In Memory of Grandpa Art

With a sad heart this post brings the news that we laid the oldest living descendant of the Murosky and Bukowski families, Arthur Murosky, to rest on February 21, 2015. With snowflakes falling, surrounded by the canopies of old growth trees members of our family joined to lay him to rest alongside his beautiful bride Mary Eugenia McDonald in the peaceful, quiet serenity of Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." ~ Unknown

The last two weeks have been spent reflecting on many cherished memories of Grandpa Art. The story about how he met my Grandmother:

 "I met Jean at the Wilson Library in 1936.  We were both getting books. 

I would hang out at the library and walk the girls home."

They married on August 9, 1941 at St. John's Church in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Formal Wedding portrait of Arthur & Mary Eugenia

.....stories about how Grandpa had his own full-service gas station Art's Sunoco at 21st and State Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. The station was white with blue and gold accent's. His uniform was blue with his name stitched on. The Art's Service Station logo was gold and blue. How he ran the gas station himself but he did employ his father-in-law Loraine Anthony McDonald. The service station had 2 bays and 2 pumps. Gasoline was $0.29 a gallon....

Arthur photographed at his gas station

.....Grandpa working in his wood shop always allowing the Grandchildren to watch....Grandpa giving gifts of homemade  toys to the grandchildren at Christmas....Grandpa sitting quietly in his chair in the living room watching the chaos of a large family holiday that could easily have been fifty or more people .....Large family picnics held at his house in the summers......memories of Grandpa working in his large fenced in garden:

"I plant marigolds all round the edge to keep the bunnies away"

Grandpa in the kitchen baking a pumpkin pie....Grandpa chuckling when I showed him the a printed chart featuring his descendants numbering close to 100 and saying:

"I sure caused a lot of trouble"

....Grandpa sitting patiently as we photographed him with the entire family for at his 95th birthday celebration last April......

Grandpa Art photographed at his 95th Birthday Celebration with family friend Debi

The memories that will always stay with me are the ones that started me on this genealogy journey. At one point after my Grandmother had died I recall asking about our family tree - Grandpa sat with me and told me all he knew. His grandparents names, his aunts, uncles and cousins. He pronounced Murosky in the old Lithuanian way. He patiently answered all of my questions as I followed him around the house on numerous visits with a notebook making notes. Grandpa also connected me with his cousins and my grandmother Mary Eugina's cousins. Through these individuals the foundation of the family tree slowly came together.

One of my most distinct memories is one the days I went to visit him. I was returning his original wedding photos I had borrowed to make copies of. After putting the photographs back in the drawer in my grand-grandmother's old bedroom I turned to see Grandpa standing in the door way with a large cardboard box. He handed me the box saying this is for you. I asked him what was in the box and with a twinkle in his eye he told me to look. The box contained a large portion of his mother's photo collection. Together we looked at the old black and white photographs - a mix of loose photographs and my great-grandmother's albums. The box included photos from the Bukowski and the Murosky sides of the family. Grandpa was able to identify many people in the photographs. I recorded the names on scraps of paper that we slid behind the photographs. With the photographs came stories...of his brother Edward who served in Alaska during World War II...of the two day Polish weddings....of the trips to Forest City to see family when he was a child....of his Aunt Margaret who moved to Erie from Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania...of his cousin Arthur Gaczkowski who died young in the late 1920's. That day I told him that in time I would make sure that these old photographs would be shared with the greater family.

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." ~ Unknown

I have always felt these old family photographs are treasure to be shared.  Today that meaning rings true.....perhaps because the old photographs are a reminder that those that we love may have departed this life but they will never be forgotten.  Their memories and their spirit live on and the old photographs in that moment remind us that those memories have in deed become treasure.

Arthur Murosky, age 6, photographed with his brother 
Harry Anthony Murosky, age 4, in during a family trip to Forest City, Pennsylvania.

Arthur Murosky was my paternal grandfather. He was born April 13, 1919 in Erie, Pennsylvania. His father, Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. was born in Forest City, Pennsylvania the son of Lithuanian immigrants before relocating to Erie. His mother, Helen Tillie Bukowski, was the daughter of Polish immigrants. Grandpa Art spent all of his 95 years in Erie, Pennsylvania. He married the beautiful Mary Eugenia McDonald on August 9, 1941 and they had ten children together. He passed away on February 16, 2015 at age 95. 

