Memorial Day Post

According to what we have learned while visiting Praha, the settlement had the biggest ratio of servicemen of Texas killed in WW2 (considering the number of the settlement inhabitants/the number of the perished soldiers).
Not far from the church in Praha, TX, there is a memorial dedicated to the three men who were killed in action during their WW2 service. They were Joseph Lev, Adolph Rab and Robert Bohuslav.

Here is some information about them I have managed to find.

⭐

Joseph (Josef) Lev was born on 12 August 1918 in Flatonia, Fayette County, to Emil John Lev and Mary Veselka (1). 

Young Josef complete grammar school and worked on the family farm. His siblings were Frank - born on 2 May 1906 (3), Teresa - born on 6 October 1907 (4), Christina Agnes - born on 5 June 1910 (5), Mary - born on 23 September 1915 (6), Emil T - born on 9 February 1922/died on 19 February 1922 (7), and Bohumil Adolph - born on 2 April 1925/died on 23 June 1925 (# eight).

He was enlisted on 12 May 1942 at Sam Fort Houston (2). After the initial training, he was sent overseas. 

Private Joseph Lev was killed in action on 24 July 1944 (9) in New Guinea.

Newspaper clipping: Nycum, T. F. The Flatonia Argus (Flatonia, Tex.), Vol. 69, No. 34, Ed. 1 Thursday, August 31, 1944, newspaper, August 31, 1944; Flatonia, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth988974/: accessed May 29, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Fayette Public Library, Museum and Archives.

Private Joseph Lev was awarded:
World War II Victory Medal, Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and Army Good Conduct Medal.
Joseph's body was buried in the cemetery in Praha. 

⭐

Adolph Rab was born in Hallettsville, Lavaca, TX on 22 June 1910 (10, 11). 

 

Adolph's father John Rab was born in Bohemia, Europe, his mother Agnes was born in Texas. In January 1920, 9-year-old Adolph lived with his parents and siblings Edward (age 14), Albert (age 11), and Jim (age 7) in Justice Precinct #6, Lavaca County. John Rab (age 39) was a farmer (12).

Ten years later, Adolph worked as a farm laborer. He had also one more brother Eugene who was 9 years old then (13). The 1940 census recorded Adolph Rab living in his parents' home in Justice Precinct #2, Lavaca County (14) - the town of Moulton area.

On 22 September 1942, 32-year-old Adolph was enlisted at Fort Sam Houston (15). Two years later, on 27 December, Private First Class A. Rab perished in Italy (16). 

 

 

Newspaper clipping: Nycum, T. F. The Flatonia Argus (Flatonia, Tex.), Vol. 70, No. 1, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 11, 1945, newspaper, January 11, 1945; Flatonia, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth989181/: accessed May 29, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Fayette Public Library, Museum and Archives.

He was awarded: 

World War II Victory Medal, Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and Army Good Conduct Medal.

⭐

Robert Vendelin Bohuslav, the son of Tom Bohuslav and Mary Migl, was born on 18 October 1822 in Lavaca County, TX (17). 

Eight years later, the boy lived with his father Tom (age 38), mother Mary (age 37), sisters Helen (age 14), Elsie Mae (age 6), and brothers Ernest (age 11), and Herman (age 2) in Justice Precinct #2, Lavaca County. Tom Bohuslav was a farmer (18). In 1932 another sister was born on 2 July. Her name was Mildred Annie (19).

I did not find any more records regarding Robert and his military service besides the fact that he was Private First Class and was killed in action in Africa on 3 February 1944 (20). His body was brought back to Texas and buried in Praha cemetery.

Newspaper clipping: Nycum, T. F. The Flatonia Argus (Flatonia, Tex.), Vol. 69, No. 11, Ed. 1 Thursday, March 16, 1944, newspaper, March 16, 1944; Flatonia, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth989842/: accessed May 29, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Fayette Public Library, Museum and Archives.

Newspaper clipping: Sulak, L. J. The Fayette County Record (La Grange, Tex.), Vol. 22, No. 37, Ed. 1 Tuesday, March 7, 1944, newspaper, March 7, 1944; La Grange, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1255444/: accessed December 8, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Fayette Public Library, Museum, and Archives.

