Emanuel Barta

Some time ago, we visited the Texas Czech Heritage Center in La Grange. The museum was really great, full of interesting items. Some of them made me curious about finding out more about the people who used to live in the area and to whom the exhibits used to belong.  One of those exhibits was that wedding shadowbox.

Emanuel Barta, the son of Jan Barta and Maria Charbula /harbula/, was born on 2 April 1891. Emanuel was born in Texas, his parents came to the state from Bohemia/Austria.

In 1900, the boy lived with his family - parents and 7 siblings (Betty, Annie, Esther, Ida, Leo, Olga, and Egon) in Justice Precinct #7 (Ammansville), Fayette County, TX (1).

When he grew up, Emanuel and his siblings helped their parents operate the family farm. By 1910, two elder sisters had been married and lived somewhere else. In April 1910, the census recorded Ida, Emanuel, Leo, Eugen, Mary, Annie, John, and Eliska + their parents John (Jan) and Mary who lived in household #99, Justice Precinct #7, Fayette County (2).

At the age of 25, Emanuel married 5-year-younger Miss Annie Dobrava. The two obtained their marriage license on 5 October 1916 (3) and then, got married on 24 October of the same year (4).
Annie was born on 8 November 1896, to Jan Vladimir Dobrava and Magdalena Vaček.
The couple had 3 sons Ignac Frank (born 1918), Ivan (born 19129), and Emil E (born 1925).

Emanuel and Anna lived in Schulenburg Route 1, Fayette County, TX. The man was a farmer. He lived 81 years.

 

Emanuel Barta died in Fayette Memorial Hospital in La Grange of cardiac failure, on 5 December 1972 (5).  Annie passed five years later, on 15 March 1977 (6).

 

Source:

1. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3G7-95W: accessed 23 August 2021), Emanuel Barta in the household of John Barta, Justice Precinct 7 (Ammannsville precinct), Fayette, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 45, sheet 2B, family 31, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,635.
2. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2MN-G6N: accessed 23 August 2021), Elisha Barta in the household of John Barta, Justice Precinct 7, Fayette, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 67, sheet 6B, family 99, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1552; FHL microfilm 1,375,565.
3. Hurr, Henry. The Flatonia Argus (Flatonia, Tex.), Vol. 42, No. 1, Ed. 1 Thursday, November 9, 1916, newspaper, November 9, 1916; Flatonia, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth989164/: accessed August 23, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Fayette Public Library, Museum, and Archives.
4. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-KLLD: 10 March 2021), Emanuel Barta and Annie Dobrava, 24 Oct 1916; citing Fayette, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 966,871.
5. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3ZL-JJV : 20 February 2021), Emanuel Barta, 05 Dec 1972; citing certificate number 90543, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,242,195.
6. Findagrave.com

Louis Peter Vitek

 About one couple whose marriage certificate is on display at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange, TX. 

⭐

Louis (Alois) Peter Vitek, the son of Joe Vitek and Antonia Novak, was born on 8 July 1914 in Texas (0). 

 Louis' grandparents, Martin Vitek and Anna Slansky were born in Moravia.

 

🏠 Census 1920 - Louis lived with his parents (age 33 and 30) and siblings, Bohumil (age 7) and Emil (age 5), in Justice Precinct #3, Austin, TX. Mr. Joe Vitek was a farmer (1).

On ⚭ 24 November 1936, the young man married Miss Edith Rita Bohac. It happened in Austin, TX (2). Edith, born on 31 July 1918 in Granger, Williamson, TX, was the daughter of Vinc E Bohac and Antonia Marek (3).

👉 1940 Census, on April 6, Louis Vitek worked as a truck driver for road construction and lived at the home of Mr. Albert G Kulhanek in the town of Bedias, Justice Precinct #7, Grimes County (4).

👉 April 22 - The young couple, Louis and Edith, was registered in Justice Precinct #2, Williamson County (5).

Louis passed on ♦ 3 November 1986 in Williamson, Texas (6). Edith lived much longer, until ♦ 23 August 2007.

