The du PREL surname comes from the locality Le PREL, possession of the Abbey of Saint-Claude from whom the counts of Chalon were pledged to by following an arrangement with the Abbey in 1301. Maximilien baron du PREL the II, made a study of the family name in 1890. During the 6th and 7th century the Burgundians who lived in the region came from the island of Burgundy. Furthermore, the surname Prell can be associated with the German and English, meaning, one who was rowdy and boisterous. Although this interpretation was the result of onerous research, you may find other meanings for the Prell family name.
Many surnames have more than one origin.
Most surnames are derived from occupations, colors or locations. Frederick and his family continued on to Mt. Clemens in MaComb County Michigan. They continued to live in Michigan after their son, August left for Nebraska. He had a glass eye which was rumored to have been inflicted during the Civil War. Also, he was about 5'9 and had a little goatee.