Family Photos: July 1945 Murosky Family Gathering

After posting the first set of photographs from the 1940's Murosky Family Gathering I realized there were more photographs from the same event. The other photographs included a date - July 1945. It appears that everyone gathered together for a garden party. There are several photographs of the group playing cards. Note the men are wearing long shirts and ties - the ladies wearing tight fitting dresses.

 A few of the photographs also included some names. The additional photographs also show addition party guests. Some of the individuals are currently unknown. This gathering may have been a mix of family and close friends. This series of  photographs was likely taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The Murosky siblings are the children of Anthony Murosky Sr. and Eva Zielinski.

Cousin Jay - July 1945. 
Last name is currently unknown. 

Uncle Frank and Lillian - July 1945. 
Both are currently unknown. 

The group was playing cards around a table in the garden. 
(L-R) Unknown man with shirt sleeves rolled up, Ester Murosky,
Anthony Harry Murosky Jr. wearing a tie, unknown man, unknown woman, unknown woman wearing apron, man labeled as Uncle Frank in above photograph.  

The group was playing cards around a table in the garden. 
(L-R) Unknown woman, Anthony Harry Murosky Jr. wearing a tie, unknown man, unknown woman, unknown woman wearing apron, man labeled as Uncle Frank in above photograph. 

"Lillian" per above photograph.

The group was playing cards around a table in the garden. 
(L-R) Anthony Harry Murosky Jr. wearing a tie and unknown man. 

The group was playing cards around a table in the garden. 
(L-R) Anthony Harry Murosky Jr. wearing a tie, unknown man, unknown woman, unknown woman wearing apron, Margaret Murosky wearing floral pattered dress,
man labeled as Uncle Frank in above photograph,
and unknown man with short sleeves drinking from a glass. 

The group was playing cards around a table in the garden. 
(L-R) Unknown woman wearing apron, Anthony Harry Murosky Jr. on the left horsing around with unknown men. Man labeled as Uncle Frank in above photograph standing behind Esther Murosky. 

Murosky Siblings 
Margaret Murosky, Anthony Harry Murosky Jr. and Esther Murosky

Murosky Siblings with their spouses

Back: Anthony Harry Murosky Jr., Margaret Murosky, possibly Valentine Bartoszek (Margaret's second husband), possibly  Harry E. Sell (Esther's husband) man labeled as "Frank" in above photograph
Front: Possibly Charles Murosky, Esther Murosky

Husbands and Brothers
Left to Right: possibly Charles Murosky, possibly Valentine Bartoszek (Margaret's second husband), possibly  Harry E. Sell (Esther's husband) man labeled as "Frank" in above photograph, Anthony Harry Murosky Jr.

Margaret Murosky

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

Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. is my great grandfather. He is the father of Arthur Murosky my paternal grandfather. Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr.'s siblings would be my 2nd great aunts and 2nd great uncles. 

Tintype Photo: Guth Family Portrait (1884 - 1886)

This Guth family portrait is a tintype photograph and is one of the oldest photographs in the collection. It was previously believed there were few photographs available from this side of the family. This tintype and several others were located earlier this year in the photo collection of Frances Philomena Selker. It is simply remarkable these photographs have survived and that they are approximately 130 years old!

After locating the tintypes I engaged Gary Clark from PhotoTree.com to assist me. Gary is an expert in dating old photographs - tintypes being one of his specialties. He is estimated that the photograph was likely taken between 1884 and 1886. The studio props and background were typical for photographs taken in the mid 1880's. The ladies Victorian dress style with many button dates to the mid 1880's. The clothing of the man is typical for this era. His professional opinion was that this photograph was a family portrait of a mother with a daughter and a son.

Original Tintype photograph with digital restoration

Armed with Gary's notes I went to work to estimate who the people were in this photograph. The original tin type is very dark. When I first lightened up the digital image it was very clear these people were related to my family. My paternal grandmother, Mary Eugina McDonald, bears a striking resemblance to the woman on the left. At this point I had a strong feeling this woman on the left was Frances Philomena Guth - her grandmother. The dates checked out and the woman resembled another photograph of Frances Philomea Guth that is from the mid 1890's. To view that photograph visit the blog post  Family Photo: Frances Philomena Guth and Joseph William Selker. There are some other photographs of Frances Philomena Guth's brothers at Ancestry.com. The man in the photograph has similar features and a similar face shape to photographs of her brothers.