According to my finds, the couple had one son.

 Sources:

0. "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VDVW-6PB : 1 January 2015), Alois Vitek, 08 Jul 1914; from "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2005); citing Texas Department of State Health Services.

1. "United States Census, 1920", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHY2-RYG : Sun Mar 10 08:34:47 UTC 2024), Entry for Joe Vitek and Tonie Vitek, 1920.

2. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLZN-FZK : Sat Mar 09 07:23:28 UTC 2024), Entry for Louis P Vitek and Edith Bohac, 24 Nov 1936.

3. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LJ6-42MM : 14 February 2020), Edith Rita Bohac, 1918.

4. "United States Census, 1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KWV1-994 : Sun Mar 10 21:09:14 UTC 2024), Entry for Albert G Kulhanek and Ruby A Kulhanek, 1940.

5. "United States Census, 1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K4QV-P36 : Sun Mar 10 07:56:28 UTC 2024), Entry for Louis P Vitek and Edith Vitek, 1940.

6. "Texas Death Index, 1964-1998," , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JVT6-JJF : 5 December 2014), Louis Peter Vitek, Williamson, Texas, United States; citing Department of State Health Services, Austin.

Jan Josef Migl and Anastazie Koudelka

Another post inspired by a wedding photo we saw at the Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange, TX.

Jan Josef Migl has already been mentioned on this page when we talked about his parents - František A Migl and Johanna Ježek.

He was born on 8 June 1855 in Dubenec, České Budějovice, Bohemia, then Austria.

Jan was married twice. His first wife was Marie Holub (born on 29 April 1859). The two were married on 21 November 1879 in Lavaca, TX (0).

 

Jan and Marie had nine children:

• Anna Marie - born on 23 March 1882, Praha, Lava, TX,
• Josef V - born on 18 September 1884,
• Anastasia - born on 18 September 1887,
• Ružena - born on 23 January 1892,
• Albina - born on 19 January 1894,
• William J - born on 6 April 1896,
• Clara S - born on 3 August 1898,
• Anton Joseph - born on 12 June 1903,
• Frank Charles - born on 15 July 1907.

Jan was a farmer. He was granted the US citizenship in 1877 (1). Marie died on ♦ 17 June 1909 (2). 

Two years later, on 6 November 1911, 56-year-old Jan remarried. His second spouse became 26-year-old Anastasie Koudelka (3). She was born on 24 February 1885 (Rakov, Pišek, Bohemia, Austria), to Antonin Koudelka and Katerina Koncaba.

Anastasie was taking care of her 5 youngest stepchildren. ⚭ 21-year-old Albina got married to Alois Jasek on 12 October 1915 (4). When WWI started, Willie was drafted and sent overseas (5). He started his own family after the war, on ⚭ 14 October 1919 (6). His sister Clara started her family on ⚭ 11 October 1921 (7). Then, Anton left the family home on ⚭ 13 October 1925. He was married to Lillie Jašek (8).

Anastasie bore 7 children to Jan:

• Rosa - born 3 September 1913,
• Jaroslav - born 2 April 1915,
• Sophie - born 24 May 1917,
• George J - born 16 March 1919 (9),
• Annie - born 18 July 1921,
• Lillie Christine - born 5 July 1923,
• Agnes Rose - born 29 November 1924.

🏠 The family lived in Justice Precinct #5, Fayette County, TX (10).

♦ 13 April 1933 - Jan and Anastasie's daughter Sophie died. Tetanus took her from this world (11).

About a year later, on ⚭  29 May, 26-year-old Frank Charles married 17-year-old Miss Ella Kubicek (12).

♦ 15 August 1935 - Willie J, Jan's son from his first marriage, passed at the age of 39.

Clipping source: Hawkes, George W. The Flatonia Argus (Flatonia, Tex.), Vol. 60, No. 34, Ed. 1 Thursday, August 22, 1935, newspaper, August 22, 1935; Flatonia, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1048757/: accessed January 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Fayette Public Library, Museum and Archives.

