John Thomas Gant

Somehow, with a very busy Christmas season,  it took me ages to complete this family research and prepare the post related to it. Finally, it is here.

When in the library, I wanted to see books on a certain shelf. Well, I could not. A man was sitting at a table, very close to that shelf. He was reading a book. I did not want to disturb him, so I reached for a random book, on a random shelf. And there he was, John Thomas Gant! To my surprise, I found our cousin and an unknown family line. The connection between our family branches goes back to Virginia where, in the late 1600s/early 1700s, the members of the Gant family first settled in the New World.
John Thomas' great-grandfather Lunsford (born in about 1764 in Culpeper, Virginia) moved the family to Georgia. His son James (born in about 1786 in Lincoln, Georgia) relocated with his nuclear family to Mississippi, where his children and grandchildren were born.

♢ John Thomas was born on 22 August 1868 in Mississippi. His parents were Aaron Gant (born in March 1836) and his wife Elizabeth Bright (born on 22 November 1834, in Mississippi).

🏡 In 1870, the family lived in Beed No. 13, Scott, Mississippi (post office Morton). John's father Aaron (age 28) was a railroad worker. Other family members mentioned in the record (1) were: John's mother Elizabeth (age 29), John T. (age 2), and John's siblings James (age 3), and Laura (3 months).

John Thomas was the second eldest child of his parents. He had four siblings. Besides the ones mentioned above, there was also Joseph Franklin (born on 13 December 1872), and Gabriella (born on 21 May 1876). All of them were born in Mississippi.

Ten years later, Mr. Aaron Gant, his wife, and his children lived in Beat 3, Newton, Mississippi (2). The man was a farmer then. The two eldest sons, James B. (age 14) and John T. (age 12) helped with the farm work. Laura N., daughter, helped her mom to keep the house and take care of the young siblings, Joseph F (age 7), and Fathew G. ( Gartha Gabriella, age 5). All the kids were enrolled at a school in the Centerville Election District, Newton Mississippi (3).

🚆 In 1889, John Thomas went by train to Texas. His uncle by the name of Wiseman (William Wiseman Gant, born on 15 February 1815, Georgia) had relocated to Texas and settled in Mc Neil Community with his wife and children by 1860 (4). John Thomas joined the family there. 

 

⚭ On 28 Aug 1895, the man married Ms. Molly Green (5). 

Soon, John's parents and siblings followed him and came to Texas too.

♦ 27 June 1896, son Floyd A was born in Caldwell/ the boy died on ♦ 24 January 1897.

♦ On 4 September 1897, Ruby Elizabeth was born to John and Molly.

૦ In about 1900, John and Molly divorced.

🏡 On 17 June 1900, John T. was registered during the census in Justice Precinct #2, Luling, Caldwell, TX. He was a boarder at the household of George B. McAllister, a farmer. Very likely John worked at his host's farm, as the previous was recorded as a "farm laborer" (6).

⚭ 1 Feb 1905 - John Thomas remarried (7). His second wife was Ida Moore. She was born on 30 August 1885 in Caldwell, TX, to Fulton Columbus Moore and Margaret E Rampey.

♦ ♦ 1 February 1906 - stillborn son came to this world.

 

♦ John T's father Aaron passed on 5 May 1905, in Caldwell, TX.

♦ 7 February 1907 - the second daughter - Maggie Elizabeth - was born.
♦ 10 February 1909 - son James Benjamin arrived.

John Thomas Gant was a farmer and dairyman. He lived with his wife in the McNeil Community from his arrival in Texas until the last day of his life. 👉 In 1910, the census registered John, Ida, and their two children James and Maggie.

John's brothers were his closest neighbors on both sides of his property. It was James Benjamin (born on 22 May 1866) with his 4-years younger wife Lucy Emma, and their seven children. On the other side was the household run by Joseph Franklin (after his father's passing). The brothers' mother Elizabeth and their two sisters Laura (born on 28 May 1870) and Gabriella lived in the family household too (8).