James Arthur Murosky - Baby Portrait

A formal portrait taken of James Arthur Murosky as an infant. The photograph was likely taken late 1942 or early 1943.

James was born October 8, 1942 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the oldest child born to Arthur Murosky and Mary Eugenia McDonald.


This photograph is from the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

James Arthur Murosky is my Uncle. 

Dorothy Elizabeth McDonald - High School Graduation Photo

Dorothy Elizabeth McDonald photographed for her high school graduation in 1953.

Dorothy Elizabeth McDonald the daughter of Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker was born in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. A copy of this photograph was included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Dorothy Elizabeth McDonald is my great aunt. She is the sister of Mary Eugenia McMonald my paternal grandmother.

Mary Eugenia & James Arthur - mid 1940's

Mary Eugenia McDonald photographed with her oldest son James Anthony Murosky in the mid 1940's.

Depending on the date the photograph was taken Mary Eugenia would mostly likely have been between 23 and 25 years old. James Arthur would likely have been between 2 and 3 years old. The location of the photograph is unknown. This photograph was included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen Tillie Bukowski would have been James Arthur's paternal grandmother.

Mary Eugenia McDonald with her oldest son James Anthony McDonald

Mary Eugenia McDonald was born January 22, 1922 in Strattanville, Clarion, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker.

James Arthur Murosky was born October 8, 1942 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

This photograph is from the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Mary Eugenia McDonald is my paternal grandmother. James Arthur Murosky is my Uncle. 

Kathryn Joan McDonald - Wedding Announcement

Kathryn Joan McDonald, daughter of Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker, married Jack Barr on November 18, 1950. A copy of their wedding announcement in the Erie Daily Times was included with her mother's photo collection. The newspaper page number is unknown.

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

Kathryn Joan McDonald is my great-aunt. She is the sister of Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother.

Mary Eugenia McDonald - High School Graduation 1939

Mary Eugenia McDonald the daughter of Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker was born January 22, 1922 in Strattanville, Clarion, Pennsylvania.

The family relocated to Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania in the 1920's. Mary Eugenia attended Academy High School in Erie, Pennsylvania and graduated on June 15, 1939. She was 17 years old when she graduated from high school.

Mary Eugenia McDonald Graduation Photograph

Mary Eugenia McDonald High School Diploma

Mary Eugenia McDonald Diploma Cover

A copy of this photograph and Mary Eugenia's diploma were included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Mary Eugenia McDonald is my paternal grandmother.

Family Photo: Loraine Anthony McDonald & Frances Philomena Selker

Loraine Anthony McDonald & Frances Philomena Selker photographed together.

The photo was found in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky. 

Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker are my great grandparents. They are the parents of my paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald. 

Family Photo: Robert A. McDonald & Winifred A. O'Neill 50th Wedding Anniversary Party Guests

Another photograph from the 50th wedding anniversary celebration of Robert Alphonsus McDonald and Winifred Agnes O'Neill was located in the Frances Philomena Selker collection. The original collection of photographs is available at the blog post Family Photo: Robert A. McDonald & Winifred A. O'Neill 50th Wedding Anniversary.

The 50th wedding anniversary celebration was celebrated in 1945. The couple was married June 23, 1895. Robert Alphonsus McDonald was 77 years old and Winifred Agnes O'Neill was 70 years old on their wedding anniversary.

The photo captures many of the party guests in attendance that day. Some of the known guests are labeled in the photograph below. Alice Grace O'Neill, Gertrude Anna O'Neill, Eleanor Monica O'Neill and Caroline Loretta O'Neill are all sisters of Winifred O'Neill. 

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

Robert Alphonsus McDonald and Winifred Agnes O'Neill are my 2nd great grandparents. They are the parents of my great grandfather Loraine McDonald. Loraine McDonald is the father of Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother.

Cabinet Card: Leopold George Selker, Jr.

Posted to the family photo album website is a cabinet card of Leopold George Selker, Jr. as an infant. Leopold may have been photograph in the fall of 1918 or the spring of 1919. The original cabinet card is lovely with an embossed border. The original photograph has an almost metallic appearance.

Full cabinet card of Leopold Selker, Jr.

Cropped and enhanced image of Leopold George Selker, Jr.

Leopold George Selker, Jr. was born July 28, 1918. He was the son of Leopold George Selker, Sr.(28 Sep 1891 - 10 Dec 1955) and Katherine V. Hartle (1894 - 01 Sep 1970). Leopold George Selker, Sr. was the oldest son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth.

