Family/Spouse: Jeffrey KLEEMAN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Elijah Henry KLEEMAN
2. Maxwell Joseph KLEEMAN

Notes:

John Dudick was born and raised in Bradford, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force Reserve as an aviation cadet in 1944. He was called to active duty in March 1945. The war in Europe ended in May of 1945, and aviation cadets were not needed so he did not get a chance to fly. Interestingly, he graduated from St. Bernard High School in June of 1945, 3 months after he was called to active duty according to the Bradford Era Newspaper. He did solo, at his own expense, at Desert Skyway Airport, Boulder City, Nevada in November, 1945. He did not see combat but was a member of the occupational forces in Germany after the war was over. In a June 29, 1945 Bradford Era newspaper, his parents had received notice that he was promoted from Private to Corporal. He did get to sit in on the Nuremberg War Trials in the fall of 1946.

John's first job after the war was with Kendall Refining Co., Bradford, Pennsylvania This is the company that he loyally worked for, for forty-one years until retiring in January of 1990. He worked in all positions with the company, from digging ditches to Process Operator to District Manager and Farm Director. He had performed all types of work while in maintenance with painters, electricians, welders, machinists, riggers and millwrights. He became well known in the Farm Director's Position as he was responsible for the truck and tractor pulling program nationally and was involved there for 21 years. He continued as consultant in this position for the first summer of his retirement. Several excellent articles on John Dudick are in "The Puller" magazine. (See Feb. 1990 issue for retirement photos) (D:DOC)

He met his wife, Doris Forte, in December, 1946. They eloped to wed in February, 1949 while she was in the process of working towards her nursing degree. Doris is a steady and wise mother of four and grandmother of seven. She's an interesting person to talk with. She enjoys children, grandchildren, traveling, reading, knitting, and needlecraft. She remembers fondly her interest of her youth, that of roller skating. She and her friends apparently spent much of their free time at the rink and were quite skilled. She was attending the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, Minnesota working on her Nursing degree in 1947 while dating her husband. She left college to marry in 1949. (F-400)

The Dudick's lived at 63 Clarence St., Bradford, PA in 1958 when their son James was admitted to the hospital. John Dudick had lived on 283 Congress St. in Bradford when he moved out of his parent's home as a young man. As an adult, he and family lived at 5505 Crawford Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43229 from 1962 through 1995. Sources on the above information came from John and Doris Dudick and from the April 1987 issue of "The Puller" magazine, pages 16 to 18.

John married Doris (Rosa) June FORTE on 3 Feb 1949 in Buffalo, Erie, NY, USA. Doris (daughter of Norman Leroy FORTE, Sr. and Theresia Rosa LINK) was born on 12 Mar 1929 in Glenside, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; died on 26 Mar 2013 in Boulder City, , Nevada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Doris was an intelligent woman who followed her own sense of direction. She was a catholic whom as an adult decided that going to church was not valuable. She gave sage advice and was a very strong minded individual. She was a good homemaker, fine cook, hostess, knitter, and crafter. She worked outside the home until her children were in their teens. This is the age where she decided it was important to be at home with them. She helped raise 4 unique, talented individuals and had a significant hand in helping with several of her grandchildren when they were young. Upon her death at age 84 from pulmonary fibrosis which she suffered from for many years, she was cremated as per her wishes.

Notes:

John Joseph Dudick, Sr. was either born in Germany, Austria, Hungary or in Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania. His marriage certificate, death certificate and social security records say Pennsylvania, but his son, John remembers him saying he was born in Germany. His birth record has not been able to be located, even though Elk Co., PA kept track of birth records from 1893 to 1905. He also lists his age differently in a couple of different forms. In his marriage record dated Dec. 29, 1919, he lists himself at age 25. His parents lived in Neviczke, Hungary for probably at least 3 generations, but came to America in 1892. If his 1894 birthdate is correct, he was likely born in Pennsylvania.

He supposedly lost his father when he was around 6 years of age from descendants' memories. However, according to this article in the Johnsonburg Press, dated January 3, 1908, he was 13 years old when his father died. "County Commissioner Thomas paid a visit to Father Baker's school in Buffalo last week and was much pleased with what he saw at the institution. He took there the thirteen year old son of Joe Dudack, the man who died suddenly at Johnsonburg some weeks ago, and left him. The lad is bright but has never attended school a day in his life. He was anxious to go to the Buffalo institution and Commissioner Thomas thinks it's the place for him. There are seven hundred boys in the school at the present time and they are not only educated, but also taught trades. It's a charitable institution and set up by Father Baker's unceasing efforts in behalf of homeless boys." He worked on the railroad as a young man and picked up quite a bit of Italian because of it. He was a soldier in World War I. He first enlisted May (1), 1917 as a Rig builder. His character was defined as "excellent". He is on a list of injured soldiers from the Pennsylvanians in the Indiana Evening Gazette on Saturday, Nov. 2, 1918. His rank was a private and he was from Kushequa, PA. He was honorably discharged from the 16th Infantry, Co. C, National Guard on Aug. 5, 1917. (D-131) He then apparently re-enlisted in the 112th Infantry, Company C and served in Le Mans, France from 1918-May 6, 1919. (D-132, 134) He was wounded in battle on July 18, 1918 and received the purple heart for gallant service. His son John has a large wide angle picture of him and the 112th in his home. (D:DOC, E) He had to fill out a World War II draft registration card, in which he verifies his birthdate, May 18, 1894 and place, Johnsonburg, PA, his wife's name, Sue, his address, 283 Congress St., Bradford, PA and his career as a fireman. He was 5 foot 7 inches tall, with brown hair, hazel eyes and light complexion.

In the 1930 census records for Bradford, McKean Co., PA, John was renting his home. It's contents were worth $35.00. He was age 36 and his wife was listed as age 28. They were married when he was 26 and she was 18. He lists his birth place as New York and his wife's as Pennsylvania. His parents were born in Italy (his stepfather and his spouse) and her parents were born in Austria. Children living in the family were Dorothy Irene, Donald, Evelyn, John and Edward. He was a fireman by trade. According to the Bradford Era, on Oct. 24, 1945, Private John J. Dudick of Congress St. was thrown a birthday party by his mother while on furlough. He had been trained in Las Vegas, Nevada and was expecting to be shipped to the Pacific. This is even more interesting as his birthday was in May. The only family member that I could tell was in attendance was brother, Ed Dudick. According to this same paper, his mother and her husband, Tony Cesario, visited them on Nov. 22, 1945. He and his wife attended the funeral of a cousin, Joseph Michalek, in Nanticoke in April of 1949. He was in the paper again when he fell down the stairs of his home at 15 Park St. and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance on Sep. 11, 1951. He is listed as receiving 26 Park St., in Bradford, PA on Aug. 31, 1954 in Smethport Deeds which was willed to them by neighbor, Albert A. Griffin. John and his wife never lived in this home, but continued to rent the home at 15 Park St. which they had lived in for much of their adult lives. (D-22) Before renting 15 Park St., they lived at 283 Congress St. in Bradford, Pennsylvania.

John Joseph Dudick, Jr. remembers both his parents as hard workers. His dad was a jack-of-all trades. He worked much of his life in the fire department as a firefighter and mechanic, doing all the necessary repairs on the fire fighting equipment. He had built a pumping truck from the ground up and was naturally proud of this accomplishment. He had several heart attacks, one of which forced him to retire from the fire department. In the Bradford Era on Apr. 12, 1976, he is listed as having received his 25 year membership for working in Sales at Witco Chemical Corporation. He was always a good provider for his family. For pleasure, he loved to fish. He would take his sons, fishing and hunting. His wife was a very attractive woman. It was always said that her children were well behaved. She liked her children to be well dressed and well mannered. She loved to collect pretty objects. By the end of her life her home was a wall-to-wall and ceiling-to-ceiling collection of old fashioned glassware, photographs and well loved objects. She was a born seamstress and did professional paper hanging. No job was too large to tackle. She did everything well.

