Remembering Our Veterans - In valor there is hope

America’s Veterans have served their country with the belief that democracy and freedom are ideals to be upheld around the world. -John Doolittle 

Today we remember and honor our Military Veterans. Thank you to those who served. May we never forget their sacrifices and their service.

The Military Service list is a work in progress that is updated as family history research progresses. If family members are missing please let me know and they will be incorporated. 

Unknown Military Service

Antoine Loll was born November 17, 1798 in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France. He is said to have served in the Served in the German calvary or the French Army for seven years. Antoine Loll is featured in the blog post Antonine Loll: German Cavalryman

War of the Sixth Coalition

Hermann Selker is said to have a soldier, serving under Napoleon Bonaparte in the Prussian Army during the retreat from Moscow, Russia in 1812.

American Civil War

Andrew Haggerty was the son of Robert Haggerty and Rebecca Easly. He was born in 1839 and he may have served in the Civil War. Historical records show that an Andrew Haggerty died at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863. It is currently unknown if the Andrew Haggerty that died at Gettysburg is the son of Roberty Haggerty and Rebecca Easly.

John Lauer, the husband of Francisca Loll. Francisca was the sister of John Loll above and the daughter of Antoine Loll and Mary Ann Jehl, my 4th great grandparents. John was born 15 May 1841 in Baveria, Germany the son of George Lauer and Ursula Bendorfer. John is said to arrived with his parents to the United States in 1846. John would have been around 20 at the start of the war. A Proud People A Proud Heritage, compiled by the compiled by the History Committee of St. Joseph Parish, Lucinda, Pa. indicates that John was taken as a prisoner of war on April 25, 1864. He later re-joined his regiment on December 16, 1864.

John Loll was born in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France on 08 Oct 1843. He is the son of Antoine Loll and Mary Ann Jehl, my 4th great grandparents. He arrived in the United States on 07 Oct 1852 at the Port of New York when he was 9 years old with his family. At the age of 18 he would serve in the Union Army. In February of 1862 he would be wounded in battle and would die as a casualty of war on June 10, 1862 in a hospital in Washington, D.C.

Joseph Loll served between 1861 and 1863 Company F, 63rd Regiment. 

James McDonald fought in the Civil War. In August 1,1861 he was enlisted in Company F, 63rd regiment at approximately age 33.  James was in a Confederate Prison camp from May 31 to September 13, 1862. He was promoted to corporal May, 1863; discharged August 28, 1863, for wounds received at Chancellorsville, Va., May 31, 1862. He was shot in the right arm. His grave marker at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Crown, Clarion County, Pennsylvania  indicates his rank of Corporal.  James would have been about 32 at the time of the civil war. James is estimated to be born around 1829 in Ireland, the son of David McDonald and Bridget, my 4th great grandparents.

John McDonald, brother of James McDonald, also served in the civil war. He enlisted as a private on February 25, 1864 at approximately age 28 with Company F, 63rd Regiment.  He was transferred to Company H, the 105th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He died October 16, 1864 in Beverly, New Jersey. He is buried in Beverly National Cemetery in Beverly, Burlington County, New Jersey. His grave marker references Company H, 105 PA. Inf. To view his grave marker visit this link.

Andrew McDonald, brother of James and John also served in the civil war. He enlisted as a private on March 14, 1862 at approximately age 22 for three years. Andrew was in a Confederate Prison camp from May 31 to September 13, 1862 with his brother James. He was then transferred to Company G., Second U.S. Calvary, on November 5, 1862 were he served as a sergeant.

To view the original post highlighting the service of Civil War veterans visit the Civil War Veterans. 

Spanish American War

Leopold M. Loll was born 18 Nov 1875. He was the son of Joseph Loll, my 3rd great grand uncle, and Helen Eisenman. According to William Loll, who wrote the Loll Family History books, Leopold served in the Spanish American War.  Leopold died in 1918 at the age of 42.

World War I

Gabriel Augustine Haggerty born 1891 and served in WWI.

Vincent Charles Lynam born July 6, 1888 in Fryburg, Clarion, Pennsylvania served in WWI.

Robert Edwin McDonald was born in Clarion Clarion County Pennsylvania Feb 1, 1899 the third child born to Robert Alphonsus McDonald Winifred Agnes O'Neill.