The photo was found in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Photograph by Casterline Studio in Clarion, Pennsylvania. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Leopold George Selker, Jr. is my 1st cousin 2x removed. He is a first cousin to my maternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald. Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are the common grandparents that link the cousins. 

Loraine Anthony McDonald & Madelyn Ann McDonald

Loraine Anthony McDonald photographed with his daughter Madelyn Ann McDonald.

The photo taken in front of the family home at 422 E 19th St in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The photo was likely taken in the 1940's.

Loraine Anthony McDonald and Madelyn Ann McDonald

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

Loraine Anthony McDonald is my great grandfather. He is the father of Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother.

References:

1. Ancestry.com. 1940 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Year: 1940; Census Place: Erie, Erie, Pennsylvania; Roll: T627_3650; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 68-77. Record for Loraine McDonald

Army Sergeant Daniel L. Bukowski - Young American Patriot

Sergeant Daniel L. Bukowski was born September 19, 1921 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of John Frank Bukowski and Theresa Filipkowski. In 1940 he was recorded living with his parents at 639 Twenty First Street in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Sergeant Daniel L. Bukowski photo location unknown

On October 4, 1942 he enlisted with the United States Army at age 21. On December 17, 1945 he was discharged from military service.

In 1946 Young American Patriots was published. The collection of books was compiled to preserve the lives of the American men and women who served in World War II. The books were arranged by state. A biography for each soldier includes: name, branch of military served in, birth date, date and place entered service, and parents' names.

Sergeant Daniel L. Bukowski was featured in Young American Patriots on page 354. The text from his record reads:

"World War II Young American Patriots, 1941-1945 Bukowski, Daniel.  Sgt.,Army. Age 24. Entered Serv. Ict. 24, 1942. Cp. Claiborne; France; Ger.; Agrica; N. Zealand; Australia. Awarded GCM, As-Pac Rib., EAME Rib. Disch. Dec. 17, 1945. Attended Erie Tech HS. Catholic. Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Bukowski. Husband of Tillie Szulc Bukowski, 625 E. 14th St., Erie, Pa."

Young American Patriots Page 354

His entry in Young American Patriots indicates he was a decorated solider and received several military service awards. The military service awards he received are detailed below.

Army Good Conduct Medal:

"Authorized on June 28, 1941 for exemplary conduct, efficiency and fidelity and awarded to Army personnel who, on or after August 27, 1940, had honorably completed three years of active Federal military service. These military medals could also be awarded for one year of service after December 7, 1941 while the U.S. was at war. The award was not automatic and required certification by a commanding officer (usually a battalion commander or higher)." -Medals of America, Army Good Conduct Medal

European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal:

"Authorized on November 6, 1942, as amended on March 15, 1946. Awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 30 days of consecutive (60 days nonconsecutive) service within the European Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941 and November 8, 1945 (lesser periods qualify if individual was in actual combat against the enemy during this period). The front of the bronze medal shows a Landing Ship, Tank (LST) unloading troops while under fire with an airplane overhead. The reverse has the American eagle, symbol of power, standing on a rock, symbol of stability, with the inscription, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and dates, “1941-1945.”" -Medals of America, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

"Authorized on November 6, 1942 and amended on March 15, 1946. Awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 30 consecutive (60 nonconsecutive) days service (less if in combat) within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946. The front of the medal shows a palm tree amidst troops with an aircraft overhead and an aircraft carrier, battleship and submarine in the background. The reverse has the American eagle, symbolizing power, on a rock, symbolizing stability, with the inscription, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” on the eagle’s back. The orange yellow of the ribbon represents Asia while the white and red stripes toward each edge represent Japan. The center blue, white and red thin stripes are taken from the American Defense Service Medal, referring to America’s continued defense preparedness after Pearl Harbor. A bronze star denoted participation in a campaign. A silver star attachment is used to represent five bronze stars. An arrowhead attachment is authorized by the Army and Air Force for participation in a combat parachute jump, combat glider landing or amphibious assault landing (only one arrowhead may be worn on the medal/ribbon despite the number of qualification events). The ribbon is worn with the center blue stripe on the wearer’s right." Medals of America, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal 

The photograph of Daniel is from the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Daniel L. Bukowski is my 1st counsin 2x removed. He is the son of John Frank Bukowski. John Frank Bukowski is the brother of my great-grandmother Helen Tillie Bukowski. Helen's son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather.

