I am a Gauchat whose family is originated from Prêles.
My father was born there and as far as I could go back in the time, beginning 1800, through registry of families these Gauchat where located there. Of course there are other Gauchat, probably related but then my search was becoming difficult. Before 1800 the registry were the one of the Basel catholic bishop (I believe) owning the region, in addition in Prêles they were protestant.....It is a real mess.
I you want to contact me : my mail address:
samgauchat@bluewin.ch