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Ask and Answer Forum
January '04 - December '04
Archive

I am looking for information on a women's club, "Virgin Mary of Lourdes, no. 38 CKJ", listed in my great-grandmother's obituary. Any information on what this club might have been and whether or not they kept records on life events would be very much appreciated. - Melissa

JOHN BLAHA, JOSEPH BLAHA, ANTON BLAHA, JAMES BLAHA and LEOPOLD BLAHA lived in the Allport Street in Chicago (Illinois) between 1900-1930. In Croatia the persons "Bostik" were called!!!

Look for information about the families:
01) JOSEPH BLAHA and ANNA BLAHA nee Kadlec
02) ANTON BLAHA and ANTONETTE BLAHA nee Volenec
03) JOHN BLAHA and JOSEPHINE BLAHA nee Soucek (or Nehville)
04) JAMES BLAHA and ?

All these persons were born in Ivanovo selo (or Grubisno Polje) in Croatia (Austria-Hungarian Empire / BOHEMIA).

Paul asks on Oct. 22: "It is my intent to ascertain the circumstances of Police Officer Fred Kuncl's death that I can properly record the events the night he lost his life & provide that information to various memorials dedicated to fallen law enforcement officers."
Paul, I find that the story of Fred Kuncl's death was reported in the local newspaper. Fred was mistaken for a thug according to the story I have. Also check the Illinois Death Records on the internet to see another listing of the death.

I am compiling info regarding the on-duty shooting death of Patrolman Fred KUNCL of the Berwyn, IL (Cook County/ suburban Chicago) Police Department. Officer Kuncl died of his wounds on 26 April 1920 (He was b.1893 in Chicago)and is buried at the Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago. I am having a bit of difficulty gathering information on Officer Kuncl's death and because Fred KUNCL was a first generation Czech (Father Frank, mother Johanna (Pecourek))
I was hoping that his death might have been reported more extensively in the Czech/Bohemian newspapers (I've been told perhaps the Denni Hlasatel). If not a news article on the event, perhaps an obit. Berwyn, IL apparently had no English-speaking newspaper in circulation to cover local events in 1920. (The Berwyn Life began circulation in 1920).
Officer Kuncl's badge has been retired by the Berwyn P.D. but all official records regarding his death have been lost. It is my intent to ascertain the circumstances of Officer Fred Kuncl's death that I can properly record the events the night he lost his life & provide that information to various memorials dedicated to fallen law enforcement officers.
Any and all info on Patrolman Fred Kuncl of the Berwyn, IL Police Department will be greatfully appreciated.
email: shamus@pobox.com

Bob Spelina asks on Sept. 30: "Looking for town Strizorin, Bohemia".
I am convinced your spelling of this town is wrong.It does not appear in any source. Closest spellings for existing towns are Strizkov, Strizau, Strazkovice, and Straznice. My best guess is the town Strocin. Best wishes.

Looking for town Strizorin Bohemia, my G-Grandparent came from Joseph Spelina & wife Magdalene & son Joseph all immigrated in 1861.
Can't find would like help please

Hello EFFENBERGERs,

I am collecting genealogical data about the
EFFENBERGER families. I want to find out where
the name is originating from, locally as well as
semantically. My thesis about the local origin
of all the EFFENBERGERs is, that the have come
from Northern Bohemia, especially from the area
between Reichenberg/Liberec and Friedland/
Frydlant, especiall from Voigtsbach/ Foytka.
I am very much interested in any information
about EFFENBERGER, as well as in pictures and
copies of documents etc... One stone mason
JULIUS EFFENBEGER, the father of Julius, Rudolf
and Hugo Effenberger is said to have come to
Chicago in 1893. He had opened up a quarry,
built a house and later bought farm, suffered
an accident an left USA for Bohemia again,
where he died in Ruppersdorf in 1907.

Any information is wellcome and I have more
informations about Effenberger families!

Wolfgang Schmied

Carol VanWyk writes on August 9: "I am trying to find out where some bone china was made that was purchased in the late 1940s. It was alledgedly made in Czechoslovakia, & the mark on it says, *****heim, US zone. Can anyone help me with this?"
Carol - All your information makes it sound like this piece of china was made in Germany, in the United States zone. "****heim" also sounds like a German word.