The ladies in the portrait are believed to be Frances Philomena Guth (L) with her mother Theresa Loll (R). The man is likely a brother of Frances Philomena Guth. She had several brothers so this could be Joseph Guth, John Guth or George Guth. Frances Philomena Guth would have been between 21 and 23 in this photograph. Her mother Theresa Loll would have been between 49 and 51 in this photograph.

The family was one of the prominent families in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania in the late 1800’s. Leopold Guth owned his own jewelry and watch making business. The family’s prominence is demonstrated by the clothing the ladies are wearing and because they could afford to have their photograph taken. Some other details are also present - Frances Philomena Guth is wearing a large ring. Theresa Loll has a large broach at the top of her dress.

The large ring Frances Philomena Guth is wearing.

Theresa Loll is wearing a large broach in addition to the large cross necklace. She likely blinked while the photograph was being taken giving her eyes a ghost like appearance.

Tintype photographs have a unique mirror-like finish. This particular tintype was hand tinted to add color to the faces. The surface of the original contains many scratches. Some of the damage was able to be removed during the digital restoration process. Due the amount of damage some of the scratches were unable to be corrected and can be observed in the whitish looking appearance on the photograph. The full black and white version below showcases some of the additional details.

Black and white version of the Tintype Photograph

This tin type and several others were included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Frances Philomena Guth appears to have ended up with these photographs. She 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.

Theresa Loll is my 3rd great-grandmother. She is the mother of Frances Philomena Guth, my 2nd great-grandmother, Frances Philomena Guth was the grandmother of Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother. 

Family Photos: 1940s Murosky Family Gathering

Update: November 23, 2014

After posting the first set of photographs from the 1940's Murosky Family Gathering I realized there were more photographs from the same event. The other photographs included a date - July 1945. A few of the photographs also included some names. Some of the individuals are currently unknown. To view the additional photographs please visit the blog post Family Photos: July 1945 Murosky Family Gathering.

This series of photographs was likely taken in the 1940's in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The Murosky siblings are the children of Anthony Murosky Sr. and Eva Zielinski.

Murosky Siblings 
Margaret Murosky, Anthony Harry Murosky Jr. and Esther Murosky

Murosky Siblings with their spouses

Back: Anthony Harry Murosky Jr., Margaret Murosky, possibly Valentine Bartoszek (Margaret's second husband), possibly  Harry E. Sell (Esther's husband) man labeled as "Frank" in other photographs
Front: Possibly Charles Murosky, Esther Murosky

Husbands and Brothers
Left to Right: possibly Charles Murosky, possibly Valentine Bartoszek (Margaret's second husband), possibly  Harry E. Sell (Esther's husband) man labeled as "Frank" in other photographs, Anthony Harry Murosky Jr.

Margaret Murosky

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

Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. is my great grandfather. He is the father of Arthur Murosky my paternal grandfather. Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr.'s siblings would be my 2nd great aunts and 2nd great uncles.  

Family Photos: 1937 Murosky Family Gathering

The following group of photographs were taken at a Murosky Family Gathering in 1937. These photographs were likely taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The Murosky siblings are the children of Anthony Murosky Sr. and Eva Zielinski.

Murosky siblings 
Anthony Harry Murosky Jr.  & Margaret Murosky 

Sisters
Helen Tillie Bukowski with her sister-in-law Margaret Murosky

Margaret Murosky

Helen Tillie Bukowski with her children
Back: Harry Anthony Murosky, Helen Tillie Bukowski, Arthur Murosky 
Front: Rita Ann Murosky, Marian Elaine Murosky, Edward V. Murosky

Group Photograph
Back: Helen Tillie Bukowski, unknown woman, Margaret Murosky, Esther Murosky 
Front: Marian Elaine Murosky, Rita Ann Murosky, possibly Eleanor Sell (Esther's daughter).

Murosky Siblings 
Esther Murosky, Anthony Harry Jr. and Margaret

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

Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. is my great grandfather. Helen Tillie Bukowski is my great grandmother. They are the parents of Arthur Murosky my paternal grandfather. Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. siblings would be my 2nd great aunts and 2nd great uncles. 

