Friday, December 30, 2016

50th Wedding Anniversary: Harry Anthony Murosky & Ann Marie Edens

A portrait taken on May 12, 1996 to honor the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Ann Marie Edens and Harry Anthony Murosky.

Harry Anthony Murosky was born 21 March 1921 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski. Ann Marie was born 1924 in North Carolina.

To view the couples wedding photographs visit the post Wedding Photos: Harry A. Murosky & Ann Marie Edens.
MB Boutiques: The Murosky Collection &emdash; Harry Anthony Murosky & Ann Marie Edens 50th Wedding Anniversary
Ann Marie Edens & Anthony Harry Murosky
50th Wedding Anniversary
The original photograph is owned by Tony Murosky. The copy has been shared with permission. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Helen Tillie Bukowski is my great grandmother. Harry Anthony Murosky is my Great Uncle. Harry's brother Arthur is my paternal grandfather. Ann Marie Edens is Great Aunt. 

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Late 1930's - Harry A. Murosky

This photograph of Harry Anthony Murosky was most likely taken in the late 1930's. The backdrop suggests a winter scene. This photograph was saved by his mother - Helen Tillie Bukowski.

Other photographs of Harry dated from 1937 and 1938 show him wearing similar rimless glasses. It is possible this photograph was taken during the winter between 1937 and 1938. Harry would have been about 16 years old at the time.
Michelle M. Murosky: The Murosky Collection &emdash; 1930's - Harry A. Murosky
Harry Anthony Murosky
This photograph was included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Helen Tillie Bukowski is my great grandmother. Harry Anthony Murosky is my Great Uncle. He is the brother of Arthur Murosky, my paternal grandfather.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

1971 - McDonald Family Christmas

A photograph from the 1971 McDonald family Christmas. Frances Philomena Selker, the wife of Loraine Anthony McDonald, photographed with her great granddaughter Melissa Anne Davis. The photograph was taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. 
Michelle M. Murosky: The McDonald Collection &emdash; Frances Philomena Selker & Unknown Child
Frances Philomena Selker with her granddaugher Melissa Anne Davis
From the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker are my great Grandparents.  Melissa Anne Davis is my 1st cousin. 

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

1962 - Murosky Family Christmas

Special thanks to all of my family who assisted with identifying the people in these photographs. Sometimes it truly takes a village to ensure our family history is preserved.

These photographs of the Murosky family were taken Christmas 1962. The family gathered at the home of Walter E. Niemi and Rita Ann Murosky. The photographs include four generations of he Murosky family.

The most iconic photograph of the group features Helen Tillie Bukowski with her grandchildren and her oldest great-grandchild. Included in the group photograph are:
  • Helen's grandchildren, the children of her son Arthur Murosky - James Arthur, Barbara Jean, Mary Helen, Kathleen Marie, Karen, Christine Elaine, David Anthony, Thomas Charles, Donald Gregory and Cheryl L Murosky
  • Helen's grandchildren, the children of her son Edward V. Murosky - Ronald and Robert Murosky
  • Helen's grandson, the child of her daughter Rita Ann Murosky - Kenneth Neimi
  • Helen's grandchildren, the children of her daughter Marian Elaine Murosky - Janet and Joyce Kubeja
  • Helen's great-grandson, the child of her granddaughter Barbara Jean Murosky, James Michael Petrone
Michelle M. Murosky: The Murosky Collection &emdash; 1962 Murosky Family Christmas
Murosky Family Christmas - 1962
Back (L-R): Mary Helen Murosky, Kathleen Marie Murosky, Ronald Murosky, James Arthur Murosky, Kennth Neimi
Middle (L-R): David Anthony Murosky, Robert Murosky, Christine Elaine Murosky, Karen Murosky, 