PFC Robert V Bohuslav was awarded:

World War II Victory Medal, Purple Heart, and American Campaign Medal. Army Presidential Unit Citation, and Army Good Conduct Medal.

Sources:

• HonorStates.org.
• Findagrave.com

1. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X2KF-JHG: 1 March 2021), Joseph Lev, 12 Aug 1918; citing Flatonia, Fayette, Texas, United States, certificate 40606, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,515,207.
2. "United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8PR-4NH: 5 December 2014), Joseph Lev, enlisted 12 May 1942, Ft Sam Houston, Texas, United States; citing "Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946," database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (http://aad.archives.gov: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 1263923, National Archives at College Park, Maryland.
3. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX98-P54: 1 March 2021), Emil J Lev in the entry for Frank Lev, 02 May 1906; citing Flatonia, Fayette, Texas, United States, certificate 65734, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,380,461.
4. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX9D-V8Y: 1 March 2021), Emil Lev in the entry for Teresa Lev,; citing Flatonia, Fayette, Texas, United States, certificate 66276, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,380,461.
5. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CF-7R6 : 20 February 2021), Emil Lev in entry for Christina Agnes Lev, 07 Dec 1950; citing certificate number 60981, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,551.
6. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X2LG-WLT: 1 March 2021), Emil Lev in the entry for Mary Lev, 23 Sep 1915; citing Flatonia, Fayette, Texas, United States, certificate 36919, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,336,203.
7. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K37M-9ML: 20 February 2021), Emil Lev in the entry for Bohumil Adolph Lev, 23 Jun 1925; citing certificate number 27984, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,113,920.
8. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KS1K-8GZ : 20 February 2021), Emil Lev in entry for Emil T Lev, 19 Feb 1922; citing certificate number 4550, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,475.
9. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K384-CVD : 20 February 2021), Joseph Lev, 24 Jul 1944; citing
certificate number 1400, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,242,483.
10. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXMM-TX6: 1 March 2021), Adolph Rab, 22 Jun 1910; citing Hallettsville, Lavaca, Texas, United States, certificate 21270, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,112,424.
11. "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V8WC-65T: 5 December 2014), Adolph Rab, 22 Jun 1910; from "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: 2005); citing Texas Department of State Health Services.
12. "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHY6-MDS: accessed 3 December 2021), Adolph Rab in the household of John Rab, Lavaca, Texas, United States; citing, sheet, line, family, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll; FHL microfilm.
13. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:H621-7MM: accessed 3 December 2021), Adolf Rab in the household of John Rab, Precinct 6, Lavaca, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 16, sheet 13A, line 48, family 258, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2369; FHL microfilm 2,342,103.
14. "United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KW2K-8TT: 11 February 2020), Adolph Rab in the household of John Rab, Justice Precinct 2, Lavaca, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 143-7, sheet 2A, line 16, family 22, Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012, roll 4092.
15. "United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8PY-F5W: 5 December 2014), Adolph E Rab, enlisted 22 Sep 1942, Ft Sam Houston, Texas, United States; citing "Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946," database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (http://aad.archives.gov: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 1263923, National Archives at College Park, Maryland.
16. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K38S-2JD : 20 February 2021), Adolph Rab, 27 Dec 1944; citing certificate number 3012, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,242,622.
17. "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V8CW-WJ4: 5 December 2014), Robert Bohuslav, 18 Oct 1922; from "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: 2005); citing Texas Department of State Health Services.
18. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:H6NX-4W2: accessed 6 December 2021), Robert Bohuslav in the household of Tom Bohuslav, Precinct 2, Lavaca, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 7, sheet 8A, line 15, family 157, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2369; FHL microfilm 2,342,103.
19. "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V8QQ-34W: 1 January 2015), Tom F Bohuslav in the entry for Mildred Annie Bohuslav, 02 Jul 1932; from "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: 2005); citing Texas Department of State Health Services.
20. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K384-JD1 : 20 February 2021), Tom Bohuslav in entry for Robert V Bohuslav, 03 Feb 1944; citing certificate number 2026, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,242,483.

About Childhood Rhymes

When I was little, my mom tried to teach me the German language. Being a kid, I found some German words to sound funny then, but I still remember the rhyme she taught me.

