Have just begun searching this site. Am looking for family from Maly Lipnik, Slovakia a small village in Eastern Slovakia very near the Polish Border. My grandfather was Michael (Hnat. Hnath) Knott and my grandmother Susanna Lukachovsky (many versions of her surname). Michael's father was Petro or Petrus and his mother Helena (Julia or llyka) Gladis. Susanna's mother was Mary Buchinni and her father was Michael Lukachovsky)

My mother's people are from the Slabinja area of Croatia. Am searching this area. Grandmother was Sofia Obucina daughter of Nicola Obucina. Sofia had a brother Jovo married to Anica. Grandfather was Aleksa Tomic who became Alex Thomas. Aleksa claimed to be from Toct, Yugoslavia but I can find no such place anywhere in Europe.

I was recently alerted to the interesting intro pages to the Banska Bystricka death records. About 12 years ago I was visiting a fairly large Catholic Church in Kempenich, Rhenish Prussia (Rhineland Pfalz). In the old cemetery, there were quite a number of very old gravemarkers that had the skull and crossbones engraved on them along with the usual name and date information. I have never seen a satisfactory explanation for such a "morbid custom". Any ideas??

On to a different genealogical puzzle. My great-grandmother, Jozefa (ina?) Morawetz (Moravec) b. 1863 supposedly in Bohemia, immigrated to Milwaukee, WI in the mid 1880s, married Jozef Mazourek and died there in 1914. Villages of origins unknown; records mostly indicate Bohemia and Bohemian was spoken in my grandmother's home. She belonged to a Slovak fraternal organization called Zivena . I am unable to find any Zivena records for this time. Any thoughts?

Thank you,
Carol Leonard

I am searching for information on Andrew Elias from Pusovce in Presov. He came to the US in the late 1800s/early 1900s - he was born in 1875. Any information on how to get more information on him or his family would be greatly appreciated!

Need help researching my Great Grandfathers hometown in Slovakia, He left Sedlica in 1897. His name was Andras Stofan. Any info ?

looking for relatives in poland last name slowik or slowikowski from kaletnik,also labecki from grodna or grodno.evelyn murphy

This web site is a very good practical orientation and general guide book to what could otherwise be a very difficult and frustrating research task!

Thank you for your excellent work.

Seeking to find migration records between Germany and former Austro-Hungarian towns for the following surnames:
MICHAEL KUKUK Born 1832 in Hozelec, Married in Szepes Zombat (Spisska Sobota)and died in Spisska, Nova Ves in 1865

CATHERINE GRIGER born in 1833 in Hozelec, married in Szepes Zombat, died in Spisska, Nova Ves is 1883

JOANNES POLLAK, POLLAK, POLAQ born 1866 in Hnilcik, Szepes, Hungary

MARTIN POLLACK, POLLAK, POLAQ born 1845 in Hnilcik,Szepes

MARIA KRACKA born 1845 in Hnilcik, Szepes and died 16 JUNE 1885 in Spisska, Nova, Ves.

It's graet to be able to find your relatives through projects like this. Thanks.

I have received many responses regarding my family heritage from this site. Thank you! I have been told by a person living 1 mile from Velka Polana that there are still members of the Pitlanič family living in the region. My ancestors' immigration ship manifests lists Nagy Polana as their place of origin. There are also other ship manifests which identify Ruthenian as the language spoken at home. I hope to discover and to communicate with other Pitlaničs (Pitlanish, Petlanich, Pitlanich) across the globe. (Unfortunately, I only speak & read English).

thank you for your time and effort to write this story. my family came from olsinkov

Wow, most of you are so much further along than I have been able to get. My father, Michael Emmanuel, would NOT discuss his background. Went to forest City, PA, where he was born and raised and his parents were even more secretive about background. Funeral home info listed Place of birth: europe. They must have hidden when the census takers came around, because there is no record of the family in the PA census records. I know only that Granpa was a young conscript in the Austrian army that rose all the way up to the Royal Guard (or whatever it was called - I have seen pictures). Gramma made incredibly intricate lace with many bobbins and very fine thread. I don't even remember Grampa's first name or have ever seen the correct (european) spelling. I found Dad's diploma from college hidden in his closet when I was a little kid, it said Michael E. Hajducin, and Dad wouldn't explain - he got very irritated that I found the diploma. I would love to find out where my people are from and if I have relatives in europe, but. . .
I am happy for all of you that have made connections, it must feel great - as opposed to this empty space I have in my background.