John, Jr. remembers this about his family life. He says they always ate well, even during the depression. His father only took a belt to him once when he kept a friend out in the hills so long that his parents had gotten worried. He remembers fighting with his brothers, going hunting in the hills of Bradford often with his friends and building a radio receiver from odds and ends. He used it to listen in on his older brother and his girl friend while they would talk on the telephone. He felt he had a good childhood, "a damn good childhood with lots of fun." There was lots of snow in Bradford during winter months. Snow was enjoyed with ice skating, bob sledding, skiing, tobogganing and all other winter sports. He had a good time in the hills with his bicycle, model planes, soap box derbys, guns, and all the good things of youth.

John married Susan Irene KUTCHMIRE on 24 Jan 1920 in St. Bernard's Church, Bradford, Mckean, PA, USA. Susan (daughter of Mihaly \ Michael KACSMAR and Maria HRUSKOVITS) was born on 17 Jun 1902 in Ormsby, Mckean, PA, USA; was christened on 28 Jun 1902 in Bradford, Mckean, PA, USA; died on 20 Oct 1981 in Bradford, Mckean, PA, USA; was buried on 22 Oct 1981 in Bridge View Cemetery, Mt. Jewett, Mckean, PA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sue attended Custer City Schools. At the time of her marriage, she lived in Custer City and John in Degolia, Pennsylvania She listed herself as age 18 with a birth date one year before her birth date is listed elsewhere. They honeymooned at his mother's house in Kushicaw, Pennsylvania. It was a large old country home. She remembers fondly the serenade their friends gave them that Saturday night from the railroad tracks, just outside her mother-in-law's home. They sang "Johnny is home". In the 1940 census, she is employed as a salesperson in a store. (D-10)

Notes:

Norman Leroy Forte married Theresia Rosa Link when she was 18 years old in Philadelphia. This is about the age he was when running in track for competition. There are several medals dated 1908 that I have rubbings of. He won the 100 yard dash at OGSC, 3rd place in the 75 yard dash in another and the Middle States Championship at the University of Pennsylvania on another. (F-431)

Norman and Theresia Forte's children have shared the following recollections of their parents. Their father was a good provider, but wasn't around for active involvement with his older sons. Photography was one of his interests. He was always taking 16mm motion pictures of his family. About 10 of these films and his old projector are in the possession of Doris Forte Dudick. He also did some of his own dark room work and a few of these pictures still exist. He made jewelry and worked with precious stones. He loved to dance. Any normal day, he'd be dressed in a suit and tie. (F-625)

Norman was from a family of very strong willed, unique individuals who never really got along when they gathered. At crisis points in his families' life, ex: upon parents death, Norman, seemed to be the only son capable of making the decisions and handling the affairs. Theresia, is remembered by all of her children, with respect. They feel she was a "real lady." They can't remember her raising her voice or hitting, yet she always maintained discipline. She seemed to be understanding with her children. Hank and Link remember her letting them borrow the car when he needed it.

She loved to read, play cards, go to the movies, listen to the radio, be with friends, and dance. She had all of her children take piano lessons. Link, Betty and Hank took the most lessons because of their interest in it. She would dance with her children. Her all time favorite music was "The Nutcracker Suite." She was a fantastic seamstress and a good cook. Physically, she was always very thin and smoked cigarettes. She didn't weigh over 100 lbs. She was in a fashion show in her younger days at the Keswick Theater at Keswick Ave., Glenside, Pennsylvania. Norman, her husband, used to recall this with pride. She was a member of the American Red Cross during World War II.

The life she and Norman established for their children was very regular. Monday was wash day. Saturday night dinner always included thick steaks with mashed potatoes. Saturday night was also the bath night for the children. Some of her sons don't remember this very fondly. Sunday dinner included pork chops. Sunday afternoons, at least when Doris was a teenager, was a "Go to the Movies" afternoon. She died at age 61 from a brain tumor.

All in all, her children described her in glowing terms. The following information about Norman and Theresia's residences and jobs is from a combined interview of Bud, Doris, Link, Hank and Bill at the Sept., 1988 Forte Reunion at Indian Lake and from a much earlier interview of Norman Sr. himself. During World War I, "Papa," as his grandchildren called him, couldn't get drafted because he had too many children and an important job. He considered himself a self-made Civil Engineer who learned the ropes from his father, not from any college. Employment records would probably list him as a Tar Salesman. While the War was taking place, Papa was invited to Hog Island Navy Yard, S.W.. Philadelphia by President Wilson to the christening of Kwis Konk--the first concrete ship or liberty ship. He then started supplying that shipyard.

Due to the nature of his job, and his own personal interest in enjoying changes in housing, he and his family moved a great deal. All of his children were born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at one of the following residences: (in 1915) Detroit St.; (1916) 3808 Delhi St.; (1917-18) 915 W. Butler St.; (1918) 4521 Morris St., Germantown; (1919-20) 138 Keswick Ave., Glenside; (This is verified in the 1920 Census for Chiltenham, Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania Norman is listed as a Sales Engineer in merchandising. They had 3 children at the time, Henry, Norman and Marie. Theresia lists her birth place as Pennsylvania and her parent's as Germany. F-261) (1920) 5713 N. Marshall; (1921) 414 Roberts Rd.; (1922-24) 935 Kenmore Rd. in Overbrook; and (Aug. 1925-June 1931) 17 Teague Ave in Glenside. Kenmore Road is where Henry contracted diphtheria.

Whenever a family member caught a disease such as measles, whooping cough, etc., the whole family would be quarantined to the house for around 3 weeks. This was a typical health practice at the time.

Norman and family can be found living in Abington Township, Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania in the 1930 census. Norman was age 38 and his wife was 32. He owned his own home with a value of $8700.00 at the time. He and his parents were born in Pennsylvania. His wife was born in Pennsylvania also, but her father's birth place was Baden, Germany and her mother was born in Hessendomstadt, Germany. Norman is listed as a commercial traveler in the building and brick industry. Henry, Norman, Marie, William, Julius and Doris were members of their household. It also states that Norman was 23 and Theresia was 18 when they married. (F-665) After the start of the Depression, in 1931, Norman got a job with Barrett Company and they moved to 825 Walnut St. Norman was a good provider and his family of six children did not feel the effects of the Depression. This also meant that he was often at work and gone during the week. He spent Sunday afternoons working on his expense account. His sons remember him calling down, "What does the speedometer read?" This was information that they retrieved for his reports.

He and his wife were from stern English and German backgrounds, respectively, and their word was law. None of the children remember arguing with their authority till they were grown. Bud went to Cathedral Grade School for 8th grade and Cathedral Prep School in 9th and 10th. Henry, who was called Harry, was nicknamed Hank by his peers here, because there was already a Harry in the group. Nineteen Thirty Two found them living at 655 W. 8th St. in Erie.

In 1934, they moved to Rose Point in Roxbury, Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Here, Bud attended Cochran Junior High School for the end of his 10th grade year and the senior high for 11th and 12th grades. He was a member of the glee club. His appreciation of music is quite evident in 1988 also. He graduated in 1936 and first went to work for Barrett Company as a shipping clerk. (This was the same company that his father worked for.) Henry worked at National Radiators in the Billing and later the Tabulating Dept. He remembers working with IBM equipment in 1936/7 that was the for-runner of today's computers.

Doris started first grade while at Rose Point in 1935. There address at this point was on Agnes St., and then Second Ave in 1936. World War II started. Bud left in 1939 to join the Army Air Corp. Norman still worked for Barrett, a division of Allied Chemical and Dye Corp. in the Tarvia Division. They were the largest corporation next to General Motors in the whole world at that time. (F-17) Further moves took them to 1319 Menoher Highway in 1939 and 1028 MillCreek Rd. in 1940, both in Johnstown, Pennsylvania When the U.S. was drawn into World War II in 1941, all of Norman and Theresia's children except Doris who was underage, joined the services. Linc, Bill and Bud were all Radiomen. Linc and Bill were in the Navy, Linc being stationed in New Calidonia, Australia.

