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.

1930's - Edward V. Murosky

This photograph of Edward V. Murosky was most likely taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania where the family lived. The photograph may have been taken late spring or summer. Based on Edward's age the photograph would have been taken in the 1930's.

Edward V. is dressed in a shirt with a tie. He appears to be holding a rosary and a prayer book. The photograph may have been taken the day of his confirmation. There is a second photograph of Edward standing with his mother Helen Tillie Bukowski that was taken the same day.

Edward V. Murosky

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

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

JW Selker: Planning a Trip Home

This is the first 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.  

Joseph William Selker, the youngest son of Hermann George Selker and Katherine Elizabeth Hofhaus, was born October 8, 1865 in Fürstenau, Province of Hanover, Germany. Historical records indicate that after receiving his early education in Germany Joseph William studied the trade of cigar-making. When he was 20 years old he set his sights on the future and opted to leave Germany. On October 31, 1885 he departed from Rotterdam, Holland in route to the United States.

After arriving Joseph William initially settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he worked as an apprentice cigar maker. Joseph relocated to Clarion, Pennsylvania in March of 1887. He initially worked for Michael Zacherl as a cigar maker. Joseph William opened his own cigar manufacturing business in April of 1889.

Joseph William married Frances Philomena Guth on November 4, 1890 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Frances was the daughter of a well-known Clarion businessman. Leopold Guth, a German immigrant, was a jeweler and watchmaker. Her mother, Theresa Loll, was an Alsatian immigrant. Frances was born February 25, 1863 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Joseph William Selker & Frances Philomena Guth

Joseph was naturalized as a United States citizen on August 22, 1892. In 1898 he built the large Selker family home located at 242 Main Street. The family home was built next door to the cigar factory located at 248 Main Street on the corner of Main and South 3rd Avenue.

Left: Joseph W. Selker Cigar Right: Joseph W. Selker Home
248 & 242 Main Street, Clarion, PA

Over the years Joseph remained in contact with his family in Germany. On January 25, 1906 Joseph applied for a United States passport.  The application was stamped February 8, 1906. After living in Pennsylvania for twenty one years - Joseph William was making plans to return home.

Joseph William Selker
Passport Application - All pages

The passport application written in his own hand indicates that Joseph was a naturalized United States citizen. He indicated he was born October 8, 1865 in Feurstenau, Hanover, Germany. (Note this spelling is a variation of Fürstenau) He traveled by steamship from Rotterdam, Holland on October 31, 1885. The application indicates that he intended to go abroad within 8 months and then return to the United States.

Joseph William Selker
Passport Application - Detail

The passport application also includes a copy of his signature in the Oath of Allegiance section. A close up of his signature is shown below.

The passport application also included a physical description of Joseph William. He was 5’ 7” tall. He had a fair complexion, blue eyes and dark hair.

A photograph of Joseph William Selker shows that the physical description to be quite accurate:

Joseph William Selker

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Their daughter Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. My paternal grandmother, Mary Eugenia McDonald, is the daughter of Frances Philomena Selker. 

References:

1. "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VFWG-R2W : accessed 28 March 2015), Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, 04 Nov 1890; citing Marriage, Pennsylvania, county courthouses, Pennsylvania; FHL microfilm 1,315,270. 
2. John Woolf Jordan, LL.D., Genealogical and personal history of the Allegheny Valley Pennsylvania, III vols. (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1913), Page 839: Selker
3. Ancestry.com. U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2007.

1930's - Arthur Murosky

A snapshot of Arthur Murosky most likely taken in the early 1930's. Arthur was born April 13, 1919 and was the oldest son of Anthony Harry Murosky Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski.

The photograph would have been taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Arthur Murosky

From the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen most likely recorded the names on the photograph. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather.

1944 - Murosky Family Gathering

A sequence of photographs taken at a Murosky family gathering in 1944. The photographs were dated using the ages of the children. The photographs were taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Several of the photographs were taken on the shores of Lake Erie.

1944 Murosky Family Gathering 
Unknown Man, Unknown Man, Arthur Murosky & Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. 

1944 Murosky Family Gathering

Back: Helen Tillie Bukowski holding Barbara Jean Murosky, Mary Eugenia McDonald holding James Arthur Murosky, 
unknown woman (buttoned jacket), unknown woman (dress with belt), Margaret Murosky, Esther Murosky (floral dress). 

