Showing posts with label Dolhanceyk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dolhanceyk. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 08, 2014
Sad Tale of the Two Francis Bednarski's
Sunday, July 06, 2014
Eva Wisloski Death Certificate
Friday, February 22, 2008
Czarna Woda in 1890
"What is your country of citizenship?" It is important to note that the first two of these answers could have more that one meaning each. In the latter part of the 18th century, Poland was divided up and taken over by the three great surrounding powers: Austria, Russia, and Prussia (Germany). After the completion of this division in 1795, there was officially no longer a country named Poland. However, as can be seen on the 1890's ship records, many people still responded that their country of citizenship was Poland. Interestingly, these responders were probably 3-4 generations later than their ancestors who had been alive when Poland’s breakup was completed 95 years earlier. Obviously, a strong nationalistic message was making its way down through the generations. (Of the 96,699 immigrants that make up this index, 60% said "Austria", 39% said "Poland", and 1% said "Galicia"). The "Poland" response could imply that they came from three different regions of the original country: Austrian (southern) Poland, a region also known as Galicia; Russian (eastern) Poland; or Prussian (western) Poland. "Austria", on the other hand, could mean Austria itself, Austrian Poland (Galicia), or other parts of the Austrian Empire (Bohemia, Moravia, Bukovina, Transylvania, etc.).
In the case of the Wislocki family, they listed their country of citizenship as Austria though the town they are from is considered in Poland today. Interestingly enough, Eva Wislocki Bednarski listed her country of citizenship as first Galicia then Austria only. Clearly, the Wislocki clan ancestry once was from what was considered Poland before the three super powers of its time took over in 1795 because our ancestors spoke the Polish language and were Catholics.
The question now is "why did the Wislocki clan leave Czarnawoda?" Was there political unrest in the region as there was in Germany? Was there a water shortage as indicated in some research articles that stated water was disappearing from the lakes causing a severe water shortage in the Czarnawoda canal? Why would an entire family consisting of brothers & at least one sister leave behind their homeland in search of a new unfamilar homeland so far away where their language was not spoken?
In the case of the Wislocki family, they listed their country of citizenship as Austria though the town they are from is considered in Poland today. Interestingly enough, Eva Wislocki Bednarski listed her country of citizenship as first Galicia then Austria only. Clearly, the Wislocki clan ancestry once was from what was considered Poland before the three super powers of its time took over in 1795 because our ancestors spoke the Polish language and were Catholics.
The question now is "why did the Wislocki clan leave Czarnawoda?" Was there political unrest in the region as there was in Germany? Was there a water shortage as indicated in some research articles that stated water was disappearing from the lakes causing a severe water shortage in the Czarnawoda canal? Why would an entire family consisting of brothers & at least one sister leave behind their homeland in search of a new unfamilar homeland so far away where their language was not spoken?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Getting A Little Closer
His name at birth was Lekis Wislocki. His last residence in Poland was Czarnawoda. He had at least one sister, Eva Bednarski and five brothers, Sylvester also known as Stephan, Johann also known as John, Thomas and Petro also known as Peter. All six immigrated to Philadelphia by way of a port in Austria. They may have had another sibling known as Andrew.
As far I can see from various research articles, these were the siblings who immigrated to Philadelphia (Manayunk) between the years 1890 and 1905. I discovered that Lekis (Lewis) Wislocki (Wisloski/Weleski) worked at Pencoyd Iron Works. It appears his brothers may have worked there too. When John, Sylvester and Peter immigrated to Philadelphia, they had their brother Lekis Wislocki written down as their contact here in America. When Thomas and Eva immigrated to Philadelphia, they had their brother Sylvester listed as their contact here in America.
Little by little, the pieces of this puzzle come together. All the Wislocki siblings, with the exception of Andrew lived in Manayunk. I have a feeling if I can locate the graves of the sibling brothers, I may come across my great grandfather, Lekis Wislocki's burial spot. As indicated in earlier posts, my great grandfather was not interred in the same cemetery plot as my great grandmother, uncles, aunts, ect. Lekis died before his wife. Supposely, he did something to disgrace the family and the children ended up being raised by their mother, Eva. It was a known fact that none of the family members were allowed to ever mention his name. I have checked the records at Westminster Cemetery and could not locate any records on the burials of these brothers even though Lekis's wife, Eva and sister Eva Bednarski are interred there along with some of his children and their spouses.