Bud was in the U.S. Army Air Corp. He was first stationed in Langley Field, Virginia, then in Java, East Indies (now Indonesia) and when Java was attacked by the Japanese for it's oil wells, he was stationed in Melborne, Australia. He met his future wife the first day he arrived in Melborne at a pub. After the war, he went back to Australia and married her. There is a whole Forte branch now living there because he made his life's home with his new wife there. His brother, Henry, was in the Quartermaster Corp in North Africa. His sister, Betty, was a W.A.C. Amazingly, this whole family survived the war without injury. (F-236) On the home front in April, 1942, Norman, Theresia and Doris moved to Sawyer Rd., in Bradford, Pennsylvania where they owned a house for the first time since Philadelphia.

Norman was known for his love of new cars. He had a brand new car about every 2 years. It was in Bradford, where he owned a LaSALLE. His kids remember many of his cars as being very special, ex.: A Chrysler New Yorker, (Sedan) metallic blue with a blue interior. Also, it was here that Doris Forte met her future husband, John Dudick. After she married, Norman and Theresia sold the farm and moved to State St. in 1948 and then Vista Circle in July of 1949, still in Bradford, PA, then on to 2285 Kensington Ave., Kenmore, Buffalo, N.Y. in 1950.

It was at this point that Allied Chemical, Norman's employer wanted to move him to Syracuse, New York after shutting down the Tarvius division. He was unhappy going to a totally new city and therefore switched employment to Allied Bituminous. (pronounced Bitchimuns) Soon after, Bituminous moved him to Erie, Pennsylvania.

Bituminous was bought out by Ashland Chemical. Erie is where Norman and Theresia spent their remaining years. (F-228) A couple years after Theresia died of a brain tumor, Norman remarried Agnes Casey. They lived at 728 Michigan Ave. in Erie, Pennsylvania and had a long marriage of 20 years. Her son inherited their furniture and mementos. Edward Forte's (Norman's grandfathers) original diary was amongst his effects that likely went to Agnes' son by her first marriage. This is noted in the hopes that the original diary can one day be found. Norman's mass was held at St. Jude the Apostle Church at 11:00 A.M. He and his first wife are interred in Calvary Cemetery, Section 27, Lot 381.

Norman married Theresia Rosa LINK on 5 Jul 1915 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Theresia (daughter of Julius LINK and Elizabetha Wilhemina ECKSTEIN) was born on 22 Feb 1897 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; was christened on 6 Jun 1897 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 15 Aug 1958 in Erie, Erie, PA, USA; was buried in Calvary Cemetery, Erie, Erie, PA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Transcript of a copy of the christening record for Theresia Rosa Link as translated from the German by Ken Smith: 3/85. Therese Rosa, daughter of Herr Julius Link and his legal wife, Elizabeth Ekstein, born 22 February, 1897 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Baptized 6 June 1897 by the undersigned Christen Merkel. Witness: Rosa Link Seal: St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church at Philadelphia. The seal imprinted on the original document as translated by Matthias Seifert is: German Evangelic Lutheran Mathew Community (of) unaltered Augsburgh(ish) Confession of Philadelphia, 1891. This would have been a very traditional sect at the time as the Augsburgh Confession was the first Lutheran written set of standards presented to the Roman Emperer in 1530. (E, F-109)

Theresia volunteered as a member of the Red Cross Motor Corps during World War II. She died of a brain tumor in her 50's and was greatly missed. She was said to be a very gentle woman who was able to raise a large family without ever raising her voice. She is buried in Lot #381, Section 27 of Calvary Cemetery, in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Notes:

This Dudik's birth name was Gyorgy, but he took the name of Joseph when he emmigrated to America. The first time we see him going by the name of Josef is literally on the ship's manifest when he arrives at Ellis Island. His native language was Slovakian. The peoples of his home town, Neviczke, Hungary, were considered Ruthenian, Rusyns or Magyars (Hungarian). They were not Russian by culture, but considered to be on the outskirts of Russia at one point in time. The way Gyorgy Josef's name is spelled in the records is a Hungarian spelling. The 1900 census says that Joseph came in 1888 and his wife in 1891. This does not appear to be true. They might have left their home in 1891 but they arrived in 1892. He and his wife first came to America on Feb. 17, 1892 though they bunked in seperate quarters. They arrived in New York through Ellis Island. His name is Gyorgy in Nevizcke and Josef in America. Immigrants often changed their first name to a more "American" name when they emmigrated.

Josef departed in Vienna, Austria on the ship Waesland along with his brother-in-law, Mihaly Vocsik and a likely uncle or cousin named Joseph Vovscik, age 34. Joseph Dudik was listed at age 26. They were listed as Hungarian. They bunked together and were headed to Sheffield, PA. Mihaly's sister, Maria Vocsik, wife of Josef Dudik also came on this same ship. Even though Maria was listed by her maiden name in this record, it was common practice for women to be listed by their maiden name in these ships passenger lists. They are on record as having son Andras back in 1887 in Neviczke, Austria Hungary, Maria in an unknown location in 1889 and then a child whom died as an infant in 1992 after being born in 1991. It is interesting to note that the two children we have birth records for in Nevizcke both had the same god parents, Mihaly and Julianna Vovcsik. I'm assuming Mihaly was Maria's brother and Julianna was likely Mihaly's wife whom we know to be named Anna in her birth record. Maria's sister Julianna was suppose to be the baby of the family and would have been too young to be a godparent.

Joseph and Maria had jobs in different towns lined up according to the ship's passenger records. Joseph Dudik and Mihaly Vocsik were both listed as laborers headed for Sheffield, Warren Co., PA which is northwest Pennsylvania somewhat close to Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania where this family ended up living. Joseph's wife, Maria Vocsik, was age 24, and listed as a servent headed along with her 18 year old relative, B. Bogdan, to Pottsville, Montgomery Co., PA which is northwest of Philadelphia and quite a bit further east than Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania where she and her husband lived their final years. (D-50, 81) (D-200, 201, 225)

George Joseph appears to have returned to the old country and come back to America on an immigration list on Nov. 23, 1901 in Ellis Island Records on the ship Graf Waldersee departing from Hamburg. He was from Noviczky, Hungary. He was age 38. This would suggest his birthdate as 1863. He was going to stay with Jano Vovck in Johnsonburg, PA. He had $22.00 on him at the time. He was the correct age to be this same person and would have been staying with his brother-in-law. He was married. He was listed as Hungarian. By that same year 1901, all of Joseph and Mary's children had been born. Their birth dates are usually incorrect in the public birth records as per interviews with these family members. The doctor apparently submitted many of their children's birth dates and even names incorrectly.

Joseph is listed as a laborer in 1899 when their son George Joseph was born. They lived at the Hill (Hall) St. Extension in Johnsonburg at the time. In the newspaper obituary for this George Joseph it lists his parents as George and Mary Wolfe Dudick. (D-50, D-109) In 1900, they owned a house free and clear on Clarion Junction, Johnsonburg, PA according to the June 1900 census. Joseph could not read nor write, but could speak English. His wife could not read, write nor speak English. He was a day laborer by trade. He is listed as an alien (not a naturalized citizen). Wife, Marie and daughter, Marie were both listed as naturalized, although one of these facts is likely incorrect as citizenship came with the prerequisite of speaking English. They lived at Indian Run when their daughter, Julia was born in 1901. (D-56) I was not able to find one of our Dudick's in the 1910 or 1920 census. (F-246a)

Joseph Dudik appears to have again traveled back to the old country and returned to Arrayo, Pennsylvania to stay with his son, Gyorgy Dudik on the Pannonia on May 21, 1906. Arrayo was located in Spring Creek Twp., Elk Co., PA on the Clarion River 18 miles south west of Johnsonburg. His son would have been only 7 at the time, so I'm assuming he was returning to live with whole family too. He listed his age as 42. This would calculate his birthdate to be 1864. His last residence was listed as Neviczke, Hungary. His race is listed as Slovak. He was listed as a farmer and married. He stated he had lived in Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania previously from what possibly looks like 1900-1903.

