Anthony Murosky Sr. and Eva Zielinski - Application for Marriage License

The application for marriage license for Anthony Murosky and Eva Zielinski was filed January 16, 1885 in Forest City, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. It was previously known from information included in the 1910 United States Federal Census that Anthony and Eva were married in Pennsylvania. The 1910 United States Federal Census also indicated that Anthony arrived in 1892 and Eva in 1894. Given their separate arrivals the couple met in the Forest City Community or by attending the same church.

After locating the application for marriage license I shared with the folks at the website PolishOrigins.com. The researches at the site had some interesting observations, especially has they had assisted with translating the original Lithuanian names recorded on a birth certificate for Anthony and Eva's son Frank. To learn more about the translation visit the blog post The Original Lithuanian Spelling - Murauskas.

The application for marriage license offers some previously unknown details about the Anthony and Eva - including some additional spelling variations of Murosky and Zelensky. This particular application for marriage license includes three pages - a cover page, the application for marriage license and a duplicate certificate.

Cover Page
Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950 004838983 Image 520 of 2047

The first page in the file is the cover page. The cover page of the file lists the marriage application number, the names of the individuals to be married and the date the application was filed.

Observations from the cover page:

• Note the spelling Antoni Morofskey and Eva Zelenskey. Each name has an "ey" added to both surnames.
• This is the first instance I have observed of the 'f" being used in the surname. The use of the "f" in the surname may have been the name being recorded phonetically by the Justice of the Peace or a Clerk. Antoni would have very likely had an Eastern European accent. 
• The Application was filed January 16, 1895
• The filing location was Forest City, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, United States 

Application for Marriage License
Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950 004838983 Image 521 of 2047

The second page is the marriage license application. The names on the license are recorded by the Justice of the Peace based by the matching hand writing. The names are recorded as Anthony Morofskey and Eva Zelenskey.

The marriage license provides previously unknown details - birth dates for Anthony and Eva. The marriage license indicates Anthony was born May 20, 1867 in Poland and that his occupation is a miner. This supports what was previously known about Anthony - that he worked as a coal miner in Forest City. The marriage license also indicates that Eva was born November 15, 1873 in Poland and that she was employed as a domestic servant. The birth certificate for Frank Murauskas indicated that Eva was working as a housekeeper in 1907.

The birth reference location to Poland also aligns with other previously known details. The birth certificate for Frank Murauskas indicates that Anthony and Eva were born in the Suwałki Governorate. The Suwałki Governorate was an administrative unit of the Congress of Poland. The general use of Poland on the application for marriage license would have included this area.

Signature of Anthony Murosky, Sr.

The application for marriage license was signed by Anthony. PolishOrigins.com researcher Elzbieta Porteneuve also had a few interesting observations about the application for marriage license and Anthony's signature: 

• Note that the Justice of the Peace,  Justice Makey wrote groom’s and bride’s name as his own, with the same ending adding the 'ey'. He spelled the names 
Morofskey  and Zelenskey. 
• The Justice of the Peace also spelled Anthony adding the "t" where the original signature does not include the "h".
• Antoni’s name written by himself. He has difficulties to write as seen in his first name Antoni, but it’s 
• clear his real name starts with “Mur” and ends with “ki”.

Duplicate Certificate
Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950_004838983 Image 522 of 2047

The third page in the file is the Duplicate Certificate. The duplicate certificate was completed by the Rev. F. Kuray and returned. The duplicate certificate indicates the couple was married January 22, 1895 in Forest City, Pennsylvania. This version of the spelling is Antoni Murofsky and Eva Zelenskey.

Note that on three different pages in the same file the names have been spelled multiple ways.
Antoni Morofskey, Anthony Morofskey and Antoni Murofsky.

Antoni Murauskas and Ewa Zilinskaite are my 2nd great-grandparents. Their son Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. is my great grandfather. Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr's s son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. 

References:

1. "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-21150-8097-73?cc=1589502 : accessed 2 May 2015), 004838983 > image 520 of 2047; county courthouses, Pennsylvania.
2. "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-21150-8105-4?cc=1589502 : accessed 2 May 2015), 004838983 > image 521 of 2047; county courthouses, Pennsylvania.
3. "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-21150-8511-99?cc=1589502 : accessed 2 May 2015), 004838983 > image 522 of 2047; county courthouses, Pennsylvania.
4. "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-21123-37079-92?cc=1589502 : accessed 2 May 2015), 004838912 > image 413 of 625; county courthouses, Pennsylvania.
5. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Birth Records, 1906-1908 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Record for Frank Murauckas.
6. 1910 U. S. census, 1910 United States Federal Census schedule, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania; Online Images, Record for Anthony Meroski
7. PolishOrigins Forum 
8. Wikipedia: Suwałki Governorate

1944 - Barbara Jean Murosky

Barbara Jean Murosky, the daughter of Arthur Murosky and Mary Eugenia McDonald, photographed in 1944. The photograph was likely taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Note the curl in her hair - the finger curl was a common style for babies at this time.