Front: Eleanor Sell, Marian Elaine Murosky

1944 Murosky Family Gathering
Unknown Man, Unknown Woman, Unknown Woman, Margaret Murosky

1944 Murosky Family Gathering
Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr., Margaret Murosky, unknown woman, unkown woman, unknown man.

1944 Murosky Family Gathering
Unknown Woman, Unknown Woman, Helen Tillie Bukowski, Margaret Murosky

1944 Murosky Family Gathering
Unknown Man & Unknown Woman

1944 Murosky Family Gathering
Unknown Man & Helen Tillie Bukowski

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

Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski are my Great Grandparents. Edward V. Murosky is my Great Uncle. Margaret Murosky and Esther Murosky are my 2nd Great Aunts. Marian Elaine Murosky is my Great Aunt. Mary Eugenia McDonald is my paternal grandmother. James Arthur Murosky is my uncle and Barbara Jean Muroskyis my aunt. Eleanor Sell is my 1st cousin 2x removed.

1960 - Helen Tillie Bukowski

Helen Tillie Bukowski poses for a photograph. The borders from the original image are dated January 1960. The photograph was most likely taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The address is currently unknown.

Helen Tillie Bukowski

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

Helen Tillie Bukowski is my Great Grandmother. Her son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. 

1936 - Arthur & Anthony

Anthony Harry Murosky Jr. and his oldest son Arthur most likely photographed in 1936. This photograph is dated using two other photographs. The first photograph Anthony's wife Helen Tillie Bukowski and her daughters that is dated 1936.  The second photograph is of Anthony and Helen, Helen is wearing the same dress in both photographs and the structure in the background is similar.

The photograph would have been taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Anthony would have been age 40 when photographed and Arthur would have been age 17.

Anthony & Arthur

From the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. It is not known who recorded the names on the photograph. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski are my Great Grandparents. Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. 

Edward C. Selker Formal Portrait

A formal portrait of Edward C. Selker, Sr., the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. Edward was born March 28, 1894 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

When my cousin Leopold first shared this portrait he indicated the man was a son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. Recently I connected with a new cousin who is a granddaughter of Edward C. Selker. She was able to identify the man in the portrait below as her Grandfather.

Edward C. Selker

This portrait is shared with permission. The original portrait are in the care of Leopold George Selker 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. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Edward C. Selker, Sr. is my 2nd great uncle. His sister Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. 

1946 - Marian Elaine Murosky

A formal portrait of Marian Elaine Murosky. This is her 6th grade portrait. The portrait was most likely taken in the fall of 1946.  The portrait would have been taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Marian Elaine Murosky

The photograph was included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski are my great grandparents. Their daughter Marian Elaine Murosky is my Great Aunt.  Her brother Arthur is my paternal grandfather. 

1952 - Leopold George Selker Family - Three Generation Photograph

Three generations of the Leopold George Selker family photographed together. The photographs were most likely taken in 1952. Leopold George Selker, Sr. is photographed with his son Leopold George Selker, Jr. and his grandson Leopold George Selker, III.

Leopold George Selker, Jr. holding his son Leopold George Selker III with 
his father Leopold George Selker, Sr,

Leopold George Selker, Sr,  holding his grandson Leopold George Selker III

These photographs are shared with permission. The original photographs are in the care of Leopold George Selker my 2nd cousin 1x. Leopold is the young boy in the photographs. 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. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Leopold George Selker, Sr. is my 2nd great uncle. His sister Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. 

Postcard - J.W. Selker Cigar Company

This is a copy of an original postcard of the J.W. Selker Cigar Company. The J.W. Selker Cigar company was located in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The cigar factory is on the left side of the postcard and the large home J.W. Selker built is on the right side of the postcard.

The majority of individuals in the picture are unknown. J.W. Selker also known as Joseph William Selker is standing in the middle of the photograph and is wearing a top hat and jacket.

To view more recent photographs of the cigar factory and the J.W. Selker home visit the post The Selker Family: Hermann George and his son Joseph William, cigarmaker.

The J.W. Selker Cigar Co., 242, 244 , 246 Main St., Clarion, PA 

A copy of the postcard is shared with permission. The original is in the care of Leopold George Selker my 2nd cousin 1x. Leopold 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. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Leopold George Selker, Sr. is my 2nd great uncle. His sister Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. 