Leopold Guth Obituary

Leopold Guth was my third great-grandfather. A volunteer graciously saved a copy of his obituary to his Find A Grave page. The obituary is from the local newspaper, The Clarion Democrat and was transcribed by Sally Jordan Reed.

GUTH Leopold - June 15, 1905

Leopold Guth, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Clarion, died very suddenly Tuesday evening, June 13, 1905, at 10:30 p.m., of heart failure, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Valentine Huefner, on South Seventh Avenue. Mr. Guth was born in Simonswald, Baden, Germany, November 14, 1830. When but a young man he came to this country, and lived for several years at Shippenville and Callensburg. On January 20, 1853, he was united in marriage with Teresa Loll, who died September 4, 1904. In 1855 he moved to Clarion. January 20, 1903, he and his wife celebrated the golden jubilee of their marriage at the Catholic Church in this place.

Mr. Guth is survived by the following children; Leopold, Ridway; Anthony C., East Brady; Mrs. Edwin Buhl and Mrs. Frank Gatesman, of Myersdale; Mrs. Valentine Huefner, Mrs. J.W. Selker and Frank, of Clarion; and Joseph, John and George, of New Castle. One child, named Teresa, died in 1871. The funeral services will be conducted Friday morning at 9 o'clock, in the church of Immaculate Conception, by Rev. Father Deckenbrock, and interment will be made in the Catholic Cemetery.

Mr. Guth was one of the first settlers of Clarion and was well known throughout the entire county. He followed the watchmaker's and jeweler's trade during his entire life, having learned the trade in Germany. During the many years he was in business he became acquainted with and made friends of a great many people who will regret to learn of his sudden death.

Leopold Guth

Leopold Guth is my 3rd great-grandfather.  He is the father of Frances Philomena Guth. The line extends to her daughter Frances Philomena Selker, to my paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald. 

References:

1. Find-A-Grave. Find A Grave Memorial# 84821479 

Family Photo: Leopold Guth & Theresa Loll

These matching cabinet cards were included in the included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. The subjects are my third great-grandparents Leopold Guth and Theresa Loll. This image of Leopold Guth has been circulated online. Both photographs were taken at the same time, have matching borders and similar coloring. The woman would be likely be his wife Theresa Loll. The full images have fine embossed patterns which indicate the photographs were taken between 1894 and 1900. Leopold would have been between 64 and 70 and Theresa would have been between 59 and 65.

Leopold Guth was born November 14, 1830 in Untersimmonswald, Grand Duchy of Baden y the son of Anton Guth and Theresia Rosch. He departed Germany in 1850 and settled in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania with his brother Francis Xavier Guth. He was a prominent and well respected citizen in Clarion owning his own jewelry and watching making business. He was also recorded as a silversmith. 

On January 20, 1853 he married Alsatian immigrant Theresa Loll at the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Theresa Loll was born May 12, 1835 in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France. She departed France in 1852 with her family and settled in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

The couple had twelve children. Theresa lived to age 69 and died on 12 September 12, 1904. Leopold lived to age 74 and died on 13 Jun 1905. Both are buried in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Clarion County Pennsylvania.

Leopold Guth

Theresa Loll

To learn more Theresa Loll please view the blog post The French Connection. 

Their daughter Frances Philomena Guth likely had these photographs and those were passed down to her daughter Frances Philomena Selker.  Frances PhilomenaSelkers' daughter Mary Eugina McDonald ended up with her mother's photo collection which is now in my care.

Leopold Guth and Theresa Loll are my 3rd great-grandparents. Their line extends through their daughter Frances Philomena Guth, her daughter Frances Philomena Selker, to my paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald.

References:

1. William E. Loll, The Lolls, Book I (Fullerton, CA, )
2. Compiled by the History Committee of St. Joseph Parish, Lucinda, Pa., A Poud People A Proud Heritage (State College, PA, Josten Printing & Publishing, 1888), Genealogy Part II, Page 169, 
3. 1860 Untied States Federal Census. Year: 1860; Census Place: Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1095; Page: 68; Image: 72; Family History Library Film: 805095. Record for Leopold Guth. Lines 31 through 36. 
4. 1870 United States Federal Census. Year: 1870; Census Place: Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1326; Page: 400A; Image: 121; Family History Library Film: 552825. Record for Leopold Guth. Lines 23 through 33. 
5. 1880 Untied States Federal Census. Year: 1880; Census Place: Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1117; Family History Film: 1255117; Page: 94B; Enumeration District: 066; Image: 0194. Record for Leopold Guth Lines 32 through 42.
6. 1900 Untied States Federal Census. Year: 1900; Census Place: Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1394; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 0006; FHL microfilm: 1241394. ecord for Leopold Guth Lines 19 through 21.
7. Leopold Guth - Obituary from The Clarion Democrat

The Military Collection

In Honor of Veteran's Day the Military Collection has been released at the family photo website. This digital gallery features 45 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.