Barbara Jean Murosky

From the Mary Eugenia McDonald Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Arthur Murosky and Mary Eugenia McDonald are my paternal grandparents. Barbara Jean Murosky is my aunt.

James Arthur Murosky - First Holy Communion

James Arthur Murosky, the son of Arthur Murosky and Mary Eugenia McDonald was born October 8, 1942 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The family were members of the Roman Catholic Church.

The following photographs were taken on the day James Arthur made his First Holy Communion. His sister Barbara Jean confirms that children typically made their First Holy Communion in the spring of 2nd grade.

If James made his First Communion in the spring of 2nd Grade the photographs would have been taken in 1950. James would have been about 8 years old in the photograph below.

James Arthur Murosky

James photographed with his paternal grandmother Helen Tillie Bukowski. If the photo was taken spring of 1950 Helen would have been  49 years old.

James Arthur & Helen Tillie

From the Mary Eugenia McDonald Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Arthur Murosky and Mary Eugenia McDonald are my paternal grandparents. James Arthur Murosky is my uncle. Helen Tillie Bukowski is my great grandmother. 

Private Andrew J. Haggerty - Civil War, Pennsylvania Infantry, 148th Regiment, Company I

Andrew J. Haggerty was likely born 1839 in Farmington, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Robert H. Haggerty and Rebecca M. Easly. Between 1832 and 1833 Robert and Rebecca relocated from Sugar Creek, Butler County, Pennsylvania to Farmington. The couple lived out their life on the family farm in in Farmington.

The family was enumerated in the 1850 United States Federal Census for Farmington, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The household included Robert, Rebecca, Andrew, Thomas, James, Ann and Elizabeth. Andrew was recorded as age 11 in the census, placing his birth year around 1839.

When the 1860 United States Federal census was recorded in June of 1860 Andrew was not enumerated in his parents household in Farmington, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Andrew would have been around age 21 based on the 1839 birth date. After searching the 1860 census - it appears that Andrew may not have been enumerated. There are no obvious hits for Andrew even after searching a variety of name variations.

It is plausible that Andrew was working in a remote logging camp. Farmington borders the vast Allegheny National Forest. Logging was a way of life for many residents of the Farmington community. Andrew's sister married into the McDonald family which were known loggers and river pilots. In the 1860's Farmington would have been very remote. Any logging camps located deep into the forest may not have been enumerated. If Andrew was working at a logging camp it is possible be could have been away from camp or traveling when/if the camp was enumerated.

Andrew's location remains unknown until the early 1860's. One of the stories passed down through the Haggerty family is that Andrew Haggerty fought and died in the Civil War. This was noted in the Easley-Rooker Family History, Second Draft, page 40: "Andrew Hagerty was killed in action during the Civil War." The well written Easly-Rooker family history left a clue to Andrew's involvement in the Civil War but no specific records were listed in the sources.

Recently Ancestry.com released a new database - Pennsylvania, Civil War Muster Rolls, 1860-1869. This database includes copies of the original muster out rolls for Pennsylvania Soldiers. There is an Andrew J. Haggerty referenced under deaths on line 12 a member of the Infantry, 148th Regiment, Company I. The Muster Roll records Andrew's birth date as approximately 1844.

The Muster Roll records several dates for Andrew J. Haggerty:

• August 15, 1862 - Enlistment date recorded in Brookville, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania.  
• September 7, 1862  - Muster date recorded in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
• July 2, 1863 - Died in Action at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Except from Pennsylvania, Civil War Muster Rolls, 1860-1869 
Infantry, 148th Pennsylvania, Company I

Except of the Muster Roll recording Andrew's death on line 12.
Transcription: 12 Killed July 2, 1863 at Battle of Gettysburg 

Except from Pennsylvania, Civil War Muster Rolls, 1860-1869 

Infantry, 148th Pennsylvania, Company I

After reviewing the details it is plausible that the Andrew Haggerty and Andrew J. Haggerty are the same man. There are some theories to explain the differences in birth date. Andrew was recorded as the oldest son in the family in the 1850 United States Federal Census. His age recorded in the census would put his birth date around 1839. The information given to the census taker would have been first hand - likely by one of his parents who would have known his age. 

