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The Diesel name has gone through quite a transformation over the centuries. Coming originally from the Northern parts of Europe in Norway and Sweeden, the name had early spellings such as Tussel and Duhsel as it moved down into Germany and France where the name continued to transform into the names of Disel, Dissel, and our family's name "DIESEL". The current spelling of Diesel and the family group bearing the name came about in the middle 1600s.
Coming from a family of Leather-workers and bookbinders, some stayed in Europe and others struck out for the land of opportunity. Rudolf Diesel, who patented the Internal Combustion engine, and pressurized fuel injection came from a group of the European Diesels. Dying young in 1913, Rudolf apparently committed suicide, (there is debate on this)and was last seen on a boat on the English Channel. When the boat made it back to port, the only remnant of Diesel was his Derby hat on the deck of the boat.
Another group of Diesels took their chances crossing the Atlantic. Many traveled down the rivers and Great Lakes from their port of entry in New York to settle in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio where they did what most German emigrants did in those days - farmed. Some of the Diesels moved on to Cincinnati to move out of the agrarian life and picked up jobs in things like the railroad. In the 40s, some of the Diesels decided to move out to the land of plenty and settle in San Diego, CA to begin a successfull Chicken Ranching business. Along with their close family friends the Whiteds, the Diesels raised their family in El Cajon, whom later have all left home in various directions such Colorado, Oregon, and Oklahoma.
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