Tag: gravesite

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Your Elcik Family Tree Questions

Fri 10/9/2020 4:36 AM
I think Jack and Nancy may be confused on which Helen was married to John P. Elcik, Jr. My take on the differences between Helen (Mosko, Elcik) Kokak and Helen A. Dutko follows.

There are Two Helen’s

John, Jr.’s (1896-1963) second wife’s full name is Helen Barbara Kozak (1891-1968), and her first marriage was to Michael John Mosko (1889-1953) with whom she had 5 children. I verified John Jr.’s marriage to Helem B. Mosko on 01 SEP 1959 by their marriage certificate #5034, Maine Marriage Index 1882-1996. Kozak would be her maiden name. Additional evidence that this is John Jr’s wife is the FindAGrave link. Helen “B” Kozak Elcik is buried in Saint Cyril Cemetery. There is no picture of the gravesite. I hear opportunity knocking. 🙂
Helen A. Dutko (1919-1972) is the daughter of Mihaly Dutko (1895-1977) and Mary Anna Elcik (1899-1982).

There are Two Paul Joseph’s

Paul Joseph Elcik, Sr.’s (1896-1970) wife, was Mary A. Fabian (1891-1978). This marriage on 27 JAN 1914 is also in the Maine, Marriage Index, 1892-1996.
Gertrude F. Fournier (1918-1996) was married to Paul Joseph Elcik, Jr. (1915-1992). This marriage on 15 JUN 1940 is also in the Maine, Marriage Index, 1892-1996.
Your confusion exists because there are two Paul Joseph Elcik’s: Sr. and Jr. I’ve included the dates of birth and dates of death to clarify who I think is who.
I also do not know who Paul Joseph Elcik, Sr.’s father is but that would be a mystery to solve. Opportunity knocks twice. ? Lol.
Thanks, in advance,
John, IV
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The Pelcarsky Puzzle

Wed 11/25/2020 3:22 PM

Beth,

Yesterday I received documents and photos from Elizabeth May (Adams) Shute.  I am over the moon, happy with what she has provided.  Most of the information is related to the Skillin branch of the family, which will take time to bring into the MyCousins tree.

Where Are My Great-Grandparents Buried?

So far, her notes on the Elcik branch resurfaces one huge question, i.e., where are my Great-grandparents buried?  John Paul Elcik, Sr. (06 NOV 1866-24 MAY 1941) and Mary Pelcarsky (16 NOV 1870-23 AUG 1936)?

John Elcik, Jr. (20 FEB 18996- 31 MAR 1963) in St. Cyril is my Grandfather, and he is married to Mary A. Gertrude Byrus (5 NOV 1990-18 APR 1951). We have the benefit of a photo.

Could father and son both be buried in St. Cyril Cemetery?  I’m beginning to think so.

Who Is Mary Polscoke? 

Elizabeth’s notes identify two different individuals:

  • Maria Anna Parcheky (16 NOV 1870-23 AUG 1936); Born in Austria, died in Lewiston and buried in St. Cyril’s Cemetery. Elizabeth shows Maria as being married to John, Sr. (06 NOV 1866-24 MAY 1941).
  • Mary Polscoke (28 SEP 1887-13 AUG 1951, Born in Austria, and buried in Calvery Cemetry. Elizabeth shows Mary as being married to John, Jr. (20 FEB 1886-31 MAR 1963)

[The first record is my Great-Grandmother. She and my Great-Grandfather are buried in St. Cyril Cemetery. We have only recently found the gravesite, but we know have pictures. – Dr. John P. Elcik, Editor]

While it is comforting that we have the same birth/death dates for Mary Pelcarsky as she does for Maria Anna Parcheky, the question remains, what is the real spelling for John Sr.’s wife (her maiden name)? Mary Pelcarsky, Maria Anna Parcheky, or something else? And who is Mary Polscoke?

What is the Correct Spelling for My Great-Grandmother’s Maiden Name? 

As you know, I have documents where surnames other than Pelcarsky were used, but I discounted them as the narrative of George F. Karkos (taken from his wife Anna Elcik) seemed the more creditable.

  • Polscoke is the spelling of John Elcik, Jr’s mother on his 20 FEB 1896 birth, Maine Vital Records.
  • Pelchascay is John Elcik, Jr’s mother on his marriage to Mary Byrus (sic), Maine Marriage Index.
  • Palcsak is Mary Elcik’s mother upon her 4 OCT 1915 wedding to John Dutko, Maine Marriage Index.
  • Pelesaky is Michael J. Elcik’s mother on his 1 AUG 1930 marriage to Annie H. Sero, Maine Marriage Index.
  • Polcarski is an unknown daughter’s mother on her 29 AUG 1910 birth, Maine Vital Records.
  • Pelchaleky (Marie Pelcarsky) married Paul Elcik, Sr., Maine Vital Records.

