Descendants of Albert and Hedwig Kuznia 1881-1981

Lillian Kuznia, editor
Elsie Kuznia, co-editor

We dedicate this book to our pioneer grandparents, Albert and Hedwig Kuznia, who came to America to start a new life for their family in Wright Township of Marshall County, Minnesota.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

Foreword

The members of the Kuznia Reunion Book Committee have taken a special interest in trying to be as complete and accurate as possible in collecting the information within these covers. If errors in spelling, dates, or information are found, they were not intentional. In their persistance to obtain your history, at times they may have irritated you. We beg your pardon. It is simply because they were determined that the history of the "Descendants of Albert and Hedwig Kuznia" be as complete as possible.

If there are family histories missing, it is either because they chose not to respond or misunderstood our intentions of having a history of each family unit. The clarity of the photos in the book was entirely dependent on the quality of the photos that were submitted. Clear black and white photos were desired, but all photos which were submitted were printed, despite the fact that the printer felt some were poor reproducing material.

Because collecting of historical data pertaining to Albert and Hedwig and their children was begun so late -- almost one hundred years after their coming to America -- many details and interesting facts related to them have been lost forever. Even the histories of their children have been hard to recreate at this late date.

It should be noted that over the years the spellings of different names have varied. The most prominent example would be that of the grandparents. Wojiech is now Albert; Jadwiga is now Hedwig or Hattie. Many first and last names were spelled differently on the church or courthouse records.

The Kuznia Reunion Book Committee members were: Lillian, Elsie, Hilary, Kathleen, Gerri and Linda Kuznia, Bob Borowicz, Theresa Nelson, Elizabeth Kasprowicz, and Rosalia Stusynski. We would also like to give a special "thank you" to our artist, Charlene (Mrs. Valerian Kuznia, Jr.), who spent so many hours of work designing our book cover, dedication page, and title pages. Besides the book committee, a few family members donated their time typing various portions of the book: Veronica Stainbrook, Sarah Kuznia, Carol Gustafson, Mary Jo Vraa, and Veronica Kasprowicz.

Everyone who helped in any way to bring this book to you donated their time and talent free of charge. To all who have been cooperative in any way -- large or small -- we extend a big "thank you". Working together with each and every person who has contributed to it has produced, we feel, a family heirloom to be treasured for years to come.

Elsie and Lillian Kuznia
July, l980

Table of Contents

  • The Kuznia Reunion Coat of Arms
  • Poland: The Land and the People
  • Albert and Hedwig (Krzyzosiak) Kuznia
  • Remembrances of Albert and Hedwig
  • Mary and Mikolai Krzyzosiak
  • Early and Present Florian, Minnesota
  • The Homeplaces
  • The Kuznia Family Tree
  • Frank and Rozalia (Kasprowicz) Kuznia Family
  • Stanley and Frances (Walicki) Kuznia Family
  • Anton and Mary (Wilebski) Kuznia Family
  • Paul and Mary (Wojtysiak) Kuznia Family
  • Joseph and Katherine (Adamski) Kuznia
  • Michael and Elizabeth (Kuznia) Kasprowicz Family
  • Peter and Agnes (Chlapinski) Kuznia Family
  • Bert and Martha (Pietruszewski) Kuznia Family
  • Michael and Bridget (Zakrzewski) Kuznia Family
  • Benedict and Mathilda (Staloch) Kuznia
  • Thomas and Anna (Kuznia) Wilebski Family
  • Vincent and Wanda (Gratzek) Kuznia Family
  • Special Interest Stories
  • Epilogue

The Kuznia Reunion Coat of Arms

The coat of arms shown was adopted by the Kuznia Reunion Steering Committee to be used during the centenary of Albert and Hedwig Kuznia's arrival in America.

The lower right quarter of the shield bears the crowned White Eagles of Poland on a red background. These are the arms of a free Poland and the colors of the Polish flag, to commemorate the birthplace of Albert and Hedwig.

