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

The Original Lithuanian Spelling - Murauskas

"Maroski, Meroski, Meuroski, Moraski, Moroski, and Muroski are all recorded variations of the name we now know as Murosky. At the turn of the century each time the name is located in historical records, the spelling has slightly different variations. As late as 1950, the name was spelled as Muroski. Family tradition states that the Murosky name started as Muroskus and the name was later changed to the current spelling of Murosky. Currently the spelling Muroskus has not appeared in any historical records."

-Our Ancestors The Book: Volume I: The Murosky and Bukowski Family History Page 23, December 2011

Over the years I had sat with my grandfather Arthur Murosky to record stories and other family details. One memory that always stays with me is my grandfather discussing the original spelling of his surname - Murosky. He would discuss how the family was from Lithuania, that they originally settled in Forest City, Pennsylvania where his father was born. He also knew his grandfather, Anthony, was a coal miner. Grandpa recalled meeting them as a small child - how they were very quiet people. Grandpa Art told me that the original spelling was something closer to Muroskus. Then he said it - likely recalling how many years ago his own grandfather would have said it to him. We did our best to spell it as it sounded when he pronounced - the name sounding quite foreign when compared to Murosky.

In December of 2011 after several months of research, layout work and editing the first family history book featuring the Murosky and Bukowski ancestors was published. At this time the oldest known Murosky ancestors were Grandpa Art's grandparents - Anthony Murosky, Sr. and Eva Zielinski. The couple appeared in several different historical records. The  earliest record located was the 1910 United States Federal Census. The couple was also located in the 1920 United States Federal Census and the 1930 United States Federal Census. Their names were also recorded in obituaries. There were many variations of Murosky located for the family but no Muroskus or a variation of Muroskus.

Recently a new record was located that offered a different spelling - Murauckas.  The record is for the birth of Frank Murauckas, son of Anthony Murauckas and Eva Zilinskinite. The birth was recorded May 18, 1907 in Forest City, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. The family was recorded living on Delaware Street. Frank was the ninth child born and the fifth child living to the same mother.

The information in the birth record aligned with information known about the oldest ancestors - Anthony Murosky, Sr. and Eva Zielinski. When the couple was located in the 1910, 1920 and 1930 United States Federal census - they were enumerated in Forest City, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. In the 1910 census - recorded April 28, 1910 the couple was living at 128 Delaware Street.

Birth Record for Frank Murauskas 

Last year a death record for a Frank Moroski born to Anthony Moroski was located. This discovery was included in the blog post Murosky Family - New Relatives Discovered. The death occurred in Forest City, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. The references to Delaware Street were present - in addition to a mother named Eva. The death certificate used Moroski. This variation of Murosky - Moroski was very similar to the other variations previously located.

Death Record for Frank Moroski

After reviewing the evidence it is an acceptable conclusion that Frank Murauckas, son of Anthony Murauckas and Eva Zilinskinite is the same Frank referenced in the death certificate. Anthony Murauckas known as Anthony Murosky, Sr. in my records and Eva Zilinskinite known as Eva Zielinski in my records.

The birth certificate for Frank Murauckas is the oldest record located to date for this family. The birth certificate also offers some new clues and previously unknown details about this family.

Name Variation:

The birth certificate represents the first time the name variation Murauckas has been recorded in a historical document. The names were recorded as Anthony Murauckas and Eva Zilinskinite on the birth certificate.

This was my first experience with the older version of these surnames. I reached out to the folks at the website PolishOrigins.com. This website has a very helpful forum section with folks that can assist with Polish, Russian and Lithuanian translations.

Elzbieta Porteneuve at the forum graciously assisted me. She translated the names and provided the following helpful information:

The original name [on the birth certificate is shown as] Murauckas.  I think that "c" should be "s" - Google shows no single Murauckas, but a number of Murauskas.

The mother name in your record is Zilinskinte. But the Lithuanian ending for a young woman is -kaite, so I would correct it to Zilinskaite.

Child: Frank Murauskas, born 18 May 1907, 4 pm 
Father: Antoni Murauskas, 42 years -- BIRTH-ESTIMATE:1865 
Mother: Ewa Zilinskaite, 33 years -- BIRTH-ESTIMATE:1874"

When translated to the original Lithuanian their names would be Antoni Murauskas, Ewa Zilinskaite and Frank Murauskas.