Thomas Charles Murosky (between Christine & Karen)
Front (L-R): Janet Kubeja, Helen Tillie Bukowski holding Cheryl L. Murosky and James Michael Petrone, Joyce Kubeja, Barbara Jean Murosky holding Donald Gregory Murosky
Michelle M. Murosky: The Murosky Collection &emdash; 1962 Murosky Family Christmas
Murosky Family Christmas - 1962
Back (L-R): Mary Helen Murosky, Kathleen Marie Murosky, Ronald Murosky, James Arthur Murosky, Kennth Neimi
Middle (L-R): David Anthony Murosky, Robert Murosky, Christine Elaine Murosky, Karen Murosky, 
Thomas Charles Murosky (between Christine & Karen)
Front (L-R): Janet Kubeja, Helen Tillie Bukowski holding Cheryl L. Murosky and James Michael Petrone, Joyce Kubeja, Barbara Jean Murosky holding Donald Gregory Murosky

MB Boutiques: The Murosky Collection &emdash; 1962 Murosky Family Christmas
Murosky Family Christmas - 1962
(L-R): Joyce Kubeja (dark dress w/ back to camera), Janet Kubeja, Arthur Murosky (seated), 

Barbara Jean Murosky holding James Michael Petrone, Helen Tillie Bukowski, Karen Murosky
Michelle M. Murosky: The Murosky Collection &emdash; 1962 Murosky Family Christmas
Murosky Family Christmas - 1962
 (L-R): Unknown Woman (back to camera), David Anthoyn Murosky, Arthur Murosky with D
Donald Gregory Murosky on his lap, Janet Kubeja, Barbara Jean Murosky holding James Michael Petrone.
Middle: Joyce Kubeja (in the dark dress)
Front: Possible Kathleen Marie Murosky holding her sister Cheryl L. Murosky
MB Boutiques: The Murosky Collection &emdash; 1962 Murosky Family Christmas
Murosky Family Christmas - 1962
On the Sofa (L-R):
 
Donald Gregory Murosky, Arthur Murosky, Janet Kubeja
On the ottoman: Joyce Kubeja, Unknown Santa


These photographs were included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Helen Tillie Bukowski is my great grandmother. Ronald Murosky, Robert Murosky, Kenneth Niemi, Janet Kubeja and Joyce Kubeja  are my 1st cousins 1x. James Arthur Murosky, Barbara Jean Murosky, Mary Helen Murosky, Kathleen Marie Murosky, Karen Murosky, Christine Elaine Murosky, Thomas Charles Murosky, Donald Gregory Murosky and Cheryl L. Murosky are my paternal aunts and uncles. David Anthony Murosky is my father. James Michael Petrone is my 1st cousin. 

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Long Standing Dream Comes True As District Woman Visits Germany

On June 26, 1906 Philomena Selker departed Germany with her Uncle Joseph William Selker. Her arrival is recorded at Ellis Island on July 3, 1906.  Philomena lived the rest of her life in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. On September 21, 1909 she married Augustine Benedict Lauer at St. Michael's Church in Fryburg, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. 

In the fall of 1957 Philomena and her husband traveled back to Germany to visit with her family. This was her first and only visit back to her birth country. The local newspaper, The Derrick, wrote an article which was published on Friday, January 24, 1958. The newspaper borders indicate the readership at that time was Oil City, Franklin and Clarion, Pennsylvania.

The original text of the article has been retyped and is shown below:

Long Standing Dream Comes True 
As District Woman Visits Germany
By Jack Baker
Derrick Staff Writer

MB Boutiques: The Selker Collection &emdash; Long Standing Dream Comes True As District Woman Visits Germany
An original copy of the newspaper article.
MB Boutiques: The Selker Collection &emdash; Long Standing Dream Comes True As District Woman Visits Germany
The Family of Mrs. Lauer in Germany
The relationship in italics is the relationship of the individual to Philomena Selker. 
Front row, left to right: Hermann Selker (brother), Mrs. Hermann Selker (sister-in-law), Mrs. Mary Schulde (Mary or Maria Selker, sister), Mrs. Lauer (Philomena Selker), Wilhelm Selker, (brother), Mrs. Wilhem Selker (sister-in-law)
 Back row, left to right: Hermann Schulde (brother in law) and Mr. Lauer (Augustine Benedict Lauer - husband)
 In the inset: Mrs. And Mrs. George Selker (brother and sister-in-law)

Shippenville – A dream of many years standing became a reality for a Knox Township woman in Clarion County during the last three months of 1957, the period spend visiting with her family in her native land of Germany, from where she came to America 52 years ago.

