Thursday, March 31, 2016

Five Generation Chart: Mary Eugenia McDonald

The five generation pedigree chart below showcases Mary Eugenia McDonald with four generations of her direct ancestors. The color coding is used to group the birthplaces of the featured individuals. If the birth location is unknown black has been used. This format has been adapted from the original version shared by genealogist J. Paul Hawthorne.

The oldest ancestor featured in the chart is Anton Guth born 1792 in Untersimonwald, Margraviate of Baden, Holy Roman Empire. His 2nd great-grand daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald was born 130 years later on January 22, 1922 in Strattanville, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.
Michelle M. Murosky: Blog Images &emdash;
Mary Eugenia McDonald
Five Generation Pedigree Chart

As shown from the chart the ancestors of Mary Eugenia McDonald arrived over several generations.
  • David McDonald and his wife Bridget Dunn are first documented in Clarion County in 1833. David and Bridget traveled with their son James most likely arriving prior to 1833. They may have traveled with other family members as well. 
  • Robert Haggerty is the son of Irish immigrant Thomas Haggerty. Thomas Haggerty arrived in the late 1700's with his first wife and at least one son named John.  
  • Rebecca Easly is a descendant of the Kuhn and Easly families. These families were living in the United States prior to the Revolutionary War. 
  • Michael O'Neill arrived in the United States May of 1851. Several of Michael's siblings also relocated to the United Sates. 
  • Ellen Cunningham arrived in the United States June 1869. She traveled with her parents and her siblings. 
  • Joseph William Selker arrived in November 1885. Joseph set out alone seeking opportunity. He would eventually return to Germany and bring two of his nieces back with him. 
  • Leopold Guth arrived approximately 1850. Leopold and his brother Francis Xavier left Germany together and settled in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. 
  • Theresa Loll arrived with her mother and sibling on October 7, 1852.  Her father Antoine may have traveled ahead as he was not recorded on the ship's manifest. 
An additional chart is also shown that includes the birth and death dates for the featured individuals.
Michelle M. Murosky: Blog Images &emdash;
Mary Eugenia McDonald
Five Generation Pedigree Chart
Mary Eugenia McDonald is my paternal grandmother. The individuals featured in the chart are my direct ancestors. 

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

1957 - A Postcard from Oxnard, CA

A postcard sent to Francis McDonald postmarked July 15, 1957 at 1:00 pm out of Oxnard, California. The postcard was sent by "Amelia". The identity of Amelia is currently unknown.
Michelle M. Murosky: The Postcard Collection &emdash; July 15, 1957
Postcard Front
Michelle M. Murosky: The Postcard Collection &emdash; July 15, 1957
Postcard Back
The Postcard Collection includes postcards from the 1940’s that were included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. The collection also includes postcards from the 1950's and 1960's that were included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. She married Loraine Anthony McDonald. Their daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald was my paternal grandmother.

Monday, March 28, 2016

1940's - Lillian, Joe, & 'Boodoo'

The following snapshots of Lillian and Joe with their collie "Boodoo" were mixed in with other family photographs. Several of the photographs have handwritten labels. Ironically two photographs appear to have been taken on leap day - February 29, 1948.

It is currently not known who Lillian and Joe are. The location of the photographs is also unknown. Lillian also appears in photographs from the Murosky side of the family. Visit the post Family Photos: July 1945 Murosky Family Gathering to see other photographs of Lillian.
Michelle M. Murosky: The Unknowns &emdash; Lillian & Boodoo
Unknown Photograph
Lillian and "Boodoo" February 29, 1948
Michelle M. Murosky: The Unknowns &emdash; Joe & Boodoo
Joe and "Boodoo"'
The back is labeled "Joe and "Broodoo" 8 months old
February 29, 1948 
Michelle M. Murosky: The Unknowns &emdash; Joe & Boodoo
Joe and "Boodoo"

Michelle M. Murosky: The Unknowns &emdash; Lillian & "Boodoo"
Unknown Photograph
Lillian and "Boodoo"
These photograph were mixed in with other family photographs. The photographs are most likely from Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection as Lillian is included in other Murosky family photographs.  Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Friday, March 25, 2016

Wedding Snapshot: Rita Ann Murosky & Walter E. Niemi

A snapshot from the wedding of Rita Ann Murosky & Walter E. Niemi. The wedding was held October 4, 1947 in Erie, Erie County Pennsylvania. 
Michelle M. Murosky: The Murosky Collection &emdash; Walter E. Niemi & Rita Ann Murosky Wedding
Rita Ann Murosky & Walter E. Niemi
Rita Ann Murosky is the daughter of Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski. Walter E. Niemi is the son of Matthew Niemi and Selma Wirtala.