Also, supporting the George F. Karkos spelling of Pelcarsky are:

  • Mary Pelcarsky is Michael’s mother, as recorded in the 19 JUL 1920 Record of Marriage in Lisbon Falls, Maine for Mary Sero (Clerk) and Michael J. Elcik (mill operator).
  • Mary Pelcarsky is John’s mother in the 11 JUN 1918 Record of Marriage in Lisbon Falls, Maine for Mary Byras (Home) and John Paul Elcik (Laborer).

I have checked the online records at both Mount Calvery Cemetery and St. Cyril Cemetery for three spellings: Pelcarsky, Polscoke, Parcheky.  I can’t find a gravesite using any of them.

The definitive solution to the surname puzzle may require that we find John Elcik, Sr. or Mary’s gravesite.

Beth, Do you think not all of the individuals buried at these cemeteries may be identified online? [I know, I’m driving you crazy, again.]

John, IV

P.S. I also know how much you enjoy visiting cemeteries. Take Jack with you. Lol.

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Elizabeth Chute

Wed 11/25/2020 3:50 PM

I am “over the moon” ecstatic with my package.  There are gems here to keep me busy for some time. Thank you…thank you… thank you!

I’m taking excellent care of everything and setting up a different printer (one with a scanner), so I can make electronic copies and return the originals to you.

Wow!

The first thing I found of significance are clues where to find the gravesite of my Great-grandparents.  We agree on the dates of birth and death for his wife, but her maiden surname exists in official records with at least 6 different spellings. Even her first name varies between Mary and Marie.  Ouch! Finding their gravesite would be a big help.  The online records for the clues you provide didn’t work.  I have a helper in Maine that will visit the cemeteries. Beth (Purinton) Gamache is married to my 1st Cousin Jack “likes” visiting cemeteries and has taken pictures of many gravesites for me.  She is just as passionate as I am about this work.

I’m working on three big projects: the family tree, an eBook, and history, all under the umbrella title: My Cousins. Beth is co-author of the eBook.

Everything will be put on a Flash drive to accommodate the number of documents and photos I have.  Currently, it is about 20  gigabytes.

You are on my list to get one of the first copies.  I even bought your Flash drive using a Black Friday discount to inspire me.  I won’t be ready this Christmas, but I hope to publish sometime next year.

Warmest regards,

John, IV

[Elizabeth Chute, a.k.a. Elizabeth May Adams, is married to Larry Chute. Her parents are Charles Harry Adams, Sr. (1914-1986), and Edna “Ferne” Whitlock. They owned the Adams farm where my mother and Uncle Clyde are buried.  Elizabeth inherited the ancestry documents from her sister Sylvia Elaine “Sally” Adams (1939- ). Sally was married to Nelson Wentworth. Sally and I were kindred spirits when it came to recording family history.  – Dr. John P. Elcik – Editor]

 

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Re: Question

 
Sat 11/28/2020 11:31 PM
 
John, IV
 
Sorry for my delayed response.  Jack had gallbladder issues and spent a couple of days in the hospital, resulting in its removal.  That, plus Thanksgiving and his being in the hospital during that time, has set me back a bit.  I didn’t turn my computer on until today and am finally catching up on emails, etc.  He’s doing much better but will take a few weeks to recover.  November hasn’t been a good month for us, and we’re hoping for no more hospital visits for a long, long, longggggg time.

 
I’m not sure where to start looking for your great grandfather’s and grandmother’s gravesites.  I’ve walked through St. Cyril and Mt. Calvary cemeteries a few times and don’t remember seeing their names anywhere.  There’s another cemetery, Hillside, in town.  I just looked for their names at Hillside with no results found, so that’s a dead end.  I don’t know the names of all the cemeteries in Durham, but Google will know.  I don’t have a problem looking for their gravestones if I know where they are.  I can ask my HS friend for help with this.  He may even be able to find an obituary.  I’ll do that and get back to you.
 
You’re not driving me crazy any more than I drive YOU crazy.  It seems to be what we do best.  This Ancestry stuff isn’t for the faint at heart!!
 