Joseph died on Oct. 29, 1906 according to Mary's typed up third marriage application. He was listed as a Section Boss at the time of his death by his daughter Anna in her marriage record dated 1914 where he was also listed as deceased. His death certificate listed as Joseph Dudoack, states that he died on Nov. 2, 1901. It occurred on Johnsonburg, Elk Co., Pennsylvania of unknown cause. The person whom submitted the information obviously did not know much about him. It stated that he was age 38, born in Paland Russia. His parents of unknown name were born in Russia. He was married at the time. It looks like the info might have been supplied by a neighbor, George Younger, Sr. whose name is listed at the bottom left of the death record. (D-DOC, F-246a)

Articles have finally come to light thanks to descendant Ken Anderson that obviously apply to this Joseph Dudick. An article in the Nov 8, 1907 Johnsonburg Press was about the death of Joe Dudak (Dudick?) on Nov 1-2, 1907. It is transcribed by Ken as follows "Johnsonburg Press Friday: November 8, 1907 Pg.1, A MURDER MYSTERY? Mysterious circumstances surround the death of Joseph Dudak, which occurred at his home about a quarter of a mile above the mouth of Indian Run, on the Glen Hazel road some time Friday night following a drinking bout indulged in by the dead man, his wife, Steve Zimmerman and James Misko, the latter two belonging to the Rasselas settlement, when a quart of brandy and a quart of alcohol was drank, in which was also a quantity of pepper to make it hotter, coupled with the fact that two of the men were on the way home from Johnsonburg and while in town they drank considerable. The first intimation that there were suspicious circumstances was Saturday morning when Mrs. Dudak came to town and said her husband was dead. Squire Secrist and Constable Mc Clintle went up to view the remains, and the oldest boy, John, said that he saw Zimmerman go out to the wagon along the road to get the last bottle of booze, which was alcohol and while there he emptied the contents of a paper into the bottle. Dudak took a drink, and immediately afterwards became violently sick, and remained in that condition until along towards morning, when he died. The remains were given in charge Undertakers, Ubel Flynn. Sunday morning a coroner's jury was impaneled, consisting of D. W. _, Geo. Younger, Sr., Alva H. Gregory, Phil Tirttle, J. Weiss and W. I. Secrist, the Iatter being selected foreman. The testimony of Steve Zimmerman, Jas. Misko, Mrs. Dudak and her son, John and daughter, Mary was heard, the first fwo telling a pretty straight story but from the others no information further than a contradictory mix-up was secured. Dr. Sharp made a post-mortem examination of the internal organs. These together with the bottle which Johnnie alleged was the bottle into which he saw Zimmerman place the poison, were produced in evidence at the second meetting of the coroner's jrry Monday morning. There being no evidence against Zimmerman further than that of the boy, he was allowed to go. The internal organs and the bottle have been sent to a chemist for analysis, after which the coroner's jury will again meet and determine the cause of death, if possible. Zimmerman & Misko who live near Rasselas were in Johnsonburg Friday morning driving past Dudak's house. They saw Dudak who said he was going hunting, didn't feel good, and asked them to bring back something to drink. On the return trip they stopped at Dudak's house about 5:00, took in a bottle of brandy, and when it was gone Zimmerman went to the wagon to get the alcohol. They left about 7:00 and didn't learn of Dudak's death until the next day. Dudakk's remains were placed in the charge of the County Commissioners who had them interred in the County Home Cemetery in St Marys. Johnsonburg Press Nov 15, 1907


The Coroner determined that Joe Dudak died of alcoholism and no trace of poison was found. (This suggests he died of liver failure.) "Note; The Johnsonburg Press was a weekly paper published on Fridays therefore Joe Dudick died early Saturday morning Nov 2, 1907. At the time the Dudick's were living on Glen Hazel near the Clarion River on the outskirts of Johnsonburg PA according to these articles.

Then to further support that this is the same family, an article on Jan 3, 1908 in the same paper stated: "County Commissioner Thomas paid a visit to Father Baker's school in Buffalo last week and was much pleased with what he saw at the institution. He took there the thirteen year old son of Joe Dudack, the man who died suddenly at Johnsonburg some weeks ago, and left him. The lad is bright but has never attended school a day in his life. He was anxious to go to the Buffalo institution and Commissioner Thomas thinks it's the place for him. There are seven hundred boys in the school at the present time and they are not only educated, but also taught trades. It's a charitable institution and set up by Father Baker's unceasing efforts in behalf of homeless boys."


On that same day there was an article about Mary Dudak being arrested for the murder of a Mary Ann Tozler. Though difficult to read, it seems that Mary set fire to a house that Mary Ann Tozler was in and it was thought that Mary Ann died in the fire. An April edition of the paper said Mary Dudak was acquitted due to lack of proof since the body was never found. What we know from family interviews of his son John and others, Mary, Joseph's wife did not have the funds to keep the family together after his death. Mary went to work in a boarding house. The boys, John Joseph and Joe Dudick all were sent to Father Baker's home for boys in Buffalo, N.Y. Joe Dudick was adopted for a while by a German family who thought he was German. When they found out he wasn't, they neglected him and he ran away, back to St. Mary's Orphanage. The girls, were sent to a girls home in Erie, PA, except for Mary--who was 14. She ran away to Bradford and worked at the hospital. When the elder Mary was able, she returned for her children. To her great grief, her youngest daughter, Julia, had been adopted out. She and her other children spent years searching for Julia. Julia had been taken from the orphanage in Erie by the chief of the Erie fire department. She wasn't actually adopted by him, but he had enough influence to keep her original mother from knowing her whereabouts.

Julia wanted to find her family desperately too. She skipped school at age 12 or 13 and went to the orphanage to try and find her brothers and sisters. She was simply told they were no longer there. She then ran away at age 14 and married Harry Dimick. This marriage ended in divorce and she moved to California. Julia eventually found her original family with the help of a priest at St. Agnes in Los Angeles, California in 1932 or 1933. Although the reunion was very special to all of them, her mother had sadly passed away by then. Julia's name had been changed to Marion Gertrude by her care-taker family. In 1940, Julia met and married Clarence Olmstead. He operated a poultry market. They later purchased and operated a liquor store. She retired in the early 70's and died of a stroke in 1977. Mary Dudick, wife of Joseph Dudick, met Mike Cesario in Mt. Alton, PA after her husband's death. He was a foreman for the railroad. She had two more children by him, Josephine and Tony Cesario. Mary had a sister, Veronica?, (who married John or Michael Parilla) and at least one brother, Mike Wolfe and his son John, living in Johnsonburg, PA (D-45). She visited her sister Veronica (Ella) in Johnsonburg, PA for all or most of her own children's births. She had a sister, Julianna's family that she also visited in New York State. She seems to have had a very hard life, according to her son, Tony Cesario. She had a religious nature, did like to read from the bible, but was not accepted in the Catholic Church. Her granddaughter, Dorothy, remembers her as small and delicate in frame. Her oldest daughter looked just like her, but was tall. (D-116) She owned two older homes in Mt. Jewett at the time of her death. Since there was no will, one was given to Tony Cesario and one to Josephine. They tore them down and got trailers which were still standing on the same property in 1981.

The known residences for our Joseph and Mary Dudick in America were: 1900: Joseph and Mary Dudick and family at Clarion Junction, Johnsonburg, PA; 1912: Mary Dudick and Mike Cesario lived in Backus, PA (D-21); 1919: Mary lived on Dayton St. in Mt. Jewett (D-21); Dec. 1919: Mary lived in Kushequa, PA (D-24); May 18, 1920: Mary lived in Kushequa, PA (D-28); 1929: Mary lived in Mt. Jewett. (D-33). They also were known to have lived in Salamanca, PA; Mt. Alton, PA; and Custer City, Pennsylvania.