Joseph Murosky, Sr. was born July 4, 1900 in Forest City, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony Murosky, Sr. and Eva Zielinski.  He served in the United States Army as a Private First Class (PFC).  He enlisted on May 2, 1917 at age 16 and was discharged on October 2, 1919 at age 19.

To view the original post highlighting the service of  WWI veterans visit the post In Memory of WWI Veterans. 

World War II

There are numerous World War II veterans in the family.

Daniel L. Bukowski was born September 19, 1921. He served as a Sargent in the Army from October 24, 1942 through December 17, 1945. He was recognized in World War II Young American Patriots, 1941-1945 for his service. He was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.

Daniel L. Bukowski

Joseph R. Bukowski was born July 4, 1906 in Erie, Pennsylvania.  He served in the Army between June 15, 1943 and June 24, 1944 as a Private in the Army.

Norbert Bukowski was born July 13, 1920 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He served in the United States Coast Guard from June 17, 1942 through November 7, 1945.

Norbert Bukowski with his daughter Judy

Raymond H. Bukowski was born February 28, 1920 in Erie, Pennsylvania   He served in the US Navy.

Raymond H. Bukowski

John E. Chanis, Jr. was born February 12, 1916 in Forest City, Pennsylvania He served in WWII - PFC between July 27, 1944 and September 1945.

Anthony Aloysius Fromknecht was born January 23, 1925 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Joseph J. Fromknecht and Mary Loesch. Anthony enlisted in the United States Army on February 21, 1941 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He served as a 1st Lieutenant. He was discharged from service on December 22, 1945.

Anthony Aloysius Fromknecht

Raymond Loll was born in 1922 the son of Francis G. Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, and Elizabeth Hartle. On February 20, 1943, at age 21, Raymond enlisted with the Air Corps in Miami Beach, Florida. Raymond was trained as a B-29 pilot and assigned to the 43rd Bomber Squadron and the 29th Bomber Group designated 'Very Heavy'. On April 14, 1945 Raymond's plane was lost and the crew perished on a Mission to Tokyo. Raymond was recorded as Missing in Action or Buried at Sea. Raymond was 23 years old at the time of his death. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. He is also honored in the Tablets of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Memorial Wall, Honolulu, HI 

Barbara Lynam was born June 24, 1912 in Oil City, Pennsylvania. She served in the PFC WAC WWII.

Barbara Lynam

Robert Aloysius Haggerty was born July 24, 1927. He served as a SSGT in the US Marine Corps in WWII. 

Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, Jr. was born 02 Oct 1919 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, my 2nd great grand uncle and Gertrude Anna O'Neill, my 2nd great grand aunt. Ambrose Aloysius was also the brother of Virginia McDonald Geary and is a double cousin to me as we are related by the McDonald and O'Neill lines. Ambrose volunteered for military service and joined the Marine Corps. He was killed by enemy fire in Tarawa in November of 1943, at age 24, upon landing on the beach. He earned a Purple Heart for his service. In addition to being remembered at the Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii he also has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. He now has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery,  thanks to his sister Virginia McDonald Geary. Ambrose is featured in the blog post A Letter from Tarawa

Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, Jr.

The gravemarker for Ambrose in Arlington National Cemetery

James Aloysius McDonald was born 02 Jan 1912 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Robert Alphonsus McDonald, my 2nd great grandfather and Winifred Agnes O'Neill, my 2nd great grandmother. James served in the US Army. He enlisted in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania on 17 July 1942. He was discharged from service 1 November 1945. James died 18 June 1982 at age 70.   

James Aloysius McDonald

Back: Loraine Anthony McDonald, Frances Philomena Selker, Winifred Agnes O'Neill, James Aloysius McDonald. Front: Robert Alphonsus McDonald holding May Helen Murosky

Edward V. Murosky was born 03 Mar 1925 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony Harry Murosky Jr., my great grandfather and Helen Tillie Bukowski, my great grand mother. Edward was stationed along the Alaskan Highway in WWII. Edward died on 11 Dec 1996, at age 71, in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Edward V. Murosky

Harry A. Murosky was born 21 Mar 1921 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony Harry Murosky Jr., my great grandfather and Helen Tillie Bukowski, my great grand mother. Harry died on 29 Mar 2002, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Harry A. Murosky

William Murosky was born July 11, 1902 in Forest City, Pennsylvania. He served in the Army, WWII Air Corps from August 12, 1942 through January 1943. 