Smoke Selker's - Key West Select

An original sign from the Selker Cigar business. The J.W. Selker Cigar business was founded April 1889 by Joseph William Selker in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The Genealogical and personal history of the Allegheny Valley Pennsylvania details his education and career as a business owner:

“He received his early education in the local schools, and when sixteen years of age was apprenticed for three years to learn the trade of a cigarmaker, at which he worked for one year in Germany after finishing his apprenticeship. In 1885 he emigrated to the United States and worked at his trade in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, until March 15, 1887, when he settled in Clarion, Pennsylvania, and entered the employ of Michael Zacherl as a cigarmaker. In April, 1889, he entered the cigar manufacturing business on his own account with a capital of three hundred dollars, in which trade he still continues, having by his industry and ability enlarged the capacity of his business until his establishment manufactures over five millions two hundred thousand cigars annually, for which he finds a ready market in Pittsburgh and the neighboring country. He is also a wholesale dealer in tobacco and cigarettes, having in 1893 bought a large warehouse at 248 Main Street, Clarion, Pennsylvania, adjoining which he built in 1895 the commodious dwelling in which he now resides. He served for several years as a member of the city council of Clarion.”

Smoke Selker's 

Key West Select 

All Quality 

INC-RICH BEAVER FALLS PA

A copy of the Selker sign is shared with permission. The original is in the care of my 2nd cousin 1x, a descendant of Frederick William Selker. Frederick William Selker was a son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth.

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Frederick William Selker is my 2nd great uncle. His sister Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. 

References:

1. John Woolf Jordan, LL.D., Genealogical and personal history of the Allegheny Valley Pennsylvania, III vols. (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1913), Page 839: Selker

1940's - William Loraine McDonald

William Loraine McDonald, son of Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker, photographed in the mid 1940's.  William may be age 6 or 7 in this photograph. The location of the photograph is unknown.

William Loraine McDonald

From 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.  William Loraine McDonald is my Great Uncle. He is the brother of my paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald.

1948 - Murosky Family Three Generation Photograph

Three Generations of the Murosky family are captured in the photographs taken in the late spring or summer of 1948. The photographs were taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The photographs may have been taken at 729 East 24th Street which was the residence of Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and his wife Helen Tillie Bukowski in 1948. The photographs also include a man, woman and girl who are currently unknown.

The oldest generation of the Murosky family captured in the photographs is Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and his wife Helen Tillie Bukowski. The couple's adult children represent the second generation of the Murosky family. The adult children in the photographs include:

• Arthur Murosky & his wife Mary Eugenia McDonald
• Edward V. Murosky &his wife Margaret A. Forgash
• Rita Ann Mursoky & her husband Walter E. Niemi

The grandchildren of Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and his wife Helen Tillie Bukowski represent the third generation of the Murosky family. The grandchildren included in the photographs:

• Barbara Jean, Mary Helen, Kathleen Marie & Karen Murosky, daughters of Arthur Murosky & Mary Eugenia McDonald
• Kenneth Niemi, son of Rita Ann Murosky &Walter E. Niemi

1948 Murosky Family - Three Generation Photograph

Standing (L-R): Walter E. Niemi, Rita Ann Murosky holding Kenneth Niemi, Anthony Harry Murosky Jr., Mary Eugenia McDonald holding Kathleen Marie Murosky, Margaret A. Forgash, Edward V. Murosky, unknown woman, unknown man 
Front (L-R): Helen Tillie Bukowski holding Karen Murosky, Mary Helen Murosky (seated), Barbara Jean Murosky (seated), unknown girl holding camera (standing)

1948 Murosky Family Photograph
Standing (L-R): Mary Eugenia McDonald holding Karen Murosky, Margaret A. Forgash, 
Edward V. Murosky, Arthur Murosky 
Front (L-R): Barbara Jean Murosky, Mary Helen Murosky, Kathleen Marie Murosky, 
unknown girl holding camera

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

Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski are my Great Grandparents. Edward V. Murosky is my Great Uncle. Rita Ann Murosky is my Great Aunt. Kenneth Niemi is my 1st cousin 1x. Arthur Murosky & his wife Mary Eugenia McDonald are my paternal grandparents. Barbara Jean, Mary Helen, Kathleen Marie and Karen Murosky are my aunts. 

