The Karl & Cree Probst Family: Karl's Photographs

Probst Surname

Probst is an official German surname. History informs us that surnames did not become hereditary until after the time of the Norman conquest, 1066. Even in the 11th and 12th centuries hereditary names were uncommon. It was not until the 14th and 15th centuries that the lesser people assumed the dignity of surnames as such. The following incident, taken from the life of Ulrich Probst while serving and L.D.S. Mission in Germany (Strassburg) 1889-91, shows the respect in which the Probst surname was held.

While doing active missionary work, Ulrich, in company with two other elders, was arrested, a usual occurrence in that period of missionary history. When the magistrate heard the name Probst read, he ordered Ulrich freed out of respect for his name, further explaining that because of official service rendered in the past by one Probst, a city ordinance had been passed prohibiting imprisonment of anyone bearing that surname.