William Murosky

Benjamin Ragan Norris was born December 30, 1916. He served as a waist gunner on a B17. Four days after his wedding to Barbara Lynam he was shipped abroad. His plane the War Eagle crash landed on May 28, 1944 90 miles east of Treves, Germany after engine trouble. All of the crew were taken prisoners by the Germans. except for Benjamin and the other waist gunner Daniel Dunbar. They walked 300 miles to Allied France. They were picked up by the French Resistance and fought with them until the area was liberated by the US 4th armored division. At that point Benjamin was sent back to the United States were he served an instructor for future recruits.

Benjamin Ragan Norris

Christopher D. O'Neill was born in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania in 1919. He was the son of Owen James O'Neill and Nellie Boyles. Christopher was was a member of the 579th Bomber Squadron, 392nd Bomber Group, Heavy. He served as s a Right Waist Gunner/Assistant Engineer on the B-24 aircraft. He died on November 6, 1943 in a German Hospital in Middelburg, the Netherland after suffering injuries from jumping out his aircraft the day before. He was buried in the Ardennes American War Cemetery in Belgium. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. To view his  his grave marker visit this link.

Edward Charles Selker, Jr. was born 26 January 1926. He is the son of Edward C. Selker Sr. and Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl. Edward enlisted with the United States Navy on 12 April 1944. He was discharged on 18 June 1946.

Edward Charles Selker, Jr.

Leopold George Selker, Jr. was born 21 July 1918. He as the the son of Leopold George Selker, Sr. and Katherine V. Hartle. Leopold enlisted with the United States Army on 3 January 1944. He was discharged on 31 January 1945.

Leopold George Selker, Jr. 

Philip Franz Selker was born 25 Apr 1907 in Montabaur, Westerwald,  Germany. He was the son of Karl Friedrich Selker, my 2nd great grand uncle. His mother has been listed as Margarita Wolf, but on a personal visit to him in 2001 he indicated that Margarita Wolf was not his mother and that his father had re-married after her death. Philip arrived in the United States in 1929, he came to avoid the growing military establishment in Germany. During World War II, Philip served in the Infantry in the United States Army.  He landed at Omaha Beach on the second day of the invasion of Europe.  He saw Action in France, Belgium, and Germany.  He was injured during the Bulge. He later participated in the war in the Pacific.

I had the opportunity to meet Philip in 2001 in Chicago to learn more about my German Heritage. When my husband and I got off the Metra train in Morton Grove, Philip said that he knew who we were because my face had the look of the German family. We had a wonderful visit with Philip, his wife and his daughter.  Philip was in his early 90's when we met him and he was full of life and energy. Philip died on 24 Sep 2006 at age 99 in Glenview, Illinois. Philip is featured in the blog post Philip Selker - Battle of Normandy Veteran

Robert V. Pietrzak was born October 25, 1925 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He served in the United States Navy.

Robert V. Pietrzak, Leona Pietrzak and Stanley Pietrzak

Edward W. Zelazny was born September 11, 1915 in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Joseph Stanislaus Zelazny and Catherine M. Bukowski. He served as a Navy Corpsman from 1944 to 1945. He served as a medic in the Philippines.

Edward W. Zelazny

Korean War 

John Bukowski, Jr. was born April 23, 1932 in Erie PA. He served in the Army as a Corporal from December 2, 1952 to November 6, 1954.

Vietnam War

There are several Vietnam veterans in the family, some are still living and are not listed below to protect their privacy.

James Arthur Murosky was born 08 Oct 1942 in Erie, Erie, County Pennsylvania, the son of Arthur Murosky, my grandfather, and Mary Eugenia McDonald, my grandmother. James served in Vietnam. He died 23 Nov 1993 at the age of 51, in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

James Arthur Murosky

Thomas S. Hazlett was born 02 Mar 1942 in Brookfield, Noble County, Ohio. He was the son of Leland M. Hazlett and Hazel Jones. Thomas served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

To view additional photographs visit the The Military Collection  at the family photo website. This digital gallery features over 50 photographs of family members who served in the military. Many of the photographs are from the WWII era. The photographs range from portraits with family members to photos taken where the men were stationed and sent home to loved ones. Many of the photos are from the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection.