1936 - Anthony & Helen

Anthony Harry Murosky Jr. and his wife Helen Tillie Bukowski most likely photographed in 1936. The photograph would have been taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Anthony would have been age 40 when photographed and Helen would have been age 35.

Anthony and Helen

From the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. It is not known who recorded the names on the photograph. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski are my Great Grandparents. 

1950's - Murosky Family Gathering

The Murosky family photographed in the early 1950's.  Based on the ages of the children the photographs were most likely taken between 1953 and 1955.

The photographs were taken at the residence of Helen Tillie Bukowski. Helen lived at 638 W 23rd Street in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The City of Erie City Directories indicate Helen Tillie Bukowski lived at this address from 1953 through 1960.  The photographs were taken in the back garden. The old Holy Trinity School (now demolished) and Holy Trinity Church can be seen in the background of some of the photographs.

The photographs were taken to commemorate the visit of Helen's son Harry A. Murosky and his wife Ann Marie Edens. Harry and Ann Marie resided in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina and would travel to Erie in the summer. Many family members have fond memories of their visits and recall how they would bring watermelons with them for the family to enjoy. The Mursky family members included in the photographs are:

• Harry's mother Helen Tillie Bukowski
• Harry's sisters Rita Ann Murosky and Marian Elaine Murosky. 
• Harry's brother Edward V. Murosky and his wife Margaret. A. Forgash. 
• Harry's nephew Ronald Murosky, son of Edward V. Murosky and  Margaret. A. Forgash.
• Harry's nephew Kenneth Niemi, son of Rita Ann Murosky and Walter E. Niemi.

Early 1950's Murosky Family Gathering
Standing (L-R): Edward V. Murosky, Margaret A. Forgash, Harry A. Murosky 
Seated (L-R): Ronald Murosky, Rita Ann Murosky holding Kenneth Niemi, 
Helen Tillie Bukowski, Ann Marie Edens

Early 1950's Murosky Family Gathering
Standing (L-R): Edward V. Murosky, Rita Ann Murosky, Halen Tillie Bukowski, 
Marian Elaine Murosky, Harry A. Murosky. 
Ronald Murosky is playing in the background.

Early 1950's Murosky Family Gathering
Standing (L-R): Rita Ann Murosky, Ann Marie Edens, Margaret A. Forgash, 
Helen Tillie Bukowski, Marian Elaine Murosky 
Front (L-R): Edward V. Murosky and Ronald Murosky seated, Kenneth Niemi standing.
The old Holy Trinity School is the background. 

Early 1950's Murosky Family Gathering
Back (L-R): Ann Marie Edens, Helen Tillie Bukowski, Rita Ann Murosky, 
Margaret A. Forgash 
Front (L-R): Kenneth Niemi, Ronald Murosky

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

Helen Tillie Bukowski, my Great Grandmother. Harry A. Murosky and Edward V. Murosky are my Great Uncles. Rita Ann Murosky and Marian Elaine Murosky are my Great Aunts. Their brother Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. Ronald Murosky and Kenneth Niemi are my 1st cousins 1x. 

References:

1. Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Record for Helen Murosky. Erie, Pennsylvania, City Directory, 1953.
2. Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Record for Helen Murosky. Erie, Pennsylvania, City Directory, 1954.
3. Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Record for Helen Murosky. Erie, Pennsylvania, City Directory, 1955.
4. Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Record for Helen Murosky. Erie, Pennsylvania, City Directory, 1956.
5. Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Record for Helen Murosky. Erie, Pennsylvania, City Directory, 1957.
6. Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Record for Helen Murosky. Erie, Pennsylvania, City Directory, 1959.
7. Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Record for Helen Murosky. Erie, Pennsylvania, City Directory, 1960.

1938 - Leona & Marian

Leona Pietrzak, the daughter of Stanley Pietrzak and Clara Tillie Bukowski, photographed with her cousin Marian Elaine Murosky, the daughter of  Anthony Harry Murosky Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski at Trinity Cemetery.

The girls are standing behind the tombstones of their grandparents Vincinety Frank Bukowski & Franciska Kwiatkowski. The photograph was taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

The photograph was most likely taken in 1938. Vincinety Frank Bukowski died on April 27, 1930.  The grass in front of the grave appears to have grown in and the girls are still young. Leona would likely have been 7 years old and Marian would likely have been 3 years old.  

