ORIGIN OF NAME---The surname Leffler,Lefler(older form Leffler),16th century,signified in German,Leoffelshield, or what might be called a "Smith of Spoons" or maker of spoons, as a silver smith or gold smith. The name belongs to the class of family names which signify the executor of some craft.

Extracts from a letter written by Prof. L. Fr. Laffler of Djursholm, Sweden, dated Feb. 5,1909, to Mrs. Henrietta E. Bromwell, editor of the Bromwell Geneology which includes the "LEFFLER FAMILY" on pages 217 to 235,states: "The name Leffler or Lefler often occurs in Germany as Loefler or Loffler,although there are many Lefflers yet there. We have a complete genelogy of our family from the beginning of the 17th century when our ancestor, Georgius Leffler, lived in Breaslau,Schesia,Germany. His son ,Tobias emigrated to Sweden about 1655,probably for the same reason the "Mayflower " emigrants went to America--religious freedom. From this Tobias, I and my brothers are descended to the 6th degree."

"As the old word Leffel." spoon, now changed to Laffel, the name often now occurs as Loeffler, as found in the name of the Professor of Medicine, the renowned "Bacteriologist Friedrich Loffeler in Grisswald: the Professor of Law, Alexander Loffler in Wocer and the Professor of Geography in Copenhagen, Ernst Loffler----

"There are also Leflers yet in Germany " for instance two artists. In Sweden there is another family by the name of Leffler which came from Germany,a little earlier than my family. One branch of this family has been annobled, and is now Reuterskold, a great family. The geneological tables of this family have been printed and there are among the men several about which nothing but the birth is known. Among them: Lara Leffler, born 1693; Simon Lefler,born 1698; Johannes Leffler, born 1699; and Peter Leffler, born 1705.

A footnote on page 218 of the book by the author Henrietta Bromwell states, "Professor Loffler is a brother of the distinguished Professor Costa Mittag Leffler, PHD, and a member of the faculty of the University of Stockholm. They are the sons of Rector J.C. Leffler, member of Parliament. Professor Leffler is a member of nearly all of the learned societies of Europe, including the Institute of France."

"ANNA CHARLOTTE LEFFLER," my sister, Dutchess of Cajanello, a renowned authoress, left a son born in 1892, called Castano Leffler Del Pezzo. He is the only son of the Duke of Cajanello and will ,if he survives his father, succeed to he title. He has published a little book of POEMS"

From page 220; " in disposition the families have always been most kind, open, without fear, very hospitable and of sterling integrity. Many of them have lived to a great age."

The name Lefler is inseparably connected with the history of Van Buren County,--Page 342 and 343. Portrait-Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa.

DEDICATION

This history of the "LEFLERS" is lovingly dedicated to the memory of my grandparents, George Adam and Clara Taylor Lefler, and to my mother Mary Iris Lefler Almond. It was they who instilled into us the heritage and importance of home and family.

I fondly remember my grandparents, from my childhood until their deaths. We visited many times in their home in North Carolina and I have many memories of those times. As my fathers work was 20 miles from the local school in Tennessee , I stayed and attended school from my grandparents home for a full school year. They were very strict grandparents, but it was a great year!!!

HERITAGE

We thank Thee, Lord, for treasures that abide
The simple things that bless our fireside
The peace and joy we shared , the love sublime
The heritage of our home.
How swift the years of time have marched away;
compressing all or thoughts of yesterday,
Each echo awakened by bells that chime,
The heritage of home, each season-time.
Enshrine within our hearts these precious things;
Feeling the brush of angel's wings,
May loves tender ties,our hearts entwine,
The heritage of home, for all times.