“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.” 
– Abraham Lincoln

To learn more about family members who served in the Military please visit the page Military Veterans.

Wedding of Norbert Bukowski & Dorothy

The collection includes several photographs from the Alaskan Highway. My grandfather's brother Edward. V. Murosky was stationed along the Alaskan Highway in 1944. He took many photographs which ended up in an album his mother maintained.

Edward V. Murosky

Family Photo: John Frank Bukowski & Theresa Filipkowski

This photograph was included in the formal portraits from the wedding of Helen Tillie Bukowski & Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. The couple, believed to be John Frank Bukowski & Theresa Filipkowski, were attendants in the wedding. John Frank was Helen Tillie's older brother. The photograph was taken was September 3, 1917. John would have been 20 years old and Theresa would have been 19 years old.

John Frank & Theresa

John Frank Bukowski was the son of Polish immigrants Vincinety Frank Bukowski and Franciska Kwiatkowski. He was the brother of my great-grandmother Helen Tillie Bukowski. He was born December 7, 1897 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania - the couple's first child to be born after arriving from Poland. 

The 1930 United States Federal Census indicates that John Frank and Theresa Filipkowski married in 1917 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The couple was also married when John was recorded in the WWI Draft Cards.

Theresa Filipkowski was born 1898. The names of her parents are currently unknown.

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

John Frank Bukowski is my 2nd great uncle. He is the brother of my great-grandmother Helen Tillie Bukowski. Helen's son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. 

References:

1. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 Registration Location: Erie County, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1877951; Draft Board: 1
2. The 1930 United States Federal Census. Year: 1930; Census Place: Erie, Erie, Pennsylvania; Roll: 2035; Page: 15A; Enumeration District: 0025; Image: 801.0; FHL microfilm: 2341769. Record for John F. Bukowski, lines 12 through 18.

Wedding Portrait: Teo Fila Bukowski & Frank J. Gaczkowski

A formal wedding portrait from the wedding of Teo Fila Bukowski & Frank J. Gaczkowski.

Frank and TeoFila

Teo Fila Bukowski was the daughter of Polish immigrants Vincinety Frank Bukowski and Franciska Kwiatkowski. She was born March 26, 1889 in Poland.

Teo Fila and Frank married September 6, 1909 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.  They were recorded as married for 0 years and living in their own household in the 1910 United States Federal Census.

Frank J. Gaczkowski was born October 7, 1886. The name of Frank's father is currently unknown his mother's name was Mary Loajewski

Photograph from the Edward W. Zelazny Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Teo Fila Bukowski is my 2nd great aunt. She is the sister of my great-grandmother Helen Tillie Bukowski. Helen's son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. 

Reference:
1. 1910 United States Federal Census. Year: 1910; Census Place: Erie Ward 2, Erie, Pennsylvania; Roll: T624_1342; Page: 17A; Enumeration District: 0079; FHL microfilm: 1375355.
2. "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VFQG-RXM : accessed 19 October 2015), Frank J. Gaczkowski and Teophila Bukowska, 06 Sep 1909; citing Marriage, Pennsylvania, county courthouses, Pennsylvania; FHL microfilm 2,209,545.

Family Photo: Frances Philomena Guth & Leopold George Selker Sr.

Frances Philomena Guth photographed with her oldest son Leopold George Selker Sr. and an unknown child. The child is likely one her grandchildren. The photograph was taken on the porch of Selker family home located at 242 Main Street in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The JW Selker Cigar Factory is the building in the background.

Unknown Child, Frances Philomena Guth,  Leopold George Selker Sr.

Frances Philomena Selker

Frances Philomena Selker married Joseph William Selker on November 9, 1890 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. To learn more about Frances Philomena Selke and Joseph William Selker please visit the blog post Family Photo: Frances Philomena Guth and Joseph William Selker.