The lower left quarter displays tools that a1e found in a blacksmith's shop: the anvil, hammer, and forging pliers. "Blacksmith shop" is the translation of the name Kuznia.

The American bald eagle bearing the banner American flag represents their adopted country, the United States of America. The 1881 signifies the year of Albert's arrival in America.

The open cross on white represents their faith in God. The wheat and grapes signify both their belief in the Eucharist and the nature of their occupation in America, farming.

The coloring of the coat of arms bears double significance. The predominant red, white, and blue of the shield are the colors of the American flag. Red and white are also the colors of the Polish flag. The gold crest atop the shield represents their prosperity in their adopted country and the predominent color of the flag of their Catholic faith.

Poland: The Land And The People

The Polish people lived in the middle of the north European plain. On the east edge of Poland, the country fades into the great plains, having few or no trees of Russia. On the southern border are the crests of the Carpathian Mountains that slope down into hills and then flatten out to monotonous flatness. To the west of Poland are the plains of Germany. The north edge of Poland rises to ridges along the Baltic coast.

Through the center of this land runs the Vistula River' Marshes, lakes, and forests dot the northern uplands. Winters are cold everywhere, with heavy snows. Summers are warm, with moderate rainfall. The word Pole means "field" or "plain".

On the cold, wet land of the north, they raised flax and pastured their horses and cattle, as they had done in the Middle Ages' On the great sandy plains of the interior, they produced their staple foods 'rye and potatoes. Only in the south, on the warm, fertile plateaus and in the river valleys, were they able to grow wheat and sugar beets. With their primitive methods and poor soil, they produced very little surplus grain. Most of their income came from the sale of poultry, eggs, milk, butter, and bacon and hogs that were found on Lvery farm. (lt is believed that when Albert and Hedwig left Poland, they had been living in the Poznan area or province' This does not necessarily mean that Poznan is where they had been born or raised as children. Some believe Hedwig came from the Krakow area. Poznan would be in the western portion of Poland. It has been said that they settled along the Tamarac River, when coming to Marshall County, to be assured of plenty of wood. This leads one to believe the portion of their homeland they left behind had a scarcity of wood. If they came from the plains of Poland, they must have felt very much at home with the flatness of the Red River Valley.)

Down to the twentieth century, peasants lived in wretched poverty in their small farm villages. While the peasants remained poor, the country managed to develop a rich culture. When they adopted Christianity in the tenth century, they chose to follow the Church of Rome. Monks taught them to write their language in the Latin alphabet. In the nineteenth century and again in the twentieth century, Poland was blotted off the map and taken over by foreign rulers. The Polish people did not give up their patriotism and culture. They clung to their traditions and kept their faith in a free Poland alive. (Grandpa Albert showed his faith in a free Poland by stating on his application for U.S. citizenship that he was born in Poland. There really was no Poland at that time. So, when he had to denounce allegiance to the ruler of his former homeland' it was to the King of Germany that he renounced his allegiance and fidelity.) Zealous in their religion, the Polish people continued their devotions in the great cathedrals and wooden churches that covered the land.

Poland had an ancient hereditary monarchy which, when it ended in 1572, was followed by a system of elective monarchy. Freedom then became so excessive that Poland became weak and was easily torn apart by her neighbors, Russia, Germany, and Austria. So, Poland disappeared from the map of Europe from 1795 until 1918. (This would include the lifetime of Albert and Hedwig in their homeland.) Before 1918, in Russian-ruled Poland, the clergy kept the records of vital statistics. In Austrian-ruled districts, parish clergy were treated as state officials. In the German-ruled areas records were kept by secular officials. (This is why tracing ancestors in Poland is so difficult.)

In 1830, Poles in the Kingdom of Poland rebelled against the Russians. But the Russians crushed the revolt and took away the kingdom's self-governing powers. After a second revolt in the Kingdom of Poland in 1863, Russia tried to destroy Polish culture by making Russian the official language.