♦ 4 January - 1911 - John Thomas Jr. was born to John and Ida.

⚭ 29 Apr 1916, Oklahoma - 18-year-old Ruby Elizabeth married Mr. Clyde Elmer Barber (9).

♦ 21 February 1918 - Oma Lucilla came to this world.

 

👉 1920 - John Thomas and his family still lived in Justice Precinct #2 Caldwell County, TX. However, his two brothers James and Johnathan were no longer his neighbors (10).

♦ 10 April 1924 - Alvin, the youngest son was born.

⚭ 22-year-old Maggie Elizabeth was married to Harl D Caraway in 1929. The man was the son of William Henry Craway and Mary Miranda Burton, born on 2 December 1906 in Atascosa County, TX.

⚭ 25 Dec 1929 James Benjamin married Miss Gladys Jackson (11) born on 11 September 1912.

 

👉 In 1930, John Thomas and his wife Ida lived on their own in the family household. John was registered during the census as a butcher. He worked in meat markets in Lulling. John's son James B. (an expressman who worked for Express Co.) lived with his wife, his 4 siblings, and a nephew next to John's house (12).

⚭ John Thomas Jr. married Lovella Scruggs on 28 Apr 1934 (13). The lady was born on 28 June 1913 in Milam County, TX. She was the daughter of Arthur D Scruggs and Mary Arden Sledge.

♦ 21 April 1935 - Ida died after a year-long illness (14).

👉 9 April 1940 Census (15) - John T (age 71, farm laborer) was the head of the household in which he lived with his children Oma (age 22), Inez (age 17), and Alvin (age 26).

⚭ 12 June 1943 - Ethel Inez married Young B Heathcock (16).

🥇 John Thomas Gant was awarded the Lockhart Centennial Medal which contained an inscription "John T. Gant, Pioneer  - Caldwell County Centennial 1848-1948".

👉 6 April 1950 (17) - John Thomas (age 80) and his daughter Oma (age 32, checker at grocery store) lived with the family of John's daughter Maggie (age 43): her husband H C Caraway (age 43, carpenter) and their two children son John (age 18), and daughter Bonnie (age 11).

♦ John Thomas Gant Sr. (age 65) died about two weeks later, on 24 April 1952 (18).

 

⚭ Oma Lucille Gant was married to James Elles Bennett on 22 September 1950 (19). James (born on 12 March 1922 in Crockett, Houston, TX) was the son of Robert Daniel Bennett and Jenny Viola Oldham.

⚭ Alvin, the youngest son of John Thomas and Ida Gant, got married in 1958. His wife was Jessie Lee Johnson (born on 27 August 1911 in Floresville, Wilson, TX), the daughter of Elliot Vernon Johnson and Jessie Willie Spear.

Sources:
"Historical Caldwell County: where roots intertwine.", Caldwell County, Texas : Mark Withers Trail Drive Museum, 1984.
Familysearch.org,
Findagrave.com

 

1. "United States Census, 1870", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFSR-MN7 : Wed Oct 04 02:44:58 UTC 2023), Entry for Aaron Gant and Elisabeth Gant, 1870.
2. "United States Census, 1880", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4GT-64T : Fri Oct 06 14:42:10 UTC 2023), Entry for Aaron Gant and Elisabeth Gant, 1880.
3. "Mississippi Enumeration of Educable Children, 1850-1892; 1908-1957," , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK6W-LYCK : 2 March 2021), A Gant in entry for J T Gant, 1885; citing School enrollment, , Newton, Mississippi, United States, Mississippi Department of Archives & History, Jackson.