Beth
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Status Updates

Sun 11/29/2020 1:17 AM
Beth,
First, I wish you were busy for reasons of fun.  Hospitals don’t qualify. You and Jack have had more than your fair share of visits there. No more, please.
The search for the gravesite shouldn’t be a concern of yours right now.
When you are ready, I thought you might act on Elizabeth Chute’s information that they both were buried three days after their deaths at St. Cyril’s Cemetery. John on 27 MAY 1941 and Mary 26 AUG 1936. I should have clarified just how specific her information was. I know that John Sr. and Mary are not in the online database for St. Cyril’s, but I hope you might find someone there to ask if there are individuals who don’t make the online lists. Another possibility is to ask if there could be a gap in their records? This might have been close to their beginnings as a cemetery. Sometimes early records can be problematic.
Finally, I am still sorting the treasure trove of items that Jeff sent me.  In addition to the items mentioned in my last email, I now have my father’s and my original birth certificates. And as a teaser, I have found more Gamache family items. Some are specific to Nancy.  I haven’t heard from her yet. I hope all is well and that they are getting their real estate property back soon.
Both Pam and I are doing DNA testing as our family’s paternal histories (Elcik/McClanahan) stop after the 5th generation.  On the maternal side (Skillin/Strand), the family tree is significantly extended beyond the 5th generation.
I have ordered a slide scanner to make digitalizing the 600 slides possible.  My workload is growing. Setting up the printer that will scan 500 photos is being delayed till after the holidays. My office needs reorganizing to make room for the printer and scanner. 
Bless both you and Jack; please be safe and enjoy the holidays.
John, IV
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Re: Status Updates

Fri 12/4/2020 1:19 PM

Beth,
 
First, I hope you and Jack are doing well and preparing to enjoy the holidays.  We are doing that here. In fact, my delay in responding to your email results from the holiday’s “honey-do this” list. Lol.
 
Thank you very much for being willing to follow-up on the possibility of John, Sr. being buried in St. Cyril’s.   
 
Mostly we agree on the contents of your message (see below), but I am underlining text where I think you may need to make changes in the tree.
 
To clarify the discussion about Michael Joseph Elcik (1897–1980). My records show BIRTH 16 JUL 1897 • Lisbon Falls, Androscoggin, Maine, USA; DEATH 22 JUN 1980 • Toms River, Ocean, New Jersey, USA. He is my great-uncle.
 
I agree with you that Paul Joseph Elcik Sr. (1896–1970) BIRTH 15 FEB 1896 • Czechoslovakia; DEATH 23 DEC 1970 • Lisbon Falls, Androscoggin, Maine, USA husband of great-aunt is married to Mary A Fabian (1891–1978) BIRTH 8 OCT 1891 • the Czech Republic; DEATH 23 NOV 1978 • Lisbon Falls, Androscoggin County, Maine, USA. Mary A. Fabian is my great-aunt.  Thankfully, this is “set in stone” (Lol) as per your photo of the gravesite.
 
Maria Pelcarsky, who is presenting a mystery for us, was married to a different Paul Elcik (an Ilcik Elcik). At least, that is my working theory.  It is unsubstantiated as I don’t have supporting dates of birth or the marriage. This collaborates with your feeling that we are talking about different families. We are—the all too familiar Elsik vs. Ilcik conundrum.
 
I also agree that Paul J. Elcik, Jr. (1915-1992 married Gertrude Fournier.  We agree that Gertrude was born in 1918., but your date of death is presumably a mistake (typo?).  According to the US Social Security Death Index, Gertrude Fournier died on 19 JAN 1983 (not 1993).
 
I agree that Mary A. Elcik (1917-2008) married Josepf Kinney (1909-1989). Sandra D. Eck was born June 12, 1942, in Lewiston, a daughter [Not a sister] of the late Joseph A. & Mary A. (Elcik) Kinney. A lifelong resident of Lisbon Falls, she attended local area schools and graduated from Lisbon High School.  I got this from the obituary.
 
Again, thanks for everything you do!
 
John, IV
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Re: Historical Society

Sun 12/6/2020 6:14 PM
 
John, IV,
 
His name is Earl Williams, and he’s truly amazing at finding all these things.  I believe he’s taken thousands of gravestone pictures in the state of Maine.  He’s my “go-to” for everything.  He’s helped me with camera questions, including lenses, techniques, etc.

 
He told me there’s a map of gravesite locations at Hillside and St. Cyril cemeteries at the HS.  Unfortunately, it’s not open yet.  We’re hoping it will be in a few more months.  When that happens, you can bet I’ll find out where John P Elcik Sr. is buried.  He even suggested to me that he may NOT be buried in a cemetery.  That may be a possibility to consider.
 
Beth