"Eins, zwei, Polizei
Drei, vier, Offizier
Fünf, sechs, alte Hex
Sieben, acht, gute Nacht
Neun, zehn, schlafen gehen,
elf, zwelve, Gotthelf."

While playing in the yard, we often recited counting-out rhymes in Polish. My favorite one is perhaps the one in which words have no meaning in this language besides the word "tabaka" ("snuff"). However, the word is used here to give rhyme only, not to make any sense at all. 

"En-ten-tino,
Sa-ca-ra-ca-tino,
Sa-ca-ra-ca i ta-ba-ka,
en-ten-to.
Ranibusek, ranibusek,
en-ten-to."

On the words "ranibusek, ranibusek" [pronounced: rahneebooseck], the kid who was counting out stopped doing that, and with their hand, made two "air circles" in front of their belly. Then, continued counting out again.

Whilst reading the book "Krasna Amerika"* (Beautiful America), I came across this counting-out rhyme in Czech which words are more or less meaningless as well. I quite like it. 

"Angle, pangle, verkum, pek,
štaple, makle, šlaka, flek." 

šlaka = slag
štaple= staples
flek = stain
The words "angle" and "pangle" seem familiar in English, however, are pronounced differently [a:ngleh, pa:ngleh].

Can you remember any rhymes from your childhood?

Photo: Historic school in Kashubia, Poland.

*"Krasna Amerika: A Study of the Texas Czechs, 1851-1939" by Clinton Machann, James W. Mendl, Eakin Press, Austin, Texas, 1983"

William M Zelluff

William M Zelluff was born in New York in 1835. 

In 1850, William, his parents, and 7 siblings lived in Carrollton, Cattaraugus, New York. William's father, Peter, was a farmer, and the boy's mother's name was recorded as Mamlus (1). 

Five years later, another census record was made. It tells that Peter Zelluff was born in Pennsylvania, and his wife's name appears as Marvelous. Her birthplace was stated as "Anondaga". Was she of the Onondaga Nation (2)? 

 

On 4 July, 25 William Zelluff (Zeliff) lived in Polk County, Post Office Smithfield, TX, at the household of 30-year-old Mr. Albion Drew, fruiterer. The latter was also born in New York. William was recorded as a fruiterer (fruit grower) as well (3). 

When the Civil War started, William was enlisted into the CA on 29 April 1861. Private Zelluff was assigned to Company B, the 1st Texas Infantry (4). In August of the same year, William was discharged as he got sick. Sadly, the man did not manage to come home. 

William Zelluff died of typhoid fever about a month later on 19 September, in the Confederate Hospital, Culpeper, Virginia. 

The hospitals in Culpeper, Orange County were organized in churches, commercial buildings, and private homes as well. 

 

After William's passing, his body was buried at the local Confederate Cemetery. 20 years later, Private Zelluff's remains were moved to the Fairview Cemetery and placed in a common grave. The soldier's name was listed on the monument plate there (misspelled) as "Telluff" (5). 

 Sources: 

1. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCTV-T6N : 23 December 2020), William Zeluff in household of Peter Zehift, Carrollton, Cattaraugus, New York, United States; citing family, NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.). 

2. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCTV-T6N : 23 December 2020), William Zeluff in household of Peter Zehift, Carrollton, Cattaraugus, New York, United States; citing family, NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.). 

3. "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFG-LVV : 18 February 2021), Wm Zeliff in entry for Franklin Monroe, 1860. 

4. "Texas, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZWY-72X : 5 December 2014), William M Zeluff, 1861; from "Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Texas," database, Fold3.com (http://www.fold3.com : n.d.); citing military unit First Infantry (Second Infantry), NARA microfilm publication M323 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1961), roll 257. 

5. "There never were such men before: the Civil War soldiers and veterans of Polk County, Texas, 1861-1865". Ruth Peebles, Livingston, TX, Polk County Historical Commission, 1987.

History of One Cradle

From photos to people's lives stories. History of one cradle made in Silesia.

Józefa Adamiec (Adamietz) nee Konieczko, born in Polish Silesia (Prussia then) in 1816, traveled with her husband Szymon (Simon) born in 1802, their two sons Jan Szymon (born in 1841), Albert (born in 1844), and other Silesian families. They went from Silesia to Bremen and then, on the bark Weser, from Bremen to Texas. 

