Joseph William Selker & Frances Philomena Guth Return from Bridal Tour

Joseph William Selker, the son of Hermann George Selker and Katherine Elizabeth Hofhaus, married Frances Philomena Guth, the daughter of Leopold Guth and Theresa Loll, on 4 November 1890 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania at the Immaculate Conception Church.

The Clarion Democrat noted when the couple returned from their bridal tour. The article was published in The Clarion Democrat on Thursday, November 13, 1890 - Page 5:

The Clarion Democrat
Thursday, November 13, 1890 - Page 5

Mr. and Mrs. Selker returned from their brief bridal tour to this place on last Saturday, Mr. Selker being too much crowded with orders in his cigar factory to remain away longer. They immediately went to housekeeping in their handsomely furnished quarters corner of Main street and Third Avenue.
Mr. Selker is one of most reliable and promising young business men. Although he embarked in business here but eighteen months ago on a very small scale, by industry and good management, he now conducts one of the largest and most completely equipped cigar manufactories in this part of the State, occupying the entire building at the above named location, where he employes about a dozen hands.

Mr. Selker is a young man who is worthy the large degree of success with which he has met in his business, and likewise of the beautiful and accomplished bride he has lately captured.

Frances Philomena Guth & Joseph William Selker

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd Great Grandparents. Their daughter Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. Frances Philomena Selker is the mother of my paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald. 

 References:

1. Newspapers.com. The Clarion Democrat (Clarion, Pennsylvania). Thu, Nov 13, 1890 · Page 5. Image: https://www.newspapers.com/image/322344609 Downloaded on Sept 21, 2018.

Wedding Announcement: Joseph William Selker & Frances Philomena Guth

Joseph William Selker, the son of Hermann George Selker and Katherine Elizabeth Hofhaus, married Frances Philomena Guth, the daughter of Leopold Guth and Theresa Loll, on 4 November 1890 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania at the Immaculate Conception Church.

The wedding announcement for the couple was published in The Clarion Democrat on Thursday, November 6, 1890 - Page 5:

The Clarion Democrat
Thursday, November 6, 1890 - Page 5

Selker - Guth

A very pleasant wedding was celebrated in the Catholic church at this place, Tuesday morning, Nov. 4 1890, at 8 o'clock, at which Mr. J.W. Selker, of this place, the well-known cigar manufacturer, and Miss Frances Guth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leopold Guth, were made man and wife, according to the form of that church, during a high mass, Father Deckenbrock administering the sacrament. 

After the ceremony the happy couple were driven to the bride's home, where a number of friends were waiting, and who, after congratulations and a pleasant time socially for about an hour, along with the bride and groom, went to the Centennial Hotel to enjoy a bounteous wedding breakfast. The bridal party left on the 11:30 train for a wedding tour, taking with them best wishes of their friends. 

After their departure the guests went to Mr. and Mrs. Selker's new home, Corner Main Street and Third Ave., which they will occupy on their return, and spent a few hours tripping the "light fantastic." They received quite a number of handsome, useful and ornamental presents. Mr. and Mrs. Selker are two worthy young people, and we wish for them and greatest blessings spiritually and abundant  success temporally. 

What was "Tripping the light fantastic" in 1890? "Tripping the light fantastic" was to dance, dance nimbly or lightly, or to move in a pattern to musical accompaniment. - Jim Lasseter

Frances Philomena Guth & Joseph William Selker

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd Great Grandparents. Their daughter Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. Frances Philomena Selker is the mother of my paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald. 

 References:

1. Newspapers.com. The Clarion Democrat (Clarion, Pennsylvania). Thu, Nov 6, 1890 · Page 5. Image: https://www.newspapers.com/image/322344587 Downloaded on Sept 21, 2018.
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trip_the_light_fantastic
3. Lasseter, Jim. "trip the light fantastic". www.randomhouse.com. Random House, Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2001. 

Wedding Announcement: Loraine Anthony McDonald & Frances Philomena Selker

Loraine Anthony McDonald, the son of Robert Alphonsus McDonald and Winifred Agnes O'Neill, married Frances Philomena Selker, the daughter of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, on 10 June 1919 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania at the Immaculate Conception Church.

The wedding announcement for the couple was published in The Clarion Democrat on Thursday, June 12, 1919 - Page 5:

The Clarion Democrat
Thursday, June 12, 1919 - Page 5

McDONALD - SELKER

Happy wedding bells pealed forth their chimes at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Clarion, Pa., last Tuesday morning, June 10, 1919 when at 8:30 a.m., Miss Frances Philomena Selker, daughter of Mrs. J.W. Selker, one of our most charming and popular young ladies, was joined in the bonds of holy wedlock with Loraine A. McDonald a son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. McDonald, of Clarion, one of our rising young men. The bride was attended by Miss Helen McDonald, a sister of the groom, and the groom's best man was Vincent Selker, a brother of the bride. Full nuptial High Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. George Winkler, who performed the marriage ceremony.

Following the marriage service the happy couple were driven to the bride's home where an elegant wedding breakfast was served to the immediate friends of the high contracting parties. It was a very happy and gay crowd that gave the bridge and groom a splendid "send-off" as they departed for the B. & O. train about noon. They will enjoy a short wedding trip after which they will be at home to their friends in Clarion.

The bride was the recipient of many handsome and useful presents.

A very extended circle of friends of these splendid young people unite with us in extending to them the most hearty congratulations and good wishes for their happiness and prosperity.

The couple celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary on 10 June 1954. Their children planned a celebration for the couple. To see photographs from the Anniversary celebration visit the post Loraine Anthony McDonald & Frances Philomena Selker - 35th Wedding Anniversary.

Loraine Anthony McDonald & Frances Philomena Selker

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. 

 References:

1. Newspapers.com. The Clarion Democrat (Clarion, Pennsylvania). Thu, Jun 12, 1919 · Page 5. Image: https://www.newspapers.com/image/309937121 Downloaded on Sept 21, 2018.