Veterans Day - Honoring Those Who Served

Today we remember and honor our Military Veterans. Thank you to those who served.

To view photographs of of military veterans visit the The Military Collection  at the family photo website. This digital gallery features over 50 photographs of family members who served in the military. Many of the photographs are from the WWII era. The photographs range from portraits with family members to photos taken where the men were stationed and sent home to loved ones. Many of the photos are from the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection.

The Military Service list is a work in progress that is updated as family history research progresses. If family members are missing please let me know and they will be incorporated. 

Unknown Military Service

Antoine Loll was born November 17, 1798 in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France. He is said to have served in the Served in the German calvary or the French Army for seven years. Antoine Loll is featured in the blog post Antonine Loll: German Cavalryman

War of the Sixth Coalition

Hermann Selker is said to have a soldier, serving under Napoleon Bonaparte in the Prussian Army during the retreat from Moscow, Russia in 1812.

American Civil War

Andrew Haggerty was the son of Robert Haggerty and Rebecca Easly. He was born in 1839 and he may have served in the Civil War. Historical records show that an Andrew Haggerty died at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863. It is currently unknown if the Andrew Haggerty that died at Gettysburg is the son of Roberty Haggerty and Rebecca Easly.

John Lauer, the husband of Francisca Loll. Francisca was the sister of John Loll above and the daughter of Antoine Loll and Mary Ann Jehl, my 4th great grandparents. John was born 15 May 1841 in Baveria, Germany the son of George Lauer and Ursula Bendorfer. John is said to arrived with his parents to the United States in 1846. John would have been around 20 at the start of the war. A Proud People A Proud Heritage, compiled by the compiled by the History Committee of St. Joseph Parish, Lucinda, Pa. indicates that John was taken as a prisoner of war on April 25, 1864. He later re-joined his regiment on December 16, 1864.

John Loll was born in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France on 08 Oct 1843. He is the son of Antoine Loll and Mary Ann Jehl, my 4th great grandparents. He arrived in the United States on 07 Oct 1852 at the Port of New York when he was 9 years old with his family. At the age of 18 he would serve in the Union Army. In February of 1862 he would be wounded in battle and would die as a casualty of war on June 10, 1862 in a hospital in Washington, D.C.

Joseph Loll served between 1861 and 1863 Company F, 63rd Regiment. 

James McDonald fought in the Civil War. In August 1,1861 he was enlisted in Company F, 63rd regiment at approximately age 33.  James was in a Confederate Prison camp from May 31 to September 13, 1862. He was promoted to corporal May, 1863; discharged August 28, 1863, for wounds received at Chancellorsville, Va., May 31, 1862. He was shot in the right arm. His grave marker at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Crown, Clarion County, Pennsylvania  indicates his rank of Corporal.  James would have been about 32 at the time of the civil war. James is estimated to be born around 1829 in Ireland, the son of David McDonald and Bridget, my 4th great grandparents.

John McDonald, brother of James McDonald, also served in the civil war. He enlisted as a private on February 25, 1864 at approximately age 28 with Company F, 63rd Regiment.  He was transferred to Company H, the 105th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He died October 16, 1864 in Beverly, New Jersey. He is buried in Beverly National Cemetery in Beverly, Burlington County, New Jersey. His grave marker references Company H, 105 PA. Inf. To view his grave marker visit this link.

Andrew McDonald, brother of James and John also served in the civil war. He enlisted as a private on March 14, 1862 at approximately age 22 for three years. Andrew was in a Confederate Prison camp from May 31 to September 13, 1862 with his brother James. He was then transferred to Company G., Second U.S. Calvary, on November 5, 1862 were he served as a sergeant.

To view the original post highlighting the service of Civil War veterans visit the Civil War Veterans. 

Spanish American War

Leopold M. Loll was born 18 Nov 1875. He was the son of Joseph Loll, my 3rd great grand uncle, and Helen Eisenman. According to William Loll, who wrote the Loll Family History books, Leopold served in the Spanish American War.  Leopold died in 1918 at the age of 42.

World War I

Gabriel Augustine Haggerty born 1891 and served in WWI.

Vincent Charles Lynam born July 6, 1888 in Fryburg, Clarion, Pennsylvania served in WWI.

Robert Edwin McDonald was born in Clarion Clarion County Pennsylvania Feb 1, 1899 the third child born to Robert Alphonsus McDonald Winifred Agnes O'Neill.