I'm looking for Information on Slanina. I have a great-grandfather named Josef Slanina born in Levoca which used to be Locse. He was born between 1883 to 1885, We think the date is actually March 18 1883. I can't find anything else other then his fathers name is Andrej Slanina. Josef was one of at least 5 children. I would really like to find out more about him and see if I can trace my family back further. If anyone know's anything or has any ideas for me please advise. My emails is Ryan.Slanina@gmail.com

Hi, it's great to see a website like this. We use to have a genealogy questions from our users on Slovak-Republic.org, now we know where we can send them for an answer. Thank you.

Hello Bill,
A couple of questions. My grandfather went by the name of John Simko, his wife and children all had the last name of Simko. When we read his naturalization papers it, states that he entered the U. S. under the name of Janos Zatroch, Nov. 17, 1907. He was born in Mala Poloma, April 24, 1889. He did say he was John Simko, Romok, Zatroch. Now who are we?
Also, ships must have been crossing the oceans on a regular basis. How did the people know when and where they were to board? I wonder if there has ever been a book written about why the people wanted to leave their homeland and the problems they must have endured? Thank you.

My name is Josh Grise. My family came from a town called Szurte. We know nothing of the town. If soemopne could please tell me something about the area, then i would be grateful. MY great great grandmother was Khana Wieser. She married Lazar Zelmanovics. Lazar died in the 1920s, and Khana was taken to Auschwitz at age 96. Of their 9 children, 7 daughters came to America (Zollie, Gussie, Rose, Julia, Mary, Anna, Serena). Betty stayed in Szurte to take care of Khana, but ended up in Auschwitz. The only son, David, moved back to Szighet Romania, where his father's family lived.

I believe I have found my grandfather's immigration ship manifest: Andras (Andrej, Andrew) Pitlanics (Pitlanic, Pitlanich, Pitlanish). But it says he was from Nagy Polana, Hungary. My parents had told me he would have been from Kosice, Slovakia, so I'm trying to find out if these are in the same vicinity, or if this might not be my relation at all. Any help would be appreciated!

I have been researching the surname Vargulich (Vargulics ???) with little luck. Not sure of the spelling in the old country which is stated as Austria and Hungary and even Czechoslovakia in USA census records. The family spoke Slovak in the home.

John Vargulich was my grandfather. My Grandmother's name was EVA (sometimes listed as Effie and we believe her maiden name to be HOTRA). He was 21 when they married and she was 17. Their daughter's name was MARY and she is listed as being born in Austria so I would think they were also married in Austria before immigrating to the USA specifically Pennsylvania. He was a coal miner for awhile and then owned his own farm in Pennsylvania, USA.

If anyone has any knowledge of this family in Austria, Hungary, or Czechoslovakia please email me.

Thanks so much!
Sharon

Wed. 6/8/2005 2:11 PM UPDATED INFOMATION:
Simon Richard KRIZAN Slovak2@Gmail.com www.Slovak2.org www.CSAGSI.org Searching for: 1. KUZELA, CHVILICEK=Chwilicek, Cingalek=Kubiczek=Kubícek, Danek, Konicek= Koniczek, Konícková, Kovar=Kowarz, Mihel, Mikulec, Mlinek=Mlynek, Mostek=Moschtek, Paschczeka, Pilka, Prchlik, Rachunk=Rachunek, Zacks, & Zemek; all near Vlcnov=Wlcnau, Uhersky Brod district, Moravia, Czech Republic /// 2. (KRIZAN= Krizsan); Buban, Bukvaj, Ciparik, Holeksy, Kovacic, Likar & Sastensky - Dolne Oresany; /// (CECH=Csech) - Smolenice=Szomolany); Czifzas, Sloboda, Trnik, Trnovics, & Zeocsoi, near Losonec; all Trnava district, former (Pozsony), Slovak Republic; /// 3. (KIS, Kiss or Kish); Abauj-Torna (county)); /// (Gombos) Hungarian Kingdom; /// 4. (TUROCZY, Turoczi or Turocziy) - Turna NAD Bodvou was Torna village Abauj'n , Abaúj-Torna district, Slovakia; 5. GORCSOS: Moldava NAD Bodvou, Torna, or Debrod; District Abauj-Torna; Slovak providence, Hungarian Kingdom);; /// 6. Gergely, Hajdu, Rejhel, Vargo, Suzer, Unger, & Thorek all from former Hungarian Kingdom