Wedding Announcement: Edward C. Selker & Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl

Edward C. Selker, the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, married Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl, the daughter of Andrew Zacherl and Barbara Schultz, on 4 November 1913 at St. Joseph's Church in Lucinda, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

The wedding announcement for the couple was published in The Clarion Democrat on Thursday, November 6, 1913 - Page 5:

The Clarion Democrat 
Thursday, November 6, 1913 - Page 5

Transcription of the wedding announcement:

SELKER - ZACHERL

A very happy wedding was celebrated Wednesday morning, November 5, 1913 at St. Josephs Church, Lucinda, when during the celebration of nuptial high mass by Rev. Father Heibel, the nuptial knot was tied that united the lives of Miss Eva Zacherl, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew  Zacherl, of Arthurs, and Mr. Edward Selker, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Selker, of Clarion, as husband and wife.

Miss Zacherl is a well known and very popular young lady who has hosts of friends not only in her home community but also in Clarion, where she has an extended acquaintance. Mr. Selker is one of Clarion's rising young men, gentlemanly, urbane, accommodating and quite popular. The wedding ceremony was followed by festivities and feasting at the home of the bridge and later at the home of the groom.

Mr. and Mrs. Selker will make their future home in Clarion.

Formal Portrait Edward C. Selker

Formal Portrait Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl 

This portrait of Edward C. Sleker shared with permission. The original portrait is 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.

This formal portrait of  Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl is shared with permission. The original portrait is in the care of Pam Selker Rak, my 2nd cousin 2x. Edward C. Selker, Sr. is the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. From the Edward C. Selker Sr. 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. 

 References:

1. Newspapers.com. The Clarion Democrat (Clarion, Pennsylvania). Thu, Nov 6, 1913 · Page 5. Image: https://www.newspapers.com/image/346255329 Downloaded on Sept 21, 2018  
2. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, County Marriage Records, 1845-1963 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016. Record for Eva Zacherl.
3. Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Record for Eva Margaret Selker.
4. Ancestry.com. U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Memorial Number 84311662.

Formal Portrait: Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl

Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl, the daughter of Andrew Zacherl and Barbara Schultz, was born 12 August 1889 in Arthurs, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

She married Edward C. Selker, the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, on 4 November 1913 at St. Joseph's Church in Lucinda, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Eva's death is recorded as 20 February 1980. She is buried alongside her husband at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

A formal portrait of Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl was taken at the turn of the century. The date of the formal portrait is unknown. Noting the style of hat and the high neckline on the dress the portrait may have been taken between 1900 and 1913.

Formal Portrait Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl 

This formal portrait is shared with permission. The original portrait is in the care of Pam Selker Rak, my 2nd cousin 2x. Edward C. Selker, Sr. is the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. From the Edward C. Selker Sr. 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. 

 References:

1. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, County Marriage Records, 1845-1963 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016. Record for Eva Zacherl.
2. Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Record for Eva Margaret Selker.
3. Ancestry.com. U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Memorial Number 84311662.

1930's - Frederick William Selker & Eleanor E. Herman

One of my favorite aspects of family history is connecting with cousins. A cousin I connected with earlier this year had this lovely snapshot in her care. She gave me permission to share the snapshot so that other Selker descendants may also enjoy the photograph. 

A snapshot of Frederick William Selker and Eleanor E. Herman most likely taken in the 1930's. The location of the photograph is unknown.

Frederick William Selker was born 15 October 1896 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. Eleanor E. Herman was born 13 February 1910 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Frederick William Selker & Eleanor E. Herman

The photograph is from the Frederick William Selker Collection. Photographs in this collection were originally owned by the sisters Naomi Herman and Eleanor E. Herman. Today these photographs are in the care of a descendant of Frederick William Selker and Eleanor E. Herman. The photograph is shared with permission. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Frederick William Selker is my 2nd Great Uncles. His sister Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. Her daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother.

1940's - Ambrose John and Mary Lou Selker

This photograph was originally housed in the Unknown Photograph Collection. It was known that the photograph was taken in the backyard of the Selker home at 242 Main Street in Clarion. The J.W. Selker Cigar Factory is the building on the right side of the photograph.

The photograph was identified earlier this year by another Selker descendant. The man is Ambrose John Selker photographed with his daughter Mary Lou Selker. Ambrose John McDonald, the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, was born 6 June 1898 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

The photograph would have been taken in the late 1930's or early 1940's. The photograph was taken by Mary Elizabeth Meisinger the wife of Ambrose John Selker.

Ambrose John Selker photographed with his daughter Mary Lou Selker

The photograph is from Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Frances Philomena Guth appears to have passed the photographs down to her daughter Frances Philomena Selker. Frances' daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald ended up with her mother's photo collections which is time were handed down to me. Photographer Mary Elizabeth Meisinger. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Ambrose John Selker is my 2nd Great Uncle. May Lou Selker is mt 1st Cousin 2x Removed. Ambrose John Selker is the brother of Frances Philomena Selker  - my great grandmother. Frances Philomena Selker's daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald is my paternal grandmother

4th Anniversary of the Old Family Photographs Website

Four years ago this week the Old Family Photographs website was launched! The website was established to preserve and share the large collections old family photographs that are in my care. Many of the photographs belonged to my great grandmothers.

Over the last four years the site has grown to house over 650 old family photographs and family documents. The documents include post cards, hand written notes, letters and newspaper clippings. The content is housed in thirteen different collections.

The collections currently available include:

• The Military Collection
• The Bukowski Collection 
• The Guth Collection 
• The Haggerty Collection
• The Holtz Collection
• The McDonald Collection 
• The Murosky Collection
• The O'Neill Collection
• The Selker Collection 
• The Zelazny Collection 
• Arthur & Mary Eugenia
• The Unknown Collection
• The Postcard Collection

Many of the photographs featured belonged to my great grandmothers Helen Bukowski and Frances Philomena Selker. Over the last four years other family members have been very generous and have donated photographs to be incorporated into the family collections. I am so incredibly thankful to those who have shared their photographs so that we may preserve the memory of our ancestors.