After 1870, when Prussia formed the German Empire, Poles under Prussian control were forced to adopt the German language. (This was the period in which Albert and Hedwig were still living there.)

Poles under Austrian rule won some self-government in the late 1800's. In the 1880's and 1890's. Polish political parties were founded in all three parts of Poland. During World War I, in 1914, Pilsudski led Polish forces on the side of Austria against Russia. Russians where driven out of most of Poland by 1915. In 1916, Austria and Germany established a small Polish kingdom under their protection. After Allied victory in 1918, an independent Polish Republic was proclaimed.

Immigration

The number of immigrants remained small for a long time because of the limited transportation facilities. In the 1600's and 1700's, the ships were small, made of wood, and propelled by sail. The journey was long and strenuous, often taking a great toll in lives. It was also difficult to get to the seaports. These conditions discouraged migration through the first third of the 1800's.

In the 1840's, however, steam-powered ships conquered the Atlantic Ocean. At first, the cost of passage was beyond the reach of immigrants. However, the change made available a large number of old wooden sailing ships which could profitably be used to transport masses of passengers. From then on, the cost of crossing the ocean dropped rapidly. In the 1850's, one could get from Ireland to America for as little as ten dollars. This contributed to a larger migration rate.

After 1865, an increase in the size of steamers shortened the journey to a week or so. The cost of crossing rose slightly, but the greater reliability and safety of the voyage made up for the increase in cost. Meanwhile, the spread of railways in Europe made is easier to get to the ports.

Adventurers were the first to leave; then artisans and peasants set off. They attracted friends and relatives to leave. Also included in this second group were soldiers, who felt obligated to leave due to political reasons. After a time, the poorer peasants and laborers were drawn in, particularly if some disaster stimulated them to leave. Examples were the Irish potato rot of 1846, German crop failure of 1847, cholera epidemics of the 1880's in Eastern Europe.

Also, in the last thirty years of the 1800's, the introduction of severe compulsory military service laws prompted many to leave. Every Polish youth was obligated to serve in the German Army for four years. (Mike J. Kuznia related that this was the reason the three older sons left with Albert when he first came to the United States.) It was not so much the service, but the harsh discipline imposed by the young upperclass Prussian officers.

NOTE: The map of Poland shown displays two circles. Within the lower circle, you will find "Kuznia". Also, nearby is the town of Ratibor, which is the birthplace of Joseph Kuznia' the father of Leo Kuznia, whose history is featured in the last portion of this book' The upper circle is to locate the city of Poznan, the probable area Albert Kuznia came from.

Albert and Hedwig (Krzyzosiak) Kuznia

Albert "Wojciech" Kuznia was born in Poland in 1841 to Joseph Kuznia and his wife, whose name is not known. As a young man, he married Hedwig "Jadwiga" Krzyzosiak, the daughter of Mikolai and Mary Krzyzosiak. Hedwig was born in Poland in 1853. At the time of their marriage. Hedwig was only fourteen years old and her parents had arranged her marriage to Albert. At about the age of seventeen, in 1870, she gave birth to their first child, Frank. He was followed by two more sons: Stanley born May 8, 1872, and Anton born November 6, 1873. To the best of our knowledge, they were followed by the birth of a daughter, Mary, that would have been born in 1874. The exact date of her birth or death is unknown. A fourth son, Paul, was then born in 1875, and another son, Joseph, on October 8, 1875. Between these two sons, it is said that a son named John was born, the sixth child of Albert and Hedwig. Though it is certain that a son, John, was born, we do not know the date of his birth or death. The last child born to them in Poland was Elizabeth on November 4, 1881. This fact has led us to believe that Albert did not leave Poland any sooner than 1881.

