Saturday, July 18, 2020, 7:29 AM
John (NY),
I just replayed an earlier discussion back in my mind. I don’t think I listened as well as I might have. And the fact that I am hard of hearing had nothing to do with it. I was preoccupied with my theories.
You said the Elcik name was changed from Ilcik to Elcik at Ellis Island. Was this done for your grandfather? If so, I’m chasing a wild goose. 🙂 I should not be looking for another Ilcik who immigrated; instead, if possible, I need to find your grandfather’s immigration document to satisfy my curiosity.
It is not the news I would have hoped for as the more individuals we place on the family tree, the greater the chances of linking our two families here in America. If the link occurs in Europe, we may not have the resources to prove what we both think about our families being related.
So the #1 question I have is, did your grandfather come through Ellis Island or did a Great/or Great-Great Grandparent? I think where I went wrong is believing that you are related to the John Elcik that immigrated 15 years after my Great Grandfather (John Elsik), who arrived in 1891. I have been working on the theory that that wave of immigration was followed by another one in 1906. My view might be wrong if John J. Ilcik (your grandfather) arrived through Elis island in the 1940-50s. It would mean there were at least three, not two, waves of Elcik immigrants. Wow!
Again, even if this is true, it is still likely that our ancestors are connected by relationships back in Austria/Hungry/Slovenia. While a DNA test might prove this, I think we can take this on faith.
John, IV
P.S. Aunt Gertrude’s cousin, who married Anna Gamache, not her brother. Too many people named Andrew, George, James, and John. Very easy to make a mistake, which is frustrating.
[John Ilcik immigrated 15 years after my Great Grandfather (John Elsik). From the beginning, I was trying to connect the right two individuals. Proving that was delayed by my not comprehending the timetable. Always listen closely and followup. The discovery of a family relationship between the two men is the next step. Can it be done? – John P. Elcik, IV, Editor]