She is Mrs. Augustine “Gust” Lauer, Sr., who lives with her husband on a farm in Knox Township. Making the trip with her was her husband who was born on the farm where they reside, and whose parents migrated from Germany many years before.

Mrs. Lauer’s maiden name was Philomena Selker, and she came to America when she was 19 years old. Her parents were Gearhart and Agnes Raker Selker. In telling of her dream coming true and her visit to her homeland, she said “it was most wonderful and words could never express my enjoyment. It was a beautiful dream that came true for me and my husband.”

The Lauer couple were married in St. Michael Church, Fryburg, by the late Rev. August Hoeing on September 21, 1909, and next September they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Mr. Lauer was born in Knox Township, Clarion County on January 2, 1886, while Mrs. Lauer was born in Furstenani, Germany, on January 27, 1887. The parents of Mr. Lauer were John and Frances Loll Lauer.

Telling of their enjoyable voyage and visit with their folks in Germany, the Lauers pointed out that they left Clarion via bus for New York on October 7, 1957, arriving there the following day. At 11 a.m. October 8, they sailed on the Narddentacha Llyod Bremen MS Berlin liner and 10 days later on October 18 they arrived at Bremerhaven, Germany.

After their arrival they spent their time from October 18 to December 14 with sisters and brothers of Mrs. Lauer, who all reside in the area of Furstenani, in western Germany. On the return trip they chose to make the voyage on the world’s largest ocean liner, the SS United States. They sailed for America on December 14 and arrived back in the USA on December, 20.

Speaking of their return trip on the SS United States, Mrs. Lauer said “oh, my oh my, it was just wonderful. Something I shall never forget. That liner was just like a city. There were 2,000 passengers aboard. We were able to attend mass aboard the liner every morning, either at 7 o’clock or 7:30, whichever we chose to do.”

“We did have two rough days at sea coming back,” said Mr. Lauer, “and lots of people got seasick. But the wonderful trop made up for all that. In the next words of Mr. Lauer, he said “we visited a lot of the country while in Germany, and it is building up over there at a fast pace. Hundreds of new beautiful homes, business places and new industries going up everywhere.”

“One cannot see any aftermath of the war,” the Lauers pointed out. “There does not seem to be any unemployment. Everybody works. We could buy anything there just like we can here at home. And the weather was beautiful all the while we were there. When we left the flowers were blooming everywhere.”

Mrs. Lauer said she attended St. Mary’s church in Furstenani where was baptized when a baby and the church she attended until the time she came to America. She explained “that was a wonderful occasion for me and my husband.”

In conversation with the Lauers, Mr. Lauer explained, “there is one thing I do not want to forget to tell you about the people of Germany that I think the people of our country should know. The Germans have a great love and admiration for President Eisenhower. His name is mentioned many, many times in conversation of the German population. Ike is considered by the Germans as a great statesman and a kind, religious and outstanding man. Our German relatives say, “We Love Ike.”

The sisters and brothers of Mrs. Lauer who they visited are Mr. and Mrs. George Selker, and Mrs. And Mrs. Hermann Selker, of Furstenani both building contractors; Mr. and Mrs. Herman Schulde, Lingen, Germany, and Mrs. And Mrs. Wilhelm Selker, of Lengerich, Germany.

The Lauer children are William Lauer, Parker; Mrs. Lawrence Fasenmyer, Shippenville RD; Mrs. William Dechant, Clarion; Andrew Lauer, Shippenville RD; Augustine Lauer, Jr., Shippenville RD; and Paul Lauer, Shippenville RD. They also have 16 grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Lauer are members of St. Michael Church of Fryburg.
MB Boutiques: The Selker Collection &emdash; Long Standing Dream Comes True As District Woman Visits Germany
The Derrick
Friday, January 14, 1958 - Page 10
A copy of the original article.