4. "United States Census, 1860", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFY-N6D : Wed Oct 04 03:08:43 UTC 2023), Entry for Wiseman Gaut and Sarah G Gaut, 1860.
5. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6BC-MXC : 22 January 2020), Mollie Gates in entry for J. T. Gant, 1895.
6. "United States Census, 1900", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3LS-8DB : Tue Dec 12 17:39:31 UTC 2023), Entry for George B McAllister and Lula A McAllister, 1900.
7. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XL72-ZJP : Thu Nov 30 11:38:08 UTC 2023), Entry for J T Gant and Ida Moore, 01 Feb 1905.
8. "United States Census, 1910", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2S4-57G : Wed Dec 13 19:39:40 UTC 2023), Entry for John T Gant and Ida Gant, 1910.
9. "Oklahoma, County Marriages, 1890-1995." . FamilySearch. "Oklahoma, County Marriages, 1890-1995," , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXLF-KM4 : 23 February 2021), C E Barber and Ruby Elizabeth Gaut, 29 Apr 1916; citing Oklahoma, various county courthouses, Oklahoma; FHL microfilm.
10. "United States Census, 1920", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCMM-8Z3: Fri Dec 08 01:46:52 UTC 2023), Entry for John Gant and Ida Gant, 1920.
11. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1H-YDBW : Mon Oct 23 13:44:20 UTC 2023), Entry for J B Gant and Gladys Jackson, 25 Dec 1929.
12. "United States Census, 1930", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:CQLC-S3Z : Fri Oct 06 17:20:06 UTC 2023), Entry for John Gantt and Ida Gantt, 1930.
13. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K61R-N47 : Mon Oct 23 13:17:50 UTC 2023), Entry for John Thomas Gant and Lovella Scruggs, 28 Apr 1934.
14. "Texas Death Index, 1903-2000," , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZDZ-9HC: 24 May 2014), Ida Gant, 21 Apr 1935; from "Texas, Death Index, 1903-2000," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: 2006); citing certificate number 17295, Caldwell, Texas, Texas Department of Health, State Vital Statistics Unit, Austin.
15. "United States Census, 1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KWJM-X3G : Tue Nov 28 10:20:06 UTC 2023), Entry for J T Gant and Oma Gant, 1940.
16. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1H-JCBZ : Mon Oct 23 13:37:34 UTC 2023), Entry for Young B Heathcock and Ethel Inez Gant, 12 Jun 1943.

17. "United States 1950 Census", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6XGP-SPSZ : Thu Oct 05 22:15:42 UTC 2023), Entry for Maggie Caraway and John W. Caraway, 6 April 1950.

18. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CY-FXL : Tue Nov 28  00:45:00 UTC 2023), Entry for John T Gant and Aaron Gant, 24 Apr 1952.

19. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1H-VWZH : Mon Oct 23 14:21:16 UTC 2023), Entry for James Elles Bennett and Oma Lucille Gant, 22 Sep 1950.

Photos: Christmas lights in Johnson City, TX.

Merry Christmas to y'all!

 

K for Kashubia

Somebody has asked me what the creature on my T-shirt is.

It is a griffin, mythical animal - half-eagle, half-lion. It is also the crest of Kashubians, an ethnic (Slavic) minority group, who live in the Pomeranian region of Poland. 

Kashubians have their own language, a flag (black and yellow), and an anthem.
I have no family connection to Kashubians, but I lived in Kashubia all my Polish life. In that way, Kashubian music and traditions are part of me.

One of the cutting boards I have decorated, with Kashubian motifs, of course

 

 

And my hand-painted T-shirt (one of a few) with a Kashubian pattern. People tend to think it is an overprint.

However, in Poland, I never had and never wore a Kashubian folk outfit. If somebody had told me then that I would wear one in Texas, I would have taken it as a good joke.

 

At the State Fair of Texas in Dallas

 

Well, we both did wear Kashubian folk costumes when we were part of a Polish-American folk dance ensemble. 

 

At the Dallas International Festival

 

We enjoyed that and, at the same time, were quite proud of our outfits too. 

 

Me in Kashubia, years ago.