On 3 December 1854, they reached Galveston. One of the items Józefa brought from Silesia was a cradle (she was a midwife). 

 

The Silesians settled in Bandera in 1855.  Five years later, Józefa, Simon, and their sons were registered in the Census. They lived in the town of Bandera. Simon was a farmer, John worked as a mail rider, Albert was a laborer (1).

Tax records from 1861 inform that Simon Adamietz had 40 acres of land (originally granted to William Keller) worth $100 then. The man owned a town lot no. 23.4, 2 horses and 9 head of cattle (2).

On 10 May 1866, John (Jan) married 20-year-old Miss Constantinetina (Konstantyna?) S Pyka (3), born on 31 August 1846 in Silesia. She was the daughter of Johann Pyka and his wife Franciszka.

John and Constantine had 11 children (4). During the Civil War, John served with 6th Field Artillery and Capt. Dege's Batallion (8th Field Artillery), Texas Light Artillery. Private was his rank (5).

Under the guidance of Józefa, her daughter-in-law learned the midwife skills. Eventually, Constantine inherited the crib that belonged to her mother-in-law. She passed it later to her daughter Mary Ann.

In 1978, the old cradle pieces were taken to a restoration shop in Hondo, and the crib was made (see the photo). Nowadays, you can watch the restored piece of furniture in the Frontier Times Museum in Bandera, TX.

The photo of the cradle was taken during our visit to the Frontier Times Museum in Bandera. 

🎕

Simon Adamietz passed on 24 November 1879, his wife Josepha on 12 December 1884.

Their son John died in 1911. Constantina live till 2 May 1931.

 
Source:
Findagrave.com
1. "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFP-VMQ : 18 February 2021), Simon Adamicz, 1860. 

2. "Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1837-1910", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBMC-LG5 : 20 February 2021), Simon Adamick, 1861.

3. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FX39-F98 : 22 January 2020), Constantinetina S. Pyka in entry for John S Adamietz, 1866. 

4. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3LK-X2R : accessed 15 October 2021), John Adamitz, Justice Precinct 1, Bandera, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 1, sheet 1A, family 5, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,608. 

5. National Park Service

A for Armadillo

Coming back to "My Texas Alphabet" and to the letter "A", it is for Armadillo, of course. 

How could it be different since the animal is one of the symbols of Texas?  
You can meet it in the countryside.  Armadillos tend to be rather slow regarding their actions. They are cute in their own way, though.

Video and photos: One of the Texas symbols met during one of our walks in the country area. 

---

"My Texas Alphabet" is my, quite a personal, summary of our hitherto life in Texas. 

Monument to Dawson's Men

The Monument is dedicated to the men who fell during the so-called Dawson Massacre (1842) and Mier Expedition. 

 

One of the men who took part in the Somervell/Mier Expedition was Mr. Kinchen William Davis. He was captured by Mexican troops and happened to draw a white bean, then was kept at the Perote prison. 

More about Mr. Davis, his fate, and family in the post HERE.  

 

More information related to the historical events mentioned above:

• Dawson Massacre: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/dawson-massacre
• Somervell Expedition: https://www.tshaonline.org/.../entries/somervell-expedition
• Mier Expedition: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/mier-expedition
• Black Bean Episode/Drawing: https://www.tshaonline.org/han.../entries/black-bean-episode 

Pictures taken in La Grange, TX.

G for Gietrzwałd

Have you been to Gietrzwałd?

The place used to be called Dietrichswalde when Poland was under Prussian rule. This religious Sanctuary in east-northern Poland is visited by many pilgrims every day. Among others, it is known from the creek water, believed to have healing/miraculous properties.

More about Gietrzwałd on one of our pages HERE.

The painting (in the above photo) is part of the display in the old Heritage Museum in Panna Maria, TX.

⚘

To read more  "My Polish Alphabet"entries, check out the link below. 

Alfred Henke and Lilly Kordzik

Alfred Henke was the son of Heinrich Henke and Dorothea Weirich. He was born on 8 March 1874 in Gillespie, TX.

In 1880, Alfred, his parents, and 9 siblings were recorded by a census clerk in Fredericksburg, Gillespie, TX. Mr. Henry Henke and his eldest son, 17-year-old William, were butchers. 14-year-old Otto attended cattle. Another note in the record states that 11-year-old Henry was "in bed scolded by boiler explosion" (1).

