John C. Bhend's Page

Hello John,
My grandfather was Christian Bhend, born in Unterseen, Interlaken in July, 1880. He came to Liverpool and then London to find work as a pastry chef in 1901. I am in touch with cousins in Unterseen who have information on the family tree.
We have a Johannes Bhend (my great grandfather) listed in the town records, born on 15th May 1838, who had several children, including what looks like Johannes, (though the script is difficult to read) born 10th November, 1870 who was one of my grandfather's brothers ‚ in all it looks like there were eight children. Hope this helps with your research!
The family lost both their parents within six months and the children were brought up by various people in the village of Unterseen. My grandfather went to the village pattisiere which is how he became a pastry chef.
My father, also Christian Bhend, died in December 2008 aged almost 102. I have two sons (one also Christian) and two grandchildren, living in New York.
I live with my husband in London, England but have visited Unterseen many times. When in New York once, we found a Jacob Bhend on the wall of honour on Ellis Island and believe he was also related to our family. Bhend is quite an unusual name, even for Switzerland and is linked to quite specific areas, especially Interlaken but your crest with the harp and the wavy lines is the same as ours — my grandfather used to tell me that the family had original gone 'over the sea' from Ireland to Switzerland.
Guess we must be related!

Janice Shillum Bhend.