References:

1. Ancestry.com. 1940 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Year: 1940; Census Place: Erie, Erie, Pennsylvania; Roll: T627_3650; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 68-75. Record for John Bukowski
2. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania Veterans Burial Cards, 1929-1990; Archive Collection Number: Series 2-1; Folder Number: 573.
3. Ancestry.com. World War II Young American Patriots, 1941-1945 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Record for Daniel Bukowski Page 354.
4. Medal of America

Cyril Clair McDonald - 1929

Cyril Clair McDonald was one of ten children born to Robert Alphonsus McDonald and Winifred Agnes O'Neill. He was born 07 June 1909 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

He was recorded in the 1910 United States Federal Census in his parents household at 914 Ramsey Avenue, age 11/12. The 1920 United States Federal Census recorded the family living at 221 South Street. The census indicated that Cyril was attending school.

This photo of Cyril was included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Frances Philomena Selker was the wife of Cyril's brother Loraine. Cyril signed his name on the photograph and recorded the date as 1929. He would have been 20 in the photograph and may have been attending college at the time. The 1940 United States Federal Census indicates that Cyril had completed 2 years of college.

    

In the 1930 United States Federal Census Cyril was enumerated in his parents household at 3044 Landis Street. Cyril was no longer attending school and was not recorded as working.  The census indicated he was able to speak and write.

In 1934 Cyril married his wife Ruth Virginia Clark. Ruth was from Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The couple likely met when Cyril was in Clarion with his parents. Robert and Winifred owned a farm outside of Clarion.

In 1935, as recorded in the 1940 United States Federal Census, Cyril, his wife Ruth and their oldest daughter Helen Lee were living in living in Clarion Township, Clarion County on a farm.

In 1940 the family was living in the same house.  In addition to Cyril, Ruth and Helen children Charles Edwin, Kenneth Ray and Michael Richard had joined the household. The couple was renting the house valued at $10. Cyril was working as a farm laborer. Cyril recorded that he had worked 60 hours during the week of March 24-30, 1940.

Family stories have indicated that the Cyril and Ruth lived on the farm that Cyril's parents Robert and Winifred owned.

The photo was found in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection.  Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Cyril Clair McDonald is my second great uncle. He is the brother of Loraine Anthony McDonald my great grandfather. Loraine's daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald is paternal grandmother.

References:

1. Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Year: 1910; Census Place: Wilkinsburg Ward 2, Allegheny, Pennsylvania; Roll: T624_1298; Page: 19B; Enumeration District: 0273; FHL microfilm: 1375311 Record for Robert Ramedonald
2. Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Year: 1920; Census Place: Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: T625_1551; Page: 14B; Enumeration District: 60; Image: 780 Record for R A Mc Donald
3. Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002. Year: 1930; Census Place: Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1983; Page: 25A; Enumeration District:0333; Image: 51.0; FHL microfilm: 2341717 Record for Robert A Mcdonald.
4. Ancestry.com. 1940 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Year: 1940; Census Place: Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: T627_3468; Page: 18B; Enumeration District: 16-7. Record for Cyril McDonald

Family Photo: Edward W. Zelazny, Catherine M Bukowski, & Irene B. Zelazny

This formal portrait of the Catherine M. Bukowski with her children Edward W. Zelazny and Irene B. Zelazny was taken fall of 1915.

Edward W. Zelazny, Catherine M Bukowski, & Irene B. Zelazny

Catherine Bukowski was the daughter of Polish immigrants Vincinety Frank Bukowski and Franciska Kwiatkowski. She was born November 23, 1891 in Poland. On September 26, 1910 she married Joseph Stanislaus Zelazny in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Joseph Stanislaus Zelazny was born May 21, 1888 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York.

If the portrait was taken before Catherine's birthday in November she would have been 12 in the portrait. If the portrait was taken after her birthday she would have been would have been age 24. Irene B. born October 16, 1912. Depending on when the photo was take she would have been two or three years old. Edward was born September 11, 1915 was an infant.

Catherine's son Edward had the original photograph in his collection. He graciously allowed me to copy his photographs. Photograph from the Edward W. Zelazny Collection. Photographer Kmiec Brothers 705 W. 12th St Erie PA..  Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

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

References:

1. Edward W. Zelazny

Wedding Portrait: Catherine M. Bukowski & Joseph Stanislaus Zelazny

A formal wedding portrait from the wedding of Catherine M. Bukowski & Joseph Stanislaus Zelazny.