Joseph Murosky, Sr. was born July 4, 1900 in Forest City, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony Murosky, Sr. and Eva Zielinski.  He served in the United States Army as a Private First Class (PFC).  He enlisted on May 2, 1917 at age 16 and was discharged on October 2, 1919 at age 19.

To view the original post highlighting the service of  WWI veterans visit the post In Memory of WWI Veterans. 

World War II

There are numerous World War II veterans in the family.

Daniel L. Bukowski was born September 19, 1921. He served as a Sargent in the Army from October 24, 1942 through December 17, 1945. He was recognized in World War II Young American Patriots, 1941-1945 for his service. He was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.

Daniel L. Bukowski

Joseph R. Bukowski was born July 4, 1906 in Erie, Pennsylvania.  He served in the Army between June 15, 1943 and June 24, 1944 as a Private in the Army.

Norbert Bukowski was born July 13, 1920 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He served in the United States Coast Guard from June 17, 1942 through November 7, 1945.

Norbert Bukowski with his daughter Judy

Raymond H. Bukowski was born February 28, 1920 in Erie, Pennsylvania   He served in the US Navy.

Raymond H. Bukowski

John E. Chanis, Jr. was born February 12, 1916 in Forest City, Pennsylvania He served in WWII - PFC between July 27, 1944 and September 1945.

Anthony Aloysius Fromknecht was born January 23, 1925 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Joseph J. Fromknecht and Mary Loesch. Anthony enlisted in the United States Army on February 21, 1941 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He served as a 1st Lieutenant. He was discharged from service on December 22, 1945.

Anthony Aloysius Fromknecht

Raymond Loll was born in 1922 the son of Francis G. Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, and Elizabeth Hartle. On February 20, 1943, at age 21, Raymond enlisted with the Air Corps in Miami Beach, Florida. Raymond was trained as a B-29 pilot and assigned to the 43rd Bomber Squadron and the 29th Bomber Group designated 'Very Heavy'. On April 14, 1945 Raymond's plane was lost and the crew perished on a Mission to Tokyo. Raymond was recorded as Missing in Action or Buried at Sea. Raymond was 23 years old at the time of his death. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. He is also honored in the Tablets of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Memorial Wall, Honolulu, HI 

Barbara Lynam was born June 24, 1912 in Oil City, Pennsylvania. She served in the PFC WAC WWII.

Barbara Lynam

Robert Aloysius Haggerty was born July 24, 1927. He served as a SSGT in the US Marine Corps in WWII. 

Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, Jr. was born 02 Oct 1919 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, my 2nd great grand uncle and Gertrude Anna O'Neill, my 2nd great grand aunt. Ambrose Aloysius was also the brother of Virginia McDonald Geary and is a double cousin to me as we are related by the McDonald and O'Neill lines. Ambrose volunteered for military service and joined the Marine Corps. He was killed by enemy fire in Tarawa in November of 1943, at age 24, upon landing on the beach. He earned a Purple Heart for his service. In addition to being remembered at the Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii he also has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. He now has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery,  thanks to his sister Virginia McDonald Geary. Ambrose is featured in the blog post A Letter from Tarawa

Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, Jr.

The gravemarker for Ambrose in Arlington National Cemetery

James Aloysius McDonald was born 02 Jan 1912 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Robert Alphonsus McDonald, my 2nd great grandfather and Winifred Agnes O'Neill, my 2nd great grandmother. James served in the US Army. He enlisted in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania on 17 July 1942. He was discharged from service 1 November 1945. James died 18 June 1982 at age 70.   

James Aloysius McDonald

Back: Loraine Anthony McDonald, Frances Philomena Selker, Winifred Agnes O'Neill, James Aloysius McDonald. Front: Robert Alphonsus McDonald holding May Helen Murosky

Edward V. Murosky was born 03 Mar 1925 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony Harry Murosky Jr., my great grandfather and Helen Tillie Bukowski, my great grand mother. Edward was stationed along the Alaskan Highway in WWII. Edward died on 11 Dec 1996, at age 71, in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Edward V. Murosky

Harry A. Murosky was born 21 Mar 1921 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony Harry Murosky Jr., my great grandfather and Helen Tillie Bukowski, my great grand mother. Harry died on 29 Mar 2002, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Harry A. Murosky

William Murosky was born July 11, 1902 in Forest City, Pennsylvania. He served in the Army, WWII Air Corps from August 12, 1942 through January 1943. 