The original copy of the this article is in the care of Leopold George Selker. Special thanks to Leopold for bringing this article to my attention. Leopold is my 2nd cousin 1x. He is a descendant of Leopold George Selker, Sr. the oldest son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. From the Leopold George Selker Collection. The digital copy of this article was published at Ancestry.com. 

Joseph William Selker is my 2nd great grandfather. Philomena Selker and her siblings are my 1st cousins 3x removed.
References:
  1. Ancestry.com. New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Year: 1906; Arrival: New York, New York; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Microfilm Roll: Roll 0736; Line: 2; Page Number: 87
  2. "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VFWP-YC8 : 24 June 2016), Augustine Lauer and Minnie Selker, 1909
  3. Ancestry.com. Derrick (Oil City, Pennsylvania) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Friday, January 25, 1958. Page 10. "Long Standing Dream Comes True As District Woman Visits Germany"

Sunday, December 4, 2016

JW Selker: Visiting Bentheim

This is the fifth and final post in the J.W. Selker Series. The series will be focused on Joseph William Selker's return trip to Germany in 1906. This would be Joseph William's first and only trip to Germany after departing 21 years prior.

Other Posts in The Series: 
JW Selker: Planning a Trip Home
JW Selker: Arriving at Ellis Island
JW Selker: A Letter To Germany
JW Selker: Visiting Fürstenau

During his return trip to Germany Joseph William Selker and his son Frederick William Selker traveled to at least three different cities. They visited Fürstenau, Bentheim and Montabauer. While in Bentheim they spent time with J.W.'s uncle Johann Hermann Heinrich Selker. At the time of the visit Johann Hermann Heinrich Selker was 68 years old. J.W. referenced his uncle in the letter sent to his brother Karl Friedrich Selker after the trip:

"Dear Brother, I just received a letter from Germany with the news that Uncle [missing word - now known to be Johann Hermann Heinrich Selker] in Bentheim has died. He was 68 years old. He followed our father rather quickly; I am glad I still was able to see him."

-Letter J.W. Selker sent to Karl Friedrich Selker dated July 1906

Bentheim is relatively close to Fürstenau. J.W. Selker may have traveled to Bentheim to seek this family connection from his past. Uncle Johann would have been a link to J.W. Selker's father who died April 30, 1906. J.W. Selker may have also traveled to Bentheim to share the Selker family history and heritage with his son Frederick William. J.W. Selker's father,  Herman George Selk, was born November 15, 1814 in Bentheim.  He was the son of Hermann Heinrich Selker and Maria Anna Overhuis.

Family tradition maintains that Hermann Heinrich Selker served in the army of Napoleon Bonaparte. He was among the soldiers that survived the fatal march from Moscow in November 1812. He would have watched many of his fellow soldiers and their horses freeze to death. Napolean is said to have gifted Hermann Heinrich Selker land in Bentheim for his military service. The land is said to be marked by the stone marker featured in the photographs below.
MB Boutiques: The Selker Collection &emdash; Stone Landmarker in Bentheim, Germany
Family Tradition maintains this Stone Marker marks land given to Hermann Heinrich Selker by Napoleon Bonaparte.

MB Boutiques: The Selker Collection &emdash; Stone Landmarker in Bentheim, Germany
Family Tradition maintains this Stone Marker marks land given to Hermann Heinrich Selker by Napoleon Bonaparte. In the black and white version the date of 1817 is more visible.
The military service of Hermann Heinrich Selker and the gift of land by Napolean Bonaparte have not been verified by any first hand historical records. Hopefully in time records will be located to verify this information. It should be noted that there is a second hand historical source.