Formal Wedding Portrait of Cahterine Bukowski and Joseph Stanislaus Zelazny

Catherine M. Bukowski was the daughter of Polish immigrants Vincinety Frank Bukowski and Franciska Kwiatkowski. She was born November 23, 1891 in Poland.

Catherine and Joseph were married September 26, 1910 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Joseph Stanislaus Zelazny was born May 21, 1888 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York.

Catherine's son Edward had the original photograph in his collection. He graciously allowed me to copy his photographs. Photograph from the Edward W. Zelazny Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

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

References:

1. Ancestry.com. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Registration State: Pennsylvania; Registration County: Erie; Roll: 2022694; Draft Board: 1 Record for Stenley Zelazny.
2. Ancestry.com. U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. The National Archives at St. Louis; St. Louis, Missouri; World War II draft cards (Fourth Registration) for the State of Pennsylvania; State Headquarters: Pennsylvania; Microfilm Series: M1951; Microfilm Roll: 353 Record for Joseph Stanislaus Zelazny.

Looking Back and Looking Forward

Over the last year changes to my schedule gave me the opportunity to devote more time to family history research and genealogy. The journey over the past year was incredibly special and allowed me to connect with many different people. As the journey into 2015 begins I wanted to highlight some of last year's incredible moments.

The Portraits of a Life Project: 

In 2014 I launched the “Portraits of a Life” project to digitize, archive, restore and share the large collection family photographs that are in my care. Many of the photographs belonged to my great grandmothers Helen Tillie Bukowski and Frances Philomena Selker. The “Portraits of a Life” project includes a series of blog posts featuring the steps to archive, digitize and share the old photographs.

Helen Tillie Bukowski

Launch of the old Family Photographs Website: 

On October 11, 2014 I officially launched the old family photographs website. The website was established to preserve and share the large collections old family photographs that are in my care. The website currently features ten different collections of family photographs. All of the photographs on the site are available for others to download. Additionally the photographs have also been incorporated into my Ancestry.com tree which has allowed the photographs to be shared with other researchers and descendants.



Launch of the Facebook page: 

In 2014 the Facebook page Our Ancestors - The Murosky & McDonald Ancestral Lines was launched as another way to share blog and research updates with family and blog followers. This new medium allowed many distant cousins from different family lines to contact me. Additionally I have become connected with local history enthusiasts. Facebook users that click "Like" will receive updates in their newsfeed.

WWI Centennial: 

2014 brought the centennial of WWI. The Great War changed the landscape of Europe and there are few that were not impacted. As an amateur historian the war and preceding events have always interested me. To resarch the impact the Great War had on my family I launched the WWI Centennial Blog 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? My goal for this series of blog posts was to create content both interesting and informative for the reader.

Tin Types & Cabinet Cards: 

Last year the Frances Philomena Selker photo collection came into my care. This collection was previously unknown to many. Included in the vast collection were several tintype photographs from the Guth and Selker families. There were also cabinet cards of Leopold Guth and Theresa Loll. All of these photographs were remarkable discoveries as it was previously thought that few photographs existed from this side of the family.

Frances Philomena Guth, unknown Guth and Theresa Loll

Golden Wedding Celebration: 

While researching the McDonald line last spring I connected with another researcher Mr. Cary Christopher. He was very kind and shared his research on the McDonald line with me. In his care Mr. Christopher had copies of photographs taken at the Golden Wedding Celebration of Michael McDonald and Anna Haggerty in 1916.

Golden Wedding Celebration in Vowinckel, Pennsylvania 

The Haggerty Farm: 

An amazing photograph of Haggerty Farm in Farmington, Clarion County, Pennsylvania was located earlier this year. The original photograph was found in a crawl space below the original farmhouse. The current owner of the property was kind enough to share a copy of the photograph with Benjamin Patrick Norris, a Haggerty descendant. Benjamin graciously shared a copy with me.

Haggerty Farm in Farmington, Pennsylvania

Giving Back: 

Giving back made 2014 so special. The Portraits of a Life project served as a catalyst to connect with others as I attempted to identify the individuals in the photographs. One of the individuals I connected with was my 1st cousin 2x removed Leona Pietrzak. My great-grandmother Helen Tillie Bukowski had several photographs of her niece Leona and her brother Robert. Many of these photographs were unknown to Leona and her daughters. Over Christmas I had the opportunity to meet Leona and her lovely daughters. To thank Leona for all of her assistance with the family tree I surprised her with some framed photographs.