---

"My Polish Alphabet" is about things, places, and people that come to my mind when I think about Poland.

Irene Linda (Kunz) Klein

In the previous post, you can see a painting by a local artist, Ms. Irene Klein. Today, more about the lady.

Irene Klein nee Kunz was a landscape painter. We came across her works at the temporary exhibition in the National Museum of the Pacific War. The display was one of the events related to the 175th-anniversary of Fredericksburg.

Irene Linda Kunz was born on 27 March 1921 in Fredericksburg to Peter Louis Kunz and Edna M Juenke (1).

 

In 1930, 9-year-old Irene lived with her parents and siblings in Precinct #8, Gillespie County (2). The girl's brothers and sisters were Vera (age 15), Elgin (age 13), Louis Jr, (age 10), Leola (age 7), Archie (age 5), Verdie (age 3), and Levy (age 2). Later, two more children William (1931) and Shirley (1935) were born to the family.

Irene Linda Kunz was married when she was 17. On 26 April 1938 (3), she started her own family with Mr. Otto John Klein (born on 20 March 1915). 

Irene's in-laws were Karl Klein and Rosa Roeder. Otto and Irene had 4 children.

At the end of her life, Irene lived in Fredericksburg (4). She lived 91 years. Irene Klein passed on 7 March 2003 and was buried at St. Mary's Cemetery.

We did like her paintings displayed at the museum.

Vereins Kirche, Fredericksburg, TX

Source:
1. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXMW-YT7 : 1 March 2021), Irene Linda Kunz, 27 Mar 1921; citing Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States, certificate 16285, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,520,756.
2. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HY3Q-GMM : accessed 19 November 2021), Irine Kunz in household of Louis Kunz Sr., Precinct 8, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 10, sheet 3A, line 35, family 52, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2335; FHL microfilm 2,342,069
3. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1H-DD6Y : 23 February 2021), Otto John Klein and Irene Kunz, 26 Apr 1938; citing Marriage, citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 1,764,046.
4. "United States Public Records, 1970-2009", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ6S-MK96: 31 May 2020), Irene Kunz Klein, 2000.

 

 

N for Nimitz Museum

 

Time for another entry in "My Texas Alphabet". In its second edition, the letter "N" is also for the National Museum of War on the Pacific (in other words, the Nimitz Museum).

We visited the museum on our wedding day, years ago. A weird thing to do on such a day? Not at all. Well, unusual, maybe.

from Pacific Combat Zone

Anyhow, at that time, the outside backyard area was part of the exhibition as well. You could visit the field hospital and, among others, see Japanese tanks in the Pacific Combat Zone area. Tickets were valid for 24 hours so we could watch the vast museum exhibition with no hurry.

Since then, we have come back to the Nimitz Museum many times. Some things have changed there. The reenactment theater was built in the backyard. Walking and sightseeing in that section is no longer possible, and a ticket is only good on the day of your visit.

Besides the permanent exposition, the museum offers many educational programs. 

 

One can learn a lot by attending the Outpost events, Campaign Briefings, taking part in Symposiums, and numerous various other events organized there. 

Veterans Day observance at the museum

 

Art lovers can also enjoy temporary art gallery presentations.

 

 

Have you ever been to the museum? It is worth visiting for sure.

---
Other posts on the blog related to the Nimitz Museum:

Fredericksburg - National Museum of War on the Pacific

Presentation at National Museum of War on the Pacific

Jazz Band in Gazebo

Women in Uniforms

Museum Stories

Rev. Immanuel Josef Glatzle

Immanuel Josef Glatzle was born in Warmbrunnen, Wuerttemberg, Germany on 6 July 1854. His parents were Johannes Glatzle and Margaretha Spingler (1).
The man started his studies at St. Chrischona Pilgermission Institute in Basel, Switzerland in 1879. Four years later, after graduation in 1883, Immanuel Glatzle came to Texas. In November of the same year, Im. Glatzle started conducting religious services in Bartlett, TX, where he organized the congregation of Peace Lutheran Church in Bushdale (not far from Rockdale), TX on 24 June 1883 (2) and St. John Lutheran Church in Bartlet, in December 1883 (3)

Immanuel Joseph Glatzle was ordained in Victoria, TX, on 3 July 1884 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

27 October 1885, the man married Miss Sophie Ruckenbrod in Bell, TX (4). The lady was born on 2 September 1851. She was also a graduate of the Mission Institute in Basel.