Sara Smith writes on August 27: "My gr-grandmother's birth name was Stazie BRUHA. Her first name appears to be a nickname, although this is the only name we ever knew her by. I've checked lists of Czech names, but find nothing that helps determine what her full name could have been."
Sara - Yes, Stazie is a nickname for Anaztazia or Anastazia.

Paula Hannapel writes on Sept. 6: " His parents names were Joseph Schiller and Marie Koble both of them are from Bohemia. I have no idea if they came to America or even lived in Chicago. Please help me break down this brick wall."
Paula, one very good source of immigrants coming from Bohemia are the books "Passenger Immigration Lists" published by Mr. Baca. If you can visit the CSAGSI library when open, or another Czech/Slovak genealogy library you might find the Josef Schiller name in one of the books. Best wishes.

I received a birth certif. on my grandfathers grandmother Anna Materna from the CR. I need it translated. Can anyone direct me to a resource? Her father Frantisek Materna had met the father of my Frank Triska in Chicago and arranged that the two marry. I am looking for information on Frank's father and possible siblings in Chicago. He and Anna married in 1889. I am also looking for information on Frantisek Materna from Hradisko. His father was Vaclav Materna and his mother was Frantiska Sedlackova of Vrbice. Anna's mother was Alzbeta Pochobradska of Ovcary and her parents were Matej Pochobradsky and Katerina Nedomova of Libice. Any help would be great.

I am looking for information on the Myer and Strobl family of Asch, CZ. Also any information on people attending classes by those born in 1923.

My grandmother has always used the term "yay-yay" (I don't know how to spell it) to mean something like "oh my goodness" or "oy vey." She told me once that it is a Czech term, and I've recently become curious about it.
Does anyone here use that term or know a Czech who does? If so, how should it be spelled?
Thanks.

I am looking for information on my Great grandparents Joseph Schiller and Frances Bican. They were married on Feb. 10, 1896 and had six children. They all lived in Chicago and the Chicago area. Joseph was born in Bohemia in 1872 and Frances was born in Chicago about 1875. I have no idea when Joseph came to America. I recently obtain Joseph's death certificate which states that he died on September 24, 1935 and was buried at the Bohemian National Cemetery. His parents names were Joseph Schiller and Marie Koble both of them are from Bohemia. I have no idea if they came to America or even lived in Chicago. Please help me break down this brick wall.
Thank you very much.

Hi! I'm a new member of csagsi and am excited to find this group. I'm trying to find others from the BRUHA and/or VACKAR (changed to VACKER) lines who lived in Chicago and Cicero. Specifically, I haven't been able to find my great-grandmother's parents. I know she was born in Illinois but that her parents immigrated from Bohemia. I've checked Baca's passenger lists, the Denni Hlastel obits, the various censuses (censi?). Without the parents' names, I'm sunk.
My gr-grandmother's birth name was Stazie BRUHA. Her first name appears to be a nickname, although this is the only name we ever knew her by. This is also the name that she appears under in the Social Security Death Index. I've checked lists of Czech names, but find nothing that helps determine what her full name could have been.
I just requested her death certificate in the hope that her parents' names will be on it.
Any ideas???

That should be "*****heim" US ZONE

I am trying to find out where some bone china was made that was purchased in the late 1940s. It was alledgedly made in Czechoslovakia, & the mark on it says, *****heim, US zone. Can anyone help me with this mystery? Carol

Where can I buy a copy of the Czech language textbook Progressive Czech, written by Bohumil Mikula?

I search for information on PAVELKA family from East Bohemia.
Marie Pavelka came to US on July 8, 1912, age 22 single. She was born in Stepanov near Prelouc, last residence was in Dedek near Lazne Bohdanec.Marie was going to Chicago, Cook county,IL.
Thank you for any info on Pavelka family.
My genealogy website:
http://www.gencircles.com/users/helenakm

Carol Haywood asks on July 16: "seeking immigration information on Jan HULLA or HULA."
Carol, I do not find a Jan Hulla (or Hula) listed in the obituary index of the Denni Hlasatel Czech newspaper.