Leona Pietrzak with a photograph of her mother,
Clara T. Bukowski (left) and herself as a young girl  in the 1940's (right)

One of the other individuals who made my family research journey possible is my 1st cousin 2x removed Sr. Janet Staab. When I first started my family history journey St. Janet was kind enough to share her extensive research on the Selker, Guth and Loll families with me.

Sr. Janet and I

The common grandparents that link us are Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. After I discovered the tin type photographs and the cabinet cards I knew Sr. Janet would also be thrilled. Over Christmas I stopped in to surprise her with a framed portrait of her grandmother, great grandmother and great uncle.

Sr. Janet holding a portrait of her grandmother Frances Philomena Guth (L),
great uncle and great grandmother Theresa Loll

Looking Forward: 

Moving into 2015 it is my intention to continue the Portraits of a Life Project. There are still many old photographs to be sorted, edited and shared. The project is an extensive one and I intend to enjoy the journey.

I also have plans to finish the Portraits of a life blog series with the hope that it will help others who are working to archive, digitize and share their old photographs.

Another goal for 2015 will to research and write more blog posts for the WWI Centennial series.

I hope you will follow along in 2015!

Michelle

Murosky Cousins - 1942

Murosky cousins Eleanor Sell and Marian Elaine Murosky photographed in 1942. The girls were likely photographed in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. 

The cousins are linked by their grandparents Anthony Murosky Sr. and Eva Zielinski. Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. was Marian's father. Esther Murosky, sometimes also referenced as Constance, was Eleanor's mother.

The third girl in the photograph labeled as Hazel is currently unknown. She may have been the child of a family friend. 

Eleanor Sell, Hazel and Marian Elaine Murosky

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

Marian Elaine Murosky is my great aunt. Marian Elaine Murosky is the sister of my paternal grandfather. Eleanor Sell is my 1st cousin 2x removed. Her mother Esther (Constance) Murosky is my 2nd great aunt. Esther  is the sister of great-grandfather Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. 

Bukowski Family Photo - 1959

This Bukowski family snapshot was taken August 1959. Siblings William F. Bukowski and Helen Tillie Bukowski pose for a photograph with William's grandson Norbert Bukowski. Helen recorded the names and the date on the back of the photograph that was included in one of her old albums.

William F. Bukowski and Helen Tillie Bukowski are the children of Polish immigrants Vincinety Frank Bukowski and Franciska Kwiatkowski. William was born September 14, 1894 in Poland and processed as an infant at Ellis Island with his parents on May 1, 1895. In early records William is recorded with the name Boleslaus.

William F. married his wife Celia about 1919 per the date recorded in the 1930 United States Federal Census. The couple had one son Norbert Bukowski born July 13, 1920. Norbert married Dorothy Swienski and the couple had several children including their son Norbert, photographed below. To learn more about Norbert and Dorothy visit the blog post The Norbert Bukowski Family which features several old photographs.

The Bukowski family had settled in Erie, Pennsylvania after being processed at Ellis Island. William F. eventually relocated to Buffalo, New York for work. His son Norbert also lived in Buffalo. William likely traveled to Erie, Pennsylvania to visit the Bukowski family. He may have traveled with his son or only his grandson. Helen often documented her photographs listing the location of the photograph in her notes if she had traveled out of town. 

William F. Bukowski, Nortbert Bukowski and Helen Tillie Bukowski

Helen's handwritten note on the back of the photograph. 

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

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

References:

1. Ellis Island Records, Bukowski, Vincent Manifest: First Name: Vincenty Last Name: Bukowski Ethnicity: Germany Last Place of Residence: Date of Arrival: May 01, 1895 Age at Arrival: 33y Gender: M Marital Status: Ship of Travel: Noordland Port\
2. 1910 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania, Erie, Erie, 2nd Ward, 1910 United States Federal Census Schedule; Online Images, Record for Bukowski, Vincent
3. 1930 U.S. Census, New York, Erie, Buffalo,  1930 United States Federal Census Schedule; Online Images, Record for Bukowski, Boleslaus. Lines 67-78.