Got that one wrong to go to Blogspot.com and then enter My Father A Hidden Identity Was He A Traitor Spy

It is based on the facts and how they have a ripple effect through history. Whatever the result and whatever is discovered there is one thing that cannot be denied. He survived a War to live and tell another tale just he had a bullet lodge in his brain the trigger pulled by his own country men. Why? Is what I want to find out.

Hi everyone, decided to get my Fathers story out there for you guys to follow, I keep finding out things about him so thought Ok lets find out what the truth is. So you are all warmly invited to follow the story of an intriguing man dead a long time but able to speak 12 languages incredibly handsome brave courageous. A hidden hero, double agent, spy? Well thats to be known. I'm not scared of what I uncover but if you want a good read go to google and type in homepage above.

Yours truly Ingrid Medova

Hi!

Am about to leave Melbourne International for Europe thanks to global friends for info. Good and kind, have rcvd word my Fathers Military records located so will view them in December.

So thanks once again to everyone world wide and so how amazing is this medium you couldnt do this 20 years ago.

Take Care Ingrid Medova

Great web site for Slovakia

Visit website www.ruthenians.narod.ru and download 638 pp. docuemnts about Rusyns in Slovakia a nd about their liquidation by Latins from 1968 to 2005 year.

Thanks for putting this together. It confirms many of the stories I heard as a child.

I am back for more browsing around. This is an exhaustive site and highly informative.

Hi Bill, I am new to your site, I leave next wk for Europe. I found out in june this year my Father was Nadporucik Stefan Medo based at Zvolen in August 1944. He was only 21 at the time (put his age up 25 on the books) When Colonel Talsky fled to the Russian Front during the battle of Bankska Bystrica he left behind the Czechslovak 1st national army to defeat 70,000 strong German Military. My Father was quite brilliant spoke 12 languages. (hoping to do the same) and he was pivitol in continuing the fight for the next 2 months. He would converse with Slovak, Rumanian, French, Ukrainian Partisans to keep the operation going. After 2 months he suggested a cease fire and he was shot at close range by a Slovak Partisan in the head, A bullet lodged in his brain and he survived for another 34 years. His close friend Brokes got him out and somehow across the border south to the Americans and they got him to a military hospital in Frankfurt???? I have all his original documents from this time on including US special printed money for survivors and Czech money from the time. All his photos in uniform and passports etc. He also worked in espionage and would infiltrate Prague under the operative Michal Korok (have this document too) I didnot know him that well only when little before he became very ill. He was incredibly handsome and met my Mother a married aristocrats daughter in Mentone at Killara Tower House. he arrived in Australia in 1949 and in 1956 employed as a Gardener at the house and had a Lady Chatterleys with my Mother. I was the result some years later. My Mother adored him but my existence was subjective to a wealthy family so I annoyed them, very much a Cinderella upbringing brought up in the servants quarters etc. I contacted the Slovak Consul here and he is being pressured from above they knew of my Father but his demise embarrasses them and because I exist I am still the Subjective PErson. I exist therefor I am an annoyance to the Slovak Republic. I was trying to get residency but it has been blocked. The sole purpose to research my Fathers background and his demise. He was an incredible and forgotten man but I hope to set the score right. He was not a Biely Czech or the so called white Czech. He hid his identity from us and was told by his own authorities to keep a low profile as the Petrov Affair was in full swing in Australi in 1959. (Russian Agents tried to kidnap a wartime couple from melbourne, intercepted in Darwin) I was shocked, horrified and humbled to learn my roots this year and am going to Krusovce to place flowers on Grand Parents graves who I never got a chance to meet. So you see, i am a product of WWII but I do feel cheated and would appreciate any help anyone could muster. I dont look Australian I look like a very Blonde Slovak and would love to learn more. Thanks please write to me.