 

 

Alfred was confirmed on 25 March 1888. His Confirmation certificate was on display at the exhibition "History of Lutheran Church", May 2022.
 

1 June 1900, Alfred worked as a salesman, and his brother Richard was a butcher as their father Henry. The family lived in Justice Precinct #1 (south part), Fredericksburg, Gillespie, TX (2).

A few months later, on 30 October, young Alfred married Miss Lilly Bertha Hedwig Kordzik (3), the daughter of Henry Kordzik and Auguste Meyer. Lilly came to this world on 24 May 1877 in Gillespie County, TX (4).

 

 

Lily's Baptismal Certificate - Baptism took place on 14 October 1877. Interestingly, Lily's name given on the Certificate is Lilia. Picture taken at the exhibition mentioned above.

 

Marriage Certificate - Source #3

Children born to Alfred and Lilly

• Nora Alma Lina, born on 16 September 1901 (5),
• Viola Bertha Ida, born on 8 July 1905 in Fredericksburg (6),
• Gilbert Adolph, born on 3 December 1907 (7),
• Victor E, born on 5 June 1911 (8),
• Paul Max, born on 22 April 1913 (9).

1910 - Alfred owned a general merchandise store. He and his immediate family lived in Justice Precinct #1, Fredericksburg, TX (10).

15 September 1918, Mr. Alfred Henke was registered by the army (11). As a married man with children, he was exempted from the service.

1920 - Alfred, Lilly and their 5 children lived in Fredericksburg, Alfred ran a farm, and his eldest daughter Nora worked as a saleswoman at the store (12).

Mr. Alfred Henke lived 64 years and 9 months. The man contracted broncho-pneumonia on ⌛ 3 December 1938. He passed a few days later, on 7 December. Lilly Kordzik Henke lived till the age of 88. She died on ⌛ 10 November 1965 (14).

Sources:
Sources:
1. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFN8-FDF : 15 January 2022), Alfred Henke in household of Henry Henke, Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district, sheet, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm.
2. "United States Census, 1900", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3GZ-93F : 14 January 2022), Alfred Henke in entry for Henry Henke, 1900.
3. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9VPT : 10 March 2021), Alfred Henke and Lillie Kordzik, 30 Oct 1900; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.
4. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F65F-G3J : 13 February 2020), Lilly Bertha Hedwig Kordzik, 1877.
5. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6PM-JLD : 13 February 2020), Lilly Kordzik in entry for Nora Alma Lina Henke, 1901.
6. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX96-6H2 : 1 March 2021), Lilly Kordzik in entry for Viola Bertha Ida Henke, 08 Jul 1905; citing Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States, certificate 74998, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,380,570.
7. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX96-S5P : 1 March 2021), Lilly Kordzik in entry for Gilbert Adolph Henke, 03 Dec 1907; citing Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States, certificate 75493, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,380,570.
8.  "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K345-WC4 : 5 April 2023), Lillie Kordzik in entry for Victor E Henke, 1935.
9. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6P9-JQK : 13 February 2020), Lilly Kordzik in entry for Paul Max Henke, 1913.
10. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MK12-SSZ : accessed 13 May 2023), Alfred Henke, Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 146, sheet 3A, family 59, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1554; FHL microfilm 1,375,567.
11. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXZ-K7J : 29 December 2021), Alfred Henke, 1917-1918.
12. "United States Census, 1920", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MC9C-ZC3 : 3 February 2021), Alfred Henke, 1920.
13. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3MW-FBB : 5 April 2023), Alfred Henke, 1938.
14. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KSBQ-Z5G : 5 April 2023), Lilly Henke, 1965.

 

Dunnam Men - Part 1

Initially, I was planning to write about Sidney H. (Dunham) Dunnam only. However, my research expanded to other men in his family, brothers, father, uncles, and cousins.

The first part of the note dedicated to the Dunnam men, who at some point lived in Polk County, TX, is about Sidney, his brothers, and their father Samuel.

 

🔷 Sidney (Dunham) Dunnan was born in 1832 in Mississippi.