William Murosky

Benjamin Ragan Norris was born December 30, 1916. He served as a waist gunner on a B17. Four days after his wedding to Barbara Lynam he was shipped abroad. His plane the War Eagle crash landed on May 28, 1944 90 miles east of Treves, Germany after engine trouble. All of the crew were taken prisoners by the Germans. except for Benjamin and the other waist gunner Daniel Dunbar. They walked 300 miles to Allied France. They were picked up by the French Resistance and fought with them until the area was liberated by the US 4th armored division. At that point Benjamin was sent back to the United States were he served an instructor for future recruits.

Benjamin Ragan Norris

Christopher D. O'Neill was born in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania in 1919. He was the son of Owen James O'Neill and Nellie Boyles. Christopher was was a member of the 579th Bomber Squadron, 392nd Bomber Group, Heavy. He served as s a Right Waist Gunner/Assistant Engineer on the B-24 aircraft. He died on November 6, 1943 in a German Hospital in Middelburg, the Netherland after suffering injuries from jumping out his aircraft the day before. He was buried in the Ardennes American War Cemetery in Belgium. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. To view his  his grave marker visit this link.

Edward Charles Selker, Jr. was born 26 January 1926. He is the son of Edward C. Selker Sr. and Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl. Edward enlisted with the United States Navy on 12 April 1944. He was discharged on 18 June 1946.

Edward Charles Selker, Jr.

Leopold George Selker, Jr. was born 21 July 1918. He as the the son of Leopold George Selker, Sr. and Katherine V. Hartle. Leopold enlisted with the United States Army on 3 January 1944. He was discharged on 31 January 1945.

Leopold George Selker, Jr. 

Philip Franz Selker was born 25 Apr 1907 in Montabaur, Westerwald,  Germany. He was the son of Karl Friedrich Selker, my 2nd great grand uncle. His mother has been listed as Margarita Wolf, but on a personal visit to him in 2001 he indicated that Margarita Wolf was not his mother and that his father had re-married after her death. Philip arrived in the United States in 1929, he came to avoid the growing military establishment in Germany. During World War II, Philip served in the Infantry in the United States Army.  He landed at Omaha Beach on the second day of the invasion of Europe.  He saw Action in France, Belgium, and Germany.  He was injured during the Bulge. He later participated in the war in the Pacific.

I had the opportunity to meet Philip in 2001 in Chicago to learn more about my German Heritage. When my husband and I got off the Metra train in Morton Grove, Philip said that he knew who we were because my face had the look of the German family. We had a wonderful visit with Philip, his wife and his daughter.  Philip was in his early 90's when we met him and he was full of life and energy. Philip died on 24 Sep 2006 at age 99 in Glenview, Illinois. Philip is featured in the blog post Philip Selker - Battle of Normandy Veteran

Robert V. Pietrzak was born October 25, 1925 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He served in the United States Navy.

Robert V. Pietrzak, Leona Pietrzak and Stanley Pietrzak

Edward W. Zelazny was born September 11, 1915 in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Joseph Stanislaus Zelazny and Catherine M. Bukowski. He served as a Navy Corpsman from 1944 to 1945. He served as a medic in the Philippines.

Edward W. Zelazny

Korean War 

John Bukowski, Jr. was born April 23, 1932 in Erie PA. He served in the Army as a Corporal from December 2, 1952 to November 6, 1954.

Vietnam War

There are several Vietnam veterans in the family, some are still living and are not listed below to protect their privacy.

James Arthur Murosky was born 08 Oct 1942 in Erie, Erie, County Pennsylvania, the son of Arthur Murosky, my grandfather, and Mary Eugenia McDonald, my grandmother. James served in Vietnam. He died 23 Nov 1993 at the age of 51, in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

James Arthur Murosky

Thomas S. Hazlett was born 02 Mar 1942 in Brookfield, Noble County, Ohio. He was the son of Leland M. Hazlett and Hazel Jones. Thomas served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

1920's Snapshot - Frances Winifred McDonald

Frances Winifred McDonald, the daughter of Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker, was born 18 March 1920 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

This snapshot of Frances Winifred McDonald was taken on the 1920's. The location of the photograph is unknown. The family was living in Strattanville, Clarion County, Pennsylvania on 20 October 1927. The family relocated to Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania sometime between late October 1927 and November 1928.