About this time, 1881, Albert decided to leave Poland and make his home elsewhere. France wanted settlers of Polish descent, but having spent some time in the military in a war there, he didn't choose to move to France. Taking his three eldest sons, Frank, Stanley, and Anton, he departed for the United States and came to Chicago Illinois. In Chicago, he worked as an interpreter and made enough money to bring his wife and three other children to the United States. As a young lad of twelve, their son, Frank, worked in a lumber yard in Chicago.

Hedwig's obituary in the Stephen Messenger states that she came to America and Chicago with her husband and children in 1881 and made their home there for a period of several months before coming to Stephen, Minnesota, in the spring of 1885. On March 19, 1885, Albert filed his first papers in the District Court of the 11th Judicial District in Marshall County, Minnesota, to become a citizen of the United States of America. This states that he landed in the port of New York in March of 1884.

Many people recall talk that one of the children had died on the passage across the ocean, and the usual burial at sea was given. This theory can be neither proven or disproven, since records of family members that crossed cannot be obtained from the government archives because they arrived at the port of New York, and the records are not indexed for the year 1884.

It is possible that their son, Albert, Jr., was born during their stay in Chicago. Some recall that he was the first child born to Albert and Hedwig in America. There are no birth records for him at the Florian church or in the early Wright Township records or the Marshall County Courthouse. Cook County, Illinois, also has no record of his birth. Others believe that possibly he was born in Poland. The 1895 census record at St. Paul, Minnesota, states Albert Jr. as being 12 years of age. However, other ages for some of the other children on this census where incorrect.

It is almost certain that the family left Chicago very early in the spring of 1185 and traveled to northern Minnesota. It is believed that when they first came to Marshall County, Minnesota, they settled in Section 7 of Wright Township. But, it was not until June 29, 1887, that they purchased the Southwest Quarter of Section 7 from the St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Manitoba Railway Company for $486.27. This particular area was chosen because, at that time, it was well wooded, and with the Tamarac River nearby, they were assured of plenty of wood and water. Albert first constructed a home of sod and dirt into the side of the river bank. Another son, Peter, was born late that year, 1885, on November 24. Later, a log home was built further from the river.

In the nine years that followed, six more children were born. During their third winter in Marshall County, a set of twins, Bert and Mike, were born. They were followed sixteen months later by another son, Benedict, and seventeen months later again by a daughter, Anna. Their fifteenth child, Vincent, was born two years later, to be followed by their last child, another son named John, nineteen months later on May 4, 1894.

Some say that it was while Albert and Hedwig were attending the funeral of their son, Albert. Jr., in the spring of 1897 that the younger children in the family were left with a neighbor lady. These children, which included the youngest child, John, (then not yet three years of age), went outside to play. John caught croup, from which he died March 24, 1897. There are no county or church records to verify the death or burial of Albert Jr.

In 1912, they built a new family home of sawn lumber. Remodeled and expanded, this house later became the home of their son, Vincent, and later the home of their grandson, Hilary, who also remodeled it.

One of Hedwig's greatest joys was when Albert won a sewing machine on a raffle ticket he had purchased. Up until that time, all the sewing and dress making for that large family had been done by hand.

From these humble beginnings, the family prospered. Their faith in God carried them through the good times and the bad times. The grandchildren testify that prayer was an almost constant companion of both Albert and Hedwig. Obviously, they both had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin, and their rosary was a very dear part of them. It is said that Hedwig's rosary hung from the belt at her waist when not in use, and Albert often wore his around his wrist when he was not praying it. Hedwig often attended daily Mass in Florian.

Obviously, Albert had not been feeling in the best of health, as on May 9, 1914, he drew up a will. The morning Albert was found dead, apparently from heart failure, some of his sons were busy working at the home of another son, Joe. A granddaughter and another son were milking the cows and got so excited they spilled the milk. That was October 29, 1914. After his death, his son, Joseph, became the representative of the estate.

Assumption Church records list Albert as being seventy-three years of age at his death, making his birth year 1841. According to the year of birth he gave on his application for citizenship, he would have been seventy years of age at his death.

