtelMother: Miriam Gladys PatchettReliability Score: A
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CBCharles BechtelBirth: 1825 – 1826 unkDeath: 1825 – 1826 unkFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: CCBCharles BechtelBirth: 1825 – 1826 unkDeath: 1825 – 1826 unkFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: C
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MBMargaretta BechtelBirth: 1833 – 1920 unkDeath: 1833 – 1920 unkFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: CMBMargaretta BechtelBirth: 1833 – 1920 unkDeath: 1833 – 1920 unkFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: C
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GBGargas BechtelBirth: 1892 – 1974 Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USADeath: 1892 – 1974 Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of AmericaFather: Theodore Adolphus BechtelMother: Maud RahnReliability Score: BGBGargas BechtelBirth: 1892 – 1974 Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USADeath: 1892 – 1974 Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of AmericaFather: Theodore Adolphus BechtelMother: Maud RahnReliability Score: B
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ABAnna Elizabeth BechtelBirth: 1828 – 1867 Germantown, PADeath: 1828 – 1867 unkFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: CABAnna Elizabeth BechtelBirth: 1828 – 1867 Germantown, PADeath: 1828 – 1867 unkFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: C
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HBHelen Amanda BechtelBirth: 1850 – 1919 PADeath: 1850 – 1919 unkFather: Jacob Hortter BechtelMother: Sarah ShunkReliability Score: BHBHelen Amanda BechtelBirth: 1850 – 1919 PADeath: 1850 – 1919 unkFather: Jacob Hortter BechtelMother: Sarah ShunkReliability Score: B
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ABAlfred William BechtelBirth: 1860 – 1893 PADeath: 1860 – 1893 Oakland, CAFather: Jacob Hortter BechtelMother: Sarah ShunkReliability Score: CABAlfred William BechtelBirth: 1860 – 1893 PADeath: 1860 – 1893 Oakland, CAFather: Jacob Hortter BechtelMother: Sarah ShunkReliability Score: C
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WBWilliam Eberle BechtelBirth: 1826 – 1909 PennsylvaniaDeath: 1826 – 1909 unkFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: CWBWilliam Eberle BechtelBirth: 1826 – 1909 PennsylvaniaDeath: 1826 – 1909 unkFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: C
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PBPeter J BechtelBirth: 1824 – 1824 unkDeath: 1824 – 1824 unkFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: CPBPeter J BechtelBirth: 1824 – 1824 unkDeath: 1824 – 1824 unkFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: C
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EBEsther BechtelBirth: 1823 – 1895 Bucks, Pennsylvania, United StatesDeath: 1823 – 1895 Richland, Clarion, Pennsylvania, United StatesFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: CEBEsther BechtelBirth: 1823 – 1895 Bucks, Pennsylvania, United StatesDeath: 1823 – 1895 Richland, Clarion, Pennsylvania, United StatesFather: Peter BechtelMother: Margareth Rex HortterReliability Score: C
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TBTheodore Adolphus BechtelBirth: 1862 – 1940 Richmond, VA, Virginia, USADeath: 1862 – 1940 unkFather: Jacob Hortter BechtelMother: Sarah ShunkReliability Score: ATBTheodore Adolphus BechtelBirth: 1862 – 1940 Richmond, VA, Virginia, USADeath: 1862 – 1940 unkFather: Jacob Hortter BechtelMother: Sarah ShunkReliability Score: A
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Tracing Your Bechtel Family Lineage
Origin of the Bechtel Family: Where does the Bechtel surname come from?
The Bechtel surname has its earliest known roots in Germany, where it first appeared in historical records during the early 16th century. This initial documentation marks the beginning of the Bechtel family tree, connecting descendants to their ancestral homeland and highlighting the significance of family lineage in genealogical studies. The name itself likely reflects regional linguistic and cultural influences, laying the groundwork for the family's evolution over centuries.
Genealogy and Early Family History of Bechtel
As the Bechtel family began to establish itself in Germany, its members spread across various regions, particularly notable during the 17th century. Key areas of focus include regions within Germany where families started to branch out, creating diverse lines of descent and expanding family connections. This early expansion laid the foundation for future generations to trace their lineage back to these early roots, allowing for a rich tapestry of family histories to emerge.
Throughout the 18th century, the Bechtel family saw significant growth as many members emigrated, particularly to the United States. This migration not only broadened their geographical presence but also contributed to the formation of new family branches, each adapting to their new surroundings while preserving their heritage. The intertwining of these family lines created a complex network of Bechtel descendants, enriching the overall genealogy of the surname.