♦ 1 April 1936 - Jan (John Joseph) passed away at the age of 80 (13).

Clipping source: La Grange Journal (La Grange, Tex.), Vol. 57, No. 15, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 9, 1936, newspaper, April 9, 1936; La Grange, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth998122/: accessed January 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Fayette Public Library, Museum and Archives. 

Clipping source: Malec, Walter. The Tribune (Hallettsville, Tex.), Vol. 5, No. 28, Ed. 1 Tuesday, April 7, 1936, newspaper, April 7, 1936; Hallettsville, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1036724/: accessed January 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Friench Simpson Memorial Library.

⚭  26 October 1936 - Rosina married Joe Firasek in Flatonia, Fayette, TX (14).

👉 Census - 3 May 1940 - after John's death, his wife Anastasia (age 53) ran the family farm with the help of her children Jerry, George, Anna, Lillie, and Agnes. Anastasia's mother Catherine (age 83) lived with the family (15). Within the next 10 years, all the children (but George) left the family home.

 

⚭ 2 September 1940 - 25-year-old Jaroslav (Jerry) Joe married Marie Ann Wagner (16). She was born on 21 June 1916 in TX, to Anton Wagner and Frantiska Pesek. 

In the same year, on ⚭ 26 October, Rosina was married to Joe Firasek. He was born on 17 October 1911 (17).

⚭  George married Henrietta Jasek (born on 25 July 1923 in Moulton, Lavaca, TX) in about 1946.
⚭  Annie married Joe Ludwig Stryk (born on 14 February 1922) in about 1947.
⚭  Lillie married Alois Cyril Dornak who was born on 8 December 1925.

 

👉 In 1950, Anastasia lived with her son George, his wife, and children (18).

👉 June 1976, the lady's health deteriorated.

Clipping source: Janacek, John E. Yoakum Herald-Times (Yoakum, Tex.), Vol. 73, No. 46, Ed. 1 Thursday, June 10, 1976, newspaper, June 10, 1976; Yoakum, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1424284/: accessed January 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Carl and Mary Welhausen Library.

Clipping source: Brice, Mack. Yoakum Herald-Times (Yoakum, Tex.), Vol. 73, No. 48, Ed. 1 Thursday, June 17, 1976, newspaper, June 17, 1976; Yoakum, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1424286/: accessed January 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Carl and Mary Welhausen Library.

Anastasie Koudelka Migl died on ♦ 1 August 1976 (1(9). She lived 91 years.