Rev. I. J. Glatzle was called to the church of New Baden. Besides, he helped to organize one of the first Lutheran congregations in Williamson County (5), TX (West Taylor - Immanuel Lutheran Church in 1888) and worked at Clifton, TX.

In September 1890, Pastor Glatzle came to Zion Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, Texas. Under his supervision, the church progressed and grew in various areas. 

Holy Communion wafers were introduced.

• 1890 - Ladies' Aid was organized.
• 1896 - Synod Convention was celebrated at Zion.
• 10/15/1902 - Mixed Choir came into being - originally, it consisted of a group of newly confirmed parishioners and a few other church members.
• 01/05/1903 - Golden Jubilee of Zion celebrations and, in the same year, the 25th anniversary of Rev. Glatzle's pastoral service.
• 1907 - tower and transepts were added to the church structure.
  
• 1907 - Men's Chorus was founded on the 1st Sunday in December.
• 1908 - the third church building renovation took place.
• 1911 - Synod Convention again.
• 07/29/1912 - Luther League was created.

Pastor Glatzle helped at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mason, Texas as well. Under his guidance, sister congregations were organized in Kerrville, Herper, Cherry Spring, Doss, and Albert.

Rev. Glatzle and his wife Sophie

Mrs. Glatzle supported her spouse in the church service and was engaged in the works of Sunday School, Mixed Choir, and Ladies Aid.

Clipping source: San Antonio Express. (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 51, No. 152, Ed. 1 Wednesday, May 31, 1916, newspaper, May 31, 1916; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth433772/: accessed November 4, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

From September 1890 until his retirement in February 1917, Pastor Glatzle officiated 619 baptisms, 394 confirmations, 143 weddings, and 175 funerals. The man retired from the ministerial service in February 1917.

In April 1921, Rev. Glatzle contracted pneumonia. Despite his wife's efforts and her tender care, the man succumbed to the illness and passed away on 12 April (6).

Clipping source: Dietel, William. Fredericksburg Standard (Fredericksburg, Tex.), Vol. 14, No. 30, Ed. 1 Saturday, April 16, 1921, newspaper, April 16, 1921; Fredericksburg, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1418388/: accessed November 4, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

Three days later, Sophie Glatzle died of pneumonia as well. The couple were buried at the City Cemetery in Fredericksburg, TX.

 Clipping source: Dietel, William. Fredericksburg Standard (Fredericksburg, Tex.), Vol. 14, No. 31, Ed. 1 Saturday, April 23, 1921, newspaper, April 23, 1921; Fredericksburg, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1418389/: accessed November 4, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .

Sources:

1. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K347-8VM : Thu Oct 12 16:06:15 UTC 2023), Entry for Immanuel Glatzle and Johannes Glatzle, 12 Apr 1921.
2. https://peacelutheranrockdale.org/about/
3. http://www.stjohnbartlett.org/history.html
4. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-LQSQ : 10 March 2021), Immanuel Glatzle and Sophie Ruckenbrod, 27 Oct 1885; citing Bell, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 981,036.
5. https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMW3NW_Immanuel_Lutheran_Church_Williamson_County_TX
6.  "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K347-8VM : Thu Oct 12 16:06:15 UTC 2023), Entry for Immanuel Glatzle and Johannes Glatzle, 12 Apr 1921.