JoAn Wood Dreahn asks on July 17: "My grandfather, Josef Frank Stork born abt 1889 in Olbersdorf, Bohemia or Czech. Came to US 1904 on ss Cassel out of Hamburg,Germ. Know he had a brother and a nephew for certain but no names. Am really desperate to find these relatives."
The villages named Olbersdorf in Bohemia are called Albrechtice today.I found five of them on the map. You didn't say if your grandfather lived in Chicago.I only found two men named Stork who died in Chiago, Arthur in 1948 and John in 1954.

I am wondering what anyone's experience with records from Chicgo that were lost in 'The Fire". Does anyone know - Are there alternative places to look for relative who would've been there early in their lives and then moved on to other spots in later life? Family members Emmigrated from Bohemen circa 1850's. Arrived at New York pre-Ellis Island and pre-Castle Garden. Lived in Chicago for a number of years that we can't fill in and then lived last years and are buried in Minnesota. Primary name is Kotilinek - which has been mis-spelled many times many ways !

I posted some time ago looking for a copy of Progressive Czech by Prof. Bohumil Mikula. Recently a young lady contacted me because of this posting to advise she had a copy for sale on eBay. I now have the book. Thanks to CSAGSI for this website.

My grandfather, Josef Frank Stork born abt 1889 in Olbersdorf, Bohemia or Czech. Came to US 1904 on ss Cassel out of Hamburg,Germ. Supposedly grew up in Vienna. Wouldn't talk of his family. Just that they were probably killed during WW II. Know he had a brother and a nephew for certain but no names. Am really desperate to find these relatives. Any information regardless of how little will be appreciated. I understand there are three Olbersdorfs which is terribly confusing. He was catholic.

Still seeking immigration information on Jan HULLA or HULA, builder (1829-1896), from Bohemia (unknown place) to Chicago about 1871. Would he have an Sept. 10, 1896, obit in a Chicago Bohemian newspaper?
[I do have some children & grandchildren as well as his coroner's report and burial place. But we need to learn where in Europe he came from. We live in California.]

I have a lot of money to spend and am willing to hire a researcher to trace my family tree. My father lived in Nigeria for 30 years and I believe he had a friend their called Joseph Kanu. Any assistance?

Greetings,
I've recently discovered that my grandfather is buried in the Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago. His dod is 19 Dec 1911, interment 25 Dec 1911. He passed away in Milwaukee but was interred in Chicago. A friend went to the cemetery for me to try to locate his grave, but while she find the site she was interested in, there was no evidence of a burial site for my grandfather. Would you know of a history of the National Bohemian Cemetery that I could review for burial traditions specific to this cemetery? My friend stated that there seemed to be numerous interments in each plot. Thank you for any assistance, Linda

You don't know me but I got your info from the CZ board. Sorry for the intrusion, but I'm beginning to pull my hair out over my family tree.

Here is what I know. I just found my (believed) grandfather Josef Klimko on the Scythia ship role for 1921 and it said he came from Torno Gorgo CZ Slov and he was 23 yo in 1921 when he arrived which means he was born around 1898. and Magyar was also listed in his info.

Here is my dilemma and where I hope you will be so kind as to point me in the right direction. Until today I thought I had found that we were Russian. It's on my birth certificate that my mother Constance (my mother) was born in Georgia, Russia. Everyone is gone that could give me information and I'm chasing an almost dead trail.

Is that TornoGorgo a real CZ town? City?
Where would I go to find info.
Does Klimko sound CZ to you?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. thanks gloria

Hello,

I hope you can help me.

My name is Jose Flores Remar, from Perú.

My great grandfather JOSE REMAR ZAJIC came from Pisek to Perú at 1903.

We have references that we have relatives at Pisek (Karel Remar, Marie Remarova), but I don’t know how to communicate with them via email.

.

At white pages I found “REMAR” surname.

http://phonebook.quick.cz/index.php?fce=10&VYMAZFORM=on&id=1

There is a list of persons with that surname but I’m in doubt of calling them because i don’t know if they speak english, and i don’t speak englis well (i speak spanish).



Could you guide me about the way i can follow to establish communication with them.



Thank you very much.