Sources:
0. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6YB-X2K : 22 January 2020), Mary Hoheb in entry for John Migil, 1879.
1. "United States Census, 1900", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3G7-711 : Thu Oct 05 05:45:43 UTC 2023), Entry for John Migl and Marie Migl, 1900.
2. "Texas Death Index, 1903-2000," , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZVQ-4S7 : 24 May 2014), Mary Migl, 17 Jun 1909; from "Texas, Death Index, 1903-2000," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2006); citing certificate number 29966, Fayette, Texas, Texas Department of Health, State Vital Statistics Unit, Austin.
3. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FX9C-DY5 : 22 January 2020), Jan Migl, 1911.
4."Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-561V : Thu Nov 30 12:42:30 UTC 2023), Entry for Alois Jasek and Albina Migl, 12 Oct 1915.
5."Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-FW6B : Thu Oct 12 08:49:44 UTC 2023), Entry for Willie Migl, 06 Jul 1918.
6."Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-KL3G : Thu Nov 30 12:49:02 UTC 2023), Entry for William J Migl and Rosie Klekar, 14 Oct 1919.
7."Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXML-MWG : 22 January 2020), Anton J. Migl, 1925.
8."Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZY-JM2J : 22 July 2021), John St Jasek and Klara Migl, 11 Oct 1921; citing Marriage, citing Hallettsville, Lavaca, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 5,853,989.
9. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X2JD-TL9 : Mon Oct 30 12:22:16 UTC 2023), Entry for George Migl and John Migl, 16 Mar 1919.
10. "United States Census, 1930", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HT3P-1ZM : Fri Oct 06 07:46:48 UTC 2023), Entry for John Migl and Anna S Migl, 1930.
11."Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K331-BLL : Tue Nov 28 02:46:07 UTC 2023), Entry for Sophie Migl and John Migl, 13 Apr 1933.
12."Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1H-35TB : Mon Oct 23 13:26:20 UTC 2023), Entry for Frank C Migl and Ella Kubicek, 29 May 1934.
13.Texas Death Index, 1903-2000," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZDV-KL9 : 24 May 2014), John Migl, 01 Apr 1936; from "Texas, Death Index, 1903-2000," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2006); citing certificate number 20161, Fayette, Texas, Texas Department of Health, State Vital Statistics Unit, Austin.
14. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZY-NLHG : 22 July 2021), Joe Firasek and Rosie Migl, 26 Oct 1936; citing Marriage, citing Flatonia, Fayette, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 5,853,999.
15."United States Census, 1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KWVZ-5H3: Tue Nov 28 13:30:34 UTC 2023), Entry for Anna Stasia Migl and Jerry Migl, 1940.
16. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1H-3VCQ : Mon Oct 23 14:09:37 UTC 2023), Entry for Jerry Migl and Mary Wagner, 02 Sep 1940.
17. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZY-NLHG: 22 July 2021), Joe Firasek and Rosie Migl, 26 Oct 1936; citing Marriage, citing Flatonia, Fayette, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 5,853,999.
18. "United States 1950 Census", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6XGT-GMLH : Tue Oct 03 21:42:30 UTC 2023), Entry for George J Migl and Henrietta Migl, 10 April 1950.
19. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K78G-94V : Wed Jan 17 23:04:20 UTC 2024), Entry for Annastazie Migl and Leslie Greive, 1 Aug 1976.

About Tamburash Orchestra & Instruments

The Czech Music Museum of Texas is part of the open-air part of the Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange. The museum is situated in the house which used to belong to Jonathon and Peggy Kalich (Kalič). It was built in the 1890s, and much later was donated by the owners to the Heritage Center. In 2000 the building was moved to the current area from Schulenburg.

 

The exhibition in the Music Museum is displayed in four rooms dedicated to four music categories: sacral music, classical Czech composers, polka, and folk and dance Czech music.

 

 

By the way, not everybody knows that polka is a Czech dance which is also popular in other European countries, including Poland, Germany, and Austria. I mention this because I have heard so many times: "Poland? Ah yes, polka!". No, it is not a Polish national dance.

 

 

 

Talking about music and the museum, a good time to mention the tamburash and the Houston Tamburash Orchestra. Tamburash is a string instrument similar to the lute, from the same instrument group that originally come from the gusla. The latter is played with a bow and is traditionally used in the Balkans. 

 

 

The Czech Tamburash Orchestra was organized by Josef Drozda in 1932 in Houston. Mato Gujranovic was the orchestra director. The man was a painter and a musician as well. He came to Houston from Galveston and taught music in the city.

 

 

The Tamburash Orchestra was a band of traditional Czech string instruments from the tamburash group such as bisernica, kontrashic, bracas (equivalents of violins and cellos), bugarias (similar to wood strings), and berda. The latter instrument is six feet and six inches high. All the instruments have four strings and some have them tuned on the same range or two different ones. The smallest piece in the orchestra was 18 inches long. A full tamburash orchestra has 32 instruments, the Texas Tamburash Orchestra had only 9. 

 

 

However, they managed to play not only polka and other folk music, but also classical music pieces by Dvořak, Smetana, and some Russian composers as well. The youngest musician in the group was Miss Helen Vajčik, whose father was the orchestra coorganizer. The girl started playing with the band when she was 10.

Clipping source: Valcik, Stephen. Věstník (West, Tex.), Vol. 39, No. 48, Ed. 1 Wednesday, November 28, 1951, newspaper, November 28, 1951; West, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth626401/: accessed November 24, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas.

PS

In the Museum, we did not see any tamburash, dulcimers only.

