Gottscheer Heritage and Genealogy Association

Queries

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Archive Queries 2000-2002
Archive Queries 2003-2004

Posted 12 June 2008
I am looking for information regarding my grandfather's side of the family from Gottschee, whose surname was Petsche (his first name was John). I am also looking for information regarding my grandmother's side of the family from Gottschee, whose maiden name was Tromposch [Tramposch] (her first name was Margaret). She had a sister named Mary whose married name became Kropf, a name also from Gottschee. Thanks, Cathy (Petsche) Tabac tabaccathy@aol.com

Posted 5 June 2008
My father was Leopold Alois Achtschin, born in Chicago, Illinois in 1911. He had one sister, Anna Marie, born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1907. She never married. Their parents were Alois Achtschin and Anna Sattler. Alois was born in Vienna, Austria in [the 1800s] and Anna was born in Laibach [Ljubljana] in [the 1800s]. Anna Sattler's parents were Martin Sattler and Anna Bradac. I have a news clipping that shows them celebrating their 75th anniversary. I never knew Alois and Anna, but I grew up with two of Anna's sisters, my great aunts Rosa and Mitzi.
The family story I was told was that Alois' mother may have married beneath her station and her husband took her name, rather than the other way around. Alois was a tailor before leaving Austria and his wife, Anna, was a very good seamstress and lace maker, I have serveral pieces that she made, as well as Alois' tailoring books. Anna (and several of her siblings) served in the household of a Baroness Amalia before emigrating. ....I hope very much that someone knows something about the family.
Virginia Achtashin siobhan1us@gmail.com

Posted 8 March 2008
I am posting some new information I have obtained about my grandparents. My grandfather's name was Karl Poje and was born 4/23/1879 in Obergras.  My grandmother's name was Josefa Wittreich, born 4/13/1889 in Hinterberg. Her parents were Joseph Wittreich and Lena Kienp.
My grandparents were married in Hinterberg on 7/6/1908.  One son, Louis was born in Hinterberg.  Once in the US their names were Americanized to Carl and Sofia Page.  They lived in various towns in Pennsylvania including; Lopez, Russell, and Emporium.  Also, there was a record of them being in Olean, NY.  They had five more children, Max, Sophia, Carl, Mary and Agnes.  They finally settled in Buffalo, NY.
 Kay Balcerzak cerzak2@yahoo.com

Posted 26 February 2008
My name is Marjeta Breda Marinčič. I live in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The parents of my grandmother Ottilie Koroll, born 1886 in Graz, were Anna Krishe and Cyprian Koroll. Parents of Anna Krishe were Stephan Krishe, born 1821, Malgern 14, and Maria Kreiner, born 1818, Koflern 2. The parents of Maria Kreiner were Mathias Kreiner and Maria Nadler. The parents of Mathias Kreiner were Ursula [maiden name unkown] and Mathias Kreiner. The parents of Stephan Krishe were Agnes Schneider and Johann Krishe.
If I could get more information about my family history and relatives, I would appreciate it. Please, contact me. marjeta.marincic@inz-4m.si

Posted 25 February 2008
My dad was born in 1899 in a place called Uhibrar. His name was Franc Kuznik. He had a brother named Anton. on his passenger list in 1930 in May. It said that he was born in Uhibrar and on the address both Dolenjska and Velika Loka were mentioned. But I can't find Uhibrar or a name close to it. He was born on Feb. 14 1899 in the place called Uhibrar which I believe was in Austria-Hungarian [Empire] because my father was in the Austria-Hungarian army in the first world war. I believe it may have been in Gottschee and the name may have been changed later. He had a nickname which he was call Verba which I don't know what it means. I know he used to be guardian of the woods for rich landowners. Thank you.
Frank Kuzn fkuzniki@persona.ca

Posted 22 February 2008
I am looking for any information that anyone may have about the Krische, Matzelle, Rom, and Honigman (Henigman) families.  The Henigman family relation comes from the Rom side. 
My grandpa was born somewhere near Tschermoschnitz as he mentioned it a lot. His name was Mat Krisher (Krische) and his father was John Krische and mother Rosellie Grille. 
My grandma was born in 1901 in Clinton, IN shortly after her parents John Frank Matzelle and Josephine Rom came to the states.  Grandma’s name was Justina Maria Matzelle and she spoke many different dialects and languages of that part of Europe where her parents originated. 