José Flores Remar

Lima

PERU

KUTCHANEK looking for anyone that can help me find anybody or any history on this last name from Bohemia. Thanks

I am searching for grave locations of relatives at St. Adalbert's Cemetery who were buried in the 1880's and 1890's.
They were buried in section VZ and section 62 in "term" burial plots. Can anyone tell me what number or letter these sections are known as today? THANKS!!!

Does anyone have information about the Joseph Fakan funeral home? Does anyone have his records?
You can also e-mail me directly as I don't check this as often as I should.

Thanks

Im looking for any information on the Pecats surname. so far not much luck. My grandfather was from latvia but I have seen the name in french,spanish and german text. just recently I found the spanish translation of Pecats is sins!. in german it is spelt pecat. My grandfather said it is pronouncd pesharts. I dont know if it translates the same in these three languages and I would like to know were it originates. Also I have heard there might be a coat of arms. Interested in hearing from anyone with information

Elizabeth Conley asks on May 14: "it gives the location of the marriage as 1510 W. 18th St., Chicago, IL, and the name of the organization that married them, the Congreg. of Boh. Freethinkers. I'm assuming that means the Congregation of Bohemian Freethinkers. I have not been able to find anything about this organization on the web. Does anyone have any info about who these people were/are?"
Elizabeth - the possible best article on this organization can be found in the Fall 2001 issue of Koreny, the quarterly journal of the CSAGSI organization. The article is also reprinted in a new book (2004) "Historical and Cultural Essays on Czechs in America" writtten by Paul Nemecek and available from the CSAGSI organization.

BLAHA/BOSTIK:
Hi, I search for information about the families "BLAHA" and "BOSTIK" and the once in the ALLPORT STREET (Chicago/Ill.) and the THROOP STREET (Chicago/Ill.) had lived.

Hi,
I previously posted, and attached the wrong e-mail address. The correct one is attached to this post, if anyone has any info re: my previous post.
Sorry!

HI,
I have a question hopefully someone can answer for me. I have one of my ancestors marriage licenses from 1915 and it gives the location of the marriage as 1510 W. 18th St., Chicago, IL, and the name of the organization that married them, the Congreg. of Boh. Freethinkers. I'm assuming that means the Congregation of Bohemian Freethinkers. I have not been able to find anything about this organization on the web. Does anyone have any info about who these people were/are?
Thanks!

Hello -

I recently had the opportunity to talk with my great uncle, who grew up at 5150 South Francisco. He says that he went to 'Bohemia school' at 51st and Whipple (in the 1920's) and attended church at 48th and Hermitage. I believe the church is St Cyril or St Joseph.

He also said they were all members of Sokol. I can search the catholic church archives, but any info on Sokol (if they kept records) or the Bohemia school.

He also said that 'all the Bohemians' worked at Western Electric (my grandmother worked there briefly). I hope to write his story!

Surnames: Pleva, Zahradnik, Sekera

Also - looking for Lambert Zahradnik descendants, and my uncle's cousins - Frank, Jim, and Tony Zahradnik. Any descendants?

My grandfather Harry Sokolowski owned a tavern in Cicero and my
great uncle Frank Winkler owned a butcher shop in Chicago... possibly Cicero. I would like to know how I can locate their business
licence applications and what information it could tell me other than
the location of these businesses.

Just wanted to comment that I really admire the community spirit here on this site. Great work folks.

Interesting site. Glad to visit it.

Greg Myrkle asks on April 11: "Your Note:? My wife is trying to locate the grave of her Great Grandfather, Rudolph Mulac. We know he is buried in the Bohemian National Cemetery."
Greg, the cemetery is at Foster and Pulaski in Chicago. If you go there Monday thru Friday the office staff will look up grave location and provide you with a map. Enjoy the cemetery.

My wife is trying to locate the grave of her Great Grandfather, Rudolph Mulac. We know he is buried in the Bohemian National Cemetery. We are planning a trip there , but would ilke to know approximately where to look.
Thank You,

Greg Myrkle

I'm interested in learning more about my ancestors. NO i'm not related to the mayor Cermak.lmao. My grandfather was Frank Joseph Cermak, Sr. his wife was Elsie.