One of the donations is the Frederick William Selker Collection. This collection of photographs shared by Selker cousins includes Frederick William Selker, his wife Eleanor E. Herman and some of the other Selker relatives.

Another addition was to the site were snapshots taken at the wedding of my grandparents Arthur Murosky & Mary Eugenia McDonald.

Working in conjunction with my Selker cousins we were able to label several of the previously unknown photographs. Some of those unknown photos are featured in the posts 1937 - Selker Family Photo and Wedding Photos: Frederick William Selker & Eleanor E. Herman.

The old family photographs website is housed under the MB Boutiques Brand. To navigate to the old family photo collections select Photo Collections from the top navigation bar.

We are very fortunate to have a large collection of old family photographs. There are still many more old photographs to be shared. My goal going into fall and winter be to continue to add new content to the site on a regular basis. New content will be shared using this platform. Updates will also be provided via the Facebook page - Our Ancestors - The Murosky & McDonald Ancestral Lines if you wish to follow along that way.

To learn more about the work to setup the website and prepare the photographs for sharing please visit the Portraits of a Life section. Portraits of a Life is a project to digitize, archive, restore and share the large collection family photographs that are in my care. View the original post Launch of the Old Family Photographs Website.

Thank you for Reading!

-Michelle

Wedding Snapshots: Arthur Murosky & Mary Eugenia McDonald

Arthur Murosky and Mary Eugenia McDonald were married August 9, 1941 at 9 o'clock in the morning at St. John's Roman Catholic Church in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Arthur was 22 years old and Mary Eugenia was 19 years old when they were married. A grouping of formal portraits were taken to commemorate the marriage. The couple remained inseparable for their fifty-six years of marriage. After Mary Eugenia's death in 1998 Arthur never remarried and he always kept her photograph by his bedside.

To view other posts related to the wedding of Arthur Murosky & Mary Eugenia McDonald:

• Engagement Photographs: Arthur Murosky & Mary Eugenia McDonald
• Arthur Murosky and Mary Eugenia McDonald - Application for Marriage License
• Wedding Invitation: Arthur Murosky & Mary Eugenia McDonald
• Wedding Portraits: Arthur Murosky & Mary Eugenia McDonald

The following grouping of snapshots were taken the morning of their wedding.

Mary Eugenia McDonald on her wedding day.

McDonald Family Members photographed with the Bride.
Winifred Agnes O'Neill (paternal grandmother of the Bride), Mary Eugenia McDonald
and Madeline Gertrude McDonald (Aunt of the Bride).

A snapshot of Arthur Murosky and Mary Eugenia McDonald on their wedding day.

Mary Eugenia McDonald photographed with her parents 
Frances Philomena Selker and Loraine Anthony McDonald.

Bridesmaid Rita Ann Murosky, Sister of the Groom

Bridesmaid Eleanor Lucille McDonald, Sister of the Bride

Flower Girls Marian Elaine Murosky (Sister of the Groom)
and Dorothy Elizabeth McDonald (Sister of the Bride)

Flower Girl Marian Elaine Murosky, Sister of the Groom

Flower Girl Dorothy Elizabeth McDonald, Sister of the Bride

A snapshot of Anthony Harry Murosky Jr. (Father of the Groom),
Mary Eugenia McDonald (Bride) and Loraine Anthony McDonald (Father of the Bride).

A snapshot of Frances Winifred McDonald (Sister of the Bride) 
with her friend Charlotte Allgeier.

A snapshot of Mary Eugenia McDonald with her friend Charlotte Allgeier.

Wedding Party
(L-R) Eleanor Lucille McDonald, Ray McCosky, Frances Winifred McDonald,
Mary Eugenia McDonald, Arthur Murosky, Rita Ann Murosky

Anthony Harry Murosky Jr. (Father of the Groom) photographed with Frances Philomena Selker (Mother of the Bride).

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

Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. He was the son of Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski. Mary Eugenia McDonald is my maternal grandmother. She was the daughter of Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker.

References:

1. Personal interview with Arthur Murosky, late 1990's.
2. Special thanks to family friend Debi Johnson who during the summer of 2014 asked Arthur questions. Some of these details would be unknown without her.
3. 1940 United States Federal Census.Year: 1940; Census Place: Erie, Erie, Pennsylvania; Roll: T627_3650; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 68-77. Record for Loraine McDonald.

1945 - McDonald Family Gathering

Three generations of the McDonald family were photographed together Spring of 1945.

Charles Eugene McDonald traveled to Erie from his home in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was photographed with several of his nieces Mary Eugenia, Kathryn Joan and Eleanor Lucille McDonald - the daughters of his brother Loraine Anthony McDonald.

Charles was also photographed with great nephew James Arthur Murosky and great nieces Barbra Jean and Mary Helen Murosky - the children of his daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald.

The first photograph shows the group on the front porch of 638 East 23rd Street in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. 

McDonald Family Members
Left to Right: Kathryn Joan McDonald, Mary Eugenia McDonald holding her son James Arthur Murosky, Barbara Jean Murosky, Charles Eugene McDonald, Eleanor Lucille McDonald holding Mary Helen Murosky.

The second photograph was taken in the backyard of 638 East 23rd Street in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The former Holy Trinity School is the large brick building in the background.

McDonald Family Members
Left to Right: Mary Eugenia McDonald holding her daughter Barbara Jean Murosky, Charles Eugene McDonald holding James Arthur Murosky, Eleanor Lucille McDonald holding Mary Helen Murosky

The photograph is from Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Frances' daughter Mary Eugenia 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.

Charles Eugene McDonald is my 2nd great uncle. Mary Eugenia McDonald is my paternal grandmother. Kathryn Joan McDonald and Eleanor Lucille McDonald are my great aunts.

1933 - Frederick William Selker & Eleanor E. Herman

One of my favorite aspects of family history is connecting with cousins. A newly found cousin had this lovely snapshot in her care. She gave me permission to share the snapshot so that other Selker descendants may also enjoy it. 