 

The 1850 census found him in Rapides, Rapides, Louisiana. 18-year-old Sidney H lived there with his father Samuel B B (age 45, born in SC), mother Sarah A (age 43, born in SC), and siblings, John McRae (age 22, born in MS), James Alexader Chovin (age 21, born in MS), Montilvan (age 17, born in LA), Czartorensky (age 12, born in LA), Frances Eugenia P (age 10, born in LA), Alexis (age 6, born in LA), Sarah A (age 4, born in LA). Samuel Blackwell Bell Dunham, the father of the family, was a farmer (1, 2).

 

In 1854, Mr. Samuel B B Dunham was ordained Methodist minister, and the family relocated to Texas (3). They lived in Colita, Polk County.

 

The Civil War started, Sidney, his brothers, and other relations joined the CA.

Sidney H, a farmer, was enlisted in the month of April 1861. The man served as a private with Company B, 1st Texas Infantry, Hood's Brigade.

• Private Sidney H Dunnam's arrival in Richmond, VA was recorded on 16 May 1861. In the same month, he was admitted to the hospital in Lynchburg, VA, where he stayed also in June.
• August 1862 - the man was left in the hospital on the march Richmond - Manassas.
• From September to October and in December 1862 - Sidney was on furlough.
• 20 September 1863 - Private S H Dunnam was promoted to 1st Sergeant. Later, he was with Company F, 4th Regiment, Texas Cavalry (Reiley's Regiment), Trans-Mississippi Department.
• During the battle of Mansfield (Louisiana), Sidney was wounded. 

The soldier died on the following day, ⌛ 9 April 1864. He was buried in Trinity County, Texas.

 

More about

Hood's Brigade: https://www.tshaonline.org/.../entries/hoods-texas-brigade

4th Texas Cavalry: https://www.tshaonline.org/.../entries/fourth-texas-cavalry

Battle of Mansfield, LA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mansfield

 

Sidney's brothers

 

🔷 Alexis J, born in 1844 in Louisiana,

 

was enlisted on 10 March 1862 in Livingston, TX, and served as 4th Sergeant with Company F, 22nd Texas Infantry (Hubbard's Regiment). Soon after the enlistment, in April, Alexis got sick and spent some time in the General Hospital in Houston.

• February 1864, he was degraded in rank to private (circumstances unknown). 
• Two months later, on ⌛ 9 April 1864, Alexis J. Dunnam was killed during the battle of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana.

 

More about

22nd Texas Infantry: https://www.tshaonline.org/.../twenty-second-texas-infantry

Battle of Pleasant Hill: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Pleasant_Hill

 

 

🔷 Alexis J C (Alexander James Chovin) was born on 3 May 1829, in Mississippi.

 

He was enlisted on 15 November 1862 in Livingston, TX. Alexis was a private in Company F, 4th Texas Cavalry (Reiley's Regiment). Sometime later, the man was promoted to Sergeant. On 2 February 1864, at Virginia Point, TX, he was discharged because of physical disability.

 

A J C Dunnam was a bookkeeper. His first wife was ⚭ Miss Martha Ellen Meekins (born in about 1850 in Marlboro, SC).

 

Their children:

🔹 Emmett Blackwell - born on 26 March 1857, Polk County, TX,

🔹 P.L. - born in about 1858/died in about 1860,

🔹 Gertrude - born in about 1859,

🔹 Lytton (born in 1865)

🔹 Lucy Ellen was born on 14 April 1869/died on 3 December 1870.

 

After the death of Mary Ellen (on 26 April 1869), Alex J C remarried. His second wife was Belle Bingham. The two were married on ⚭ 10 March 1870 (4).

 

Their children:

🔹 Marcus (born in about 1872),

🔹 Nellie (born in 1874). Possibly, Belle died after giving birth to Nellie.

 

In ⚭ 1875, Virginia Evans Lykes (20 years junior to her spouse) became Alex J C's wife. 

 

Their children

🔹 Laura B - born on 13 December 1878,

🔹 William Lykes - was born on 8 October 1879 in Polk, TX,

🔹 Alexander James - born on 29 October 1883, Texarkana, Bowie, TX,

🔹 Norman B was born in abt 1886, in Polk, TX.

 

In 1880, the census found him and his family in Justice Precinct #4, Houston, TX. Alex J C Dunnam's profession was then listed by a census clerk as "farmer/miller". His wife Virginia (Jennie) was 31 then.

