This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: aggieatheart911 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.dietrich/321.1.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The VON is nobility for being a land owner. Emperor Leopold of Germany gave him land which his two sons inherited and Johan was the one who was given the land. There is a Castle but I would have to look up the name. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.