The Coat of Arms for Dudick is in "Siebmacher's Wappenbuch". The shield is blue with a white left-diagonal stripe with three red roses in it. Above that is a knight's helmet and a Crest of a black eagle. There is no recorded motto. The surname, Dudick, is believed to have originated in Germany. The surname in German means "one who was a simple man." (D-155) My children's great grandfather thought that his family was originally from Germany. Our branch had moved to Slovakia because they were remembered as speaking Slavic from the old country. That could mean the Slovak language from the state of Slovakia or Czech from the state of Bohemia, or Rusyn from the Slovakian region called Ruthenia or even Polish from Poland. These languages are similar and derive from common Slovak root. (E)

There was a wonderful lead for the Dudick side of the family that finally helped us locate this family. Three people traveled together on the Pannonia from the Port of Fiume, Yugoslavia arriving in New York on Sep. 11, 1905 that all have connections to the Dudick family. They were all from Neviczke, Hungary and could read and write. They were Ruthenian by race. They were Janis Cynsik?, age 38, male, married, destination St. Clair, to be staying with his brother-in-law, Dudik in Pennsylvania. He had been in the country previously in the 1890's also staying in St. Clair, Pennsylvania. Next to him on the list is Mary Dudik, age 19, single, destination, her cousin, Anna (Uhisr) in New York City, New York. This would have been Mary, the daughter of Joseph and Maria Dudik. She was probably exaggerating her age in this statement. Below her on the passenger list was Veorn (Veron) Vovcsik (who was the sister-in-law of Joseph Dudick). She was age 19, single, going to see her brother-in-law, Jozef Kacsik in Arroyo, Elk Co., Pennsylvania. He was the husband of her sister, Julianna. Veron later married Joseph Perilla and went by the name of Veronica Ella Perilla.

Researchers Ken and Carol Anderson hired a researcher from the town of Nevicke/Nevicrke in what is now the Ukraine and were able to verify that the Dudicks were originally spelled Dudik and lived in the Nevicke area as well. Eureka! After more than 30 years of searching we finally know where the Dudicks are from.

Sadly, the 2 books in existence for this town do not cover the years in which our Gyorgy Dudik was born. He went by the name of Gyorgy Dudik in Neviczke. Homes in Neviczke, Hungary were along one street. The following Dudik's whom lived in Neviczke just a few years prior to his birth lived in the houses designated with the following house numbers in Byzantine Church Records. I was able to hire a researcher and finally find Gyorgy Dudik's parents. He grew up in house 23 below and his parents were Andij and Anna Dudik. I have included all of the Dudik's in this small town as they were all highly likely his relatives.

This is not a common name that I've found anywhere but in Neviczke/Nevike. Nevike is now along the western border of the Ukraine.

Dudik House 19 Record #2 - 27.02.1857, Dudik Georgij, 20 y.o, house #19, and Volinich Anna, 19 y.o, widow, House #65. Witnesses are Sabov Ivan and Valko Tereza.

Record #20 - 30.06.1860, Dudik Georgij, husband of Dolinich Anna, 24 y.o, house #19, consumption. Died without issue apparently.

Record #9 - 7.06.1860, Trisihvost Georgij, 25 y.o, and Dudik Maria, 19 y.o. Witnesses are Danko Fedor and Sirko Yosif.

Record #42 - 16.11.1861, Mihail, parents are Trisihvost Georgij and Dudik Maria, house #19, godparents are Vovchik Georgij and Dyurik Anna. Died same day.House 23***Andij Dudik and Anna Kalinchak married before 1853

Record #11 - 1.05.1853, Maria, parents are Dudik Andrij and Kalinchak Anna, farmers, house #23, godparents are Groshik Mihail and Karbovanets Maria. Record #9 - 15.03.1856, Ana, parents are Dudik Andrij and Kalinchak Anna, house #23, godparents are Groshik Georgij and Karbovanets' Maria.

Record #7 - 19.02.1859, Yosif, parents are Dudik Andrej and Kalinchak Anna, house #23, godparents are Groshik Dyuro(?) and Ugrin Maria. Record #22 - 7.06.1860, Andrej, parents are Dudik Andrej and Kalinchak Anna, house #23, godparents are Groshik Georgij and Ugrin Maria. (He is likely the Andrej Dudik, from Nevicke, age 39, whom entered the U.S. on May 23, 1900 from the port of Antwerp. He was meeting up with his brother-in-law in Pottsville, PA, Joseph Kidore. He was traveling with a likely son, Fedor Dudik, age 18 going to the same place.)

Record #9 - 7.06.1860, Dudik Stefan, 20 y.o, house #23, and Zhel'ska Yulianna, 19 y.o, house #63. Witnesses are Opalenik Andrej and Ugrin Ivan.

Record #44 - 18.11.1861, Anna, parents are Dudik Stefan and Zhel'ska Yulianna, house #23, godparents are Mitsulich Mihail and Mitsulich Borka.House 27

Record #1 - 13.02.1859, Bertsik Mihail, 34 y.o, widower, house #66, and Dudik Yulianna, 40 y.o, widow, house #27. Karbovanets Migal and Karbovanets Maria.*

Record #6 - 16.02.1860, Dudik Ivan, 23 y.o, house #27, and Miklotsik Maria, 19 y.o, house #25. Witnesses are Danko Fedor and Groshik Fedor.

Record #18 - 30.04.1860, Georgij, parents are Dudik Ivan and Miklotsik Maria, house #27, godparents are Vovchik Petro and Hotij Yulianna.House 28Ivan Dudik and Yulia Pipik married before 1853

Record #20 - 23.06.1853, Mihajl, parents are Dudik Ivan and Pipik Yulia, house #28, godparents are Kidora Janko and Fedchik Yulia. Record #37 - 16.09.1853, Dudik Mihail, son of Ivan, 1 month old, house #28. Cause of death is "impertinence".

Record #27 - 25.07.1853, Dudik Maria, daughter of Ivan, 7 months old, house #28.

Record #24 - 20.11.1854, Varvara, parents are Dudik Ivan and Pipik Yulia, house #28, godparents are Kidora Janko and Yulia.Record #44 - 11.10.1856, Mihail, parents are Dudik Ivan and Pipik Yulia, house #28, Kidora godparents are Ivan and Fedchik Yulia. Record #17 - 20.07.1857, Dudik Ivan, husband of Pipik Yulianna, 45 y.o, house #27, typhus.*Petr Dudik and Maria Dyurik married before 1853

Record #11 - 20.03.1854, Georgij, parents are Dudik Petr and Dyurik Maria, house #28, godparents are Vovkulich Yosif and Popovich Borka.<tab>Record #21 - 2.05.1854, Dudik Georgij, son of Petr, 4 m.o, house #28

Record #13 - 7.04.1855, Georgij, parents are Dudik Petr and Dyurik Maria, house #28, godparents are Vovkulich Yosif and Popovich Maria Record #14 - 19.03.1857, Fedor, parents are Dudik Petro and Dyurik Maria, house #27, godparents are Vovkulich Yosif and Popovich Maria, died same day.

Record #8, 9 - 19.03.1857, Dudik Feodor and Yosif, twins, sons of Petr, ? and 5 hours, house #27. (Birth and Death) Record #17 - 17.04.1858, Ivan, parents are Dudik Petro and Dyurik Maria, house #28, godparents are Vovkulich Yosif and Popovich Maria.

Record #16 - 10.08.1858, Dudik Ivan, son of Petr, 3 m.o, house #28, cough. Record #18 - 6.03.1859, Anna, parents are Dudik Petro and Dyurik Maria, house #28, godparents are Vovkulich Yosif and Popovich Borka.

Record #11 - 11.04.1859, Anna, parents are Dudik Petro and Dyurik Maria, house #28, godparents are Vovkulich Myhail and Popovich Borka.

Record #8 - 2.07.1859, Dudik Anna, daughter of Petr, 2 m.o, house #28, weakness. House 31 Record #41 - 23.09.1853, Dudik Yulianna, daughter of *Yurij, 1 ? y.o, house #31, epidemic.House 38

Record #5 - 24.02.1856, **Dudik Georgij, 34 y.o, house #38, and Chiprich Anna, 30 y.o, widow, house #63. Witnesses are Danko Fedor and Zhel'ska Maria. They lived in house #63 after they were married. See house #63)Varvara Dudik and her husband Georgij Repashi married before 1853

Record #30 - 1.07.1856, Varvara, parents are Repashi Georgij and Dudik Varvara, house #38, godparents are Vovkulich Georgij and Legeza Yulia**Record #8 - 8.02.1858, Ivan, natural, mother is Dudik Varvara, father is unknown, house #38, godparents are Dudik Georgij and Dudik Maria.