Birth Location 

The birth certificate also offers the first clue to a birth location for Antoni and Ewa. Previous references to a location of birth have always been general - Lithuania or Russia. The birth certificate indicates Antoni and Ewa were born in Suwałki Governorate. Suwałki Governorate would be considered their country of birth.

"The Suwałki Governorate was an administrative unit of the Congress of Poland with a seat in Suwałki. It covered 12,300 square km." -  Wikipedia, Suwałki Governorate

The Suwałki Governorate is shown independently in the image below. The capital Suwałki is shown in red.

Location of Suwałki by Poznania 

The Suwałki Governorate was a Governorate of the Russian Empire from 1867 - 1914. To provide context as to where the Suwałki Governorate sat in the context of Eastern Europe and Russia, the map below is helpful. The Suwałki Governorate is shown in coral on the far western edge of the Russian Empire. The map shows the governorates of the Russian Empire prior to 1918.

Map of governorates of the Russian Empire (Western part)

After WWI the land included in the Suwałki Governorate was eventually split between Poland and Lithuania. Russian empire statistics from 1889 indicate that 57.8% of the population in the Suwałki Governorate was Lithuanian. The Governorate also included Poles, Jews, Germans, Belarusians, Russians and some others.

Number of Children: 

Frank was the 9th child born to Eva and the 5th child living when the birth certificate was recorded. At the time of Frank's birth the couple had four children that were previously identified. The birth certificate indicates the couple would have lost four children before Frank was born on 18 May 1907. This might help to explain some of the gaps between the birth years of the known children.

Currently known children born to Anthony Murosky, Sr. and Eva Zielinski:

1. Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. born 11 October 1895
2. Margaret Murosky born 15 June 1897 
3. Joseph Murosky, Sr. born 4 July 1900
4. William Murosky born 11 July 1902
5. Possible Unknown child born and died before 18 May 1907
6. Possible Unknown child born and died before 18 May 1907
7. Possible Unknown child born and died before 18 May 1907
8. Possible Unknown child born and died before 18 May 1907 ??
9. Frank Murosky born 18 May 1907
10. Esther Murosky born May 1809
11. Charles Murosky born August 1913

There is a slight dependency as the 1910 United States Federal Census recorded April 24, 1910 indicated that nine children had been born to Eva and only five children were living. The five living children recorded in the 1910 census were Anthony Harry, Margaret, Joseph, William and Esther.

If the 1910 United States Federal Census is correct - the couple had three additional children that were born and and died before 18 May 1907. Frank would have been been one of the four children recorded as deceased in 1910. In this scenario - the couple would have had a total of ten children.

If the Frank's birth certificate is correct - the couple had four additional children that were born and died before 18 May 1907. The couple would have had a total of eleven children. We may never know of certain if the final number of children the couple has is ten or eleven. The Pennsylvania births were first recorded in 1906. The births of the other children couple possibly be located in church records.

Sadly, young Frank only lived for five months. His birth and death occurred before the 1910 United States Federal Census so there was no record of him, he was previously unknown. The recent release of these additional records has introduced us to Frank for the first time. He can now be remembered. The records have also allowed Frank to introduce previously unknown details about his family.

Frank Murauskas is my 2nd great uncle. 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. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Birth Records, 1906-1908 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Record for Frank Murauckas.
2. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1924 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Frank Moroski.
3. 1910 U. S. census, 1910 United States Federal Census schedule, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania; Online Images, Record for Anthony Meroski
4. 1920 U. S. census, 1920 United States Federal Census schedule, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, Online Images, Record for Anthony Maroski
5. 1930 U. S. census, 1930 United States Federal Census schedule, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, Online Images, Record for Anthony Moraski
6. PolishOrigins Forum 
7. Wikipedia: Suwałki Governorate
8. Wikipedia: List of governorates of the Russian Empire

Family Photo: Margaret Chanis

Posted to the family photo album website today is a photograph of Margaret Chanis on the day of her First Holy Communion.

Margaret Chanis was born August 22, 1923 in Forest City, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Lithuanian immigrants John Chanis and  Margaret Murosky.  Margaret Murosky is my great-aunt, the sister of my great-grandfather Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. The family relocated from Forest City to Luzerne County, Pennsylvania in 1930. In 1938 they were living at 424 1/2 Main Street. Sadly Margaret died young at age 14. On July 21, 1938 she passed away in Wilkes -Barre General Hospital after contracting meningitis. Her death certificate indicates she is buried at St. Mary's Cemetery in Pringle, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. 