Tracing the Bechtel Family Tree Through the Centuries
The expansion of the Bechtel surname continued into the 19th century, with notable populations established in the United States, which became a prominent hub for the family. As families migrated, they carried their surname to new regions, leading to a significant increase in the presence of Bechtel descendants in various parts of America and beyond. This global spread throughout the centuries illustrates the resilience and adaptability of the Bechtel family, contributing to a diverse and extensive genealogical legacy.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, the Bechtel surname maintained its presence in various countries, with families continuing to expand and evolve. This modern spread highlights the importance of exploring genealogical records to connect with ancestral roots, as the Bechtel family history is rich with stories and connections. Individuals interested in tracing their own Bechtel lineage are encouraged to delve into the YourRoots database, which offers valuable records to aid in uncovering their unique family tree.
Famous People with Bechtel (and Their Family Tree)
Disappearance of Amy Wroe Bechtel
Amy Joy Wroe Bechtel was an American distance runner with aspirations to qualify for the 2000 Summer Olympics. Her promising career was cut short when she disappeared on July 24, 1997, while jogging near Lander, Wyoming. Despite extensive media coverage and investigation, her case remains unsolved, leading to her being declared legally dead in 2004. Her husband, Steve Bechtel, a renowned rock climber, found himself under suspicion due to his journals, although he maintained that they contained song lyrics unrelated to her disappearance.
Amy Wroe Bechtel was born in California in 1972 to Duane and Jo Anne Wroe and was the youngest of four children. Her family moved to Wyoming shortly after her birth, where she was raised in Jackson and Douglas.
Warren A. Bechtel
Warren Augustine Bechtel, founder of Bechtel Corporation, was a pioneering figure in American construction, known for his role in significant projects like the Western Pacific Railroad and the Hoover Dam. Establishing W.A. Bechtel Company in 1925 with his sons and brother, Bechtel harnessed innovations like the steam shovel to advance railroad and highway construction. His leadership in projects such as the Caribou Hydroelectric Facility and major pipelines highlighted his impact on infrastructure development. Bechtel's legacy continues through the family-owned corporation, a leader in global construction.
Born on September 12, 1872, in Freeport, Illinois, Warren A. Bechtel was the fifth child of Elizabeth (Bentz) and John Moyer Bechtel. The family, comprised of two boys and five girls, relocated to Kansas in 1884. He married Clara Alice West in 1897, further cementing his family roots in the Midwest before moving westward.
Riley P. Bechtel
Riley P. Bechtel, an American billionaire heir and prominent businessman, is best known for his leadership at Bechtel Corporation, where he held the roles of chairman and CEO. Under his guidance, the company made significant contributions to America's built environment, earning accolades like the Honor Award from the National Building Museum. Bechtel, a member of various influential boards and councils, also served on the international council of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. His extensive educational background includes a JD/MBA from Stanford University, and he was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1979. Despite stepping down from his CEO role in 2014 due to Parkinson's disease, Bechtel remains highly influential in business circles.
Riley P. Bechtel hails from a distinguished lineage, being the great-grandson of Warren A. Bechtel, the founder of Bechtel Corporation. His parents, Elizabeth Hogan and Stephen Bechtel Jr., played pivotal roles in the company, with his father serving as the former chairman and CEO. This rich family heritage has significantly shaped Riley's path in the business world, continuing the legacy of the Bechtel name in the engineering and construction industry.
Jim Bechtel
James Gary Bechtel, born in 1952, is a renowned American cotton farmer and poker player based in Gilbert, Arizona. Best known for his 1993 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event victory, Bechtel secured the title with a $1,000,000 prize. He became the first amateur to win since 1979, defeating professional Glenn Cozen. His poker career boasts several WSOP final table appearances, including the inaugural $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event in 2006. Bechtel also competes on the World Poker Tour, with total tournament earnings exceeding $2,500,000. His 23 WSOP cashes account for $1,838,861 of these winnings, highlighting his significant impact on the poker world.
William Bechtel
William Bechtel, born in 1951, is a distinguished emeritus professor of philosophy at the University of California, San Diego, known for his significant contributions to the philosophy of the life sciences. His academic career includes notable positions at Washington University in St. Louis, where he served as a professor and department chair, and Georgia State University. Bechtel is renowned for advocating a mechanistic approach to the philosophy of science, contrasting traditional deduction models. He has also significantly influenced the fields of cell biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, and cognitive science through his writings and editorial work in Philosophical Psychology.
Bechtel Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname "Bechtel" is of German origin. It is notably associated with Warren A. Bechtel, the founder of the Bechtel Corporation, and his descendants, who have been influential in American industry and various other fields.
VIEW MOREWhere to Find Genealogy Records for Bechtel
We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Bechtel family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Bechtel surname to learn more.
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