Though, I do not know the terrible family crime/secret, I do know that the youngest child of Lekis and Eva was also considered a disgrace, when she married outside the catholic religion. This was the child known as Julia (Julie).
The Wislocki's spoke the Polish language and were devoted catholics. At some point, the spelling of their name was changed from Wislocki to Wisloski, then again when my grandfather, John changed it to its current spelling of Weleski though not all members of his extended family went along with the new spelling.
Today, we have family members with both spelling variations of the name.
As far I can see from various research articles, these were the siblings who immigrated to Philadelphia (Manayunk) between the years 1890 and 1905. I discovered that Lekis (Lewis) Wislocki (Wisloski/Weleski) worked at Pencoyd Iron Works. It appears his brothers may have worked there too. When John, Sylvester and Peter immigrated to Philadelphia, they had their brother Lekis Wislocki written down as their contact here in America. When Thomas and Eva immigrated to Philadelphia, they had their brother Sylvester listed as their contact here in America.
Little by little, the pieces of this puzzle come together. All the Wislocki siblings, with the exception of Andrew lived in Manayunk. I have a feeling if I can locate the graves of the sibling brothers, I may come across my great grandfather, Lekis Wislocki's burial spot. As indicated in earlier posts, my great grandfather was not interred in the same cemetery plot as my great grandmother, uncles, aunts, ect. Lekis died before his wife. Supposely, he did something to disgrace the family and the children ended up being raised by their mother, Eva. It was a known fact that none of the family members were allowed to ever mention his name. I have checked the records at Westminster Cemetery and could not locate any records on the burials of these brothers even though Lekis's wife, Eva and sister Eva Bednarski are interred there along with some of his children and their spouses.
Though, I do not know the terrible family crime/secret, I do know that the youngest child of Lekis and Eva was also considered a disgrace, when she married outside the catholic religion. This was the child known as Julia (Julie).
The Wislocki's spoke the Polish language and were devoted catholics. At some point, the spelling of their name was changed from Wislocki to Wisloski, then again when my grandfather, John changed it to its current spelling of Weleski though not all members of his extended family went along with the new spelling.
Today, we have family members with both spelling variations of the name.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Maps Of Austria And Poland Borders
CLICK TO ENLARGE & VIEW ALL IMAGES
21st Century Borders
21st Century Borders
19th Century Galicia
19th Century Borders
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Origin Of The Wislocki Surname
Other spelling include; Vislosky, Weslawski, Wesowsky, Wesolowski, Wyszalkowski, Wyczechowski, Wyczolkowski.
In the case of our family history, it was found spelled Wisloski and later Weleski.
Name originated in Wadwicz, Lacki and area known as Pomerania. Depending on the year, it could be considered Germany or Poland or whatever, the borders changed so much that after several hours of researching, I could write an entire chapter of who ruled who back when. Anyway, this name dates back to families of nobility in the middle ages.
First people with this surname immigrated to the states of Pennsylvania and New York in the early and late 19th century.
Missing Link
While researching this branch of our family history, I became alittle baffled as to why our ancestors were listed as immigrating from Austria but spoke Polish and Russian. If you look at a present day map of Europe, these two countries do not share a border.
However, if you look at a later 19th century map of Europe, you will be surprised to see that the Austrian Empire did border the Kingdom of Poland after what was known as the Partitions of Poland which occurred in 1772 and again in 1795. The Austrian Empire annexed Poland by creating an area and calling it Galicia that connected Austria to Poland. In 1846, Galicia became a part of Austria.
In Austrian controlled Galicia, the population was 50% Polish Catholics. If you look closely at some of the Wisloski records, you will notice that some members were indeed listed as arriving from Galicia.
Borders changed again after World War I when Galicia became part of Poland.
After World War II, Galicia was divided between Poland and the Ukraine.
Here Is A Little More 19th Century European History;
In the 19th century there was a great power struggle between the two dominate German States of Prussia and Austria. However, Prussia was victorious and in 1866 what was known as the North German Confederation was founded and the following areas were under Prussia's control; Austria, Schleswig, Holstein, Alsace-Lorraine and Westphalia. Later the following areas were also controlled by Prussia; Thuringia, Saxony, Wurttenburg and Bavaria.
Though by the end of the 18th century, half of the Kingdom of Poland was under Prussian rule, the Kingdom of Poland consisted of Lithuania, Belarus and half of the Ukraine.