The photograph was included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Rita Ann Murosky is my great aunt. She is the sister of my paternal grandfather Arthur Murosky.

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Madelyn Ann McDonald

Madelyn Ann McDonald possibly photographed before a high school dance. She is a wearing what looks to be a formal strapless polka-dot dress and holding a flower arrangement. There no labels or dates on the photograph. Madelyn was identified by her siblings. If taken before a high school dance the latest the photograph could have been taken is the spring of 1950 when she was 18 years old. The photograph could also have been taken in the late 1940's.

The photograph would have been taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.
Michelle M. Murosky: The McDonald Collection &emdash; Madelyn Ann McDonald
Madelyn Ann McDonald
This photograph was included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Frances Philomena Guth appears to have passed the photographs down to her daughter Frances Philomena Selker. Frances' daughter Mary Eugina McDonald ended up with her mother's photo collections which is time were handed down to me. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Madelyn Ann McDonald, affectionately known as Aunt Midge, is my Great Aunt. Her sister Mary Eugenia McDonald is my paternal grandmother. 

Saturday, March 19, 2016

1957 - A Postcard from Frostburg, Maryland

A postcard sent to Mr. and Mrs. L.A. McDonald. The postcard was postmarked July 30, 1957 at 3:30 pm out of Frostburg, Maryland. The post card was sent by Kathryn Joan McDonald to her parents Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker.

Kathryn  and her husband Jack sent the postcard while vacationing. The hand written note includes details about their vacation:

Hi: Saw Gettysburg Sun. [Sunday] afternoon then drove on here to a beautiful motel. Air Cond [air conditioning] and T.V. See you soon - Jack & Joan
Michelle M. Murosky: The Postcard Collection &emdash; July 30, 1957
Postcard Front
Michelle M. Murosky: The Postcard Collection &emdash; July 30, 1957
Postcard Back
Jack & Joan to Mr. & Mrs. L.A. McDonald
The Postcard Collection includes postcards from the 1940’s that were included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. The collection also includes postcards from the 1950's and 1960's that were included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Kathryn Joan McDonald is my Great Aunt. Her parents Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker are my great grandparents. Their daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald was my paternal grandmother. 

Sunday, March 13, 2016

1945 - A Second Postcard from Buffalo, NY

A postcard sent to the Morosky Family. The family would have included Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and his wife Helen Tillie Bukowski. Note the spelling variation of Murosky as Morosky. The postcard was postmarked August 11, 1945 at 5 pm out of Buffalo, New York. The post card was sent by Helen B.,most likely Helen Bukowski, the niece of Helen Tillie Bukowski.

Helen Bukowski, the daughter of John Frank Bukowski and Theresa Filipkowski, was in Buffalo, NY visiting the family of William F. Bukowski. William Bukowski, Helen's uncle, was the brother of Helen Tillie Bukowski and John Frank Bukowski. It appears several Bukowski family members traveled together. Helen writes in her postcard that she is with her cousin Leona. Helen Tillie Bukowski also received a postcard from her niece Leona Pietrzak, postmarked August 1945 out of Buffalo. To view that postcard visit the post 1945 - A Postcard from Buffalo, NY.

William F. Bukowski and his wife Celia were originally from Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Their son Norbert was born in July 13, 1920 in Pennsylvania. The family relocated to Buffalo prior to 1930. The 1930 United States Federal Census recorded the family living in  Buffalo, Erie, New York.

Helen would been 16 years old when she sent this postcard to to her Aunt Helen.
Michelle M. Murosky: The Postcard Collection &emdash; August 5, 1945
Postcard Front
Michelle M. Murosky: The Postcard Collection &emdash; August 5, 1945
Postcard Back
From Helen B. to
 the Morosky Family
The Postcard Collection includes postcards from the 1940’s that were included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. In addition to saving photographs Helen also saved newspaper clippings, postcards and greeting cards. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Helen Bukowski is my 1st Cousin 2x. Her father John Frank Bukowski is my 2nd Great Uncle. He is the brother of Helen Tillie Bukowski, my Great Grandmother. Helen's son Arthur is my paternal grandfather. 