Additionally the birth date of  next child born to Robert and Recbecca is known. Thomas C. Haggerty's death certificate indicates he was born February 11, 1841.  If Thomas was born full term Andrew's birth at a minimum would need to be before May of 1840. 

It is not exactly known who provided the information recorded in the Muster Roll. In the 1860's people were not as diligent with recording birth details. Andrew could have guessed his birth year as 1844 making him 18 or purposefully provided 1844 so they would not realize he was actually 23. By 1862 several members of the Farmington community were already serving in the Union Army. Another scenario is that if the date on the muster roll could have been entered wrong or muster roll was recopied and the date was recorded incorrectly or estimated. 

The Muster Roll indicates that Andrew enlisted in Brookville, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. Brookville was approximately 28 miles from Farmington. Given that other members of the Farmington community lived close to the same area their whole life - it is plausible Andrew was living in the general area or traveled with other men to enlist. The muster roll indicates many men enlisted in Brookeville. 

Given the location of muster, the death details and the stories passed down through the family it seems plausible that the Andew J. Haggerty referenced in the muster roll is Andrew Haggerty son of Robert H. Haggerty and Rebecca M. Easly. Andrew would  have been 24 when he died at the Battle of Gettysburg. 

Andrew J. Haggerty is my 4th great uncle. Robert H. Haggerty and Rebecca M. Easly are my 4th great grandparents. Their daughter Anna Haggerty married Michael McDonald. 

References:

1. A. J. Davis, History of Clarion County, Pennsylvania with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers (Clarion County Historical Society, 1887), Clarion County Historical Society, Chapter 35 History of Farmington Township. Chapter LIII History of Farmington Township. Page 515
2. 1850 United States Federal Census.Year: 1850; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 194B; Image: 394. Record for Robert Hagerty
3. 1860 United States Federal Census.Year: 1860; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1095; Page: 145; Image: 149; Family History Library Film: 805095.Record for Robert Hagerty 
4. J. F. Easley, Easley-Rooker Family History, Second Draft (, June 1987), Page 40
5. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Civil War Muster Rolls, 1860-1869 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Infantry, 148th Pennsylvania, Company I
6. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963, Ancestry.com, Haggerty, Thomas C.
7. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1924 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Thomas C. Haggerty.

Raymond C. Loll - B29 Bomber Pilot

Raymond C. Loll the son of Francis G. Loll and Elizabeth Hartle was born 1922 in Pennsylvania. 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'. The main base for the 29th Bomber group between January 17, 1945 and May 20, 1946 was North Field in Guam. [Reference 1]

Raymond was a member of the The Fritschel Crew.  Records indicate the crews aircraft arrived in Guam February of 1945. The aircraft had a tail number 43-65312. The number on the plane was 0-33. The original name of the plan was Ingrid. The plane was also known as Battlin Boomerang. The city name recorded on the plane was "City of Sweetwater". [Reference 2]

On April 14, 1945 the plane was lost and the crew perished on a Mission to Tokyo.  The members of the air crew present:

• Robert L. Fritschel, Airplane Commander, 1st Lieutenant
• Raymond C. Loll, Pilot, 2nd Lieutenant
• Seymour H. Feigleman, Radar, 2nd Lieutenant
• James N. Wilkerson, Jr., Bombardier, Cpt
• Franklyn C. Wallace, Navigator, 2nd Lieutenant
• John Volpe, Flight Engineer, Sergeant
• Archie L. Smith, Jr, Radio Operator, 
• Marshall B. Wade, Top Gunner, Sergeant
• James R. Snyder, Right Blister, Sergeant
• Wiley S. Munsey, Jr., Tail Gunner, Sergeant

After the plane was lost only two members of the crew were recovered Robert L. Fritschel and Marshall B Wade. Both are buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific also known as the Punchbowl.

A photo of The Fritschel Crew can be viewed at the Prairie Bombers website maintained by the B-29 Museum, Inc. Raymond C. Loll is shown in the back row, second to the left.

The remainder of the crew including Raymond were 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 

Raymond C. Loll is my 3rd cousin 2x removed. The common ancestors that link us together are the French immigrants Antoine Loll and Mary Ann (Tehl) (Kehl), my 4th great grandparents.

References:

1. Rickard, J (19 March 2013), 29th Bombardment Group, http://www.historyofwar.org/air/units/USAAF/29th_Bombardment_Group.html
2. 29th Bomber Group - http://www.29bg.com/planeinfo.cfm?pid=10
3. B-29 Museum, Inc. - http://prairiebombers.org/eng/Army-Air-Fields/Kansas-AAF/Pratt/29th-BG/43rd-SQ-Original-Crews/Fritschel-Crew 
4. Ancestry.com. Honolulu, Hawaii, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), 1941-2011 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
5. Ancestry.com. WWI, WWII, and Korean War Casualty Listings [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.
6. National Archives and Records Administration. World War II and Korean Conflict Veterans Interred Overseas [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2000.

