Category: Photos

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Why Ancestry Research?


Sat 8/7/2020 6:44 PM

To: Mark Elcik <marklcheck@yahoo.com>; Nancy Kashmer <lanaka@comcast.net>; Beth Gamache <gamachebeth83@gmail.com>; Janet Lucas <janw@maine.rr.com>; Rebecca Davis <rkashmerdavis@gmail.com>; Jeffrey Lee Elcik <jeff@anyport.com>; Pam Elcik <pamelcik@gmail.com>; J.P. Elcik <elcikjp@yahoo.com>; Michelle Elcik <mkelcik@yahoo.com>; James Stacy Elcik <jselcik@hotmail.com>

Subject: Why Ancestry Research?

Cousins, etc.,

I was sharing with Becky that I think a picture of the cover of the “Birds” book with the Kashmer farm illustrations and the back story would make a great addition to the tree. Becky’s response was perfect, “Could be a nice little fun fact to include… that isn’t the normal information included that I am used to seeing in family history.”

She is 110% correct. I observe that 80% or more of family trees limit themselves to sources and gravesite photos. Any photo at all is a newer concept as Genealogist’s focus has been on getting us amateurs to add citations to our family trees. The classic line has been that “Trees without sources are mythology.”

I think that what gets included in family trees needs to change dramatically. The purpose for me is to tell a story and preserve history. And I see changes taking place. Ancestry.com, for example, has made it easier to link to websites. Thus, I’m attaching links to Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter. Pinterest, FindaGrave.com, and Obituaries to individuals in my tree.

I want us to educate others to preserve family history rather than building family trees. Don’t you think that history recorded as it happens is more accurate? I’m including unconventional items as “artifacts” in my version of the family tree. I use images of business cards, photos of homes, artwork, music, poems, quotes, stories I’ve written, etc. And I’m adding special events: birthday parties, anniversaries, graduations, promotions, travel, etc.

I have another goal in mind. It is even more ambitious. I want Facebook to modify its software. Currently, it myopically focuses on “friends” and is not “family” friendly. With a few minor adjustments, they could easily do both. As a former software builder, I have made this suggestion to them. Hopefully, they will listen. If not now, I’m sure someone will, someday.

We get so wrapped up in daily living that keeping up with what is happening with our extended family is difficult at best. And capturing the memories gets lost if the memories never get made.

Love to all,

John, IV

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The Family Tree, etc.

The Family Tree, etc.
Dr. John Elcik
Sat 8/8/2020 5:32 AM

Stacey and Lauren,

Back in 2008, I worked on a family tree called “My Cousins” that was useful then. I have a new updated version that is nearing a stopping point. It will never be “completed.”

You may already have your own resources dedicated to this, but even so, this could be helpful. I also would love to gain access to anything you would like to see put into the family tree. I am using the tree to build a Family history so many of my images, documents, and website links are a bit unconventional. I use the tree to tell family LifeStory’s. ?

Are you interested in having your own copy of my version of the Family tree? If so, the following FREE options exist for using a copy of the tree.

The typical approach is to ask for a GEDCOM file. I can provide a file in this format and it can be used with virtually any ancestry or genealogy software. The file is free.

It is not the way I recommend you go because GEDCOM FILES are text-only files. The downloads do not contain photos and other documents. I have attached a link below that explains more about GEDCOM files.

https://support.ancestry.com/s/article/Moving-Trees-Between-Accounts

There are two outside companies that sync to Ancestry. When the files are synced, they will retain photos and documents. The companies which sync with Ancestry are Family Tree Maker 2019 and RootsMagic.

I have elected to use Family Tree Maker 2019 by Mackiev. Here is a link to Mackiev Live Chat: https://www.mackiev.com/techsupport/ftm/livechat.html

If you want a GEDCOM or Family Tree Maker backup, send your request with an email address for delivery. The files are free. You will need a software program to use them.

The tree includes familiar surnames: Adams, Elcik (Elick, Elsik, Ilcik), Gamache, McClanahan, Lucas, Skillin, and Strand. I am willing to ADD additional surnames to the tree. To get started I typically need the dates of birth and full names of grandparents (maiden names for women).