Record #38 - 21.09.1859, Maria, parents are Repashi Georgij and Dudik Borka, house #38, godparents are Vovkulich Georgij and Dyuril Yulianna. Record #31 - 1.09.1861, Maria, parents are Repashi Georgij and Dudik Varvara, house #38, godparents are Vovkulich Georgij and Dyurik Yulianna. (A Repashi and Varvara Dudik are also listed in house 47 as having a child in 1853. This is probably the same Varvara Dudik in each case.)**

Record #2 - 4.02.1858, Dudik Yosif, 25 y.o, house #38, and Mitsulich Maria, 19 y.o, house #20. Witnesses are Makuh Fedor and Danko (?).

Record #30 - 2.07.1859, Ivan, parents are Dudik Yosif and Myzulich Maria, house #38, godparents are Bogdan Ivan and Telteka Anna Record #33 - 1.09.1861, Anna, parents are Dudik Yosif and Mitsulich Maria, house #38, godparents are Bogdan Ivan and Zhelezka Anna. Died same day. House 39*Ftedor Dudik and Anna Golich

Record #25 - 1.07.1860, Ivan, parents are Dudik Fteodor and Golich Anna, house #39, Ugrin godparents are Pavel and Kidora Tereza.House 41*Ivan Dudik, Serf and Anna Rogach likely married before 1853 Record #38 - 7.10.1856, Yulianna, parents are Dudik Ivan, serf, and Rogach Anna, house #41, godparents are Popovich Petr and Valko Anna. Record #42 - 9.10.1859, Ivan, parents are Dudik Ivan, serf, and Rogach Anna, house #41, godparents are Popovich Petro and Gulyo Anna.

Record #24 - 10.08.1860, Dudik Petro, son of Georgij Dudik, servant, and Gryzh Maria, 3 weeks old, house #41, weakness. (Death)House 42Andrej Dudik Record #7 - 5.03.1854, Dudik Bogdan, son of Andrej, 9 y.o, house #42, rash. (Died)House 47Varvara Dudik and husband Yurko Repashi

Record #7 - 1.03.1853, Repashi Yurko, 25 y.o, house #41, and Dudik Varvara, 18 y.o, house #47. Witnesses are Dudik Ferko and Lednak Maria.Mihail DudikRecord #4 - 28.06.1854, Dudik Yosif, son of Mihail, 7 y.o, house #47, (died of) anthrax.House 52*

Record #6 - 11.02.1855, Dudik Janko, 18 y.o, house #52, and Karbovanets Anna, 16 y.o, house #13. Witnesses are Ugrin Yosif and Makuh Varvara. Record #32 - 16.08.1856, Mihail, parents are Dudik Ivan and Karbovanets Anna, house #52, godparents are Ugrin Vasil and Groshik Maria. Record #15 - 6.07.1857, Dudik Mihail, son of Ivan, 11 y.o, house #52, winter fever.

Record #42 - 3.11.1854, Dudik Georgij, husband of Kidora Yulianna, 30 y.o, house #52, typhus. House 60Mihail Ugrin and Maria Dudik likely married before 1853Record #13 - 22.04.1854, Yulianna, parents are Ugrin Mihail and Dudik Maria, house#60, godparents are Rosul Fedor and Vovkulich Tereza.Record #28 - 22.06.1859, Maria, parents are Ugrin Mihail and Dudik Maria, house #60, godparents are Danko Fedor and Vovkulich Tereza.House 63**

Record #5 - 24.02.1856, **Dudik Georgij, 34 y.o, house #38, and Chiprich Anna, 30 y.o, widow, house #63. Witnesses are Danko Fedor and Zhel'ska Maria.

Record #49 - 20.12.1856, Yosif, parents are Dudik Georgij and Yunkuts Anna, house #63, godparents are Miklovchik Nikolai and Solomon Yulia. (I'm assuming either Yunkuts or Chirprich was her married name from whom she was widowed.Record #54 - 5.12.1858, Andrej, parents are Dudik Georgij and Chiprich Anna, house #63, godparents are Miklotsik Mykula and Solomon Yulianna.

Record #47 - 18.10.1862, Ivan, parents are Dudik Georgij and Chiprich Anna, house #63, godparents are Miklotsik Mikula and Solomon Yulianna.House 66Mihail Baloga and Maria Dudik

Record #7 - 23.02.1862, Yosif, parents are Baloga Mihail and Dudik Maria, house #66, godparents are Rosul Fedor and Karbovanets Maria.House 79

Record #25 - 13.09.1853, Ivan, parents are Sabo Ivan and Dudik Anna, new house, godparents are Karbovanchik Myhail and Melechik Anna.

Record #26 - 22.05.1858, Petro, parents are Sabo Ivan and Dudik Anna, house #79, householders, godparents are Karbovanets Myhail and Zhelizka Anna.

Record #29 - 28.09.1860, Varvara, parents are Sabo Ivan and Dudik Anna, house #79, godparents are Karbovanets Mihail and Zhelizka Anna.

In addition, we know of the following Dudik's in Ellis Island records and other from websites. Andrej was born in 1861 in Neviczke who travelled to America in 1900 from Antwerp on the Kensington. He was married at the time. He traveled with an 18 year old, Pavol Dudik who was likely his son. Their destination was Andrej's brother-in-law's (Joseph Kitore's?) home in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The other Dudik's we have found living in Neviczke at this same time that again are likely relatives are a Joinos Dudik who witnessed a christening along with an Anna Vovcsik for Julia (Lasko) on Nov. 20, 1887. There is also a Bax... Dudik at an unreadable date in a similar time frame. Two records down on the same page there is another Anna Dudik who appears to be the wife of a Josef (Hofrsiaca). On Dec. 26, 1886, Anna Dudik and a Gyorgy Grosih witness the baptism of an Anna Uhrin again in Neviczke. Gyorgy Dudik and Anna Grosih are the parents of Maria, b. Sep. 8, Christened Sep. 10 of an unknown year. This was witnessed by a Gyorgy Dudik and a Juliana Grosih, obvious relatives of the parents. Anna Dudik married to Joseph Vovcsik are parents of Anna, b. Oct. 24 (unstated year) and christened on Oct. 25th. Their witnesses to the christening were Janos Gutys and Maria Kovacs. A Maria Dudik witnesses the baptism of Anna (Ondrik) on Oct. 27th on that same page along with a (T? Karbovoineoz). A Janos Dudik witnessed the christening of Gyorgy Kohucho on Apr 19, 1895. A Jun 4, 1913 Ellis Island record also gives clues. A Gyorgy Dudik, age 20, born Neviczke, Hungary, listed his closest relatives in Nevickzke as Georg Dudik (originally of Nevickzke) and his wife Kochel Vahansoh(n/r?) originally of (S/L?)rargorod. They are listed as Slovak for nationality. He was going to join his brother Jan Dudik in Kane, Pennsylvania. All of these Dudik's being from this same small town in Hungary are highly likely to be related to our Gyorgy Dudik.

Gyorgy married Marie VOVCSIK in 1886. Marie (daughter of Mihaly VOVCSIK and Maria BOGDAN) was born on 25 Dec 1862 in Budapest, Budapest, Hungary; died on 18 Aug 1932 in Mt. Jewett, Mckean, PA, USA; was buried after 18 Aug 1932 in Bridgeview Cemetery, Mt. Jewett, Mckean, PA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mary lists her birth year as 1867 in the 1900 U.S. Census for Elk Co., Pennsylvania. She is age 24 in 1892 when she emmigrated to this country in New York estimating her birth as 1867 or 1868. In her marriage licenses though, she lists her birth date as 1865. She lists her parents as Mike Wolfe and her mother as Maria Bugdon in one of her marriage applications to her second husband, Mike Cesario.