Children mentioned in the record: Emmett, Lytton, Marcus, Nellie, Laura, Lykes, Minnie Caverhill (born 1871, TN). The latter was Virginia's daughter from her prior marriage to Mr. Thomas J Caverhill (5).

20 years later, both Alexander J C and his wife Virginia, lived with the family of his son Norman B, in Texarkana, Miller, Arkansas. In the census record, 80-year-old Alex was listed as a "Lumber Dealer" (6).

 

Mr. Alexander James Chovin passed on ⌛ 17 January 1912 in Texarkana, Bowie, TX. The man died of apoplexy (7).

 

🔷 Montalvan Adolphus born on 10 March 1834 in LA.

 

He was enlisted in the CA, in Polk County, TX in April 1861 (8). The man was a private in Company B, 1st Texas Infantry (Hood's Brigade).

 

From February to April 1862, the man was detached to recruit soldiers in Texas.

• 27 June 1862 - Montalvan was wounded at Gaines Mill, Virginia.
• 14 July 1862 - he was given 40 days of furlough,
• 30 August 1862, wounded again during the second battle of Manassas,
• September 1862, Private M A Dunnam was transferred to Company M,
• 17 September 1862, Sharpsburg (Antietam), Maryland, was wounded during the battle. Later, he was detailed to stay at Sharpsburg with the wounded (as a nurse). Montalvan was there captured and afterward, exchanged. The soldier was promoted to 2nd Sergeant.
• 15 September 1863 - he was appointed Regimental Ordnance Sergeant.

 

More about

Battle of Gaines Mill: https://www.battlefields.org/.../civi.../battles/gaines-mill

Second Battle of Manassas: https://www.battlefields.org/.../battles/second-manassas

Battle of Antietam: https://www.battlefields.org/.../civil-war/battles/antietam

After the war, Montalvan served as Sheriff in Polk County, TX. He married ⚭ Miss Letitia Ann Whittington (born on 6 November 1848, in Liberty, Liberty, TX), the daughter of George Washington Whittington and Letitia Ann Menning.

 

Montalvan and Letitia had at least two children:

(9) 🔸 Samuel Whittington (born on 26 June 1872 in TX),

(10) 🔸 Lee Keats, born on 18 November 1875 in Livingston, TX.

In 1880, the family lived in Livingston, Polk, TX. Samuel B B, Montalvan's father, lived with Montalvan, his wife, and their two children (11).

 

Montalvan Adolphus Dunnam passed on ⌛ 26 September 1905 (12).

Montalvan (de Montalvan) is a noble family surname that originates in Europe (France, Italy, Spain). Possibly there was a family connection in M A Dunnam's mother's/father's line. Some of their ancestors were French (13).

 

🔷 C R Dunnam, born in 1839 in LA, appears in the records also as Czartarensky and Czartavensky Radzowill. It makes me think of the surnames Czartoryski and Radziwiłł, two Polish noble families of a position and means, related to each other. Again, the connection through the French/Spanish line in Dunnam's family tree could be possible. If it was not the case, why was the boy given such difficult names?

 

Czar Rensky (Ikey) was enlisted in Polk County, TX in April 1861 (144). The man served as a private with Company B 1st Texas Cavalry (Hood's Brigade). Before the war, he was a bookkeeper.

Private C R Dunnam came to Richmond, Virginia on 16 May 1861. Sometime after that, he was promoted to 3rd Corporal.

• September 1862 - was Color Bearer for his company.
• 17 September 1862, C R was captured (Sharpsburg, MD), and paroled later.
• Next, he was promoted to 2nd Corporal.
• November/December 1862 - recorded as sick.
• February 1863 - on furlough.
• November 1863/July 1864 - CR Dunnam served as Division Guard.
• January 1865 - he was discharged.

A year later, on ⚭ 5 January 1866, C R married Miss Margaret R Whittington, who was his sister-in-law (15).

 

 

🔷 Samuel Bell Blackwell, the father of the men mentioned above, 

 

was born on 20 September 1803 in SC. The man married ⚭ Miss Sarah Amanda McRae in 1825. The lady died in ⌛ September 1861.