My great grandpa raised wine grapes and my grandpa learned the trade of a Cooper (barrel maker) before he came to the states.  John Krische my great grandpa had his land taken away before WW1 and was conscripted into the army and fought in the war and was taken prisoner in Albania and escaped.  One of his sons Joe Krische (Krieger) deserted from the German army and another was shot for resisting the take over of their farm.  All but great grandpa John fled to the US through Switzerland by way of Canada and New York.  Great grandpa John stayed until the 1950s when my grandpa Mat Krisher paid for his way here. 

Does anyone know of these families and are there relatives still in the Gottschee area.  I remember grandma making Gantelain [Ganzelain] and it was good.  Did not learn how to make it but loved the Schmorn? she made and still make it today and our grandkids love it also.  We are very proud of our ancestory and where we ultimately originated and would like to learn more about it.  Thanks and peace to all, Joe Krisher
eyapaha@msn.com

Posted 26 January 2008
My name is Alexander Stonitsch I live in Klagenfurt (Austria) and I want to complete my family tree. My forefathers are from Gottschee.
My great great grandfather Johann Stonitsch was born 1857-9-18 in Hrib 24.
My great great grandmother Theresia Friedel was born 1863-9-30 in Wörsbach.
The married 1884-7-14 in Nesseltal (Koprivnik).
His father Anton Stonitsch, born 1820-8-4 in Nesseltal (Koprivnik pri Kočevjn), married Maria Rabuse, born 1826-2.-9 in Nesseltal (Koprivnig pri Kočevjn), 1841-7-7 in Nesseltal (Koprivnig pri Kočevjn).

The name of Anton Stonitsch’s father was also Anton Stonitsch and married Maria Meditz. Who knows the name of brothers and sisters or descendants.
I would be glad to get further information.
Thanks, Alexander Stonitsch
a.stonitsch@gmx.net

Posted 25 January 2008
Greetings - My father was born Anton Vidmar in Kukendorf, Gottschee. I am looking for ancestral information as well as lineal descendants of my relatives: the Widmers (Vidmars), Gliebes, Hoglers, Honigmans, Petsches, and Eppiches. Any information would be welcome!
David Widmer
vidmar.daj@gmail.com

Posted 31 December 2007
Looking for a connection and proof for the second wife of Martin Pureber.
My grandmother Anna Agnes Pureber is of the second wife.
According to her sister, Ursula Pureber Schodler,
Husband: Charles Schoedler, b. Bingen, Germany; parents Nicolaus Schoedler & Susanna Erbelding
Wife: Ursula Bareber (Pureber), b. Wien, Austria; parents Martin Bareber (Pureber) & Agenei Meichen;
married 02 August, 1896, Manhattan, NY
She names this woman as her mother. Can this be the correct spelling?
My Pureber family is from Kleinriegel.
Thanks, Carla Hillman Ratcliff
pratclif@swbell.net

Posted 31 December 2007
I am working on Meglen/Meglan line from Struge (Tisovec #4) then within the politcal district of Gottschee. Progenitor family, Josef Meglan, c. 1814, Tisovec #4, married on 3 June 1840 to Ursula Zherne, c. 1816 of Hozevhje #10 [Ambrus?].
Ursula Zherne, aka Cern, was the daughter of Anton Zherne and Ursula Fink. Witnesses to the marriage were Joseph Nose and Joseph Horvat, grandsons Johan, Steve Meglan, emigrated/settled in Butte, Montana.
My surname Meglen/Meglan is not listed in your list of Gottscheer families. My GF Johann Meglen b.1882 was in the Austrian Military, his Grundbuchblatt lists him born in Potiskave, Struga then in succeeding lines Orisgemeinde:"...."Struga," politischan Bezirk "..." Gottschee.
I am not sure how Gottscheer status is determined. I would welcome a definition.
Bill Meglen bohunkbill@charter.net