The Western and Central part of the Kingdom of Poland were of Polish Ethnic and Catholic backgrounds. The Northeastern section was a mixture of Catholic Poles and Lithuanians. This area is now known as the Republic of Lithuania. The Eastern part of the Kingdom of Poland was of Belarussian and Ukrainian backgrounds.
Also under the Prussian control were the provinces Pomerania, Silesia and East Prussia. These areas are now a part of Poland.
After World war I, Pomarania remained under Germany's control. Most of its inhabitants were German speaking and Protestants. But after World War II, it became a part of Poland and its German inhabitants either escaped from the country or were expelled and the Poles settled in the area.
Before Silesia fell under Prussia's rule in 1742, Silesia was a part of Austria. The German language and culture stems back to the 13th century. In the 19th century, most of the population was Catholic. In the Western & Central locations, German was spoken. In the Eastern location, Polish was spoken. After World War II, most of Silesia became a part of Poland and a small section went to Saxony. Just as the Germans in Pomerania, the German inhabitants living in Silesia were expelled or escaped and the Poles settled the area.
East Prussia was a population of German Lutherans. After World War II, East Prussia was divided between Poland and Russia. The German inhabitants escaped or were expelled and the Poles and Russians settled the area.
This is just a small taste of the history of the areas' constantly changing borders. Between the variations in the language, maps and name changes, my head is on a free fall spin. Maps will follow at a later date, that is when I can see straight enough again to post them.
In the case of our family history, it was found spelled Wisloski and later Weleski.
Name originated in Wadwicz, Lacki and area known as Pomerania. Depending on the year, it could be considered Germany or Poland or whatever, the borders changed so much that after several hours of researching, I could write an entire chapter of who ruled who back when. Anyway, this name dates back to families of nobility in the middle ages.
First people with this surname immigrated to the states of Pennsylvania and New York in the early and late 19th century.
Missing Link
While researching this branch of our family history, I became alittle baffled as to why our ancestors were listed as immigrating from Austria but spoke Polish and Russian. If you look at a present day map of Europe, these two countries do not share a border.
However, if you look at a later 19th century map of Europe, you will be surprised to see that the Austrian Empire did border the Kingdom of Poland after what was known as the Partitions of Poland which occurred in 1772 and again in 1795. The Austrian Empire annexed Poland by creating an area and calling it Galicia that connected Austria to Poland. In 1846, Galicia became a part of Austria.
In Austrian controlled Galicia, the population was 50% Polish Catholics. If you look closely at some of the Wisloski records, you will notice that some members were indeed listed as arriving from Galicia.
Borders changed again after World War I when Galicia became part of Poland.
After World War II, Galicia was divided between Poland and the Ukraine.
Here Is A Little More 19th Century European History;
In the 19th century there was a great power struggle between the two dominate German States of Prussia and Austria. However, Prussia was victorious and in 1866 what was known as the North German Confederation was founded and the following areas were under Prussia's control; Austria, Schleswig, Holstein, Alsace-Lorraine and Westphalia. Later the following areas were also controlled by Prussia; Thuringia, Saxony, Wurttenburg and Bavaria.
Though by the end of the 18th century, half of the Kingdom of Poland was under Prussian rule, the Kingdom of Poland consisted of Lithuania, Belarus and half of the Ukraine.
The Western and Central part of the Kingdom of Poland were of Polish Ethnic and Catholic backgrounds. The Northeastern section was a mixture of Catholic Poles and Lithuanians. This area is now known as the Republic of Lithuania. The Eastern part of the Kingdom of Poland was of Belarussian and Ukrainian backgrounds.
Also under the Prussian control were the provinces Pomerania, Silesia and East Prussia. These areas are now a part of Poland.
After World war I, Pomarania remained under Germany's control. Most of its inhabitants were German speaking and Protestants. But after World War II, it became a part of Poland and its German inhabitants either escaped from the country or were expelled and the Poles settled in the area.
Before Silesia fell under Prussia's rule in 1742, Silesia was a part of Austria. The German language and culture stems back to the 13th century. In the 19th century, most of the population was Catholic. In the Western & Central locations, German was spoken. In the Eastern location, Polish was spoken. After World War II, most of Silesia became a part of Poland and a small section went to Saxony. Just as the Germans in Pomerania, the German inhabitants living in Silesia were expelled or escaped and the Poles settled the area.
East Prussia was a population of German Lutherans. After World War II, East Prussia was divided between Poland and Russia. The German inhabitants escaped or were expelled and the Poles and Russians settled the area.