Source: 

• "The Czech Pioneers of the Southwest. The History of a People in the Development of a Nation", Henry R Maresh and Estelle Hudson, 1934, 1962, 1996.
• "The Roots of Texas Music", Joe W Specht, Lawrence Clayton, Texas A&M University Press, 2005.
  Photos: Texas Czech Culture and Heritage Center, La Grange, TX

Anton Hajek

This post is inspired by one shadowbox which we saw at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange, TX.

 Anton Hajek was the son of Henry Hajek and Mary Kotrulik. He was born on 17 January 1896 (1).

🏠 18 June 1900 - little Anton lived with his parents (both age 28) and siblings in Justice Precinct #5, Victoria, TX. The siblings were Mary (age 7), Annie (age 6), and Charlie (age 2). Henry, the father (born in Bohemia), was a farmer (2).

During WW1, on 19 September 1917, Anton was enlisted in the Army. He served in Company M, 360th Infantry, and then, the MG Company 325th Infantry. The man was deployed overseas on 25 April 1918 and was wounded on 26th April of the same year. About a year later, on 14 May 1919, Anton came back with his unit to America. Private Hajek was honorably discharged on 28 May 1919 (3, 4, 5).

 

 

A few months later, on ⚭ 20 October 1919, 24-year-old Anton married Jane Migl in Lavaca, TX (6). 

 

The bride was three years younger (b. 31 July 1899) than Anton, she was the daughter of Frank Migl and Terezie Barta.

Soon, children were born to Anton and Johanne.

🔸 Irena Theresa was born 8 miles south of Yoakum, Lavaca, TX on 13 October 1920. The girl was taken by croup on 4 February 1923 (7, eight).

🔸 Eugene Valentine, born on 14 February 1923,Jerry Anton, was born on 27 January 1929 (9).
Census 1930 - the family lived in Precinct #3, Lavaca, Texas. 

🔸Anton and Johanna raised an adopted son, Johnnie Edward, born on 24 July 1915. Anton Hajek was a farmer (10).

Another son was born on 17 September 1931. The baby was named 🔸 Benjamin Frank (11).

In 1949, Anton (age 54), his wife, and their youngest son moved to Jackson County, TX, where Anton farmed as well (12).

Mr. Anton Hajek lived for 79 years. He passed on ♦ 16 September 1975, in Shiner, Lavaca, TX (13).

 

Clipping Source: Janacek, John E. Yoakum Herald-Times (Yoakum, Tex.), Vol. 74, No. 74, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 18, 1975, newspaper, September 18, 1975; Yoakum, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1424217/: accessed March 3, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Carl and Mary Welhausen Library.

Johanna Migl died at the age of 98, on ♦ 3 September 1997 (14).

Source:
familysearch.org,
findagrave.com
1. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K38X-7L2 : 20 February 2021), Anton J Hajek, 16 Sep 1975; citing certificate number 69142, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,243,830.
2. "United States Census, 1900", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M35N-BYF: 30 November 2021), Anton Hajek in entry for Henry Hajek, 1900.
3. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXK-7GL : 23 December 2021), Anton Hajek, 1917-1918.
4. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-JHLL : 9 March 2021), Anton Hajek, 19 Sep 1917; citing Military Service, Hallettsville, Lavaca, Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.
5. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPR1-RT74 : 3 September 2021), Anton Hajek, 28 May 1919; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.
6. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZY-NJPT : 22 July 2021), Anton Hajek and Johanna Migl, 20 Oct 1919; citing Marriage, citing Lavaca, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 5,853,987.
7. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X2Y7-SZL : 1 March 2021), Anton Hajek in entry for Baby Hajek, 13 Oct 1920; citing 8 Miles S Of Yoakum, Lavaca, Texas, United States, certificate 56104, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,517,971.
8. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3CR-RL7 : 20 February 2021), Irena Therasa Hajek, 04 Feb 1923; citing certificate number 5811, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,699.
9. "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V879-S3T : 1 January 2015), Anton J Hajek in entry for Jerry Anton Hajek, 27 Jan 1929; from "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2005); citing Texas Department of State Health Services.
and Benjamin Frank, born 17 September 1931.
10. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:H6K9-WPZ : accessed 1 March 2023), Anton Hajek, Precinct 3, Lavaca, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 11, sheet 3A, line 48, family 57, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2369; FHL microfilm 2,342,103.
11. "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VD8B-56X : 1 January 2015), Anton Hajek in entry for Benjamin Frank Hajek, 17 Sep 1931; 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 1950 Census", database, FamilySearch (ark:/61903/1:1:6XGY-PFBY : Sun Jan 29 14:27:08 UTC 2023), Entry for Doyel Calvin Parker and Vernon Chappell, 3 April 1950.
13. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K38X-7L2 : 20 February 2021), Anton J Hajek, 16 Sep 1975; citing certificate number 69142, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,243,830.
14. "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JR14-G4X : 10 January 2021), Johanna Hajek, 23 Sep 1997; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).