A snapshot of Frederick William Selker and Eleanor E. Herman shortly after their wedding. The couple married  19 June 1933 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania at the Immaculate Conception Church.

Frederick William Selker was born 15 October 1896 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. Eleanor E. Herman was born 13 February 1910 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Frederick William Selker & Eleanor E. Herman

The photograph is from the Frederick William Selker Collection. Photographs in this collection were originally owned by the sisters Naomi Herman and Eleanor E. Herman. Today these photographs are in the care of a descendant of Frederick William Selker and Eleanor E. Herman. The photograph is shared with permission. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Frederick William Selker is my 2nd Great Uncles. His sister Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. Her daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother.

1937 - Selker Family Photo

This photograph was originally housed in the Unknown Photograph Collection. The woman was thought to be Frances Philomena Guth - wife of Joseph William Selker.

The photograph was recently identified by another Selker descendant. The woman was confirmed to be Frances Philomena Guth. She is photographed with her son Ambrose John Selker and her granddaughter Mary Lou Selker.

The photograph was taken summer of 1937. Frances Philomena Selker would have been 74 years old and Ambrose John Selker would have been 38 or 39 years old when the photograph was taken. The location is the back yard of the Selker family home located at 242 Main Street in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The J.W. Selker Cigar factory is the building on the right side of the photograph.

The photograph was taken by Mary Elizabeth Meisinger the wife of Ambrose John Selker.

Selker Family Photograph
Ambrose John Selker holding his daughter Mary Lou Selker is standing with his mother Frances Philomena Guth

The photograph is from Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Frances Philomena Guth appears to have passed the photographs down to her daughter Frances Philomena Selker. Frances' daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald ended up with her mother's photo collections which is time were handed down to me. Photographer Mary Elizabeth Meisinger. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Ambrose John Selker is my 2nd Great Uncle. His sister Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. Her daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother

1933 - Anna Gertrude Selker

A photograph of Anna Gertrude Selker taken at the wedding of her older brother Frederick William Selker. The wedding of Frederick William Selker and Eleanor E. Herman was held 19 June 1933 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania at the Immaculate Conception Church. Anna would have been 25 years old when photographed.

Anna Gertrude Selker was born August 11, 1907 in Clarion. Anna was born August 8, 1900 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest of ten children born to Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth.

Anna Gertrude Selker
Photographed "holding bridesmaids bouquet of pink roses"

Back of the Photograph
Carl and Don - Clarion, Pa."Ann Selker Fritz's sister holding bridesmaids bouquet of pink roses"

Frederick William Selker was known by many as "Fritz" Selker.

The copies of these photographs are shared with permission. The top photograph is from the Frederick William Selker Collection. Photographs in this collection were originally owned by the sisters Naomi Herman and Eleanor E. Herman. Today these photographs are in the care of a descendant of Frederick William Selker and Eleanor E. Herman. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Frederick William Selker is my 2nd great uncle. Anna Gertrude Selker is my 2nd great aunt. Anna is the sister of Frances Philomena Selker my great grandmother. 

Wedding Photos: Frederick William Selker & Eleanor E. Herman

The wedding of Frederick William Selker and Eleanor E. Herman was held 19 June 1933 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania at the Immaculate Conception Church.

Frederick William Selker was born 15 October 1896 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. Eleanor E. Herman was born 13 February 1910 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Recently I had the opportunity to connect with some more Selker Cousins. The cousin, a descendant of Frederick William Selker and the Eleanor E. Herman, had a labeled copy of the wedding photograph below.

Wedding Party
Ambrose John Selker (Best Man, Brother of the Groom), Naomi Herman (Maid of Honor, Sister of the Bride), 
Frederick William Selker (Groom) and Eleanor E. Herman (Bride).
From the Frederick William Selker Collection

Using the known photograph from the wedding the photograph below was identified. The photograph was previously housed in the Unknown Photograph Collection. In addition to identifying the unknown wedding party - these are the first known photographs to exist of Ambrose John Selker.

Wedding Party

Ambrose John Selker (Best Man, Brother of the Groom), Naomi Herman (Maid of Honor, Sister of the Bride), 

Frederick William Selker (Groom), Eleanor E. Herman (Bride) Unknown Clergy, Unknown Clergy.

From the Frances Philomena Selker Collection

The top photograph is from the Frederick William Selker Collection. Photographs in this collection were originally owned by the sisters Naomi Herman and Eleanor E. Herman. Today these photographs are in the care of a descendant of Frederick William Selker and Eleanor E. Herman. The photograph is shared with permission. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

The bottom photograph is from Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Frances Philomena Guth appears to have 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. Frederick William Selker and Ambrose John Selker are my 2nd Great Uncles. Their sister Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. Her daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother

1936 - Anthony Harry Murosky Jr. & Helen Tillie Bukowski

Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. photographed with his wife Helen Tillie Bukowski. The borders of the photograph are stamped 1936. Anthony would have been 41 years old when the photograph was taken. Helen would have been 34 or 35 years when the photograph was taken.

The photograph was most likely taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. & 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. 

Irish Immigrant Mathias Cunningham

Mathias Cunningham was born about 1818 in County Waterford, Ireland. The exact location of his birth and his parents are currently unknown. Mathias married his wife Margaret Litchfield in Ireland. Margaret was born about 1818 in County Waterford, Ireland. The exact location of her birth and her parents are also currently unknown.

The couple had six children who were also born in Ireland:

1. Ellen M. Cunningham. b. 24 Aug 1847 m. to Michael O'Neill d. 6 Jan 1924
2. Margaret Cunningham b. abt 1848 m. Patrick Andrew O'Neill
3. Mary Cunningham b. abt 1850
4. James Cunningham b. between 1853-1855 d. 14 Nov 1924
5. Catherine Cunningham b. between 1856-1857
6. Bridget Cunningham b. 1859

Research completed by others also indicates that the couple may have had another child born prior 1847.