 

Samuel B B Dunnam was not enlisted in the CA because of his age. However, he joined it voluntarily as a chaplain to spiritually assist his sons and other relations of Colita, Polk, TX who were enlisted.

Samuel B B Dunnam served with Company B, 1st Texas Infantry (Hood's Brigade). He was in all the battles, including the Red River Campaign in LA. At some point, the chaplain (and his two sons) was assigned to Company F, 4th Texas Cavalry (Railey's Brigade). He finished his army service at the rank of lieutenant.

 

More about

Red River Campaign https://www.battlefields.org/.../articles/red-river-campaign

 

After the war, in 1870, 65-year-old Samuel lived in the household of Houston Churchill in Livingston, TX (16). Later, as mentioned above, the man lived with the family of his son, Montalvan.

At the end of his life, in 1900, he was staying in the home (Polk County, TX) of his daughter Frances (born in 1841) and her husband James Ewing Hill (17). 

 

Samuel Bell Blackwell died at the age of 100 on ⌛ 9 December 1903 in Livingston, TX. The details regarding his age given on the death certificate are incorrect (18).

 

Newspaper clipping: Newspaper clipping included below: The Austin Statesman. (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 33, Ed. 1 Sunday, December 13, 1903, newspaper, December 13, 1903; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1454785/: accessed April 12, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .
 

Sources:

     "There never were such men before: the Civil War soldiers and veterans of Polk County, Texas, 1861-1865". Ruth Peebles, Livingston, TX, Polk County Historical Commission, 1987.

1."United States Census, 1850", database with images, FamilySearch (ark:/61903/1:1:MCJD-RS3 : Mon Mar 13 19:33:17 UTC 2023), Entry for Sarah A Dunham and Montilvan Dunham, 1850.
2. family tree familysearch.org
3. Newspaper clipping: The Austin Statesman. (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 33, Ed. 1 Sunday, December 13, 1903, newspaper, December 13, 1903; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1454785/: accessed April 12, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .
4."Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6B4-WZK : 10 March 2021), A. J. C. Dunnam and Belle Bigham, 10 Mar 1870; citing Polk, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,006,875. 5. National Park Service https://www.nps.gov/civilwar
5."United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFNL-C78 : 15 January 2022), A.j.c. Dunnam, Justice Precinct 4, Houston, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district , sheet , NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm .
6. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MKVX-9QV : accessed 7 April 2023), Artha J C Dunnam in household of Norman B Dunnam, Texarkana Ward 3, Miller, Arkansas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 70, sheet 17B, family 367, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 57; FHL microfilm 1,374,070.
7. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3WG-JWD: 6 April 2023), A J C Dunnam, 1912.
8. "Texas, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZWL-BQG : 5 December 2014), M A Dunnam, 1861; from "Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Texas," database, Fold3.com (http://www.fold3.com : n.d.); citing military unit First Infantry (Second Infantry), NARA microfilm publication M323 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1961), roll 248.
9. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K38P-9L6 : 5 April 2023), Montalvan Adolphus Dunnam in entry for Samuel Whittington Dunnam, 1975.
10. "United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6K4S-HTCM: 11 February 2023), Montalvin A Dunnam in entry for Lee Keats Dunnam.
11. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJW-VRQ: 15 January 2022), Montalvan Dunnam, Livingston, Polk, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district , sheet , NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm.
12. "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVKN-3WNJ : 16 December 2021), M.A., ; Burial, Corpus Christi, Nueces, Texas, United States of America, New Bayview Cemetery; citing record ID 40458027, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.
13. familysearch.org
14. "Texas, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZWL-B3B : 5 December 2014), C R Dunnam, 1861; from "Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Texas," database, Fold3.com (http://www.fold3.com : n.d.); citing military unit First Infantry (Second Infantry), NARA microfilm publication M323 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1961), roll 248.
15. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8B-ZRRS : 22 December 2016), C. R. Dunnam and M. R. Whittington, 05 Jan 1866; citing , Polk, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,006,875.
16. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGH-4SW : 18 October 2021), Samuel B Dunnam in entry for Houston Churchill, 1870.
17. "United States Census, 1900", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3P1-2Y4 : 30 November 2021), S B Dunnam in entry for J E Hill, 1900.
18. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3WJ-L4G: 5 April 2023), S B B Dunnam, 1903.
- findagrave.com