• https://swtsynod.pastperfectonline.com  
• "150 Years of God's Grace 1852-2002", Zion Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, TX.

Josef Migl and Aloisie Mikulik

František A. Migl and his wife Johanna Ježek have already been mentioned here. Today, a note regarding their son Josef, born on 20 May 1868 in Lebarove-Lhoty, Bedejovice, then Austria (1). Josef's father was a day laborer at the village then.

On 4 October 1890 (2), in Lavaca, Texas, Josef married Miss Aloizie Mikulik, daughter of Franz Mikulik and Marie Satankova.

The couple settled in Justice Precinct #6, Lavaca County, Texas (3).

Josef and Aloizie had 13 children:

• Adolf - born on 5 September 1891 in Praha, TX (4)/ married Jannice Simecek (5);
• Marie A - born on 8 November 1892 in Praha / married Tom Bohuslav (6);
• Joseph John - born on 12 January 1893 in Moulton, Lavaca, TX/married Josephine Gieptner (7);
• Agnes - born on 2 January 1896, Fayette, TX/married Rudolph Jemelka;
• Johanna Jane - born on 30 April 1897, in Praha, TX (#eight);
• Frank Henry - born 8 February 1899 (9), Praha / married Helen Jilek (10);
• Anna - 15 August 1900, Praha (11);
• John T - born on 19 November 1901, Lavaca, TX (12);
• Edward - 13 January 1904, Novohrad, Lavaca, TX (13);
• Henry - 7 October 1905, Moulton, Lavaca, TX (14);
• William V - 25 February 1907 (15) / married Lillie Chudej (16);
• Louise -  born on 12 January 1910, Novohrad, Lavaca, TX / married Joe PMachalec (17);
• Emil Method - born on 22 July 1911 (18) / married Lillian Jemelka (19).

Photo: Czech Texas Heritage and Culture Center, La Grange.

Joseph Migl lived 84 years, 5 months, and 22 days. He died at his home in Rural Precinct#1, Route 1, Fayette, TX, on 17 November 1851 (20).

Clipping source: The Schulenburg Sticker (Schulenburg, Tex.), Vol. 58, No. 15, Ed. 1 Friday, November 16, 1951, newspaper, November 16, 1951; Schulenburg, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth569420/: accessed September 5, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Schulenburg Public Library.

Joseph's wife Aloisie passed away on 16 December 1957 (at the home of their son-in-law Joe Machalec,  in Shiner). She lived 87 years, 5 months, and 17 days (21).

Clipping source:  The Flatonia Argus. (Flatonia, Tex.), Vol. 82, No. 52, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 26, 1957, newspaper, December 26, 1957; Flatonia, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth989754/: accessed September 5, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Fayette Public Library, Museum and Archives.