Ellen M. Cunningham and Margaret Cunningham married two O'Neill brothers who were also Irish immigrants.  Ellen married Michael O'Neill on 20 April 1871. Margaret married Patrick Andrew O'Neill about 1875. Michael and Patrick are the sons of Thomas O'Neill Jr and Bridget Conboy. The O'Neill lineage was extensively researched by two descendants - George K. and Patrick G. O'Neill. The cousins published their research findings in a book "O'Neill Descendants of Con & Katherine 1700-2000".

Arrival to Pennsylvania

The application for citizenship indicates that Mathias Cunningham departed Ireland in 1869 and arrived in the United States of America June of 1869.

Mathias Cunningham settled in Clarion County, Pennsylvania after his arrival. On 8 June 1870 he was enumerated with his family in the 1870 United States Federal Census. The family was recorded at Dwelling No. 110. Family No. 112. The members of household include:

• M. Cunningham, male age 52
• Margaret Cunningham, female age 52
• Ellen Cunningham, female age 23
• Mary Cunningham, female age 19
• James Cunningham, male age 15
• Catherine Cunningham, female age 13
• Bridget Cunningham, female age 11

The occupation for M. Cunningham is recorded as a Laborer. The occupation for Margaret Cunningham is recorded as a housekeeper. The personal estate of M. Cunningham was $10. All members of the household were born in Ireland. Mary, James, Catherine and Bridget Cunningham were attending school. The census also indicates that M. Cunningham was denied from voting.

The box for denied voting was checked because Mathias was not a United States Citizen when the Census was recorded.

Naturalization

On 1 September 1871 Mathias Cunningham became a Naturalized Citizen at the Clarion County Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas. The oath from his citizenship application reads:

Let it be Remembered, That on the 4th day of September in the year of our Lord on thousand eight hundred and seventy one personally appeared Mattias Cunningham  before me, the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Clarion, who upon his solemn oath did depose and say, that he is a native of Ireland now residing in the County of Clarion, aged fifty three years or thereabouts, and that it is a bona fide his intention to become a Citizen of the United States, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign Price, Protentate, State or Sovereignty whatever and particularly to the King of Ireland and Great Britain of whom he is now a subject. 

Sworn and acknowledged this 4th day of September 1871

His Mark + Mathies Cunningham

The mark that Mathias placed on the page which was used in place of his signature. This very likely indicated that Mathias never learned to write and could not sign his name.

Application for Citizenship - Mathias Cunningham

A time of change

A decade after arrival Mathias' life changed considerably. His children grew and married. He also lost his wife Margaret. There is no record of Margaret in the 1880 United States Federal Census. The date of her death is currently unknown and would have occurred after 8 June 1870. 

In 1880 Mathias Cunningham was living with his daughter Ellen Cunningham and her husband Michael O'Neill and their numerous children. The family was enumerated in the 1880 United States Federal Census on 16 June 1880 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Mathias is recorded as 70 years old in the census. This defers from the other references to his birth however it is not uncommon for immigrants of this time period to have a range of dates associated with their birth.

At this time the death date and burial location for Mathias Cunningham is unknown. Mathias was not recorded in the 1900 United States Federal Census. Unfortunately the 1890 United States Federal Census Fragment does not include any records from Pennsylvania.

Additional References to Mathias Cunningham

The death certificate for Ellen M. O'Neill records she born in Waterford, Ireland. Her parents are recorded as Mathias Cunningham born Waterford, Ireland and Martha Litchfield born Waterford, Ireland. The informant on the death certificate was her daughter Eleanor Monica O'Neill [Mrs. E. M. Mullen].

The death certificate for James Cunningham records he was born in Ireland. His father is recorded as Matthias Cunningham also born in Ireland. The informant on the death certificate was his niece Eleanor Monica O'Neill [Mrs. E. M. Mullen].

Mathias Cunningham is my 4th Great Grandfather. He is the father of Ellen M. Cunningham my 3rd Great Grandmother. My paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald is a descendant of Ellen M. Cunningham and Mathias Cunningham. 

References:

1. George K. and Patrick G. O'Neill, O'Neill Descendants of Con & Katherine 1700-2000 (, April 15, 2008),
2. 1870 United States Federal Census. Year: 1870; Census Place: Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1326; Page: 408A; Family History Library Film: 552825. Record for M. Cunningham lines 22-28.
3. Pennsylvania, Clarion County, Court of Common Pleas. Application for Citizenship - Matthias Cunningham.
4. 1880 United States Federal Census. Year: 1880; Census Place: Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1117; Page: 78C; Enumeration District: 065. Record for Michael O'Neill.
5. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1964. Record for Ellen M. O'Neill [Ellen M Cunningham]. Certificate number 8274.
6. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1964. Record for Jas Cunningham. Certificate number 110917.

Guth Research Update: Anton Guth & Theresia Rösch Family

This is the third post in The Guth Research Update Series. The series will be focused on the ancestors of two German born brothers – Francis Xavier and Leopold Guth who settled in Clarion County, Pennsylvania in the mid 1800's. Over the last two years the family has been extensively researched with the assistance of Ute Brandenburg the owner of German Script Experts. I am thrilled to finally share the validation of the original research completed by Jr. Janet Staab many years ago. The Guth Research Update Series will also feature previously unknown Guth family members.

Other Posts in the Series:
Guth Research Update: F.X. & Leopold Guth
Guth Research Update: Anton Guth & Theresia Rösch

The second post in the series featured the marriage record for Anton Guth and Theresia Rösch.

The third post in the series is focused on the the children born to Anton Guth and Theresia Rösch.

Sr. Janet's Original Research

Sr. Janet’s research included two generations of ancestors for Francis Xavier Guth and Leopold Guth as shown in the copy of the original hand typed chart below. 

Original Hand Typed Record for Anton Guth & Theresia Rosch Family Group 
Copy obtained from Sr. Janet Staab

Sr. Janet’s well-kept records included names, dates and locations. Some of the her records did list sources. Unfortunately not all the records shared with me listed the original sources used to complete the research. It also was not clear if Sr. Janet did all of the original research or if some of the research was completed by others.