When her first husband died unexpectedly in 1907, it left her with young children whom were taken in by Father Baker's home while she found work. Their youngest daughter, Julia, was "adopted" out. Mary searched for this daughter for years but sadly passed before she found her.

The year after her husband died was surely a very difficult one for Mary even beyond these terrible losses. Her house burnt down and she was accused of murder. She went to trial where the charges were dismissed due to lack of evidence.

Even after this was over, she was still heartbroken and working to find a way to get her children back under her care. Her children, even in their old age, remembered how much they wanted to be back with her too. I can't imagine the pressures she was under.

Mary appears to have married her second husband, Mike Cesario, twice. The first time occurred on 6/5/1909 in Limestone, Cattaraugus Co., NY. They lived in Newton, PA at the time. They married again in 1922. No divorce has been found in between the two marriages. According to her daughter Josephine, it was because Michael had a wife back in Italy. After he heard of his first wife's death, they married the second time. It is not known whether Mary knew of Michael's other wife, when she married him in 1909.

In her 2nd marriage record, she lists her 1st husband's death date as Oct. 30, 1906. It turns out that he died in the night of Nov. 1st in 1907 according to the Johnsonburg Press where his name is misspelled as Dudek. (D-Doc)

Mary was Catholic, but was not accepted by the Catholic Church at the end of her days. She still was a very strong Christian who read the bible daily according to her son Tony. She was remembered by her children and her nieces and nephews for her kindness, support and care.

Notes:

According to the christening record of Michael Kacsmar on Oct. 20, 1869, in Koprivnica, Slovakia, his parents were Juraj Kacsmar and Ann Kuchar. Family tradition says that blonde haired Michael was a sheepherder in the old country and brunette haired Susan (Mary) Hruskovic was a cook for 30 people. These two met when they lived on either side of the border. (What border it is not known.) They were married in Austria and had two children, Mary and Anna, before they came to America (D-18). According to their daughter, Sue Irene, they were Slovaks although her father might have been German (D-18). Michael came over first to America, got a job, and then sent for his family. He might have been the Michael Kacsmar who arrived on the Pennland from the Port of Antwerp on July 3, 1893. The Ellis Island records state that he was 24, married, from Koprivnica, Hungary. He was a workman who could not read or write and whose destination was Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania. According to his daughter Mary's 1930 census record, his family emmigrated in 1896. (D-18, 74, EL). Michael was employed in many different capacities. He supposedly came to America for work as a lumber jack. He is listed as a laborer and dye maker in his daughters' marriage certificates. He worked largely in chemical factories according to daughter, Katie. He and most of his sons might have worked in the charcoal plant in Custer City, Pennsylvania. He and his family moved a lot because he was a teamster of horses. He was a roustabout and pumper for independent producers of oil and a gardener at the end of his life. (D-57,73) He became a U.S. citizen June 2, 1903 (D-53, 95). He made his own beer and snuff (out of 5 Brothers Tobacco). According to his grandson, John Dudick, the beer was quite good - without bitter aftertaste. (D-73) His granddaughter, Shirley Augustine, remembers that he also made great pigs feet. Granddaughter, Betty Helbert, adds that he loved and ate great quantities of salt pork and butter on his bread. He use to stoke up the wood stove in the living room until it was real hot and then sit right in front of it. He also made wagon tongues and handles for his tools. (D-152) In 1919, when their daughter Susan Kutchmire married, they signed the marriage application with an X meaning that they could not write. He is probably the Mike Katchmire in the 1920 census. He is listed as married, but living with Andrew and Helen Polcha in Luzerne Co., Pennsylvania. His age was estimated as being born in 1874/5 by the person giving info to the census taker. He and his parents were listed as being born in Czechoslovakia. In the 1930 census for Bradford Twp., McKean Co., PA, it states that he, his wife and both their parents were born in what was currently called Czechoslovakia. He and his wife were supposedly both age 58. He was 28 when they married and she was only 17. If you do the math on what we know of this family, their ages and marriage ages are both off. The language spoken in the home was Slovak. He emigrated in 1893 and she in 1895. It's hard to tell if he had become a U.S. citizen, but his wife definitely had not. They rented their home. It's contents were worth $8.00. He was listed as a laborer for all jobs. Susan, his wife, was a midwife. She, herself, had 8 children as well as 4 other stillborn children. Our older relatives remembered her stuffed cabbage that "was out of this world." (D-74) Granddaughter Betty Helbert recollected that she made aprons and dust caps and had her grandchildren go to the neighbors to sell them. She raised two of Betty's siblings, Pat and Margaret Ross, after Betty's mother died. (D-152) Residences: Backus, PA (D-57) (Their children went to school in Backus). Lewis Run, PA (D-57) Oct. 21, 1900; Ormsby, PA (D-36) Aug. 7, 1907; Lafayette Twp., McKean Co, Pennsylvania (D-27) Aug. 11, 1913; Dunmore, PA (D-74) Mar. 30, 1917; Custer City, PA (D-26) Dec. 29, 1919; Custer City, PA (D-24) Degolia, PA; (D-57) Sept. 24, 1934; Bradford City, Bradford Twp.: Mike and Mary each purchased two acres of land from Dorothy Healy. (D-22) Possible nieces and nephews or cousins of this Michael Kacmar, immigrated to PA and moved from Dunmore, PA to Hamlin, Hollisterville, and Pennsburg, Pennsylvania. This family included siblings named John Kacmar, b. 1890, Mary Motichka and possibly Andrew. (D-168) They could have lived in Dunmore at the same time as Michael Kacmar. Their father is listed as George in John's death record.Another likely relative, Mihaly Kacsmar who was emmigrating to stay with his cousin Mike Danko in Braddock (borough of ) Pittsburgh, PA gave his age as 18 in this record (b. of 1877).

Mihaly married Maria HRUSKOVITS before 1891. Maria (daughter of Josephus HRUSKOVITS and Catharina KOTULYAK) was born on 1 Oct 1867 in Zborov Parish, Saros, SVK; was christened on 2 Oct 1867 in Zborov Parish, Saros, SVK; died on 8 Feb 1947 in Degolia, Mckean, PA, USA; was buried in Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania, United States of America. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Maria or her daughter Katie had four children that were born dead. She herself was baptized into the Roman Catholic faith in Zborov Church, Saros, Slovakia. It was probably in Saros, Hungary at the time. Her godparents were: Thomas Vojtuc and Anna (Simeto). (D-57)

Maria Kacsmar came to the U.S. on Mar. 12, 1896 with Maria, age 4 and Anna, age 2. She is listed at age 25 years, married and from Hungary. They departed from the port of Breman and were headed for Bradford, Pennsylvania. (This record is on page 90 of the Ship's roster named Saale built in 1886.)

In the 1920 census, Mary gives her place of birth as Cartva, Hungary like her daughter lists. I need to study to see if the baptismal record I found for her would be the same place with a different name due to political boundary changes.