Posted 22 December 2007
I am seeking information regarding my grandparents Frank James Sterle & Alojzija (Bencina) Sterle. They were both born in Loz, Slovenia or Babno polje, Krain Austria (no further information) and immigrated to Cleveland, Ohio in 1902.
My mother Alojzija Sterle/Sterley was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1904. 
In 1906 my grandparents moved to Emporium, PA where they both died in 1944. The PA death notice for Frank cited a brother in the US and a sister in Europe alive around 1940. Death notice for Alojzija stated she had two brothers, Jack and Joseph Bencina of Cleveland, Ohio who father's name was Tony.
Also looking to connect missing great, great grandparents with a Troha surname to this side of the family, a Joannes Mlakar and Maria Knaus going to St. Mary, PA in 1902.
Also looking for information regarding my grandparents Petra Troha and Frances (Gregorich) Troha who were living in Prezid, (Austria) around 1890 with the birth of their first child Petra. No further information known on these grandparents or their siblings.
My father Anton Lawrence Troha was born in Runci or Prezid, in 1895. He and his brother Petra and 3 sisters, Vjekoslava, Franca and Ivka Troha all immigrated to the United States from the town of Prezid, starting in 1907 - going first to Michigan then to Emporium, PA. E-mail me any time. Thanks smtroha@optonline.net

Posted 15 December 2007
My name is Cindy Scopel and I’m trying to find my family. I live in Australia, my grandfather was born in Dobropola 12th June 1902. He came to Australia in 1926 from the citta de Genoa. His name was Giovanni Scopel and his father's name is the same, Giovanni Scopel. His mother's [name before] marriage was I believe Terresa Rech. I know my grandfather had sisters and brothers but I only know of one named Micheli Scopel. I hope you can help me with some information.
Regards, Cindy  delconn@optusnet.com.au

I am looking for information on the Skiber family. My grandfather, Edward Skiber, came from the Gottschee area. He served in World War I under the emperor Franz Joseph and immigrated to the United States after the war. He lived in the New York area and I believe he had at least one sibling, a brother named Rudolph, but my mother would have more details. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.
Cecilia Bach cecilia@bachrealestate.com

Posted 12 November 2007
I am looking for information regarding Matthew Samida who was killed in a coal mine accident around 1900 in Pennsylvania. He was originally from the Gottschee area and emmigrated to the U.S. in the late 1800s. I have most of the information on his descendants, but cannot come up with anything on his ancestors. He was married to Mary Aberhart/Eberhardt and had 2 sons David and John, and a daughter Annie. If anyone out there has any information, it would be much appreciated.
Jeff Samida jjsamida@kcc.com

Posted 27 October 2007
Would anyone have a recipe for "gone-sa-lain?" [Gantsëlain]
My grandmother, Sophie Schneider (Krisch) made it for us all the time but never wrote down the recipe. Thank you.
Debra Howard deb127@sbcglobal.net

Posted 7 October 2007
I am searching for information on the families Kordisch and or Ruppe who migrated from the German speaking territories of Slovenia to Cleveland, Ohio at the turn of the 20th century.
My grandmother, who died in Cleveland in 1926 before I was born, came from a village called Oberbachstein [Oberpockstein] and her name was Marie Ruppe.
Her father's name was Paul Ruppe and her mother's name
was Anna Miculitisch [Michelitsch].    
My mom's father, my grandfather, also came from Slovenia and his name was
Frank Kordisch. My mother's first language was German in Cleveland where she was born in 1913. My grandfather, according to my now deceased mother, spoke only Slovenian at home.
I cannot find any references to the village of Oberbachstein [Oberpockstein] anywhere and I would be grateful if anyone, having knowledge of this village, would write me.
Danke schoen.
Nicholas Hayden e-mail: opaliebe@aol.com
[Nicola Hajdin]