Him and my grandmother came straight from Czechoslovakia. He was a great architect and built a lot of the banks in Chicago.

They were both full blooded Bohemian.

I know that my great grand father had some sort of affiliation or friendship with Klaus. The man who made Klaus' resturaunt on Cermak Rd. in Cicero towards North Riverside Mall. He had retrieved alot of the Bohemian antiques in the resturaunt and braught them over from the country to here for the resturaunts' interior deco.

Would there be any way for me to find out more? Thanks!

I'm trying to find out about my GGGrandfather Josef Houser & family who came over from Pisek Bohemia and arrived in New York in 1871-72 than went to Chicago and was living close to where the big fire started. I am trying to find out what brought them to Chicago and what did they do while living in Chicago?

Joe Wallace asks on Apr. 17, 2001: "I am looking for the current name of this Chicago Cemetery: hrbitov Vzkrisini Pane." Joe, the name of this Catholic cemetery is Resurrection Cemetery located at 7201 Archer avenue in Justice, Illinois.

My husband's grandfather, who was born August 6, 1887, and grew up in Studenta, Moravia, served in the Austro-Hungarian army before arriving in the USA on Jan 6, 1912. We have postcards addressed to him with Regiment 5, Batalion 2, "Brno, Moravia", and another at "Feldsbeg, N.V." Where might we go to find out information about his length of service, places he served, discharge date, etc.?

Thanks!

In what year did the greatest number of Czech immigrants arrive in the Chicago area? In which five-year period were there the most immigrants to the area from Chechoslovakia? In which ten-year period? Thanks!

Carm asks on March 5th: "please translate this and tell me where this place is in Czechoslovakia, I would greatly appreciate it - Narozen byl v Chlumu u Hlinska v Cechach a v teto zemi zil 38 roku."
The village is Chlum, where this person was born (narozen), near Hlinsko, about 59 miles ESE of Prague. There are many, many towns and villages named Chlum in the Czech Republic - around 25. This town is the one closest to Hlinsko and is straight south a short distance. There are others not too far away. The other part refers to 38 years - likely the time he lived in Czechoslovakia since it doesn't say he came to the U.S. Hope this gives you a start on your genealogy research.

If anyone can please translate this and tell me where is this place in Czechoslovakia, I would greatly appreciate it.
Narozen byl v Chlumu u Hlinska v Cechach a v teto zemi zil 38 roku
Thanks in advance. Carm

Kim asks on Feb. 24th: "my great grandparents emmigrated from somewhere in the Czech Republic (?) sometime in the 1870's. I can't locate a listing of ships from there."
Your grandparents very, very likely emmigrated on a ship from a German port like Hamburg. I would suggest you first look in the volumes published by Leo Baca called "Czech Immigration Passenger Lists". The CSAGSI library has copies of these volumes. Good luck.

Kathy asks on Feb. 25: "Does anyone know the meaning of the last name Vranek?"
Vrana means crow in my dictionary. The ending "ek" means small crow.

Ruda....does anyone know anything about the Ruda family that emigrated to Canada from Czech around the turn of the century.
Thanks

Does anyone know the meaning of the last name Vranek?

I'm trying to find info on my great grandparents that emmigrated from somewhere in the Czech Republic (?) sometime in the 1870's. I can't locate a listing of ships from there. Would they have actually sailed out of Austria? Could someone recommend or give me some info on where I might look? Thanks!

Mitch Fusek asks on Feb. 17th: " Where I should go to find out information on the Fusek name."
Mitch you didn't say what town your ancestors lived in. I do find obituaries in the Czech Denni Hlasatel newspaper for six Fusek's: Gaza, Jan, Maria, & Stefan (3). Also you should check census records for each decade for the town they lived in. This is a good start. Consider becoming a member of CSAGSI. As a new member you will receive a very useful genealogical packet. Good luck.