Leona Pietrzak & Marian Elaine Murosky

From the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen likely recorded the names on the photograph. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Leona Pietrzak is my 1st Cousin 2x. Her mother Clara Tillie Bukowski is my 2nd Great Aunt. She is the sister of Helen Tillie Bukowski, my Great Grandmother. Marian Elaine Murosky is my Great Aunt. Her brother Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. 

Memorial Day: Remembering Some Who Gave All

"Each for his own Memorial Earned Praise that will never die and with it the grandest of all sepulchres not that in which his mortal bones are laid but a home in the minds of men." 
-The Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial - Margraten, Netherlands

The following members of our family died in service to our country:

American Civil War

Private Andrew Haggerty, my 4h great uncle, was the son of Robert Haggerty and Rebecca Easly. He was born in 1839 and served in the Civil War. He died at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863.To learn more about Andrew Haggerty view Private Andrew J. Haggerty - Civil War, Pennsylvania Infantry, 148th Regiment, Company I.

John Loll, my 4h great uncle, was born in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France on 08 Oct 1843. He is the son of Antoine Loll and Mary Ann (Tehl) (Keal),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.

Private John McDonald, my 4th great uncle and 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  his grave marker visit this link. To learn more about John McDonald view The Mystery of Pvt John McDonald - Civil War Solider.

World War II

Second Lieutenant Raymond Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, was born in 1922 the son of Francis G. Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, and Elizabeth Hartle. 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. To learn more about Raymond Loll view Raymond C. Loll - B29 Bomber Pilot.

Memorial Wall, Honolulu, HI

Private First Class Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, Jr., my 1st cousin 3x removed, was born 02 Oct 1919 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, my 2nd great grand uncle and Gertrude Anna O'Neill, my 2nd great grand aunt. Ambrose Aloysius was also the brother of Virginia McDonald Geary and is a double cousin to me as we are related by the McDonald and O'Neill lines. Ambrose volunteered for military service and joined the Marine Corps. He was killed by enemy fire in Tarawa in November of 1943, at age 24, upon landing on the beach. He earned a Purple Heart for his service. 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

Staff Sergeant Christopher D. O'Neill, my 1st cousin 3x removed, 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.

1946 - Wedding Guests: Margaret, Helen & Rita

The wedding of Harry Anthony Murosky & Ann Marie Edens was held 12 May 1946 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Lumberton, Robeson County, North Carolina. The couple married after Harry returned from his service in the Army during WWII.

Wedding guests photographed Margaret A. Forgash (at the time fiance to Harry's brother Edward V. Murosky), Helen Tillie Bukowski (mother of the groom) and Rita Ann Murosky (sister of the groom). Rita Ann Murosky was the maid of honor. To view other photographs from the wedding visit the post Wedding Photos: Harry A. Murosky & Ann Marie Edens. 

Wedding Guests
Margaret A. Forgash, Helen Tillie Bukowski & Rita Ann Murosky

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

Helen Tillie Bukowski is my great grandmother. Harry Anthony Murosky is my Great Uncle. Rita Ann Murosky is my Great Aunt. Margaret A. Forgash is my Great Aunt by marriage. Harry's brother Arthur is my paternal grandfather. 

Wedding Photos: Harry A. Murosky & Ann Marie Edens

The wedding of Harry Anthony Murosky & Ann Marie Edens was held 12 May 1946 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Lumberton, Robeson County, North Carolina. The couple married after Harry returned from his service in the Army during WWII.

Harry Anthony Murosky was born 21 March 1921 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski. Ann Marie Edens, the daughter of Allen C. Edens and Hattie M. Allen, was born 12 May 1924 in Lumberton, Robeson County, North Carolina.

Wedding Snapshot
(Left to Right) Ann Marie Edens, Harry Anthony Murosky,
Hattie M. Allen (Ann's Mother), unknown woman.

Wedding Snapshot
(Left to Right )Helen Tillie Bukowski (Harry's mother), Ann Marie Edens, Harry Anthony Murosky, Hattie M. Allen (Ann's Mother), Allen C. Edens (Ann's Father).

The original photographs are in the care of Ann Marie Edens. The photographs have been shared with permission. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Helen Tillie Bukowski is my great grandmother. Harry Anthony Murosky is my Great Uncle. Harry's brother Arthur is my paternal grandfather.