Sources:
1.Leharove-Lhoty church records: https://digi.ceskearchivy.cz/7116/21/1697/2265/68/0
2. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV14-8C25 : 23 February 2021), Josef Migl and Alojzye Mikulik, 21 Oct 1890; citing Marriage, citing Lavaca, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 983,241.
3. "United States Census, 1900", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PZ-91H : Thu Aug 03 04:35:31 UTC 2023), Entry for Joe Migl and Alosia Migl, 1900.
4. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3FF-67F : 5 April 2023), Adolf J Migl, 1976.
5. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-5D3W : 10 March 2021), Adolph Migl and Jannie Simecek, 15 Oct 1912; citing Lavaca, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 983,244.
6. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FX9B-3M4 : 22 January 2020), Mary Migl in entry for Tom Bohuslav, 1913.
7. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV14-8R8M : 23 February 2021), J J Migl and Josephine Gieptner, 02 Oct 1916; citing Marriage, citing Lavaca, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 983,244.
8. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KSBG-C5S : 5 April 2023), Janie Migl, 1943.
9. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3H4-25T : 5 April 2023), Frank Henry Migl, 1961.
10. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZY-NKYJ : 22 July 2021), Frank H Migl and Helen Jilek, 21 Oct 1919; citing Marriage, citing Lavaca, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 5,853,987.
11. "United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6K7V-VJGW : 10 February 2023), Annie Jasek, .
12. "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V3DD-JTY : 10 January 2021), John T Migl, Nov 1986; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
13. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX99-33K : 1 March 2021), Edward Migl, 15 Jan 1908; citing Novohrad, Lavaca, Texas, United States, certificate 95502, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,370,942.
14. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX9S-L7J : 1 March 2021), Henry Migl, 07 Oct 1905; citing Moulton, Lavaca, Texas, United States, certificate 96094, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,370,942.
15."United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6KWS-39H5 : 10 February 2023), Wm V Migl, .
16. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZY-NG4W : 22 July 2021), William Migl and Lillie Chudy, 17 Oct 1927; citing Marriage, citing Lavaca, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 5,853,994.
17. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1H-36QP : 23 February 2021), Joe P Machalec and Louise Migl, 21 Oct 1930; citing Marriage, citing Fayette, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 1,468,672.
18. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K78Y-QBB : 5 April 2023), Emil Method Migl, 1967.
19. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZY-NP2X : 22 July 2021), Emil Migl and Lillian Jemelka, 17 Oct 1933; citing Marriage, citing Lavaca, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 5,853,997.
20. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CR-WNN : 6 April 2023), Joseph Migl, 1951.
21. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CR-WNN : 6 April 2023), Joseph Migl, 1951.

H for Hel and Hel Peninsula

H is for Hel and Hel Peninsula (in "My Polish Alphabet"). They are situated in the very north of Poland. 

(1)

Hel used to be a fisherman's village. These days, especially in the summer, the place is popular with tourists, amateurs of fresh fish, and sunbathing on the sandy beaches facing the open Baltic Sea.
During storms, the peninsula is often severely flooded by the sea waters, which temporarily turn it into an island.  

headland of Hel Peninsula (2)

 

The name of the place, "Hel" may make you think about those hellish type weather conditions. Considering etymology, it is related to the word "Valhalla" (Norse mythology).

Hel Peninsula - air view (3)

From the mainland, you can get to Hel by a small cruiser or by train. However, boats tend to be chosen more often. In the summertime, we did go there from time to time. I am not much of a beach-type person, but fried fish meals at local food places were quite enjoyable. On the other hand, I did not fancy the summer crowds of tourists there. Once, when we were coming back home by the last boat scheduled on that day, the ship was so overcrowded that its immersion was deeper than usual. The seawater was shaking the cruiser from one side to another. It all was a bit scary but we safely got to the harbor.

In 1938, my Grandfather was stationed there with his Military Gendarmerie unit (MP equivalent). Shortly before WW2 started in September 1939, he was transferred to the Gdynia city war port area, and his family (including my Mom) moved there from Hel as well. 

Photo taken in Hel, 1938 - Mom, with her parents and sister

In the above photo, you can see the Hel pier in the background. The picture was taken when Mom and her family were waiting for the arrival of a state/military official, his wife, and his entourage. Possibly, the state man was admiral Józef Unrug, but Mom cannot recall who exactly it was. Mom remembers, though that he wife of the official put candies into the pockets of her dress.

I have colorized and enhanced the copy of the original photo using the online MyHeritage tools. Its quality improved, but the colors are not completely true to life, close enough, though. The girls' vests were really red and their dresses (made by their Mom Irena) had red cherries on the white background.

 

More about Grandpa Józef and what happened to him after the war started in another post here.

More posts about Grandma Irena here and here.

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 "My Polish Alphabet" includes posts related to things, places, and people that come to my mind when I think about Poland. 

 

Sources:

1. Map of Poland - By Qqerim - own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3835854

2. By Jg44.89 - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=84888904

3. By Martin Hoffmann - Own work (Original text: self made), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57112944