Photograph from the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen recorded the name on the photograph. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Margaret Chanis is my 1st cousins 2x removed. Anthony Murosky, Sr. and Eva Zielinski are our common grandparents. My great grandfather Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. was Margaret's uncle. His son Arthur is my paternal grandfather. 

References: 

1. Naturalization Petitions of the U.S. Circuit and District Courts of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, 1906-1930, Record for John Chanis 
2. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1924, Record for Margaret Chanes

WWI Centennial: Where were they? The Anthony Murosky Sr. Family

This is the second post in the WWI Centennial series. The series is focused on where were members of my family living on August 5, 1914 when they learned war had been declared in Europe. What thoughts may they have had? How were they impacted? I hope this series of blog posts around the WWI Centennial will be both interesting and informative for the reader.

The second family to be featured will be Anthony Murosky Sr. and his wife Eva Zielinski my 2^nd great grandparents.

Immigrants Anthony Murosky Sr. and his wife Eva were living in Forest City, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania when they learned war had been declared in Europe. It has been 22 years since Anthony left Europe and 20 years since Eva left Europe.  Census records indicate that Anthony arrived in 1892 and Eva in 1984. The couple married in 1894.  Historical records indicate the couple was living in Forest City when their oldest son Anthony was born in 1889.  Details of their passage from Europe are unknown at this time. My grandfather told me the family lineage was Lithuanian. The census records record the place of birth for Anthony and Eva as “Russ-Polish” before the WWI and “Lithuania” after WWI. 

It is plausible the Anthony and Eva were born in modern day Lithuania possibly along the border of Poland. Both Lithuania and the eastern portions of Poland would have been part of the Russian Empire in 1910.   Lithuania was restored when portions of eastern European lands were stripped from the Russian. The Second Polish Republic was formed from the lands Russian and Prussia had annexed in the partitions of Poland in the late 1700’s.  It is currently unknown where Anthony and Eva were living prior to departing Europe.

The 1910 United States Federal Census recorded the family living at 128 Delaware Street, Forest City, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. The census indicates the family was renting this house. The 1920 United States Federal Census recorded the family living at 408 Main Street, Forest City, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. The census indicates the family was renting this house.

The Murosky family residences in Forest City

 The household would likely have included:

• Head Anthony Sr., age 51
• Wife Eva, age 44
• Son Anthony, age 24, (my great great-grandfather)
• Son Joseph, age 14
• Son Gustave Joseph, age 15
• Son William, age 12
• Daughter Esther, age 5
• Son Charles, age 1

Anthony and Eva also lost an infant son Frank in 1907.  The 1910 census indicates that Eva was the mother of 9 children and only 5 were living. If this information is accurate there are three additional children that are not recorded in historical documents located to date.

The couple’s oldest daughter Margaret, age 23, married John Chanis a Lithuanian immigrant in 1914.  According to his naturalization record for citizenship John was born July 25, 1895 in Vilna, Lithuania. Margaret may or may not have been living in the household with her parents in August of 1914.  

By 1914 the family was well established in the community. Forest City had a thriving Lithuanian population. Many of these immigrants also attended the same church.  Anthony Sr. and his son-in-law John Chanis were working in the coal mines. The oldest son Anthony was also likely employed working in the coal mines. The 1920 census records Anthony Jr.  as a motorman in the coal mines.

The 1910 census indicates that both Anthony Sr.  was able to read and write English. Eva is recorded as unable to read and write English. The 1910 census also indicates that Anthony, Sr. had not applied for citizenship and his status was recorded as “alien.”

After learning war had been declared Anthony and Eva may have pondered the impact their hometowns. Russian troops would have to travel through Lithuania to reach the border with Prussia held territory. The western potions of Lithuania also bordered Prussian lands. They each may have been worried about the families they left behind 20 years earlier.  Each would have realized their nephews of age were likely to be called to serve in the Russian Army.  

European Alliances in 1914 - West Point

It is currently unknown if this couple maintained any contact with their European family members. No details have been revealed to date which indicate there was any correspondence.