Posted 4 September 2007
I am looking for any relatives of George and Mary Stonich [Stonitsch]. George built a house in Joliet, directly across from St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. The bottom floor was used as a store, with living quarters above it. The address was probably 813/815 North Chicago Street, at some time it became 429/431 North Chicago Street. There is an inscription at roof level that says "Stonich - 1910." George and Mary had at least four chidren: George Aloyisius Stonich (1898-1985) Lemont, Illinois; Mary Stonich 1900, William Stonich, 1907; and Edward Stonich (1912-1989) California. He or someone in his family sold the store to Lawrence Zerna of Croatian descent, who ran a pharmacy in the store space. Lawrence Zerna sold his pharmacy to the Sochan, who sold music equipment. In St. Joseph's anniversary book this was inserted. "Fellow Slovenes, George Stonich was a storekeeper before the Slovene parish was founded. In his store you can purchase clothes, shoes, hats, in short, men's outfit. He is highly recommended."

It appears that George Stonich died in Joliet on 14 February 1947. I cannot find a record for Mary Stonich's death. George appears in the 1930 census with a birth date of 1870 and Mary shows up with a birth date of 1878. While I know that census data is often not correct, does this fit in with someone's family history? The 1910 census states he immigrated to the U.S. in 1890. Looks like they were married in the U.S. in 1898. George A. Stonich married Angela Chudy about 1921 and had a daughter Angela Stonich born about 1922. This family was living in Berwyn, Cook, Illinois. In 1892 George Sr. is listed as boarding at 803 N. Chicago Street in Joliet and working for T. Golobitsh. The house of George Stonich now serves as the home office of the Slovenian Women's Union of America. Any information regarding this family is welcomed. Thanks.
Contact George Plautz: gplautz@verizon.net

Posted 21 August 2007
I am looking for the family of my father's uncle, who emigrated to the U.S.A. in the early 20th century, but I forgot his first name. He was the brother of my grandfather, Franz Stonitsch, born 1889 in Unterskrill, who died in Vienna after WWII. I remember that my father told me that he had a son fighting in the war and two grandchildren or more living in a house near a lake, somewhere in the Chicago area. Who knows something about that branch of my family?
contact: Wolfgang Stonitsch, e-mail: stow@tele2.at
(Stonitsch, Wolfgang/wiener neustadt/austria)

Posted 3 August 2007
Looking to meet Kikel family members at next year's Treffen in Cleveland, Ohio. I'm from the European side of the family, came to the U.S. in 1950. Grandmother was Rosalia Kikel born in 1876 in Kletsch #4, Altlag parish, Gottschee. She was the only one who stayed in Europe. All her brothers and sisters came to the U.S. (Ohio) in the late 1890s and early 1900s. When responding put "Kikel" in the subject line.
Frank Kropf kropf1@verizon.net

Posted 3 August 2007
Any information I can find on the town of Rosshof would be appreciated. Our main interests are the Honigmann and Kofler families. Please e-mail me at phyljoeh@yahoo.com.
Phyllis Honigmann phyljoeh@yahoo.com

Posted 24 July 2007
I am from Bosnia. My grandmother Leni Troha came from Morobitz (Borovec) in Slovenia, born 23 June 1904, died 1985. Her parents were Jozef and Maria. I am looking for relatives.
Kasalovic Zorica, kasalo@teol.net

Posted 4 July 2007
My grandfather Rohrbeck came from Masern Austria area. He was born around 1854. Came to USA, settled in Brooklyn, NY. He married a Parthe. They later moved to Florida. I am trying to locate any information available. Thank you.
Paul Rohrbeck, prohrbeck@alltel.net