Frances Winifred McDonald    

The original copy of the wedding portrait is in the care of Janet Fromknecht the daughter of Frances W. McDonald and Anthony A. Fromknecht. From the Frances Winifred McDonald Collection. The photograph is shared with permission.  Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker are my great Grandparents.  Frances Winifred McDonald is my great aunt. Mary Eugenia McDonald, the sister of Frances, is my paternal grandmother.

References:

1. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1964 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Robert Anthony McDonald, Certificate Number 94175,

Formal Portrait of Four Young Men

This lovely formal portrait of four young men with musical instruments was shared by a Selker cousin. Presently the only man identified in the portrait is Edward C. Selker. Sr. in the lower right corner. Edward was born March 28, 1894 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania - the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. There is another formal portrait of Edward C. Selker wearing a similar suit jacket, tie and shirt. The two portraits may have been taken the same day.

It is possible that Edward was photographed with his three younger brothers - Frederick William Selker (born 1896), Ambrose John Selker (born 1898) and Vincent Aloysius Selker (born 1900). There are family stories that that all of the Selker children could play a musical instrument and that the family would have concerts on Sunday's.

It is also possible that Edward was photographed with his Guth cousins. The two men standing in the back have a similar face shape to an unidentified Guth ancestor photographed with Edward's mother in this Guth Family Portrait.

Perhaps in time the other men in the photograph will be identified.

Formal Portrait of Four Young Men
Back: Unknown, Unknown
Front: Unknown, Edward C. Selker, Sr.

This photograph is shared with permission. The original photograph is in the care of Pam Selker Rak, my 2nd cousin 2x. Edward C. Selker, Sr. is the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. From the Edward C. Selker Sr. Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Edward C. Selker, Sr. is my 2nd great uncle. His sister Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. 

 References:

1. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1964 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Edward C. Selker. Certificate Number: 9002.

Formal Portrait: Ambrose Aloysius McDonald

Ambrose Aloysius McDonald was born 24 October 1889 in Vowinckel, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of fifteen children born to Michael McDonald and Anna Haggerty. Ambrose married Gertrude Anna O'Neill on 15 January 1915 at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

This formal portrait of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald was included in the photograph collection of his daughter, Virginia McDonald Geary. Ambrose appears older in this formal portrait than in another known photograph of him taken at his parent's Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration in 1916. Based on the style of the collar the portrait was likely been taken in the 1920's.

Ambrose Aloysus McDonald
Formal Portrait

Ambrose lived to be 80 years old. He died on 15 September 1970 in Bay Village, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. He is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.

Virginia McDonald Geary is my 1st cousin 3x removed. She is the daughter of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, my 2nd great uncle and Gertrude Anna O'Neill, my 2nd great aunt. My relationship with Virginia McDonald Geary  is unique in that we are double 1st cousins 3x removed. We share two sets of common ancestors. Our common McDonald grandparents are Michael McDonald and Anna Haggerty. Our common O'Neill grandparents are Michael O'Neill and Ellen Cunningham. Winifred Agnes O'Neill is my 2nd Great Grandmother  Robert Alphonsus McDonald is my 2nd Great Grandfather.

References:

1. Pennsylvania, Allegheny County, Orphan's Court. McDonld, Ambrose & O'Neill, Gertrude A. Marriage License.
2. Ohio, Deaths, 1908-1932, 1938-2007. Ambrose A. McDonald. 
3. Find A Grave. Memorial Number 172106233.
4. Vintage Dancer. 1920s Mens Shirts and Collars History

Anna Gertrude & Vincent Aloysius Selker

A snapshot of Selker siblings Anna Gertrude and Vincent Aloysius, the children of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth.

The photograph was likely taken in the late 1920's or early 1930's based on the style of their clothes and Anna's age. Anna Gertrud Selker was the youngest child born to Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. She was born August 11, 1907 in Clarion. Vincent Aloysius Selker was seven years older than Anna, born August 8, 1900 in Clarion.

The photograph would have been taken in the backyard of the Selker residence located at 248 Main Street in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The building behind the siblings was the J.W. Selker Cigar Company located on Main Street adjacent to the family home.