Tintype Photo: Woman in a Striped Dress (1894 - 1897)

This portrait of a woman in a striped dress is a tintype photograph and is one of the oldest photographs in the collection. It was previously believed there were few photographs available from this side of the family. This tintype and several others were located earlier this year in the photo collection of Frances Philomena Selker. 

To view the other tintype photographs visit the blog posts: 

• Tintype Photo: Guth Family Portrait (1884 - 1886)
• Tintype Photo: Portrait of a Child (1870's) 
• Tintype Photo: Wedding of Joseph William Selker & Frances Philomena Guth (1890) 
• Tintype Photo: Frances Philomena Guth & Theresa Loll (1884 - 1886)

After locating the tintypes I engaged Gary Clark from PhotoTree.com to assist me. Gary is an expert in dating old photographs - tintypes being one of his specialties. He is estimated that this photograph was likely taken between 1894 and 1897. The wicker chair was not introduced until the 1890's. The dress style with the big sleeves and shoulders is also typical for mid 1890's fashion. Another clue is 'day' hat which was common in the 1890's.

Original Photograph with Digital Restoration

The identity of the individual is least certain in this tintype photograph. There are some other Guth family portraits which have been shared on Ancestry.com. The woman featured above bears a resemblance to a portrait of Susanna Otilda Guth. 

The photos of Susanna Otilda Guth shared on Ancestry.com show the natural frown which the woman in the tintype also has. The natural frown expression is also present in the photograph of the young girl believed to be Frances Philomena Guth. Susanna Otilda was the youngest daughter of Leopold Guth and Theresa Loll. She was born 6 April 1877 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Susanne Otilda Guth married Francis Gatesman. Frances Philomena Guth and Susanna Otilda Guth were sisters. The sisters' husbands were also business partners. 

Leopold Guth and Theresa Loll had another daughter, Theresia Guth, who was born 6 April 1869. Theresia does not appear in the 1880 United States Federal Census with her family. She would have been approximately 11 years old in 1880. Her death date is currently unknown. She may have been deceased if not recorded with her family in the 1880 census, 

This photograph would not be Frances Philomena Guth. There is a known photograph of Frances Philomena Guth taken between 1892 and 1896 with her husband Joseph William Selker. Of the immediate Guth family, children of Leopold Guth and Theresa Loll, Susanna Otilda is most likely to be pictured. If Susanna Otilda Guth is pictured in the photograph she would have been between 17 and 20. The woman pictured in this photograph appears to be in this age range. 

It is plausible that Frances Philomena Guth had a photograph of her sister. Frances Philmonea Guth also had copies of photographs of her parents. In time the photographs were handed down to her daughter Frances Philomena Selker. This could explain how this tintype photo was included with the others. 

The woman in the photograph is wearing a large broach that was made from multiple stones. Her hat is also very detailed with numerous flowers and a ribbon.

Close up of the Large Broach

Close up of the Hat. Note the Flowers and Ribbon.

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

This tin type and several others were included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Frances Philomena Guth appears to have ended up with these photographs. She passed the photographs down to her daughter Frances Philomena Selker. Frances' daughter Mary Eugina McDonald ended up with her mother's photo collections which is time were handed down to me. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

If the woman in the photograph is Susanna Otilda Guth, she would be my 3rd great aunt. Her sister Frances Philomena Guth, my 2nd great-grandmother, Frances Philomena Guth was the grandmother of Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother. 

References:

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

Tintype Photo: Frances Philomena Guth & Theresa Loll (1884 - 1886)

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

To view the other tintype photographs visit the blog posts:

• Tintype Photo: Guth Family Portrait (1884 - 1886)
• Tintype Photo: Portrait of a Child (1870's)
• Tintype Photo: Wedding of Joseph William Selker & Frances Philomena Guth (1890)

After locating the tintypes I engaged Gary Clark from PhotoTree.com to assist me. Gary is an expert in dating old photographs - tintypes being one of his specialties. He is estimated that the photograph was likely taken between 1884 and 1886. The studio props and background were typical for photographs taken in the mid 1880's. The ladies Victorian dress style with many button dates to the mid 1880's. His professional opinion was that this photograph was a family portrait of a mother with a daughter. There is a matching tintype to this one that also includes a man to view this photograph please visit the post Tintype Photo: Guth Family Portrait (1884 - 1886).

Original Photograph with digital restoration.

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

The ladies in the portrait are believed to be Frances Philomena Guth (L) with her mother Theresa Loll (R). Frances Philomena Guth would have been between 21 and 23 in this photograph. Her mother Theresa Loll would have been between 49 and 51 in this photograph.