Posted 29 June 2007
My grandfather John Leonard Knaus came from Mittergras, born 1865, died 1957, and per a list of townships from a Kalendar in 1926, in Gemeinde Obergras, Mittergras, which was known in Gottscheerisch as Hintrdearfle, is now listed as Srednja vas in Slovenia. My problem is discerning which one of the Srednja vas, Mittergras: 1. Srednja vas v Bohinju, 2. Srednja vas pri Kamniku, or 3. Srednja Vas, Gorice? Please, does anyone know this answer? Thank you very much.
Mary Jane Langeloh, calangeloh@msn.com

Posted 19 June 2007
My grandfather was born in Durnbach near Gottschee (now Slovenia) in 1865. His name was Johannes Kraker, later he changed his name to Janos Krakker. His father was Andreas Kraker, carpenter, his mother's name was Magdalena Schuster. I have his birth certificate. He came to Hungary and worked as a shoemaker. He had two daughters from his first marriage: Maria (1895) and Julia (1901). I don't know his wife's name. The two girls went to the U.S. in 1914 and in 1920. Maria did not have a child, but Julia had three sons.
After his wife died, he married my grandmother, and they lived in Kapuvar, Hungary. They had three children, one of them was my mother, Ilona Krakker.
I would like to know if my grandfather had any brothers or sisters, and everything about my great-grandparents.
Thank you for any help you may be able to give me.
Jozsef Csendes, Budapest. jcsendes@hrp.hu

Posted July 13, 2005. I am looking for my mother's side of the family. Her father's name was Peter Flainik. It was changed to Flanik when he came to the U.S. from Slovenia in 1898. He was born December 1883. He had a brother, Michael, and possibly a sister. My mother's mother was Sophie Konte, born in Austria, in November 1886. She had a couple of brothers and sisters who were all born in Austria. Her parents were John and Mary Konte. If anyone has more information for me I'd really appreciate it. Thank You, Roberta Kinkopf robkin52@msn.com

Posted July 13, 2005. I want to find information about the parents of my maternal great grandfather. His name was John Strutzel and I found his name on the 1880 Census form for Clinton county Iowa. He probably came to America a few years before that, because his eldest son was born in 1878 in Minnesota, but I don't know the year that John Strutzel migrated from Austria. He married a lady named Anna Suhorepetz (also spelled Suhorepec in Slovenian) probably in 1877 or a little before. Anna Suhorepetz was born in the village of Otovec, Township of Crnomelj, Province of Carniola, Austria in 1895. She had two brothers and one sister who also came to America. They had 13 children and lived for many years in the state of Illinois (particularly in Joliet, IL) where there is a family cemetery plot. I am also looking for information about the parents of my grandmother, Anna Mae Smerker Strutzel. I don't know her parent's names. I do know that her family came from Austria but I don't know when they migrated to America or which town they came from in Austria. Anna Mae had three sisters. She was born in Lyons, IA in 1887. I was told her father owned a tavern in Clinton County, IA. If anyone has any information about any of my Austrian relatives, please contact me at mayflower94590@sbcglobal.netThank you!

Posted May 30, 2005. I am searching my grandparents and relatives. I am the daughter of John Puttre. It is also spelled Putre and Julia Eppich. She was the daughter of Mag Schneider and my grandfather mother's name was Hutter. Thank you. Julie Puttre w2hje@aol.com

Posted May 16, 2005. I am wanting to start a family tree and hope there is someone out there with info for me. My grandparents Ferdinant Leitgeb and Maria Kofler had 5 children, my father Johann Kofler b. 1930 being one of them. My fahter was born in Glodnitz, Carinthia but I am not sure if that is where they all originate. My grandparens and I think great grandparents never married so Kofler has been passed down the female side of the family for a few generations. My great grandmother was Juliana Kofler and that's about all I know. I hope someone can help. regards Maria Corcoran (nee Kofler) corcoran@aapt.net.au