References:

1. 1910 U. S. census, 1910 United States Federal Census schedule, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania; Online Images, Record for Anthony Meroski
2. 1920 U. S. census, 1920 United States Federal Census schedule, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, Online Images, Record for Anthony Maroski
3. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1944 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Frank Moroski
4. U.S., Naturalization Petitions of the U.S. Circuit and District Courts of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, 1906-1930, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Middle District Court of Pennsylvania, District Court; National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Record for John Chanis
5. Ancestry.com. U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Record for Anthony H. Murosky
6. 40 maps that explain World War I 
7. Historic maps of Forest City
8. Google Maps

Murosky Family - New Relatives Discovered

Recently the Ancestry.com databases were updated to include the more than 2 million Pennsylvania Death Certificates from 1906-1924. The database included information on several Bukowski family members I knew of. The database included information on several Bukowski relatives that were previously not known. Tragically, many of these were children who died young.

Existing family members with new information:

George Murosky was the son of my great grandparents Helen Tillie Bukowski and Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. George was born June 1, 1918 and died June 2, 1918. The cause of death indicates he was premature. Helen would have been 17 when George was born. He was buried in Trinity Cemetery, Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

On George's death certificate his name is recorded as George Moraswki. His father signed the death certificate as Antoni Morawski.

Florence Murosky was daughter of my great grandparents Helen Tillie Bukowski and Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. Florence was born March 28, 1922 and died June 6, 1922. The cause of death indicates she was premature at 7 months gestation.. She was buried in Trinity Cemetery, Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

On Florence's death certificate her name is recorded as Florentina Murawski. The father's name indicates Antoni Murawski but is signed by Anthony as Anthony Muroski - a shift in spelling closer to what we see today. Note the handwriting between the recordings of the two names is different.

Both of Helen's children do not have a tombstone because my great grandparents did not have the money to purchase a stone for their graves. Helen's daughter Rita indicated her mother went often to see the graves of her deceased children.


New Relatives Discovered:

Frank Murosky is a previously unknown child to my 2nd great grandparents Anthony Murosky Sr. and Eva Zielinski. Frank was born June 18, 1907 and died October 26, 1907.  The cause of hisdeath is listed as intestinal obstruction. He was buried at St. Agnes Cemetery, Forest City, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.

Frank's name is recorded as Frank Moroski. His fathers name is recorded as Anthony Moroski. His death certificate is significant as it is the first recorded instance of Eva's surname. The birth certificate indicates the family was from Russia, in 1907 Lithuania was part of Russia.

Raymond Chanis is a previously unknown child to John Chanis and Margaret Murosky, my 2nd great aunt. Raymond was born November 4, 1917 and died August 10, 1918. The cause of death indicates he died from Gastroenteritis. He was buried in St. Anthony Cemetery, Forest City, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.

On Raymond's death certificate Margaret's name is recorded as Margaret Muraski.

References:

1. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1924 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.

Photos: Anthony Murosky, Sr. & the Coal Mines of Forest City, Pennsylvania

My 2nd great grandfather, the Lithuanian immigrant Anthony Murosky, Sr., worked in the coal mines of Forest City, Pennsylvania. We are extremely fortunate to have a few photos that were taken of the men working in the 1920's. To learn more about Anthony Murosky, Sr. read the blog post The First Father - Anthony Murosky, Sr. 

My 2nd great grandfather - the Lithuanian immigrant Anthony Murosky, Sr. worked in the coal mines of Forest City, Pennsylvania.

My 2nd great grandfather on the left- the Lithuanian immigrant Anthony Murosky, Sr. worked in the coal mines of Forest City, Pennsylvania. The other individuals are unknown. The handwriting is my great grandmother Helen's - Gerald may have been a friend or an extended relative.

Workers at the coal mines in Forest City, Pennsylvania. My 2nd great grandfather the Lithuanian immigrant Anthony Murosky, Sr. stands along on the bottom row.

My great grandfather - Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. as a child worked with his father Anthony Murosky, Sr. in the coal mines of Forest City, Pennsylvania. The following link has an image of Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. as an adult. Photo: Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr.

Our Lithuanian Heritage

As discussed in previous posts, it was commonly thought by oral tradition that the Murosky name was Lithuanian in origin.

New research of the family living in Forest City, Pennsylvania has proven the Lithuanian origin to be fact. My 2^nd great grandparents, Anthony and Eva Murosky, were recently located in both the 1920 and the 1930 United States Federal Census. In both cases the family was still residing in Forest City, Pennsylvania.