This is just a small taste of the history of the areas' constantly changing borders. Between the variations in the language, maps and name changes, my head is on a free fall spin. Maps will follow at a later date, that is when I can see straight enough again to post them.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Wisloski Records
Click to enlarge & View Records
1895 Ship Record of Eva (Dolhanceyk) Wisloski and her son Andrew.
1905 Ship Record of Eva Wisloski (Bednarski)
1910 Census Record of Andrew Wisloski "Inmate at Eastern State Penitentiary"
1910 Census Record of Sylvester & Julia Wisloski
1920 Census Record of Eva Wisloski & Family
1930 Census Record of Eva Wisloski & Family
1895 Ship Record of Eva (Dolhanceyk) Wisloski and her son Andrew.
1905 Ship Record of Eva Wisloski (Bednarski)
1910 Census Record of Andrew Wisloski "Inmate at Eastern State Penitentiary"
1910 Census Record of Sylvester & Julia Wisloski
1920 Census Record of Eva Wisloski & Family
1930 Census Record of Eva Wisloski & FamilySaturday, May 12, 2007
Eva (Dolhanceyk) Wisloski
Also found it spelled as Wislocki, Wisylocki and Wislosky. Later, the spelling was changed to Weleski. Born between 1865 to 1874. Date of birth varies according to different records. Immigrated from Austria to the Port of New York on June 17th, 1895 aboard the ship "Fulda" with a son Andrezy (Andrzej) age 7 yrs old. Destination according to the ship record was "Philadelphia". Age of Eva listed on the ship record was 30 yrs old.
I was not able to find Eva in the 1900 or 1910 Census Records. But I did fine her son Andrzej (Andrew). He was an inmate at Eastern State Penitentiary and his age was listed as being 22 yrs old.
In 1920, Eva was listed as being 47 yrs old and living on 166 Roxborough Avenue located in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia. This Census record listed her as being a "Widow". Also listed in the household were Samuel (22 yrs), Anna (20 yrs), John (direct descendant) (16 yrs), Julia (14 yrs) and her married daughter Mary Lowry (18 yrs) and Mary's husband John Lowry (19 yrs). Occupations listed; Samuel (Piercer in Woolen Mill), Anna (Twister in Woolen Mill), John (Laborer in Woolen Mill) and John Lowry (Driver at a grocery store).
It was not until recently I discovered the name of Eva's husband from a Mortuary Notice placed in the newspaper upon Eva's death in 1932. Her husband's name was Lewis (Ludwig) Wisloski and from the information I was able to gather, Lewis immigrated to America in 1890 from Austria. I have been able to count two brothers and a possible third brother. Names were Sylvester (immigration year 1890) and Stephen (immigration year 1897). The questionable third brother was named John (immigration year 1904).
I also want to note at this time that I came across a ship record of another Eva Wisloski dated July 26th, 1905 who was 19 yrs old and immigrated aboard the ship "Merion" from Liverpool, England to the Port of New York. However, Eva travelled from Austria to England before boarding this ship. (Exact town where Eva came from is listed on the ship's record.) Of interest, destination listed on the ship record for Eva was "brother, Sylvester Wisloski, Cresson Street residence in Manayunk. I believe that this particular Eva Wisloski later married Peter Bednarski.
For years, we thought this particular Eva Wisloski was a daughter of Eva & Lewis Wisloski (or at least Lewis Wisloski from a previous marriage) but actually Eva Wisloski Bednarski was a sister to Lewis Wisloski. It should also be noted that the 1910 Census Records did list a Sylvester Wisloski as residing in Manayunk.
In the 1930 Census Records, Eva was listed as being 58 yrs old. She still resided on Roxborough Avenue and it still listed her as being from Austria but this time it listed that she spoke both Russian and Polish. Also listed in the household were Andrew (38 yrs), Samuel (32 yrs), John (24 yrs), John's wife, Marie (23 yrs) and daughter, Lillian (1 yr). Occupations listed; Andrew (Dryer in Woolen Mill), Samuel (Flagman at RailRoad) and John (Chauffeur).
Mortuary Notice
Wisloski-July 11, 1932, Eva, wife of the late Lewis Wisloski, (nee Dolhanceyk). Relatives and friends are invited to the funeral, Fri. 8:30 AM, residence, 166 Roxborough Avenue, Manayunk. Solemn Requiem Mass, St. John the Baptist Church, 10 AM. INT. Westminster Cem.