Yours Ingrid Medova

Hi Bill..Although I just had the pleasure of speaking with you on the phone tonite, I will write few of the comments I made with you with the hope that others might recognize names of the areas that my parents came from. My father was a Sywulycz, now spelled Siwulich,came from Wilsznia, Poland. His first wife was Duleba, second wife and my mother was Fedak, or Fedock from Dukla. They settled in Nanticoke, Pa. and father was a coal miner. Again, thanks for keeping this great site, and will keep in touch. regards Paul s.

Your information is so useful, I am very grateful. Do you have an update for this year's new films? Do we know when the start of recording everythig digitally took place, and how we would go about getting access to the digitized records from Western Slovakia.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=GKurbanick&target=ALBUM&id=5394450459582146273&authkey=Gv1sRgCPHznJ-E5sXnCQ&feat=email
These are photos of our recent visit to Slovakia.These are of Topola.

I see someone took a trip to an archive in Hungary I am interested in. Wish I could have given you a parish name to search out and see if records are there. If by chance someone else has a trip planned to SATORALJUAJHELY, HUNGARY, archives, I think it may be where my long lost records are hiding. There is also a chance they are at UZZHOROD ARCHIVES in Ukraine. If anyone is going to either or these places, I need a Greek Catholic Parish record look up. The town is SACUROV, ZEMPLIN COUNTY, SLOVAKIA. Please email me and I can set you up with town name variations, etc. I may have to end up hiring someone, but I think I will start here. Also, any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thank you very much, Bill, for your excellent work in preparing this page. It is very helpful.

We have returned from our trip to research our ancestors. We went to Smolnik,Presov,SatoralJauJhely,Hungary to review archives. I am giving you my link to our photos of the Smolnik cemetary. I tried hard to take photos of grave markers. Very difficult. Thought this might be of interest to others.If you have questions let me know.Gloria
http://picasaweb.google.com/GKurbanick/20091009Slovakia2009?feat=email#5390951837731333810

Looking for family members in Croatia.
One is Frank Pulig, My dad's cousin near Dubrovnik

Do you know of a place-name; Nedvisin
or a sir name Uranyi?

Hallo,bitte um Informationen über meine Grossmutter falls jemand etwas weiß.Grossmutter Anna Pitak geb.Papic-greek-katholisch,wohnte in Ostapie-damals Austria-,Gallizien-geb 1885 wanderte 1909 nach USA aus-kehrte ca 1915 nach Ostapie zurück-Kind Pitak Michael geb 1916 ist mein Vater, verschleppt als Zwangsarbeiter von den Deutschen ca 1939-1941 nach Österreich-blieb dort.Grossvater Pitak Johan Gallizien-Austria geb.1886 ? auch ausgewandert USA 1907 ?-verblieb in den USA rolleyes:

What a wonderful site! I'm learning so much about this area of the world! I've been putting together the family tree of my nieces and nephews. I know very little about Hungary. Their great grandfathers, Rev. Miklos Martyak and maternal grandfather, Rev. Anton Mhley are both from Hungary as follows: Miklos: Vapenik, Saros-Vármegye, Osztrák-Magyar Monarchia : Anton, Izbugya-Bela, Zemplén-Vármegye, Osztrák-Magyar Monarchia. can anyone translate for me? What is the town and country of each? any other info you may have on these two families will be appreciated! thanks, Carol

My husband's father was born in Velka Polana in June 1914. His name was Moric May. We would love to trace any family and to find out more of the village/town where he was born. He arrived in England in 1939 and never returned to his homeland. We know that his mother (my father-in-law's mother) remarried at some stage and believe that her 2nd married name was Pepi Bergadova or Pepi Gruber.