Untersimonswald Catholic Parish Records: Births Recorded

The Untersimonswald Catholic Parish Register was used to validate Sr. Janet’s original research. The original family records from Sr. Janet indicated the Francis Xavier Guth and Leopold Guth were born in Untersimonswald. Various other sources also pointed to Untersimonswald. Leopold Guth was married in a Catholic Church and his children were also baptized Catholic.

The children born to Anton Guth and Theresia Rösch that were listed in the Untersimonswald Catholic Parish Register:

1. Genofeva Guth, daughter, b. 6 December 1923 baptized 7 December 1823 
2. Francis Xavier Guth, son, b. 30 October 1825 baptized  30 October 1825 
3. Maria Guth, daughter, b. 6 September 1827 baptized 6 September 1827 
4. Leopold Guth, son, b. 14 November 1830 baptized 14 November 1830 
5. Anna Maria Guth, daughter, b. 26 May 1833 baptized 26 May 1833 
6. Anton Guth, son, b. 2 June 1835 baptized 2 June 1835 
7. Constantina Guth, daughter, b. 7 February 1837 baptized 8 February 1837 
8. Daniel Guth, son, b. 20 July 1839 baptized 20 July 1839 
9. Theresia Guth, daughter, b. 18 December 1840 baptized 18 December 1840 
10. Theresia Guth, daughter, b. 26 March 1843 baptized 27 March 1943 

The children were all born in the German territory known as the Grand Duchy of Baden. Genofeva  was born in Simonswald. Francis Xavier, Maria and Leopold were born in Untersimonswald. The remaining children were born in Neusimonswald. Untersimonwald and Simmonswald are neighboring towns that are very close to together. The towns are approximately 1.7 miles apart. Residents could easily have walked between the two.

Untersimmonsald and Simmonswald, Germany

Today the area formerly known as the Grand Duchy of Baden would be associated with the German State of Baden-Württemberg which was established after World War II.

Map of Confederation of the Rhine 1812

Untersimonswald would be approximately where the "o" is in Großherzogtun Baden

Untersimonswald Catholic Parish Records: Deaths Recorded

Life in the mid 1830's was very different - death was very much a part of life. Many families lost young children to disease or infections. It would be almost another 100 years until the discovery of Penicillin. Sadly Anton Guth & Theresia Rösch lost five children at very young ages. Tragically lost two children, Anton and Constantina, died within a few days of each other. The death records for the children were included in the Untersimonswald Catholic Parish Register:

1. Maria Guth, daughter, d. 9 January 1831 at 5 o’clock in the morning, 3 years old 
2. Anton Guth, son, d. 20 April 1838 at 9 o’clock in the morning, 2 years old
3. Constantina Guth, daughter, d. 24 April 1838 at 9 o’clock in the morning, 14 months old 
4. Theresia Guth, daughter, d. 27 December 1840 at 4 o’clock in the morning, 9 days old
5. Theresia Guth, daughter, d. 13 September 1846 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, 3 years old

The death of Maria is recorded in Untersimonwald. The deaths of the other children are recorded in Neusimonswald.

The burials for the children were also included in the  Untersimonswald Catholic Parish Register:

1. Maria Guth, daughter, burial 11 January 1831 at 8 o’clock in the morning
2. Anton Guth, son, burial 22 April 1838
3. Constantina Guth, daughter, burial 26 April 1838 at 7:30 in the morning
4. Theresia Guth, daughter, burial 29 December 1840 at 8 o’clock in the morning
5. Theresia Guth, daughter, burial 15 September 1846 at 6:30 in the morning

The burial of Maria is recorded in Untersimonwald. The burials for the other children are recorded in Neusimonswald.

Validation of the Children of Anton Guth & Theresia Rösch 

The Untersimonswald Catholic Parish Register validate the nine children originally included in Sr. Janet’s records. The birth dates incorproated in Sr. Janet's records were also correct.

Observations

The Parish records use the German spelling of Rösch with the umlaut mark.

The Parish records also included a few additional discoveries.

• The first discovery was the death record for Maria Guth. 
• The second was the Parish records included the birth and death record for another daughter Constantina Guth. The original records from Sr. Janet did not list Constantina Guth.

Birth Record for Constantina Guth in the original German:

Im Jahr tausend achthundert dreissig u sieben den siebenten Febr nachts acht Uhr wurde zu Neusimonswald geboren u heute den achten Nachmittag halb drei Uhr in der Pfarrkirche von Gefestigten getauft Constantina ehel Tochter des Anton Guth Uhrenmacher u der Theresia Rösch. Zeugen sind Hr. Joseph Rösch Bauer v. Haslach, Lehrer Beck u. Maria Anna Brugger, Krämerin.
P. Dallmann Pfarrer

Birth Record for Constantina Guth translated to English:

Born in Neusimonswald on 7 February 1837 at 8 o’clock at night, and baptized today, the eighth, at 2:30 in the afternoon, by this officiant at the parish church: Constantina, legitimate daughter of the clock maker Anton Guth and Theresia Rösch.
Witnesses were Mr. Joseph Rösch, farmer from Haslach, teacher Beck, and Maria Anna Brugger, shop keeper.
P. Dallmann, Pastor
Untersimonswald Parish Register Duplicate
[Translated by Ute Brandenburg, Iowa City, IA at germanscriptexperts.com] 

Death Record for Constantina Guth in the original German:

Im Jahr tausend achthundert dreissig u. acht den vier u zwanzigsten April Morgen neun Uhr starb zu Neusimonswald Konstantina eheliches Kind des Uhrenmachers Anton Gut u der Theres Rösch u wurde 1 Jahr 2 Monat alt den sechs u zwanzigsten d. M. Morgen half acht Uhr begraben.
Zeugen sind Todtenbeschauer Eichenhofer u Lehrer Beck.
GroshBdsch Pfarramt
Dallmann Pfarrer

Death Record for Constantina Guth translated to English:

Konstantina, legitimate child of the clock maker Anton Gut and Theres Rösch, age one year and two months, died in Neusimonswald on 24 April 1838 at 9 o’clock in the morning, and was buried on the 26th of the same month at 7:30 in the morning.
Witnesses: coroner Eichenhofer and teacher Beck
Parish office of the Grand Duchy of Baden
Pastor Dallmann
Untersimonswald Parish Register Duplicate
[Translated by Ute Brandenburg, Iowa City, IA at germanscriptexperts.com] 

Corrections & Additions 

Using the data from the Untersimonswald Catholic Parish Register the following corrections & additions were incorporated into my records:

• Birth dates and notes were recorded and/or corrected to align with the Parish Register. 
• Baptism dates were and notes were incorporated into the register. 
• Death dates and notes were recorded and/or corrected to align with the Parish Register.
• Burial dates and notes were recorded.
• The death record for Maria Guth was incporated. 
• The birth and death records for Constantina Guth were included.  Constantina Guth was missing from the records. 

This concludes the third Guth Research Update post.

Leopold Guth is my 3rd great-grandfather. Francis Xavier Guth is my 4th Great Uncle. Anton Guth and Theresia Rösch are my 4th great grandparents. Anton Guth and Katherina Wangler are my 5th great grandparents. Johannes Rösch and Katherina Wintermantel are my 5th great grandparents. My connection to the Guth line extends through Leopold’s daughter Frances Philomena Guth, her daughter Frances Philomena Selker, to my paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald.

References:

1. Staatsarchiv Freiburg L 10 Nr. 5581, Untersimonswald, Simonswald EM; Katholische Gemeinde: Pfarrei St. Peter, Standesbuch 1810-1825. 1823 - Baptism Record - Guth, Genovefa
2. Staatsarchiv Freiburg L 10 Nr. 5581, Untersimonswald, Simonswald EM; Katholische Gemeinde: Pfarrei St. Peter, Standesbuch 1810-1825. 1825 - Baptism Record - Guth, Franz Xaver
3. Staatsarchiv Freiburg L 10 Nr. 5582, Untersimonswald, Simonswald EM; Katholische Gemeinde: Pfarrei St. Peter, Standesbuch 1826-1844. 1827 - Baptism Record - Guth, Maria
4. Staatsarchiv Freiburg L 10 Nr. 5582, Untersimonswald, Simonswald EM; Katholische Gemeinde: Pfarrei St. Peter, Standesbuch 1826-1844. 1830 - Baptism Record - Gut, Leopold
5. Staatsarchiv Freiburg L 10 Nr. 5582, Untersimonswald, Simonswald EM; Katholische Gemeinde: Pfarrei St. Peter, Standesbuch 1826-1844. 1833 - Baptism Record - Gut, Anna Maria
6. Staatsarchiv Freiburg L 10 Nr. 5582, Untersimonswald, Simonswald EM; Katholische Gemeinde: Pfarrei St. Peter, Standesbuch 1826-1844. 1835 - Baptism Record - Guth, Anton
7. Staatsarchiv Freiburg L 10 Nr. 5582, Untersimonswald, Simonswald EM; Katholische Gemeinde: Pfarrei St. Peter, Standesbuch 1826-1844. 1837 - Baptism Record - Guth, Constantina
8. Staatsarchiv Freiburg L 10 Nr. 5582, Untersimonswald, Simonswald EM; Katholische Gemeinde: Pfarrei St. Peter, Standesbuch 1826-1844. 1839 - Baptism Record - Guth, Daniel
9. Staatsarchiv Freiburg L 10 Nr. 5582, Untersimonswald, Simonswald EM; Katholische Gemeinde: Pfarrei St. Peter, Standesbuch 1826-1844. 1840 - Baptism Record - Gut, Theres
10. Staatsarchiv Freiburg L 10 Nr. 5582, Untersimonswald, Simonswald EM; Katholische Gemeinde: Pfarrei St. Peter, Standesbuch 1826-1844. 1843 - Baptism Record - Guth, Theresia
11. Staatsarchiv Freiburg L 10 Nr. 5582, Untersimonswald, Simonswald EM; Katholische Gemeinde: Pfarrei St. Peter, Standesbuch 1826-1844. 1831 - Death Record - Gut, Maria
12. Staatsarchiv Freiburg L 10 Nr. 5582, Untersimonswald, Simonswald EM; Katholische Gemeinde: Pfarrei St. Peter, Standesbuch 1826-1844. 1838 - Death Record - Gut, Anton
13. Staatsarchiv Freiburg L 10 Nr. 5582, Untersimonswald, Simonswald EM; Katholische Gemeinde: Pfarrei St. Peter, Standesbuch 1826-1844. 1838 - Death Record - Gut, Konstantina
14. Staatsarchiv Freiburg L 10 Nr. 5582, Untersimonswald, Simonswald EM; Katholische Gemeinde: Pfarrei St. Peter, Standesbuch 1826-1844. 1840 - Death Record - Guth, Theres
15. Staatsarchiv Freiburg L 10 Nr. 5582, Untersimonswald, Simonswald EM; Katholische Gemeinde: Pfarrei St. Peter, Standesbuch 1826-1844. 1846 - Death Record - Gut, Theres
16. Map of the Confederation of the Rhine: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rheinbund_1812,_political_map.png

Vintage Christmas Photographs - The Murosky Family

Some of the photographs in this post were originally shared December 28, 2015. Several additional holiday photos have been incorporated into the new post. At attempt has been made to place the photographs in chronological order based on labeled photographs, ages of children and common elements in the photographs. 

The Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection contained vintage Christmas photographs that appear to have been taken at different holidays. The Mary Eugenia McDonald Collection also included several holiday photographs.

1951 Vintage Christmas Photograph - The Murosky Family

These photographs were most likely taken at the home of Helen Tillie Bukowski which was located at 729 East 24th Street in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

This photograph of Marian Elaine Murosky was taken December 25, 1951. The back of the photograph has a hand written label that reads "Marian Dec 25 1951". The photograph was most likely labeled by her mother Helen. Marian would have been 16 years old in this photograph.  Note the framed photograph of Marian on the piano. 

