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j_lex

Joined: 06 Feb 2021
Replies: 50
Location: Buffalo, NY
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 1:24 pm Post subject: Zakrzewski and Jerka

I am trying to track down records of the Zakrzewski and Jerka line.

Michael Zakrzewski (born 1859 - 1861) and Rozalia Jerka (around 1866) were married and had three children before to their immigration to the United States prior to the 1892 New York State Census. I believe they hailed from around Brodnica, Poland (northeast of Toruń).

There is one possible record with Michael and Rozalia listed as parents in that area, 1888 Agnes born in Buczek (Bobrowo Parish), which I am waiting for the State Archive in Toruń to release.

Rozalia has been difficult to research, perhaps due to her last name written or indexed in many ways (Jerka, Jeska, Jeske, Yerke, Yerka, Yenka, Irka).

Based on US and NYS Census data and death notices, I believe Michael was born between 1859 and 1861, and Rozalia around 1866. A Michael Zakrzewski (recorded as Zakozewski) immigrated to the United States in 1889 aboard the Main. I have not located Rozalia and the children’s immigration records.

On the 1892 NYS Census Michael (age 31) and Rozalia (26) are listed with three children born in Poland, Helen ( Cool

, Anna (6), Teofil (4) and one born in the US.

Helen’s (age 20) 1903 marriage record (Transfiguration Parish, Buffalo, NY) to Francis Sawastynowicz lists Michael Zakrzewski and Rozalia Jerka and place of birth as Pasieka, Pr. Z.

Agnes’ 1909 marriage record (Transfiguration) to Adalbert Wojda lists Michael Zakrzewski and Rozalia Jerka and place of birth as Brodnica, Pr. Z. Agnes’ birth is listed as 21 Jan 1888.

Jan’s 1894 birth record (St. Stanislaus Parish) lists Michael Zakrzewski and Rozalia Jerka independently from Buczek, Poland.

Bernard’s 1897 birth record (St. Stan) lists Michael Zakrzewski and Rozalia Jerka independently from Mszano, Poland.

The 1900 US Census lists Michael (40), Rozalia (35), Helen (17), Teofila (12), John (4), Bernard (3), and Joseph (1). John is the first child to be born in New York. Immigration for the four others is listed as 1888. I’m not sure why Agnes wasn’t listed in 1900, she’s back on the 1905 NYS Census.

Michael’s 1895 naturalization paperwork reveals no new information, other than to corroborate the 1900 census naturalization box.

Any suggestions or help appreciated! Thanks!

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mcdonald0517
PO Top Contributor & Patron

Joined: 27 May 2012
Replies: 961

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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 9:51 pm Post subject:

Hello,

Could this be the birth record for Rozalia Jerka?

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSZ5-5NHK?cat=217507

Here is the index information. Note that Bobrau is German for Bobrowo.

Rozalia Jehrka
Principal
Germany, Prussia, West Prussia, Catholic and Lutheran Church Records, 1537-1981
Birth10 May 1864
Baptism15 May 1864
Bobrau, Strasburg, West Prussia, Prussia, Germany
Father:Thomas Jehrka
Mother:Agnes Witkowska

Best,
Cynthia

j_lex

Joined: 06 Feb 2021
Replies: 50
Location: Buffalo, NY
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 10:30 pm Post subject:

Cynthia, thank you so much for finding this. I am quite impressed!

I do believe that is the correct birth record. Passed down family history stated that Rozalia's parents were Thomas and Agnes.

Thank you! And another variation to add to the list...

j_lex

Joined: 06 Feb 2021
Replies: 50
Location: Buffalo, NY
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 10:44 pm Post subject:

A quick search in Geneteka leads to:
A marriage in 1863 between Tomasz Gehrka (b. 1818) and Agnieszka Witkowska (b. 1833) in Bobrowo.

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSZ5-1BY3?cat=217507

Last edited by j_lex on Sat Dec 17, 2022 10:29 pm; edited 1 time in total

mcdonald0517
PO Top Contributor & Patron

Joined: 27 May 2012
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Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2022 1:01 am Post subject:

Here is another option for getting the birth record for Agnes Zakrzewski. Family search has the record, but the image is locked so it can only be viewed from a Family Research Center. However, Familysearch has a new service in which you can request they do a look up and send you a copy of the specific image that is locked.

Here is the link for the service

https://www.familysearch.org/en/family-history-library/family-history-library-records-look-up-service

And, here is the exact link to the birth record so you can send it to them in the request form.

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6ZHM-4ZK2?count=20&q.birthLikeDate.from=1888&q.birthLikeDate.to=1888&q.givenName=Agnieszka%20&q.surname=Zakrzewski

They get back to you pretty quickly. It’s a good service.

Good luck,
Cynthia

j_lex

Joined: 06 Feb 2021
Replies: 50
Location: Buffalo, NY
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Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2022 9:26 am Post subject:

I didn't know that was a service, I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!

j_lex

Joined: 06 Feb 2021
Replies: 50
Location: Buffalo, NY
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2022 1:05 pm Post subject:

Received the record from the Family Research Center. They got back to me in just under a week. Great service, thanks to Cynthia for the heads up.

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j_lex

Joined: 06 Feb 2021
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Location: Buffalo, NY
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Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2022 8:07 pm Post subject:

I am not exactly sure what I did to miss this before, but I believe this is Michael's baptismal record, as well as that of his siblings. The geography, timeframe, and parents names all seem to be correct. Unfortunately, the record doesn't have much additional or enlightening information. Good to have found it though!

I am quite impressed with the transliterator, I struggle to follow along with this writing.

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