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.

SPJST

On 28 December 1896, in La Grange, TX, 25 local inhabitants of Czech and Slovak descent held a meeting. They were members of the Česko Slovensko Podporujici Spolek (CSPS - Czech Slavonic Benevolent Society) a fraternal insurance organization that operated in all the American states including Texas. The men selected a committee that was to start working on creating the Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Stanu Texas (SPJST/Slavonic Benevolent Association of the State of Texas). The committee members were J R Kubena, judge Augustin Haidusek, and F. Čistina. Later, Mr. Haidušek was replaced by CV Vanek. 

On 29 June 1897, a convention of  22 SPJST lodges members took place. The organization started its proper work on 1 July 1897 - that was the day on which SPJST officers were elected: president I J Gallia, Mr. Fred Breska vice-president, secretary, and treasurer - J R Kubena.

SPJST was a fraternal insurance organization of non-sectary character. It offered the members death and sick benefits. The organization was also into promoting mutual acquaintance of people of Czechoslovakian descent and supporting cultural, benevolent, and national projects.

 

Birthplace of SPJST - Fayette County Courthouse, La Grange

 

Early presidents of SPJST were: I J Gallia, J J Holik, Joseph Dušek, judge C H Chernosky. The initial 22 lodges/496 members grew by the end of 1993 to 152 lodges/11,141 members.

 

Another insurance-type organization came into being on 1 July 1926. It was the Slavonic Mutual Fire Insurance Association. Its first convention took place in June 1927 in Houston, and the first officers were Frank Ančinec, Anton Bily, judge C H Chernosky, Stephen Valik, M Bubac, Frank Bečan, John Kelarek, and Tom Hošek.

Source: "The Czech Pioneers of the Southwest. The History of a People in the Development of a Nation", Henry R Maresh and Estelle Hudson, 1934, 1962, 1996.

Žofie Kliš

Zofie Klis (Žofie Kliš) was born in Frenštát, Moravia (Moravian-Silesian Region) on 15 May 1972, died at 18, in Ammansville, Texas on 3 February 1891.

Sadly, nothing more I have managed to find out about Zofie. I did not know whose daughter she was and when the girl came to Texas. However, thanks to Joseph F., a Czech Texan History Facebook Group member, I learned who Zofie's parents were. In reply to my inquiry, Joseph posted a link to the Frenštát parish register page, where I could find the data related to Zofie's christening. Thank you, Joseph!

clipping from the Frenštát church parish book (linked above)

Father's name: Ignac Kliš, shoemaker in Frenštát, son of Ignac Kliš and his wife Johanna Chovanec.

Mother's name: Josefa Kalus, daughter of Josef Kalus and Johanna Janda of  Frenštát.

 Žofie's tombstone in Catholic Church Cemetery, Ammannsville, Fayette, TX

A few more persons of the same surname arrived from Moravia in Texas years after Zofie's passing.

20 April 1906
27-year-old Pavel, a miner, and 29-year-old Josef, a farm laborer came to Galveston on the ship SS Koln (from Bremen). 

6 January 1913

15-year-old Františka, a servant, arrived on board of "Breslau". Her destination was Hungerford, TX (1).