Anna Gertrude & Vincent Aloysius Selker
Children of  Joseph William Selker & Frances Philomena Guth

A copy of this photograph is shared with permission. The original is in the care of Leopold George Selker my 2nd cousin 1x. Leopold 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. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Leopold George Selker, Sr. and Vincent Aloysius Selker are my 2nd great uncles. Anna Gertrude Selker is my 2nd great aunt. Leopold, Vincent and Anna are the siblings of Frances Philomena Selker my great grandmother. 

1920's - Frances Winifred & Mary Eugenia McDonald

Sisters Frances Winifred McDonald and Mary Eugenia McDonald most likely photographed in the late 1920's. The back of the original photograph is labeled "Jean & Fran".

Frances Winifred McDonald was the oldest child born to Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker. She was born March 18, 1920 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Mary Eugenia McDonald was the second child born on January 22, 1922 in Strattanville, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

The location of the photograph is unknown. There is a possibility the photograph may have been taken in front of 3216 Landis Street in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The 1930 United States Federal census records Loraine's parents Robert A. McDonald and Winifred A. O'Neill living at 3126 Landis Street. The house in the photograph below is very similar to the images available of 3126 Landis Street.

Mary Eugenia & Frances Winifred McDonald

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. Mary Eugenia McDonald is my paternal grandmother. Frances Winifred McDonald is my great aunt.

1924 - Arthur Murosky

Arthur Murosky photographed in 1924. Arthur would have been 4 or 5 years old in the photograph. The photograph was likely taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Arthur was the son of Helen Tillie Bukowski and Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. There are other photographs of Arthur Murosky taken the same day in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen had recorded the date on those photographs as 1924.

Arthur Murosky - age 4 or 5

From the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen recorded the names, date and location on the photograph. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski are my great grandparents. Their son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. 

Family Photo: Clara Tillie Bukowski

Clara Tillie Bukowski was born 3 August 31, 1903 . She was the daughter of Polish immigrants Vincinety Frank Bukowski and Franciska Kwiatkowski.

The date on the photograph is unknown. However the sailor outfit Clara is wearing allows the date of the photograph to be approximated.

The sailor outfit for children shows up in historical photos dating from 1910. The outfits were common for school students. In photos of children and young girls sailor outfits with the V stripes were common. Clara appears to be wearing a middy blouse with a skirt. By 1919 the sailor style was considered good taste for girls age 14-18.

The sailor outfit of the type Clara was wearing was associated with children and students - making it likely the photograph of Clara was taken before she was married in 1922. Given Clara looks so young she may have been photographed as a young teenager. The photograph was most likely taken between 1917 and 1921.  If the photograph was taken in 1917 Clara would have been 14 years old. If the photograph was taken in 1921 Clara would have been 18 years old.

Clara married Stanley Pietrzak in 1922.  Helen's sister Helen recorded Clara's name on the photograph. 

   

From the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Clara Tillie Bukowski is my 2nd great aunt. She was the sister of my great grandmother Helen Tillie Bukowski. Helen is the mother of my paternal grandfather Arthur Murosky. 

References:

1. References to children's sailor dress. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailor_dress

Stanley Pietrzak & Clara Tillie Bukowski

Stanley Pietrzak & Clara Tillie Bukowski likely photographed in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. 

Stanley Pietrzak  & Clara Tillie Bukowski 

Stanley Pietrzak was born November 28, 1903 in Poland.  Clara Tillie was born August 31, 1903 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Vincinety Frank Bukowski and Franciska Kwiatkowski. Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Clara's sister Helen likely recorded the names on the photograph. From the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Clara Tillie Bukowski is my 2nd great aunt. She was the sister of my great grandmother Helen Tillie Bukowski. Helen is the mother of my paternal grandfather Arthur Murosky. 

Arthur & Harry A. Murosky - 1925

Arthur Murosky and Harry A. Murosky photographed in Forest City, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania in 1925. Arthur and Harry A. were the sons of Helen Tillie Bukowski and Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. When photographed Arthur would have been 6 years old and Harry would have been 4 years old. 

Over the years the Anthony, Helen and the children made several trips from Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania to Forest City, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. was born in Forest City, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. His parents and siblings eventually relocated to Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

From the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen recorded the names, date and location on the photograph. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski are my great grandparents. Their son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. Their son Harry A. Murosky is my great uncle.