References:
  1. U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010. Record for Norbert Bukowski. 
  2. 1930 U.S. Census, New York, Erie, Buffalo,  1930 United States Federal Census Schedule; Online Images, Record for Bukowski, Boleslaus. Lines 67-78.

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

1945 - A Postcard from Buffalo, NY

A postcard sent to Helen Tillie Bukowski. The postcard was postmarked August 1945 out of Buffalo, New York. The post card was sent by Leona Pietrzak - Helen's niece.

Leona Pietrzak, the daughter of Clara Tillie Bukowski, was in Buffalo, NY visiting the family of William F. Bukowski. William Bukowski, Leona's uncle, was the brother of Helen Tillie Bukowski and Clara Tillie Bukowski.

William F. Bukowski and his wife Celia were originally from Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Their son Norbert was born in July 13, 1920 in Pennsylvania. The family relocated to Buffalo prior to 1930. The 1930 United States Federal Census recorded the family living in  Buffalo, Erie, New York.

Leona would been 13 years old when she sent this postcard to to her Aunt Helen.
Michelle M. Murosky: The Postcard Collection &emdash; August 1945
Postcard Front
Michelle M. Murosky: The Postcard Collection &emdash; August 1945
Postcard Back
From Leona to
 Helen
The Postcard Collection includes postcards from the 1940’s that were included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. In addition to saving photographs Helen also saved newspaper clippings, postcards and greeting cards. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Leona Pietrzak is my 1st Cousin 2x. Her mother Clara Tillie Bukowski is my 2nd Great Aunt. She is the sister of Helen Tillie Bukowski, my Great Grandmother. Helen's son Arthur is my paternal grandfather. 

References:
  1. U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010. Record for Norbert Bukowski. 
  2. 1930 U.S. Census, New York, Erie, Buffalo,  1930 United States Federal Census Schedule; Online Images, Record for Bukowski, Boleslaus. Lines 67-78.

Sunday, March 6, 2016

1966 - William Edward McDonald

This post was originally titled "1954 - Michael Herbstritt". After sharing this post I realized both the year and the person featured was wrong. The post has been updated to reflect the correct date and person. 

William Edward McDonald the son of William Loraine McDonald and Mary Ann Jennings. The photograph was likely taken spring of 1966. The photograph appears to have been taken in front of his grandparents house located at 317 East 27th Street in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Michelle M. Murosky: The McDonald Collection &emdash; 1966 - William Edward McDonald
William Edward McDonaldPhotographed 1966
William Loraine McDonald is the son of Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker. A copy of this photograph was included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

William Loraine McDonald is my great uncle. He is the brother of Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother. William Edward McDonald is my 1st cousins 1x.

Saturday, March 5, 2016

1945 - A Postcard from Pittsburgh, PA

A postcard sent to Miss Marian Murosky. The postcard was postmarked August 29, 1945 out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The post card was sent by Madelyn Ann McDonald who was affectionately called "Midge".

Madelyn Ann McDonald was the sister of Mary Eugenia McDonald. Mary Eugenia married Arthur Murosky, Marian Elaine Murosky's older brother. Both families lived in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania and the members of the extended families became close. The Murosky family was living at 638 East 23rd Street when the postcard was sent. The McDonald family lived a few blocks away at 422 East 19th Street in the early 1940's.

Madelyn would been 13 years old when she sent this postcard to Marian age 10. Madelyn was most likely traveling to visit her McDonald family members which included her grandparents and cousins that lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Michelle M. Murosky: The Postcard Collection &emdash; August 29, 1945
Postcard Front
Michelle M. Murosky: The Postcard Collection &emdash; August 29, 1945
Postcard Back
From Midge to
 Marian
The Postcard Collection includes postcards from the 1940’s that were included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. In addition to saving photographs Helen also saved newspaper clippings, postcards and greeting cards. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Marian Elaine Murosky is my Great Aunt. Her brother Arthur Murosky married Mary Eugenia McDonald. Arthur Murosky and Mary Eugenia McDonald are my paternal grandparents. Madelyn Ann McDonald, affectionately known as Aunt Midge, is my Great Aunt.