Notes:

Information from Henry Lincoln's son, Norman Leroy Forte, shows that Henry Lincoln went to Northwestern University & became a top civil engineer. As a civil engineer in the steel industry he helped build Heinz Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey (where the auditorium did stand), the Brooklyn Bridge (or the Delaware River Bridge), the stone bridges across the Schuylkill River from the University of Pennsylvania Boathouse row to the Art Museum and various railroads. He was employed by Edgemore Iron Co. in Delaware and at one time was the Vice President of the Phoenix Bridge Co. There are supposedly various monuments of him throughout New York State because of his job in constructing railroads and bridges. (F-621, E) During World War I, he was a dollar-a-year man at the Cape Station to load ammunitions on ships. (He was independently financially secure-so the Dollar-A-Year was a charitable job on his part.) Due to his profession, he & his wife and children had to move quite often. Some of their places of residence were: Edmore, Del., and Pottstown, Pennsylvania They definitely lived on the corner of Chelten and Stenton Avenues in Germantown, (Pennsylvania) on April 12, 1896, because the funeral of Marie Isabel, two year old daughter of Daniel L. and Belle V. McGowen Leahy was held at his home a couple days later. Their final home, the one that his grandchildren remember, was in the suburb of Glenside, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania They also had a summer cottage in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. (F-49) He was raised a Presbyterian but was converted to the Catholic faith for his wife's sake. His wallet is in the possession of Doris Dudick. It's most interesting original contents included a tin type of Diantha Fitch Bunnell Forte, a set of 4 leaf clovers glued to a card dated 8-1-1897, and a collection of poems; "Only," "My Little Boy That Died," "Foretaste," and "Worthiness." His family bible, that came from his mother's side of the family, the Bunnel's, is still in existence, being cared for by Henry Lincoln Forte, III, grandson to Henry Lincoln Forte, I. Many of the family member's births are recorded in it. Memories of Henry Lincoln Forte by his grandson, Bill (William) Forte include a man known as "Grandfather," who was an engineer on the Brooklyn Bridge & Heinz Pier (in Atlantic City, New Jersey). He had a proper English air about him. Even at age 80 he hated the Irish. (This adds interest as his wife was Irish.) He would get angry when his grandchildren called their father, "Dad", because "Dad" was an Irish expression. The beds in his home felt like they were made from corn kernels. Bill remembers his grandmother as a small, frail woman who baked great cupcakes and served puffed rice for breakfast. She loved to ride in their car when they picked her up and brought her for multiple week visits to Erie, Pennsylvania Henry Lincoln was bedridden due to a stroke for the last nine years of his life, and his daughter, Edith, would take care of him, while his wife visited their son, Norman's family. Betty remembers him as being a very grumpy, strict grandfather. She says that her grandmother could just ignore his grumpiness and get on with life. She was a delightful woman. (F-115, 122d) I have been able to locate Henry L. Forte and family in the 1880, 1900, 1920 and 1930 Philadelphia Pennsylvania census records. In 1880, Marie C. was listed as Minnie Forte by name and Henry was listed as a Draftsman by trade. In 1900, all the data verifies information in interviews of family members. All children had been born in that census. They lived at 3530 North Broad in Philadelphia at the time. (F-43,259) In 1920 only Henry L., Marie C., Edith M. and Elizabeth Forte were living at 3519 Broad. Henry L. is listed as an employed Civil Engineer in general practice. His father was born in Barbados and his mother, Connecticut. The 1930 census confirms this information. Marie was born in Pennsylvania as was her mother. Her father, however, was born in Connecticut. Daughter Mary was still living with them. They owned their home worth $8000.00 at the time. (F-260, 666) The picture included herein, is Henry Lincoln Forte on the left and a likely brother, Leslie or Cyrus on the right. It is from a copy of a tintype. Tintypes were in use from 1854-1900. This rules out it being anyone but this generation.

Henry married Marie (Elizabeth) Conley RAUCH about 1875. Marie (daughter of Wilmer (Rouch) RAUCH and Isabella CONNELLY) was born in Jun 1856 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 6 Apr 1935 in Glenside, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, USA; was buried on 9 Apr 1935 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The parents of Marie Rauch are likely as listed. The parentage chosen fit the family ages and names given by Norman Forte, grandson, in an interview of him (F-17), the 1860 and 1870 census records for Pennsylvania and the death certificate for Marie Conley (Connely) Rausch (Rauch) Forte listed above. (F-240 and F:DOC) A grandchild of Marie, Henry (Hank) Forte remembers her as being called Grandma McGowan. Maybe, because her mother remarried a McGowan, she assumed the name of McGowan. (F-453) However, her son Norman claimed his mother's maiden name was Rausch in his marriage application.

Marie is listed as Marie Rauch, age 13 in the 1870 census which was taken in November of 1870. There is one record that needs rechecked. The 1850 Census Records for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania list a James Raoush who was living with a Connely, Isehebel and a Johann, age 11. The names are coincidental and need rechecked. (F-388) (1850, Phil., Dau, p.254, Middle P.) or check (1850, Dau, p. 354, East Han) for a James Rauch.

Notes:

Julius Link was listed as a cabinetmaker in his daughter, Theresia's birth certificate. One special carved piece of furniture was in possession of Theresia Rosa Link's during her adulthood. Theresia's bedroom furniture also could have dated back to her father although this is not certain. The bedroom set was last in possession of her husband, Norman Forte's, second wife. (F-115) Mabel Link, deceased, also owned a carved chest made by Julius. Julius was from Hendungen, Bavaria according to his marriage record. This agrees with his emigration record. He was born in Baden, Germany according to his daughter Theresia in the 1930 Census for Pennsylvania.

He arrived in New York City in April of 1889 at age 16 with his sister Rosa. They are listed of Hendungen, Germany. He had no profession at the time. They traveled in "Steerage V" on the ship, Lahn. They left from the port Bremen, Germany and then Southampton, England.

Hank and Bill Forte, grandsons of Julius Link feels certain that the Links were actually from Darmstadt, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in the state of Bayern (Bavaria), Germany. (F-55,444) Different family members feel the Links also lived in Essen, Baden Baden in W. Germany or from a city that is recalled as Melorystadt? or Michelstein?, close to Bomberg Germany (Bavaria).

The 1930 census records for their daughter, Theresa states that her mother, Elizabeth Eckstein was born in Hessen-Darmstatt, Germany and her father, Julius Link was born in Baden, so family tradition probably reversed their birth places. He died of typhoid fever shortly before his son Julius was born. He asked his sister Rose to look after his family.

Even so, son Walter was placed in Girard College (home for boys) when he was 6 years old. His mother, Elizabeth W. Ekstein, remarried and had one more son. She also died young around age 45 (F-41, 105a) Her second husband broke up the household and took his son with him. Theresia was already married to Norman and they took in sister, Aurelia. Aurelia then married and went to Atlantic City. She had a daughter who died at age 18. Walter was about 18 and went on by himself. He had left Girard at age 16. He met Mabel, his future bride, at church around age 18. He married at age 23. Julius, Jr. was put in a foster home. Julius's parentage is not known for sure, but is listed here via a large number of matches to the ancestors of Barbara Link Lustenader. (F-118,232) We have his sister Rosie also listed in the 1900 census records for Philadelphia, PA with a birth date of Dec 1874 who came over the same year as her brother, Julius in 1889. (D-72)

Transcript of the Marriage Record for Julius Link and Elizabeth Ekstein as translated from original German copy by Ken Smith: 3/85

(Brau-Schein) (Dass) Herr Julius Link from (Hendungen), Bavaria and Frowlein Lizzie Ekstein from Beerfelden, Hessen (-Damstadt) (wedded) 25th July, 1896 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (in the presence of witnesses): Herr Adam Kraft (*pronounced Kroft), Frl. Rosa Link. (Chelich verbunden) (norden sind nird hierdurch glaubnurdig bexeugt) Philadelphia (den) 25th July 1896. G.J. (Muller), pastor of (Unabh) St. Paul's Lutheran Church. (*see F-108, E)or a translation by Mathias Siefert of Hendungen, Bavaria, Germany:That Mister Julius Link from Hendungen, Bavaria and Miss Lizzie Ekstein from Beerfelden, Hesse on 25th July 1896 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in presence of the witnesses Mister Adam Kraft, Miss Rosa Link: martially joined have been, is herewith believable witnessed Philadelphia the 25th July 1896 ? J. M

Julius married Elizabetha Wilhemina ECKSTEIN on 25 Jul 1896 in St. Paul's Lutheran Ch., Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Elizabetha (daughter of Jacob ECKSTEIN and Susana Katherina WAGNER) was born on 13 Aug 1872 in Beerfelden, Hessen, DEU; was christened on 24 Aug 1872 in Beerfelden, Hessen, DEU; died in 1916 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; was buried in 1916 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Elizabetha is listed with the birth place of Hessendarmstatt, Germany in her daughter, Theresa's 1930 census information. After the death of her husband, Julius Link, Elizabetha remarried and had a son. (F-156)