It is believed that about the year 1888 or 1889, Frank and Anton went to the state of Washington and worked in a sawmill. Having made some money, they purchased two lots, numbered 7 and 8 in Block 97, Salmon Bay, Park Addition of the City of Seattle, Washington, in Albert's name. This property is mentioned as property owned by Albert in the probate of his estate after his death. The land was later taken care of by a lawyer, who Anton thought was taking care of the affair. It was later learned that the lawyer had written the papers in such a way that the lawyer became the owner of the lots. Anton had signed this without realizing it. It is said that later a large post office was built on this site.

In 1916, when Vincerit married Wanda Gratzek, Hedwig moved to a little home in Florian. Here she lived with her sister, Katharzyna Misiek. On April 12, 1921, Hedwig drew up a will which assigned her son. Anton, to take care of her affairs. Hedwig passed away on June 14, 1925, at the age of seventy-two. Death was due to cancer of the stomach and a brain tumor, from which she suffered for some time before her death. The attending doctor was E. O. Nimlos, and the attending undertaker was Fr. Skopowski.

Hedwig was buried in the robes of a Third Order Franciscan, or tertiary, of which obviously she was a member. This was her wish. She brought these robes with her from Poland when she came in 1884, and by the time of her death in 1925, they had deteriorated so much that great care had to be taken when dressing her for burial, as the fabric was falling apart.

NOTE: The above history of Albert and Hedwig was written from different statements given to us by various older grand-children. Since we have come to the point in time where it is no longer possible to ask the children of Albert and Hedwig for the certain facts, we must do the best we can to recreate their history from what we have been told. Since work on this book began, we have followed all possible leads given in books and by people experienced in tracing family history, but have been unable to uncover certain facts: the exact town in Poland which Albert and Hedwig came from; Albert's mother's name; a verification that 1881 is the year that Albert first came to America; the name of the ship on which they came; Albert and Hedwig's exact birth dates; the exact birth and death dates and places for three of their children; if Albert returned to Poland to bring his wife and other children; if Albert had any brothers or sisters; and what port they left from in Poland. It is also possible that some grandchildren who may have known some of this information have not come forward to relate it to us. It is also possible that information given to us that we have used as facts in our history may be incorrect. Their history, as we have recorded it, has been compiled to the best of our knowledge at this present time.

Remembrances of Albert ond Hedwig

I REMEMBER GRANDPA ALBERT AND GRANDMA JADWIGA

By Emilia [Kuznia] Grembowski

I remember my grandparents very well, because I spent a lot of time with them, due to the death of my parents. While living with Grandpa Albert, my job used to be putting his shoes on for him every morning and taking them off every night.

Grandpa was a great provider during those horse and buggy days. Whenever he went to town, we would watch for him to return so that we could open the gate for him. A fence surrounded the whole yard. He would always bring us a treat, such as apples or something. We never got candy, because he said it was hard on our teeth. I also remember how Grandpa would stock up for the winter. He would take the wagon into town in the fall and bring back one big barrel of peasberry coffee, one barrel of herring, and one big barrel of salt. He would be sure there was plenty of flour. They raised their own meat. We'd have fresh meat during the winter, and when spring would come, we would prepare a salt brine for the meat that was to be used in the summer. Every fall, we would make a few barrels of sauerkraut, which was tramped down by the kids. We also rendered our own lard and grew our own vegetables. If there was any herring left over when spring came, Grandma would distribute the extra to her daughters-in-law, who were very thankful for it.

I also remember pulling mustard by hand. We had to pull from three quarters of land, and it had to be done by the 4th of July. The pay was fifteen cents: five cents for Mary, five cents for Josephine, and five cents for me. It was very hard to decide whether to buy ice cream or pop, as that was all a nickle would buy. My Grandma made the best jelly. I can still remember now nice and clear it was; and also so tasty.