 

 

13 February 1909

13-year-old Anton came on "Hannover" to Galveston. He headed to Eagle Lake, TX (2).

 

 

Source:
Galveston Immigration Online Database 

1. "Texas, Passenger and Crew Lists Arriving at Various Ports, 1896-1951", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:CYVN-NBN2 : 12 June 2020), Anton Klis, 1909.

2. "Texas, Passenger and Crew Lists Arriving at Various Ports, 1896-1951", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:CYVN-NB2M : 12 June 2020), Frantiska Klis, 1913.

 

 

 This post is part of our series

 

KJT, Ammannsville

At the end of 1888, Father Chromcik and Czech Catholic men met in Hostyn, TX. The latter expressed their dissatisfaction with the membership in the insurance organizations which had their headquarters in the northern states.

The Texans were charged with a higher premium than the members living in the northern area of the US due to the estimated shorter life expectancy in Texas. According to those northern organizations, the calculated higher death risk factor included the presence of Indians and mosquitoes spreading malaria and yellow fever. The Texans saw it all differently and believed that the Texas air and climate were more beneficial to health and favored a longer life than the atmospheric conditions in the northern states.

During the discussion held at the meeting, Father Chromcik suggested creating a local insurance organization. On 4 July 1889, the Czech Catholic Union of Texas (Katolicka Jednota Teksaska) started their work. Initially, it had 150 members (Catholic men and boys only). Besides the insurance, KJT provides also assistance to disabled and indigent members and supports future priest studies. Furthermore, the organization promotes the Chech language and culture.

We visited Ammannsville, Fayette County, during our "Painted Churches of Texas" day trip.

Source: "The Texians and the Texans. The Czech Texans" The University of Texas, Institute of Texan Cultures, 1972.
Photo: KJT Hall, Ammannsville, TX

František Migl & Family

František A Migl was born on 1 April 1827 in Dobčice/Budejovice/Czechia, part of Austria then. He married Johanna Ježek, born 12 February 1830 in Dubenec, Budejovice, Czechia.

Their children

• Marie Anna - born on 24 March 1850,
• Anna - born on 16 April 1853, Jan Josef - born on 8 June 1855,
• Magdalena - born on 2 May 1850,
• Katherine Jane - born on 3 July 1859,
• Rosalia, born on 4 August 1861,
• Thomas - born on 25 December 1862,
• František J - born on 23 May 1866,
• Josef - born on 20 May 1868,
• Teresie - born on 24 January 1871/died on 20 April 1871,
• Theresa - was born on 6 April 1862.

Marie, the first daughter of Franz and Johanna, left for America first. Then it was Magdalena, Jan, and Katherine who went to Texas. The parents and other siblings came to Galveston in 1874.

Frank Migl's passport*

1900 - 74-year-old Frank and 70-year-old Johanna lived in Justice Precinct #4, Lavaca County, TX. Jan, with his wife and children, lived in the household next to his parents (1). Johanna passed 3 years later, on 22 February (in Praha, Fayette, TX).

Frank Migl's Citizenship Certificate*

Frank Migl died on 3 February 1915 (2).

Paper clipping: Halletsville Herald. (Hallettsville, Tex.), Vol. 43, No. 39, Ed. 1 Friday, February 5, 1915, newspaper, February 5, 1915; Hallettsville, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1036237/: accessed May 3, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Friench Simpson Memorial Library.

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More about Frank Migl and his family: HERE

* The papers are on display at the Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange, TX.

Sources:

1. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PZ-91N: accessed 2 May 2023), Frank Migl Sr., Justice Precinct 6 (east part), Lavaca, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 95, sheet 16A, family 184, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,653.

2. "Texas Death Index, 1903-2000," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZN6-DFM: 24 May 2014), Frank Migl, 03 Feb 1915; from "Texas, Death Index, 1903-2000," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: 2006); citing certificate number 3185, Fayette, Texas, Texas Department of Health, State Vital Statistics Unit, Austin.

 - familysearch.org 

- findagrave.com