Hello,
My name is Mitch Fusek and I have just started the quest to start looking and trying to find my famly tree. There are not many Fuseks around that I know of and I was wondering to see if there are any fello Fuseks out there or anyone who might know where i should go to find out information on the Fusek name. I would greatly appreciate it.
-Mitch

Looking for history (and descendants) of the Urban Brothers Funeral Home. Last location was at 1125 W. 18th St. in Pilsen. First known as Urban Brothers Funeral Home, then Urban & Filip (Filip being a son-in-law) and finally Kostelny & Son (Filip as an associate). Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Mr. Brunson asks on Feb. 13th: "I found a cousin was living on the corner of May St and Chicago Ave in 1888 when born. (So I have been informed.) Does anyone know what Catholic church the family would have belonged to at time near that address?"
A quick search thru a book published by CSAGSI "Location of Chicago Roman Catholic Churches, 1850-1990, 2nd edition" by Jack Bocar seemed to show two possible Polish churches. A large church is the St. Stanislaus Kostka Church on Noble & Evergreen streets. A second possibility is the Holy Trinity Church at 1118 N. Noble.

I found a cousin was living on the corner of May St and Chicago Ave in 1888 when born. (So I have been informed.) Does anyone know what Catholic church the family would have belonged to at time near that address? Thank you for any information about a church near there.

Michael (Misa or Mya???)Anthony Guttman was born 10/10/1888 in Gateniea, or Ivankozo and lived in Djakovo or Osijek, Austria. He was in the military there. Today, I believe this is Croatia. His father was named Misa or (Miska in German,) Guttman... His mother was named Maria Kosogovic. He He married Anna Eva Jozing, (originally Lange...) October 16, 1911, at Ivankovo. She was born in what she called Ivankovo,"Jugoslavia on 9/6/1896. They later both migrated to US. I believe he came over in 1911. She came over in 1913. They became citizens in Milwaukee, WI. Later moving to Riverside, CA. Any info would be really appreciated!
Thank you,
Ronda

Linda Wysocki asks on Feb. 9: "I attended my Aunt's burial in Bohemian National Cemetery and would like to know the meaning behind the monuments shaped like oak trees. I'm told they're unique to Chicago cemeteries." Linda, these "trees" are made of limestone from Indiana. There are more tree stumps in Bohemian National than in the rest of Chicago. One will find some limestone trees also in Indiana. These tree trunks or stumps provide a dramatic metaphor for the pain of loss. The stump on the tree shows a life cut off. The trees are all different and may contain ferns, ivy, a wreath, a lily, an anchor, a broken wheel, a bird, or book, two joined hands, a crucifix or cross, a mushroom, as well as many other objects. Each object has meaning for the family - for example an anchor means hope, a broken wheel indicates a broken life. Recommended is a guided tour of the cemetery. I suggest contacting the FRIENDS OF BOHEMIAN NATIONAL CEMETERY, 5255 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60630 for information on tours, etc.

I attended my Aunt's burial in Bohemian National Cemetery and would like to know the meaning behind the monuments shaped like oak trees. I'm told they're unique to Chicago cemeteries.

I would like to find out information on the name of Wright. I have never looked into my family history and now I am in a history class and it has sparked my interest. Any information would be helpful.

Gene Fiese asks on January 24:"My Grandmother came from Kerostul in 1890 and we are having trouble locating the village today. Any suggestions? "
My best guess Gene is the spelling is incorrect. I do find a town Karostel in Russia, also towns named Korostel. Many Czechs have been known to immigrate to the U.S. from Russia.

Kerostul, Austria-Hungary or Czech Republic? My Grandmother came from Kerostul in 1890 and we are having trouble locating the village today. Any suggestions?

For those of you who graduated Blessed Agnes of Bohemia Grade School in Chicago:

The parish is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and one of its festivities is an alumni reunion. it will be held Saturday, February 21st starting with a mass at 6pm and then a reception in the gym.

For more information, you can call the rectory at 773.522.0142.
If you plan to attend, please send your name (maiden name if married), address, phone number, email and graduation year to:
St. Agnes of Bohemia
2653 S. Central Park
Chicago, IL 60623

Many alumni have already RSVPd!!!

I have a site for NewsBank Info. But I seem to have lost the password. Is there anyone out there that knows the password? Thank you for any help.

In Sept I posted an inquiry about my Ranostaj family inSlovak Republic. As a result of suggestions recd by persons who read this posting, I have found my cousins living in the same town as my grandparents. We are exchanging pictures and dates, so exciting and not possible without the help of csagsi