Also, I’m willing to help other family members with their trees. I think it is important to update older trees to include sources, images, and web links. As Genealogist’s say, “A Tree without Sources is Mythology.”

Uncle John

P.S. The other family tree option is a FREE guest account at Ancestry.com. You will be able to view records but not change them. This too requires an email address.

P.P.S. Please forward this email to anyone you feel could be interested in sharing info or gaining access.

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Summary of Research Findings


Sun 8/9/2020 3:08 PM

Family,

I have put together this summary of the ancestry research findings:

I know it was two not three waves of Elcik immigration to Maine.

  • John Elsik (1866-1941) married Mary Pelcarsky (1875-1936) through whom I (IV), Dad (III), and John (Jr.) descended. In the 1910 Census, John Elsik identified his surname as Elsik. Elcik is the spelling used for the rest of the family. John immigrated in 1891 and Mary in 1896. Ancestry and I agree that John Elsik is my great-grandfather.
  • John Elcik (1886-1982) was married to Mary Jeho Zena Jonek (1887-1951). John immigrated in 1905, and Mary immigrated a year later in 1906. He came to America through Ellis Island, and the name was changed to Elcik from Ilcik, as told to his grandson. His son, Andrew J. Elcik (1911-1995), married Jeannie Pascarella through whom many of the “New York” Elcik’s descended. This family includes my “New York” contact: John Elcik.

I now know for sure that there is a connection between the New York Elcik’s and us. [Thank you, Beth.] Their George Elcik (in the 1920 Census) married Jack’s father’s sister Anna Gamache. The John Elcik, who I have corresponded with via Facebook and email, is related to me as “grand-nephew of husband of sister-in-law of aunt.” A real tongue twister.

I still believe the two families are more directly related, if and when we can “jump the pond” to Europe. We all come from Western Europe (Austria/Hungry/Slovakia), spoke Slovak, and have a Catholic heritage.

The three Elcik brothers (John, Jim, and Jeff) are the fourth generation in America and directly descended from the first 1891/1896 wave.

I now know the spelling history of the surname from Elsik, Elcik, Elick, and back to Elcik. There are also apparent misspellings: Elcih.

I know that there are different spellings of Pelcarsky. Pelcarsky is the spelling as recalled by George Karkos, who was married to Annie, one of Mary’s daughters. Pelcarsky spelled as Pelesaky (on Michael’s Record of Marriage), or Pelchascay (on John’s Record of Marriage) to mention two.

John Elcik, Jr. (my grandfather) was married a second time to Helen Mosko. This marriage was not revealed to me (even when I asked my father) for reasons I may never know. A “mystery” letter from Aunt Gertrude, located by Jeff, addressed to “kids” that references Helen’s immigration status and the waiting for checks.

I now have some priceless photos and letters to add to our family tree:

  • A 1951 photo my grandfather thanks to Jeff, Jack, Beth, and Nancy
  • A wedding photo of my grandfather and grandmother thanks to Mark
  • A wedding photo of Aunt Gertrude and Uncle Norman thanks to Becky
  • Quality photos of family gravesites thanks to Beth
  • Chapman Cottage is the name of the B&B once the Lucas home, thanks to Janet.
  • Wanda’s letter with the words to the Slovak song my Dad sings from Becky
  • Family photos and letters from Jeff

I found evidence that John Elsik (my great-grandfather) had a brother Joseph. The Elsik spelling of the surname is just one of several links I found. Also, Beth sent me a photo of Joseph’s gravestone, which was helpful.

I now believe that the reason I never knew of or met my Aunt Mary is that she moved to Corpus Cristi, Texas. Jeff suggests this possibility.

In addition to the New York Elcik’s (Ilcik), there are Texas Elcik’s (Elsik) to be researched. There is even a high school in Huston, Texas named after an Elsik.

My thanks to everyone who has helped with this update of the 2008 “My Cousins” tree.

But a special thank you to Beth. She has enthusiastically shared in my craziness for several weeks now.