Joseph William Selker is featured in the Genealogical and personal history of the Allegheny Valley Pennsylvania. The book was published in 1913. Although it is a second hand source - Joseph William Selker was likely interviewed. In his interview he made a point of highlighting his grandfather's military service:

"George Selker, the first member SELKER of this family of whom we have any definite information, was born November 15, 1814, in Bentheim, in the province of Hanover, Germany, where he died April 30, 1906. His father had been a soldier in Napoleon's army during the retreat from Moscow in 1812, and was later warden of the government prison in Bentheim." 
-Page 839: Selker

At the time of the interview Joseph William Selker was a prominent member of the Clarion community. He was well educated and a well known business owner. It is difficult to imagine J.W. Selker sharing a family legacy that isn't truthful. The fact that he took his son to visit Bentheim showcases the strong link J.W. Selker had to the city of his ancestors.

It is currently unknown if the said land in Bentheim remained in the Selker family or if it at some point the land was sold. 

This photograph is shared with permission. The original version is in the care of Leopold George Selker my 2nd cousin 1x. He is a descendant of Leopold George Selker, Sr. the oldest son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. From the Leopold George Selker Collection.

Hermann Heinrich Selker and Maria Anna Overhuis are my 4th great grandparents. Hermann George Selker is my 3rd great grandfather. Johann Hermann Heinrich Selker is my 3rd great uncle. Joseph William Selker is my 2nd great grandfather. Frederick William Selker is my great grand uncle. 

References:
  1. Photograph of the Stone Marker in Bentheim.
  2. Handwritten Letter from Joseph William Selker to Karl Friedrich Selker dated 19 July 1906.
  3. John Woolf Jordan, LL.D., Genealogical and personal history of the Allegheny Valley Pennsylvania, III vols. (New York:  Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1913), Page 839. View the book here: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/John_Woolf_Jordan_Genealogical_and_Personal_Histor?id=VNQqAAAAYAAJ

Saturday, December 3, 2016

JW Selker: Visiting Fürstenau

This is the fourth post in the J.W. Selker Series. The series will be focused on Joseph William Selker's return trip to Germany in 1906. This would be Joseph William's first and only trip to Germany after departing 21 years prior.

Other Posts in The Series: 
JW Selker: Planning a Trip Home
JW Selker: Arriving at Ellis Island
JW Selker: A Letter To Germany

During his return trip to Germany Joseph William Selker and his son Frederick William Selker traveled to at least three different cities. They visited Fürstenau, Bentheim and Montabauer. While in Fürstenau they spent time with Gerhardt Selker and Mary Agnes Rakers - J.W.'s brother and sister-in-law. This would be J.W.'s first time meeting Gerhardt's children. J.W. departed Germany shortly after Gerhardt and Mary Agnes were married. The couple's daughter, Philomena Selker, was included in J.W. Selker's return party. Philomena made the decision to leave Germany. She would remain in Clarion for the rest of her life.

J.W. and Frederick may have stopped to view or spend time at J.W.'s  childhood home located in Fürstenau. Sadly J.W.'s father Hermann George Selker, passed away on April 3, 1906 a few months before J.W. and Frederick departed. It is plausible that the Selker family was still in possession of the home in late June of 1906.

It is currently unknown if the Fürstenau house remained in the Selker family or if it was sold after Hermann George Selker's death. 
MB Boutiques: The Selker Collection &emdash; Home of Hermann George Selker & Katherine Elizabeth Hofhaus
The house where J.W. Selker was born in Fürstenau, Germany. 
A photograph of the Selker family home located in Fürstenau was taken by a Selker descendant when a group traveled to Germany.

This photograph is shared with permission. The original version is in the care of Leopold George Selker my 2nd cousin 1x. He is a descendant of Leopold George Selker, Sr. the oldest son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. From the Leopold George Selker Collection.

Hermann George Selker is my 3rd great grandfather. Gerhardt Selker is my 2nd great uncle. Mary Agnes Rakers ais my 2nd great aunt. Philomena Selker is my 1st cousin 3x. Joseph William Selker is my 2nd great grandfather. Frederick William Selker is my great grand uncle. 

References:
  1. Photograph of the Selker home in Fürstenau.