In both the 1920 and 1930 census Anthony and Eva indicate that they were born in Lithuania. This coincides with restoration of Lithuania to an independent state on February 16, 1918.  When the 1920 and the 1930 census were recorded those who were both in Lithuania were able to acknowledge the true country of their birth. Anthony and Eva also list that the native language they spoke in their country of birth, known as the mother tongue in the census, was Lithuanian.  The couple may have spoken multiple languages as they are also listed as speaking Polish. Both Anthony and Eva indicate that their mother and father were born in Lithuania.  The census is based on first hand information obtained from the individuals and can be taken as fact.

As I had previously suspected, Anthony and Eva settled within the Lithuanian community that was growing in Forest City, Pennsylvania. It was common for immigrants of one nationality to settle together after arriving in America. In the United States, the Lithuanian community would have had the freedom to practice their own cultural traditions. Anthony and Eva’s oldest daughter Margret married John Chanis who was also an immigrant from Lithuania. John’s parents were also Lithuanian. John made the trip from Europe in 1910 when he was 14 years old.

Daughter Margaret is recorded as living with her husband John Chanis in Forest City, Pennsylvania in 1920 with their oldest child, John Jr.. Margret and John were neighbors to her parents renting neighboring homes on Main Street.

Interestingly enough, around the time I made discovery of Lithuanian origin in the census I crossed paths with an airline employee who resides in Chicago but also commutes to New York for work. On a flight to New York, I overheard him discussing Lithuanian Folk Dancing which caught my attention.

After getting to know him, I learned that he is also of Lithuanian descent. His Father-In-Law is the editor of Lithuanian Heritage Magazine, a bimonthly publication that that plays tribute to Lithuanian culture old and new. I truly think fate was at work as I now have connections to learning more about our culture and heritage.

My new colleague was kind enough to bring me a copy of the magazine. If you are interested in learning more about Lithuanian Heritage and Culture I highly recommend you register for a subscription. The issue of the magazine I have is fantastic.

The First Father - Anthony Murosky, Sr.

The Murosky line begins with Anthony Murosky, Sr, my 2nd great grandfather. The first known references to Anthony are records from the 1910 United States Federal Census listing Anthony and his family living in Forest City, Pennsylvania.

Verbal history indicates that Anthony was an immigrant from Lithuanian-Baltic region. The 1910 Census indicates that Anthony arrived in the United States in 1892. During the late 1800's almost 20% of the population of Lithuania left the country. Many relocated to the United States. During this period, the country was in a difficult position lying between the growing empires of Russia and Germany.

Anthony married Eva Zielinski, my 2nd great grand mother, around 1894. Eva was also an immigrant who arrived in 1894.

Anthony Murosky, Sr. & Eva Zielinski, a photo by michelle.murosky on Flickr.

Anthony worked as a miner in the coal mines of Forest City, Pennsylvania. At the time of the census, Anthony and Eva lived at 128 Delaware Street, Forest City.

 


































The living children of Anthony and Eva include:

•  Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr.
• Margaret Murosky
• Joseph Muroski Sr.
• William Murosky
• Constance "Esther" Murosky
• Charles Muroski

The spelling of Murosky varied with the children, some adopted Murosky and others adopted Muroski

Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr., my great grand father,  the oldest son moved to Erie, Pennsylvania in search of work where he settled, married and raised his children. In time, some of the other siblings would also relocate to Erie, Pennsylvania.

After the death of Eva around 1930 in Forest City, Pennsylvania, Anthony Murosky, Sr. moved to Erie to live with his children.  Anthony was a heavy drinker and it ultimately lead to he accident which causes his death. News articles and reports from his grandchildren indicate that on 17 Dec 1939 he had been out drinking. On his way home he was hit by car 26th and Wallace. He was taken to St. Vincent's hospital where he later died.

Anthony was buried 22 Dec 1939, Calvary Cemetery, Section 18. Grave 1. After some recent searching, using www.findagrave.com, I was able to confirm that Anthony was buried in Calvary Cemetery.

You can visit his grave today, by going in main entrance and staying  on main road. Go to the intersection between Section 15 and 18. Take a left and go to fence. Anthony's grave is on the northeast corner of 181.

References:

1. 1910 U. S. census, 1910 United States Federal Census schedule, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, Family of Anthony Meroski. Supervisor's District 10, Enumeration District 64, Enumeration Date April 28, 1910, Lines 31-37.; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com).
2. Murosky, Anthony, Sr. (1939, December 20).  Erie Daily Times News, Erie, Pennsylvania.
3. Find A Grave Memorial# 9271239 www.findagreave.com