Posted May 16, 2005. I am searching for Kickel (Kikel) and Flack relatives that I have birth certificates for Aloysius Kickel (my grandfather) 1894 and Edward Kickel (my great uncle) 1892, sons of Johann Kickel and Margaretha (Flack) Kickel. It says on the certificates Kronland Krain which I think means Gottschee of the Bistum Laibach (diocese of Laibach). If you have any information about my relatives, they have a huge family in the United States that wants to know them, mostly in Cleveland, Ohio and California. Please email bird7083@earthlink.net and use KICKEL/FLACK on the subject line. Thank you. bird7083@earthlink.net

Posted May 16, 2005. I am doing research about my family. Any information re the Sterley family would be appreciated. Especially the South African Sterley's, but also abroad. Thank you, Alicia Sterley (22), Stelenbosch, South Africa. alicia@sun.ac.za

Posted May 16, 2005. I am looking for any information on the family Sterbenz or where I can look to find information. (How is the library in St. Johns University in Queens?) They established themselves in Brooklyn and Queens, and it must have been before World War II as my grandfather fought for the United States Air Force and his mother's name was Sterbenz. odin1725@msn.com

Posted May 16, 2005. I am trying to find information on Joseph (Josep) Mohar born in May of 1888 in Pohpec, Laibach, Austria (Could be Dohpec?) His father's name was Franz. He had 3 sisters and corresponded with one via a parish priest where his sister was living. He came to the US in 1905 and settled in Elcor, Minnesota. He married Mary Kostelic (b. May 25, 1890 in Dobropola Austria...could be Elova Gora?)..She came to the U.S. in 1908. She had a brother Frank, a sister Frances and a sister Mrs. Josephine Ham. Any information on Joseph Mohar and Mary Kostelic married 1/25/1910 in Biwabik, MN or Any information would be helpful. Thanks. Mary Kiser (Granddaughter to Joseph and Mary Mohar) mfkiser@usfamily.net

Posted March 13, 2005. Looking for any and all information pertaining to Fornbacher family. Thanks! Diane jacksproudmama@hotmail.com

Posted March 13, 2005. I am seeking information about my Oma and Opa, Emil and Emma Schemitsch. dancingrocks77@hotmail.com

Posted March 13, 2005. I am seeking information abut Gottscheer family Oswald/Kump who lived in Brooklyn N.Y. Thanks, Bruno Wertz BrunoWertz@aol.com

Posted January 1, 2005. I am seeking information regarding my grandparents Frank James Sterle & Alojzija (Bencina) Sterle. They were both born in Loz, Slovenia or Babno polje, Krain Austria (no further information) and immigrated to Cleveland, Ohio in 1902. My mother Alojzija Sterle/Sterley was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1904. In 1906 my grandparents moved to Emporium, PA where they both died in 1944. The PA death notice for Frank cited a brother in the US and a sister in Europe alive around 1940. Death notice for Alojzija stated she had two brothers, Jack and Joseph Bencina of Cleveland, Ohio who father's name was Tony. Also looking to connect mising great, great grandparents with a Troha surname to this side of the family, a Joannes Mlakar and Maria Krause in St. Mary PA in 1902. Also looking for information regarding my grandparents Petra Troha and Frances (Gregorich) Troha who were living in Prezid, (Austria) around 1890 with the birth of their first child Petra. No further information known on these grandparents or their siblings. My father Anton Lawrence Troha was born in Prezid, in 1895. He and his brother Petra and 3 sisters, Vjekoslava, Franca and Ivka Troha all immigrated to the United States from the town of Prezid,starting in 1907 - going first to Michigan then to Emporium PA. E-mail me any time. thanks smtroha@optionline.net

Posted January 1, 2005. I am looking for any information on Ludwig Huebler (Hubler) who married Anna Mart in Rudersdorf Austria. Anna children were: Ludwig, Frank, Anne, Theresa. They located to Cudahy, Wisconsin in the early 1900s. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Lynn M. Huebler ihuebgler2004@yahoo.com