1951 Murosky Family Christmas
Marian Elaine Murosky

The next photograph is of Kenneth Niemi, the son of Rita Ann Murosky and Walter E. Neimi. Kenneth would be the grandson of Helen Tillie Bukowski. Kenneth would have been 3 years old when photographed. 

1951 Murosky Family Christmas

Kenneth Niemi in front of the Christmas Tree

1953 Vintage Christmas Photographs - The Murosky Family

These photographs were most likely taken at the home of Helen Tillie Bukowski which was located at 729 East 24th Street in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

The first grouping of photographs feature Helen Tillie Bukowski with her grandchildren. Helen's daughter Rita Ann Murosky is also featured. The parlor in these photographs has floral wall paper. This grouping of photographs is estimated to have been taken in 1953 based on the ages of the grandchildren. 

1953 Murosky Family Christmas

Helen Tillie Bukowski with her grandson - Ronald Murosky, son of Edward V. Murosky and Margaret Forgash. Helen's husband, Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr., is the man in the framed photograph on the far left side of the piano.

1953 Murosky Family Christmas

Helen Tillie Bukowski with her two children. The boys are Ronald Murosky, son of Edward V. Murosky and Margaret Forgash (center) and Kenneth Niemi, son of Rita Ann Murosky and Walter E. Niemi (right).

1953 Murosky Family Christmas

Helen Tillie Bukowski watches Kennth Niemi, her grandson, open a gift with assistance of his mother Rita Ann Murosky. The woman her back to the camera is currently unknown.

1953 Murosky Family Christmas
Helen Tillie Bukowski stands adjacent to an ironing board. Her grandson, Kenneth Niemi, plays below the Christmas tree on the left side of the frame. Ronald Murosky is on the right side of the frame wearing a cowboy hat. Helen's daughter Rita Ann Murosky is standing on the right side of the photograph.

1955 Vintage Christmas Photographs - The Murosky Family

Helen Tillie Bukowski photographed with her grandchildren. The photograph was estimated to have been taken in 1955 based on the ages of the children.  

1955 Murosky Family Christmas
Helen Tillie Bukowski with her Grandchildren
Back: Karen Murosky, Mary Helen Murosky, Kathleen Marie Murosky, James Arthur Murosky and Barbara Jean Murosky 
Middle: David Anthony Murosky, Christine Elaine Murosky, 
Helen Tillie Bukowski holding Thomas Charles Murosky, Robert Murosky 
Bottom: Kenneth Niemi and Ronald Murosky

1957 Vintage Christmas Photographs - The Murosky Family

These photographs were most likely taken at the home of Helen Tillie Bukowski which was located at 729 East 24th Street in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

This grouping of photographs features Helen Tillie Bukowski with her daughter Marian Elaine Murosky. This grouping of photographs appears to have been taken in 1957 based on the age of the baby in the photograph. 

1957 Murosky Family Christmas
Marian Elaine Murosky holding her daughter Janet.

1957 Murosky Family Christmas

Helen Tillie Bukowski with her daughter Marian Elaine Murosky.

1957 Murosky Family Christmas 
Helen Tillie Bukowski carries a poinsettia. Note the rotary phone in the photograph.

1957 Murosky Family Christmas 

Helen Tillie Bukowski
Note the old radio behind Helen.

1957 Murosky Family Christmas

Marian Elaine Murosky with a stocking

1962 Vintage Christmas Photographs - The Murosky Family

Helen Tillie Bukowski photographed with her grandchildren. The photograph was estimated to have been taken in 1962 based on the ages of the children.

1962 Murosky Family Christmas
Helen Tillie Bukowski with her Grandchildren
Back: Mary Helen Murosky, Kathleen Marie Murosky, Ronald Murosky, James Arthur Murosky, Kenneth Neimi 
Middle 1: David Anthony Murosky, Robert Murosky, Christine Elaine Murosky, Karen Murosky 
Middle 2: Helen Tillie Bukowski, Thomas Charles Murosky, Barbara Jean Murosky holding child 
Front: Janet Kubeja, Cheryl L. Murosky, James Michael Petrone, Jr., Joyce Kubeja, Donald Murosky (on Barbara's lap)

1962 Murosky Family Christmas
Joyce Kubeja (dark dress), Janet Kubeja (white dress), Arthur Murosky, Barbara Jean Murosky holding James Michael Petrone, Jr., Helen Tillie Bukowski, Karen Murosky

1962 Murosky Family Christmas

Back: Unknown Woman (facing away), David Anthony Murosky (handing the gift), Joyce Kubeja (dark dress), On Sofa (left to right): Donald Gregory Murosky (small boy), Arthur Murosky, Janet Kubeja, Barbara Jean Murosky holding James Michael Petrone, Jr. 

Front: Kathleen Marie Murosky with Cheryl L. Murosky

1962 Murosky Family Christmas
On Sofa (left to right) Donald Gregory Murosky, Arthur Murosky, Janet Kubeja Joyce Kubeja is sitting on the ottoman. 

The photographs were part of the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection and the Mary Eugenia McDonald Collection. Helen was married to Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr.

Rita Ann Murosky and Marian Elaine Murosky are their daughters. Rita Ann Murosky married Walter E. Niemi - their son Kenneth Niemi is included in several of these photographs. The photographs also include Marian Elaine Murosky's daughters - Janet and Joyce Kubja.

Anthony and Helen's son Edward V. Murosky married Margaret Forgash. Their sons Ronald and Robert Murosky are included.

Anthony and Helen's son Arthur Murosky married Mary Eugenia McDonald. Their children James Arthur, Barbara Jean, Mary Helen, Kathleen Marie, Christine Elaine, David Anthony, Thomas Charles, Donald Gregory and Cheryl L. are included.

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. Rita Ann Murosky and Marian Elaine Murosky are my great aunts. Edward V. Murosky is my great uncle.