Th couples's oldest son Leopold George Selker Sr. was born September 28, 1891 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. He married Katherine V. Hartle. Leopold was one of the family members to continue on the family business after his father died.

From the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Frances Philomena Guth is my 2nd great-grandmother. The line extends through her daughter, Frances Philomena Selker to my paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald. 

References:

1. 1900 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania, Clarion County, Clarion Borough, 1910 United States Federal Census Schedule; Online Images, Selker, Joseph W., Lines 1 - 7 
2. 1910 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania, Clarion, Clarion Borough, 1910 United States Federal Census Schedule; Online Images, Selker, Joseph W., Lines 37 - 47 
3. Clarion County Marriage Licenses Issued, SELKER – GUTH (11/13/1890) Joseph W. Selker and Miss Francis P. Guth, both of Clarion. 

Family Photo: Frances Philomena Guth and Joseph William Selker

Frances Philomena Guth photographed with her husband Joseph William Selker between 1892 and 1896.

Frances Philomena and Joseph William

Joseph William Selker, also spelled Josef Wilhelm Selker, was born October 8, 1865 in Fuersteanau, Province of Hanover, Germany.  He was the son of Hermann George Selker and Katherine Elizabeth Hofhaus. He departed Germany at age 20 and sailed from Rotterdam, Netherlands on October 31, 1885.  He initially settled in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. While in Pittsburgh he served as an apprentice for three years to learn the trade of cigar making.

Joseph relocated to Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania March of 1887. He first worked for Michael Zacherl Cigar Maker before opening his own company J.W. Selker Cigar. In addition to making his own cigars he was also a wholesale candy and cigar dealer.

On November 9, 1890 Joseph married Frances Philomena Guth at the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Frances Philomena Guth was born February 25, 1863 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of prominent business owner and German immigrant Leopold Guth. Leopold was born in Untersimmonswald, Province of Baden, Germany. Her mother Theresa Loll was born in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France. Leopold and Theresa were also married at the Immaculate Conception Church on January 20, 1853. Leopold Guth and his brother Francis Xavier were well known watch makers and jewelers in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. 

Joseph William Selker build at stately home at 242 Main Street in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The home was well known for the immaculate mahogany staircase and fine wood details. The Cigar Factory was located in the building next door to the family home. Photos of the family home can be viewed in this blog post The Selker Family: Hermann George and his son Joseph William, cigarmaker.

From the Leopold George Selker Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Joseph William Selker is my 2nd great grandfather. Frances Philomena Guth is my 2nd great-grandmother. Their line extends through their daughter, Frances Philomena Selker to my paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald. 

References:

1. 1870 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania, Clarion, Clarion Borough, 1870 United States Federal Census Schedule; Online Images, Guth, Leopold, Lines 23 - 33 
2. 1880 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania, Clarion, Clarion Borough, 1880 United States Federal Census Schedule; Online Images, Guth, Leopold, Lines 35 - 42 
3. 1900 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania, Clarion County, Clarion Borough, 1910 United States Federal Census Schedule; Online Images, Selker, Joseph W., Lines 1 - 7 
4. 1910 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania, Clarion, Clarion Borough, 1910 United States Federal Census Schedule; Online Images, Selker, Joseph W., Lines 37 - 47 
5. Clarion County Marriage Licenses Issued, SELKER – GUTH (11/13/1890) Joseph W. Selker and Miss Francis P. Guth, both of Clarion. 
6. U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2007. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington D.C.; NARA Series: Passport Applications, January 2, 1906 - March 31, 1925; Roll #: 2; Volume #: Roll 0002 - Certificates: 6581-8181, 02 Feb 1906-14 Mar 1906. 
7. Jordan, LL.D., John Woolf, Genealogical and personal history of the Allegheny Valley Pennsylvania, pg 839; Selker

Wedding Portraits: Rita Ann Murosky & Walter E. Niemi

Formal wedding portraits from the wedding of Rita Ann Murosky & Walter E. Niemi. The wedding was held October 4, 1947 in Erie, Erie County Pennsylvania. 

Walter and Rita Ann

Rita Ann Murosky

Wedding Party

Rita Ann Murosky is the tdaughter of Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski. Rita Ann Murosky, my great-aunt, is my grandfather's sister. 

Photograph from 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.