Please view burial plot information under previous posted link, http://ajourneyintothepast.blogspot.com/2006/02/westminster-cemetery-wisloski-family.html and photograph of the Roxborough house, http://ajourneyintothepast.blogspot.com/2006/03/166-roxborough-avenue.html
Some other information found "via" World War I" draft records.
The exact birth date of Andrew who was born in Austria and immigrated with his mother, Eva in 1895 was listed as December 11th, 1887. Samuel, second born son of Eva & Lewis Wisloski, who was born in Philadelphia was listed as June 1st, 1898.
Sylvester Wisloski's Census information will be posted at a later date.
All other Census information and ship documents on Eva Wisloski and Eva Wisloski Bednarski will also be posted at a later date.
I have not began any research of this date on the other brothers of Lewis Wisloski.
I was not able to find Eva in the 1900 or 1910 Census Records. But I did fine her son Andrzej (Andrew). He was an inmate at Eastern State Penitentiary and his age was listed as being 22 yrs old.
In 1920, Eva was listed as being 47 yrs old and living on 166 Roxborough Avenue located in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia. This Census record listed her as being a "Widow". Also listed in the household were Samuel (22 yrs), Anna (20 yrs), John (direct descendant) (16 yrs), Julia (14 yrs) and her married daughter Mary Lowry (18 yrs) and Mary's husband John Lowry (19 yrs). Occupations listed; Samuel (Piercer in Woolen Mill), Anna (Twister in Woolen Mill), John (Laborer in Woolen Mill) and John Lowry (Driver at a grocery store).
It was not until recently I discovered the name of Eva's husband from a Mortuary Notice placed in the newspaper upon Eva's death in 1932. Her husband's name was Lewis (Ludwig) Wisloski and from the information I was able to gather, Lewis immigrated to America in 1890 from Austria. I have been able to count two brothers and a possible third brother. Names were Sylvester (immigration year 1890) and Stephen (immigration year 1897). The questionable third brother was named John (immigration year 1904).
I also want to note at this time that I came across a ship record of another Eva Wisloski dated July 26th, 1905 who was 19 yrs old and immigrated aboard the ship "Merion" from Liverpool, England to the Port of New York. However, Eva travelled from Austria to England before boarding this ship. (Exact town where Eva came from is listed on the ship's record.) Of interest, destination listed on the ship record for Eva was "brother, Sylvester Wisloski, Cresson Street residence in Manayunk. I believe that this particular Eva Wisloski later married Peter Bednarski.
For years, we thought this particular Eva Wisloski was a daughter of Eva & Lewis Wisloski (or at least Lewis Wisloski from a previous marriage) but actually Eva Wisloski Bednarski was a sister to Lewis Wisloski. It should also be noted that the 1910 Census Records did list a Sylvester Wisloski as residing in Manayunk.
In the 1930 Census Records, Eva was listed as being 58 yrs old. She still resided on Roxborough Avenue and it still listed her as being from Austria but this time it listed that she spoke both Russian and Polish. Also listed in the household were Andrew (38 yrs), Samuel (32 yrs), John (24 yrs), John's wife, Marie (23 yrs) and daughter, Lillian (1 yr). Occupations listed; Andrew (Dryer in Woolen Mill), Samuel (Flagman at RailRoad) and John (Chauffeur).
Mortuary Notice
Wisloski-July 11, 1932, Eva, wife of the late Lewis Wisloski, (nee Dolhanceyk). Relatives and friends are invited to the funeral, Fri. 8:30 AM, residence, 166 Roxborough Avenue, Manayunk. Solemn Requiem Mass, St. John the Baptist Church, 10 AM. INT. Westminster Cem.
Please view burial plot information under previous posted link, http://ajourneyintothepast.blogspot.com/2006/02/westminster-cemetery-wisloski-family.html and photograph of the Roxborough house, http://ajourneyintothepast.blogspot.com/2006/03/166-roxborough-avenue.html
Some other information found "via" World War I" draft records.
The exact birth date of Andrew who was born in Austria and immigrated with his mother, Eva in 1895 was listed as December 11th, 1887. Samuel, second born son of Eva & Lewis Wisloski, who was born in Philadelphia was listed as June 1st, 1898.
Sylvester Wisloski's Census information will be posted at a later date.
All other Census information and ship documents on Eva Wisloski and Eva Wisloski Bednarski will also be posted at a later date.
I have not began any research of this date on the other brothers of Lewis Wisloski.
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