This is the best information on the web that I have found!! Thank you so much!!! My family were BALEN, SULENTIC, SARIC, and MARANTIC(H) (original spellings are questionable!) who came from Sveti Rok in the early 1900's. Love to hear from anyone with any connection to area or names.

Researching my Maternal Grandfather, George Matej or Matey in Eastern Slovakia or Ukraine
Researching Motto, Matey and Matej surnames in Wilkes Barre, Lehighton and Luzerne PA. First cousins Barbara, Dolly, Mitro and Billy Motto. Thank you. George Sirko <gsirko@sbcglobal.net>
CA USA - Thursday May 28, 2009

My grandmother came to this country (alone ) in 1910 at the age of 17. Her name was Agnes Legemza. I know almost nothing else except she was born in Szinna (Snina?) I have an envelope with the following names written on it: Toref, Pavlik; Cestan Koraki; Snina Fepinzko; Kripa; Cesko Solvenska. She had nine brothers and sisters, I MUST have relatives! If any of this means something to anyone, please let me know. All my family died when I was quite young so I have little information.

Does anyone know the LDS film # for the
Hungarian 1869 census for the village, Silicka Brezova which was in the County of Gomor , Hungary in 1869 .

Thanks .Researching in : Silicka Brezova (Brezova , Gomor) ;Silicka Jablonicca ( Jablonca ) , Moldava nad Bodvou , Abov ; Derenk, Szadvar , Abauj Hungary .

Very nice website. It's been very helpful. And, it is great that you can post like this also.
I am looking for Gajevski Martha my grandmother if anyone is related to her please post or email me. She had 2 brother Johann and Joseph from what my mother says. They came from Pollnitz Kries Schlocau (sp) Martha married Paul Loeffler. Any information please email. Thank You very much!!!

Good site. Have been trying to narrow down the village of Hradiste, where my father George Bobick is listed as having come from. The list on your site has given me a clue. He came to Canada about 1925/1926 but I have little family information. Thanks

A certified copy of my grandfathers baptismal certificate is in Latin and Slovak. Andrej was the son of Jan Elias-Mesarc and Suzana Kristof.

The parents home was in Pusovce, in he Giraltovce district, in the Diocese of Kosice (Sp?). I am trying to locate the Roman Cathlic church and the exact location of the village, town, etc.

Our family name today is spelled Mesraick, I have seen previous spellings such as Mesarchik.

Any help would be appreciated. Larry Mesarick

What a great find! Thank you! Looking for family of a J? Sirotka/Serotka who emigrated to South America 1930's?, brother of Anna Sirotka Opalenik, also looking for family of Mary Sirotka Hancin who emigrated to Canada 1930's?.
This family was from Prekopa, now in Slovakia close to Ukraine border. They were Greek Catholics and considered themselves Ruthenians/Russyns.

My Grandfather, Mihaly Vaszily (Michael Vassel) came to the US in April 1914 aboard the ship KOLN. He came from the village of Vysna Mysla (Felsomislye). He spent time working in the mills in Lisbon Falls Maine but he ultimately settled in Cleveland Ohio. We are trying to reconnect with any family that would remain in Vysna Mysla.

Hoping you will be able to help locate my family name (PJOSEK)

Thank you.

Albert A. Pjosek

Who knew what a treasure we find when looking for family origins?

All I can say is...Bill you have no idea how much help this site has been!

Thank you ever so much!

Welcome to the 2009 guest book! I've archived all comments from 2003 to 2008 onto a separate page, which is permanently accessible to you and will continue to be Google-indexed so your long lost relatives can find you!

This new book contains a number of anti-spam features (we'll see how it works), and is much simpler for me to administer. I will also recieve notices of posting much quicker than previously.

So if the list seems short, look at the archive page, which has messages as late as 25 January 2009.

This book is my reward and satisfaction for the years of compiling this information for you. Enjoy!
Don't be shy, add your comments today!