The family was one of the prominent families in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania in the late 1800’s. Leopold Guth owned his own jewelry and watch making business. The family’s prominence is demonstrated by the clothing the ladies are wearing and because they could afford to have their photograph taken. Some other details are also present - Frances Philomena Guth is wearing drop style earrings which are less noticeable in the other tintype photograph. Some additional details are also present in the other tintype photograph -  a large ring and a large broach.

Frances Philomena Guth wearing Drop Earrings 

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

This tin type and several others were included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Frances Philomena Guth appears to have ended up with these photographs. She passed the photographs down to her daughter Frances Philomena Selker. Frances' daughter Mary Eugina McDonald ended up with her mother's photo collections which is time were handed down to me. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

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

Tintype Photo: Wedding of Joseph William Selker & Frances Philomena Guth (1890)

This individual portrait is a tintype photograph and is one of the oldest photographs in the photo collection. It is simply remarkable this photograph survived and that it is approximately 125 years old. It was previously believed there were few photographs available from this side of the family. This tintype and several others were located earlier this year in the photo collection of Frances Philomena Selker. To view the other tintype photographs visit the blog post Tintype Photo: Guth Family Portrait (1884 - 1886) and Tintype Photo: Portrait of a Child (1870's).

After locating the tintypes I engaged Gary Clark from PhotoTree.com to assist me. Gary is an expert in dating old photographs - tintypes being one of his specialties. He is estimated that the photograph was likely taken between 1886 and 1890. It was unusual for a formal portrait to appear on a tintype in the late 1880's or early 1890's. This indicated the photograph was likely taken in a rural location.  The clothing also points to pre-1890. The lady in the back has tighter sleeves and rounded shoulders on her dress. The shirts the men are wearing have upturned collars. 

Formal Portrait Likely featuring the
Wedding of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. 

This tintype is likely a photograph celebrating the wedding of Frances Philomena Guth and Joseph William Selker in November of 1890. While the clothing styles point to pre-1890 it is possible that in a rural city like Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania that people were not wearing the most up to date fashions featured in larger cities. It was also becoming uncommon for a tintype to be used to capture a formal portrait in the 1890's as the Cabinet Card was becoming more popular. The fact that this group portrait was taken as a tintype photograph also indicates that the photograph was likely taken in a more rural area.

Only a few of the individuals in the photograph are currently known. Frances Philomena Guth (back left) and Joseph William Selker (back right).  Other older portraits exist of Frances Philomena Guth and Joseph William Selker. The man on the back right is clearly a younger Joseph William. There is also a resemblance to Frances as well. Frances Philomena Guth would have been 27 in this photograph. Joseph William Selker would have been 25 in this photograph.

The three people in the front of the photograph, a woman, younger man and older man (far right). Are unknown. The other individuals are likely relatives of Frances Philomena Guth. Joseph William Selker was an immigrant and had no other family in the United States at the time of his wedding. The man on the far right bears a similar resemblance to other photographs of Frances Philomena Guth's brothers.

Frances was the daughter of Leopold Guth and Theresa Loll. The family was one of the prominent families in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania in the late 1800’s. Leopold Guth owned his own jewelry and watch making business. He handed his trade down to his son Anthony Charles Guth. Frances is wearing a large broach on the neckline of her dress which may have been made by her father or brother.

Close up of Frances Philomena Guth
Note the large broach at her neck.

Close up of Joseph William Selker

A closer look at the photograph also shows that Joseph William Selker is wearing a pocket watch and his suit jacket is made from a striped material.  

Tintype photographs have a unique mirror-like finish. This particular tintype has a black and white like appearance and does not contain any tinting. The surface of the original contains many scratches. Especially on the bottom section of the photograph making the details of the ladies dress difficult to see. This photograph was likely originally in a case as original also has trimmed corners and sections where the original mirror finish is damaged. 

Original Tintype before restoration. 

Some of the damage was able to be removed during the digital restoration process. Due the amount of damage some of the scratches were unable to be corrected and can be observed in the whitish looking appearance on the photograph.

This tin type and several others were included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Frances Philomena Guth appears to have ended up with these photographs. She passed the photographs down to her daughter Frances Philomena Selker. Frances' daughter Mary Eugina McDonald ended up with her mother's photo collections which is time were handed down to me. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

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