My Grandfather died in 1914, when I was eleven years old, from a heart attack. I lived with Grandma until my Uncle Vincent married Wanda Gratzek, and then I went to live with them. Grandma died in 1925 and was buried in a homemade coffin, which was her wish.

REMEMBRANCES OF GRANDPA AND GRANDMA KUZNIA

By a Grandchild

When Grandpa Albert and Grandma Hedwig Kuznia and their family arrived in this community, they stayed with some friends until they built a sod house from dirt and lived in it. Later they built a big house.

In the big house, the living room was a large room which served as sleeping quarters, also. Each corner had a big bed, and there was also a heating stove in that room. When they had company, they even dined in that room on a large table.

Grandpa Albert was a tall, husky person and wore a mustache. He was also a very religious person. Every Sunday, he would come to church early and sing hymns, most of which he knew by heart. Grandma Hedwig was also a religious person. She had a rosary with her all the time, hanging from the waist down. Both grandparents were very strict.

Grandpa not only sing in church, but at work, while driving to town, or any place -- you could always hear him singing.

AS I REMEMBERMY GRANDPARENTS, ALBERT AND HEDWIG KUZNIA

By a Grandchild

I am not sure where Grandma came from in Poland, but I think possibly from the Krakow area, and Grandpa probably from the Poznan area.

Sauerkraut was made in big barrels and would be cooked with spare ribs. They would make big roasters of baked beans, which could feed many people. Often people would come on Saturday night and then go to confession, stay overnight, go to church the next day, have dinner, and return home.

At Grandma's house about this time, fourteen to sixteen loaves of bread were baked every two days. There was always plenty of fresh meat. They made their own bologna, head cheese, and liver sausage in a jar.

Grandma did not always have the most sympathy, or so it seemed when I was a child. Once one of the grandchildren was bit by a crawling animal and was developing blood poisoning. Grandma was not quick in suggesting they should take the child to the doctor. She felt if the child died young, it would go to Heaven. Later an uncle took the child to the doctor, and he had to scrape to the bone to get out all the infection. The leg later was scarred.

It seemed that kids often got whopped or punished, and often times weren't sure why -- often for very minor things.

Grandpa would often sit by the gate and watch the boys work and pray the rosary. He seemed to have more sympathy than Grandma.

NOTE: The following information was taken from probate records located at the Marshall County Courthouse in Warren, Minnesota.

Document #1:

Albert was 73 years of age at the time of his death. He owned personal property which amounted to $4,564, in addition to household goods worth $200 and $2500 in cash. Notes, bonds, etc., which he owned totaled $600, and he had $1264 invested in stock, horses. etc. The value of the homestead (W%SW%, Section 7) was $2500. Other land owned by Albert was valued at $4860. Other ages listed on this document were as follows: Jadwiga 62, Frank - 44, Anton - 39, Paul - 37, Lizzie - 35, Joseph - 30, Peter 28. Michael - 26, Bert - 26, Benedict - 24, Annie - 23, Vincent - 21, Josepha - 15, Mary - 13, and Emelia - 9.

From Document #12:

Albert Kuznia died October 29, 1914. Jadwiga received $30 per month for support and maintenance of family during the settlement of the estate.

From Document #15:

J. S. Gajeski and Thomas Wilebski appointed appraisers of property and estate.

From Document #16:

[Inventory and Appraisement Sheet] Notation: Decedent also left Lots 7 and 8 in Block 97 in Salmon Bay. Park Addition of the City of Seattle, Washington.

From Document #18:

In probate settlement, Jadwiga received: W½ of SW¼ of Section 7, all household furniture and household articles (appraised at $100), and $500.

From Document #19:

Funeral expense - $88; undertaker - $75; burial service (priest) - $13; expenses of last sickness - $26.38; doctor - $25; medicine - $1.38; real property taxes - $82.97 for two quarters plus three acres (E½ of SW¼, E½ of NW¼, 3 acres in NE corner quarter of Section 7); also a real property tax in Washington (Seattle) - $32.32.