William Loraine McDonald

William Loraine McDonald, son of Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker, photographed in the early 1940's. He is standing in front of the McDonald family home located at 422 E 19th St in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Note young William is wearing an Army jacket that may have belonged to a family friend. The three stripes on the jacket indicate the jacket belonged to an Army sergeant.

William Loraine McDonald

The photo was found 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 my paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald. 

1930's - Helen and Edward V.

Helen Tillie Bukowski photographed with her son Edward V. Murosky in the 1930's.  The photographs were likely taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania where the family lived. The photograph may have been taken late spring or summer.

Edward V. is dressed in a shirt with a tie. He appears to be holding a rosary and a prayer book. The photograph may have been taken the day of his confirmation.

Edward V. and Helen

From the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. These photographs were located in a small album. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Helen Tillie Bukowski is my great grandmother.  Edward V. Murosky is my great uncle. Helen's son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather.

Four Generations of Maternal Ancestors - McDonald < Selker < Guth < Loll

On this Mother's Day a tribute to my Grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald and the three generations of women who came before her.

Mary Eugenia McDonald, the daughter of Frances Philomena Selker and Loraine Anthony McDonald, was born January 22, 1922 in Strattanville, Clarion, Pennsylvania.  She married Arthur Murosky August 9, 1941 in Erie, Erie, Pennsylvania at St John's Church. The couple raised ten children together. 

Frances Philomena Selker, the daughter of Frances Philomena Guth and Joseph William Selker, was born August 25, 1895 in Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania. She married Loraine Anthony McDonald June 10, 1919 in Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania at the Immaculate Conception Church. The couple raised nine children together. 

Frances Philomena Guth, the daughter of Theresa Loll and Leopold Guth, was born February 25, 1863 in Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania. She married Joseph William Selker November 4, 1890 in Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania at the Immaculate Conception Church. The couple raised ten children together.

Theresa Loll, the daughter of Mary Ann Jehl and Antonie Loll, was born June 16, 1803 in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France. She married Leopold Guth  January 20, 1853 in Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania at the Immaculate Conception Church. The couple raised eleven children together.

These photographs were included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother. Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. Frances Philomena Guth is my 2nd great grandmother. Theresa Loll is my 3rd great grandmother. 

Remembering the end of World War II

This is your victory! It is the victory of the cause of freedom in every land. — Winston Churchill 

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. The following family members were part of the Greatest Generation and served in World War II. May we never forget their service.

Daniel L. Bukowski, my 1st cousin 2x removed, 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 was featured in the blog post Army Sergeant Daniel L. Bukowski - Young American Patriot.

Daniel L. Bukowski

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

Edward Zelazny (left) and Joseph Bukowski (right)

Raymond H. Bukowski, my 1st cousin 2x removed, was born February 28, 1920 in Erie, Pennsylvania   He served in the US Navy.

Raymond H. Bukowski

Norbert Bukowski, my 1st cousin 2x removed, 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

John E. Chanis, Jr., my 1st cousin 2x removed, was born February 12, 1916 in Forest City, Pennsylvania He served in WWII - PFC between July 27, 1944 and September 1945.

Raymond Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, was born in 1922 the son of Francis G. Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, and Elizabeth Hartle. Raymond served in World War II and died in action in 1945 at the age of 23.

Barbara Lynam, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, was born June 24, 1912 in Oil City, Pennsylvania. She served in the PFC WAC WWII.

Barbara Lynam

Robert Aloysius Haggerty, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, was born July 24, 1927. He served as a SSGT in the US Marine Corps in WWII. 

Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, Jr., my 1st cousin 3x removed, 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. 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

Edward V. Murosky, my grand uncle, 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, my grand uncle, 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, my great grand uncle, was born July 11, 1902 in Forest City, Pennsylvania. He served in the Army, WWII Air Corps from August 12, 1942 through January 1943. 

Benjamin Ragan Norris, the husband of my 2nd cousin 3x removed, 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

Philip Franz Selker, my 1st cousin 3x removed, 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. Philip is featured in the blog post Philip Selker - Battle of Normandy Veteran

Robert V. Pietrzak, my first cousin 2x removed, 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, my first cousin 2x removed, 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

There are numerous photos of World War II veterans featured in the Military Collection  at the family photo website. This digital gallery features 45 photographs of family members who served in the military. 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.