All my love,

John, IV

P.S. Guest privileges will continue forever at Ancestry.com for all who are interested. If you need the invite for the family tree to be resent or want to gain access for someone else, let me know. My World Explorer subscription to Ancestry.com is expiring, so Internet updates will be less frequent as I first record them locally with Family Tree Maker.

P.P.S. Nancy is putting together additional items for me. And if anyone else has more to offer, well, I will be grateful.

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Smoking

On Wed, Aug 12, 2020, at 9:35 AM
Beth,
I very much enjoyed the “smoking” story.  I always thought that Jack’s dad was the mastermind behind the recipe. Learning the rest of the story is special.  My follow-up question for Jack is, does he have and use his father’s recipe for beer? And is it his father’s? As I remember, it was a “dark” brew and quite strong.  I was too young to do much more than taste it. ?
Last, I would love for you to share Byras/Byrus family information and photos. Your photos are the best.  Also, it much more fun when you have a childhood friend as a source.
I agree we do make a great team.
Take care,
John, IV
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Facebook Post – John Elcik for Beth Purinton Gamache

08-17-2020 Beth Purinton Gamache Facebook

Facebook

Beth Purinton Gamache
July 17 ·
Thank you for helping me! I just told Jack that his Maine Maritime Acadamy photo was taken during the time I thought he looked like Ben Gazzara (it may also have been the voice.) More recently, a picture of him with you looks like a young Gene Hackman. And you, yourself, are extremely photogenic today. Here is a family picture from several years ago. We need to have a more recent one commissioned. J.P. is a teacher and getting married soon to Ana, also a teacher. Michelle is a Pharmacy Tech at Walgreens. Pam and I are enjoying retirement.

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The Family Tree, etc.

8/19/2020 11:53 AM

From: Dr. John Elcik <johnelcik@msn.com>

To: Stacey Elcik Duryea <sweetlysung25@gmail.com>; Lauren Elcik Portell <elcik87@gmail.com>
Cc: James Stacy Elcik <jselcik@hotmail.com>; Jeffrey Lee Elcik <jeff@anyport.com>

Subject: The Family Tree, etc.

Stacey and Lauren,

Back in 2008, I worked on a family tree called “My Cousins” that was useful then. I have a new updated version that is nearing a stopping point. It will never be “completed.”

You may already have your resources dedicated to this, but even so, this could be helpful. I also would love to gain access to anything you would like to see put into the family tree. I am using the tree to build a Family history, so many of my images, documents, and website links are unconventional. I use the tree to tell family LifeStory’s. ?

Are you interested in having your copy of my version of the Family tree? If so, the following FREE options exist for using a copy of the tree.

The typical approach is to ask for a GEDCOM file. I can provide a file in this format used with virtually any Ancestry or genealogy software. The file is free.

It is not the way I recommend you go because GEDCOM FILES are text-only files. The downloads do not contain photos and other documents. I have attached a link below that explains more about GEDCOM files.

This text is a link to the article.

Two outside companies sync to Ancestry. Now our local copy of the family tree will retain photos and documents. The companies which sync with Ancestry are Family Tree Maker 2019 and RootsMagic.

I have elected to use Family Tree Maker 2019 by Mackiev. 

This text is a link to Mackiev Live Chat.

If you want a GEDCOM or Family Tree Maker backup, send your request with an email address for delivery. The files are free. You will need a software program to use them.

The tree includes familiar surnames: Adams, Elcik (Elick, Elsik, Ilcik), Gamache, McClanahan, Lucas, Skillin, and Strand. I am willing to add additional surnames to the tree. To get started, I typically need the dates of birth and full names of grandparents (maiden names for women).

Also, I’m willing to help other family members with their trees. I think it is essential to update older trees to include sources, images, and web links. As Genealogist’s say, “A Tree without Sources is Mythology.”

Uncle John

P.S. The other family tree option is a FREE guest account at Ancestry.com. You will be able to view records but not change them. Both options require an email address.

P.P.S. Please forward this email to anyone you feel could be interested in sharing info or gaining access.

[Jim and Jeff will need to pass this message on to Christopher, Harry, Maxwell, and Sam for whom I don’t have valid email addresses. – John P. Elcik, Editor]