History
A chronological account, drawn from parish records, court chronicles, and family papers.
- 16th century
Earliest recorded name
The first documentary references to bearers of the name appear in Baltic municipal registers, associated with merchant houses of the Hanseatic sphere.
16th century - 17th century
Passage to the Swedish crown
Several branches enter service under the Swedish crown, holding military and administrative offices in Livonia and Ingria.
17th century - 18th century
Entry into the Russian Empire
After the Treaty of Nystad, the family takes oath to the Russian sovereign and is inscribed among the nobility of the Baltic governorates.
18th century - 19th century
Elevation to baronial rank
The senior line is elevated to the dignity of Baron, with the coat of arms confirmed by imperial patent. Members serve in the court, the diplomatic corps, and the imperial guard.
- 20th century
Dispersion and preservation
After the events of 1917 the family is dispersed across Europe and the Americas. Descendants take up the work of preserving the family's papers and memory.