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.

Long Standing Dream Comes True As District Woman Visits Germany

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

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

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

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

An original copy of the newspaper article.

The Family of Mrs. Lauer in Germany
The relationship in italics is the relationship of the individual to Philomena Selker. 
Front row, left to right: Hermann Selker (brother), Mrs. Hermann Selker (sister-in-law), Mrs. Mary Schulde (Mary or Maria Selker, sister), Mrs. Lauer (Philomena Selker), Wilhelm Selker, (brother), Mrs. Wilhem Selker (sister-in-law)
 Back row, left to right: Hermann Schulde (brother in law) and Mr. Lauer (Augustine Benedict Lauer - husband)
 In the inset: Mrs. And Mrs. George Selker (brother and sister-in-law)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. and Mrs. Lauer are members of St. Michael Church of Fryburg.

The Derrick
Friday, January 14, 1958 - Page 10
A copy of the original article.

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

Joseph William Selker is my 2nd great grandfather. Philomena Selker and her siblings are my 1st cousins 3x removed.

References:

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

JW Selker: Arriving at Ellis Island

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

Other Posts in The Series: 
JW Selker: Planning a Trip Home


Joseph William Selker applied for a passport application on January 25, 1906. After living in Pennsylvania for twenty one years he made plans to return to his home country of Germany.  The date of the crossing to Germany and the port of arrival are currently unknown.

When Joseph William didn't travel to Germany alone. He took his nine year old son Frederick William Selker, known to the family as "Fritz", with him. Frederick William Selker was born October 15, 1896 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Joseph William and Frederick William traveled to several cities to visit with their Selker family members. The cities they are known to have visited include:

• Fürstenau: The party traveled to Fürstenau - the city of Joseph William's birth. While in Fürstenau they spent time with Joseph William's brother Gerhardt Selker and his wife Mary Agnes Rakers.
• Bentheim: Joseph William's father, Hermann George Selker, was born in Bentheim. The party traveled to Bentheim to spend some time with Joseph William's uncle. The uncle, who's name is currently unknown, would have been a brother of Hermann George Selker
• Montabaur: The party  traveled to Montabaur to visit with Joseph William's brother Karl Friedrich Selker who had relocated from Fürstenau. Karl Friedrich Selker owned a tailor shop in Montabaur.

It is currently unknown how much time Joseph William and Frederick William spent in Germany. It should be noted that the distance between Fürstenau and Montabaur is approximately 193.6 miles [312 km]. The map below, highlighted with the cities they visited, shows that the two traveled extensively during their visit.

On June 26, 1906 Joseph William Selker and his party departed Germany at the port of Bremen. The group set sail on the SS Kaiser Wilhelm Der Grosse. The SS Kaiser Wilhelm Der Grosse was built by the North German Lloyd shipping line. The 14,349 ton ship had four funnels and was 627 feet long. The ship was capable of transporting 332 first class passengers, 343 second class passengers and 1,074 third class passengers. The Hoboken Historical Museum has original plans of the ship available in their online collections database.

Colour drawing of the SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse by an unknown painter
Source: Wikipedia, Public Domain image

Joseph William Selker and his party traveled in the second class cabin. The two additional members of Joseph William's party were his nieces - Johanna Anna Selker and Philomena Selker. His two nieces made the decision to leave Germany and relocate to Pennsylvania with their uncle.

Johanna Anna Selker was nineteen years old when she departed Germany. She was born September 5, 1886 in Montabaur, Germany. Johanna was the daughter of Karl Friedrich Selker and Margarita Wolf.

Philomena Selker was eighteen years old when she departed Germany. In the ships manifest she is recorded as Wilhelmine Selker. She was born January 27, 1887 in Fürstenau, Germany. Philomena was the daughter of Gerhardt Selker and Mary Agnes Rakers.

The ships manifest for the SS Kaiser Wilhelm Der Grosse  indicates that the party arrived at the Port of New York on July 3, 1906. The crossing took eight days. The party was processed at Ellis Island.

Kaiser Wilhelm Der Grosse
Ship's Manifest - List 5
Arrival July 3, 1906 Port of New York

The nationality recorded for Joseph William and "Fritz" was USA. Johanna Anna and Philomena were recorded as German. Both nieces could read and write. Johanna is recorded as last living in Montabaur and Philomena is recorded as last living in Fürstenau. Their final destination is recorded as Clarion, PA.

Kaiser Wilhelm Der Grosse

Ship's Manifest - List 5 [Excerpt]

Arrival July 3, 1906 Port of New York

The notes on the ships manifest indicate they were traveling with their uncle J.W. Selker who was from Clarion, PA.

Kaiser Wilhelm Der Grosse

Ship's Manifest - List 5 [Excerpt]

Arrival July 3, 1906 Port of New York

Johanna Anna Selker and Philomena Selker both remained in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania for the rest of their lives. Johanna Anna Selker married Stephen Charles Huefner on June 2, 1908 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Philomena married Augustine Benedict Lauer Sr. on September 21, 1909 at St, Michael's Church in Fryburg, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

References:

1. Ancestry.com. New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Year: 1906; Arrival: New York, New York; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Microfilm Roll: Roll 0736; Line: 2; Page Number: 87
2. Ancestry.com. Passenger Ships and Images [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Kaiser Wilhelm Der Grosse.
3. Image SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse by an unknown painter: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Colour_drawing_of_the_SS_Kaiser_Wilhelm_der_Grosse_by_an_unknown_painter.jpg# 
4. Handwritten Letter from Joseph William Selker to Karl Friedrich Selker dated 19 July 1906.
5. "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VFWP-WN5 : 24 June 2016), Stephen Charles Huefner and Johanna Selker, 1908.
6. "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VFWP-YC8 : 24 June 2016), Augustine Lauer and Minnie Selker, 1909.
7. Maps of World. Germany Outline Map.