Argyle, Minnesota
11-16-1914
To: Mr. Joe Kuznia
DUNDAS-ROBERTSON COMPANY
Clothiers and Tailors
Gents FurnishingsBoots and Shoes
One Overcoat22.00
One Suit26.00
One Artics1.75
One Cap1.50
One Shirt1.50
One Tie.50
One Suit26.00
One Sweater2.00
One Tie.50
81.75
Sold for81.00
City of Seattle
Installment Assessment
Volume 105, Page 315No. AR 42877
Last day for payment: 3-20-1915Date: 2-20-1915
KingCounty, Seattle, Washington #12053
Lot 7, Block 97, Salmon Bay Park Addition, Installment #5:
Amount of installment$6.58
Interest.46
Total$7.04
Lot 8, Block 97, Salmon Bay Park Addition, Installment #5:
Amount of installment$6.58
Interest.46
Total$7.04
Total Installment - $13.16
Total Interest - .92
Total - $14.08

PROBATE COURT
Marshall County, Minnesota
FINAL DECREE

Albert Kuznia, decedent
Dated: September 18, 1915
Signed -and certified to by Peter H. Holm, Judge of Probate
Marshall County, Minnesota
SEAL
lO-cent stamp affixed
Recorded: September 22, 1915, at 8 a.m.

Covers personal property of the value of $2777.14, comprising the following items, viz: Cash and property of cash value, also real estate.

Personal property: To the said Jadwiga Kuznia, the widow of said dedcedent, the sum of $759.04; to the said Frank Kuznia, the sum of$326.50; to the said Anton Kuznia the sum of $126.60; to the said Paul Kuznia the sum of $126.50; to the said Lizzie Kasprowicz, the sum of $326.50; to the said Joseph Kuznia the sum of $126.50; to the said Peter Kuznia the sum of $126.50; to the said Peter Kuznia, as trustee for and in behalf of his son Alouise Kuznia, the sum of $100, to the said Michael Kuznia the sum of $126.50; to the said Bert Kuznia the sum of $126.50; to the said Benedict Kuznia the sum of $126.50; to the said Annie Wilebcki the sum of $126.50; to the said Vincent Kuznia the sum of $126.50; to the said Josepha Kuznia, granddaughter, the sum of $42.20; to the said Mary Kuznia, granddaughter, the sum of $42.20; to the said Emelia Kuznia, granddaughter, the sum of $42.20.

Final Account and Petition for Settlement
Jadwiga Kuznia, decedent
Date: July 6, 1926
Receipts
Personal property described in the inventory$325.00
Disbursements
(Expenses of Administration)
Cash paid for publication of orders$ 21.60
Fees of attorneys$ 35.00
Paid for certified copy of letters, final decree, will, and for recording$ 7.00
Postage$ .50
Total expense of administration$ 64.10

Expenses of Last Sickness

All expenses of last sickness, funeral, and taxes paid by your petitioner (Anton Kuznia), who is the residuary legatee and devisee and no claim made there for.

Claims of Creditors
Claims of CreditorsNone
Legacies and Requests
Katharzyna Myescok, also known as Katharzyna Misiski$50.00
Total$50.00
Recupitulation
ReceiptDisbursement
Total receipts from all sources$325.00
Expenses of adminstrations$64.10
Specific legacies$50.00
Residue of personal property for distribution$210.90
Total$325.00$325.00

In Probate Court Inventory and Appraisement

Jadwiga Kuznia, decedent

Real Estate

The homestead of decedent, being in the County of Marshall, State of Minnesota, described as follows, to-wit: An undivided one-third interest in and to that part of Section 7, in Township One Hundred Fifty-Seven (157) North of Range Forty-six (46) West, described as follows: Beginning at the northeast corner of said Section 7, thence south fifteen rods; thence west forty rods; thence north fifteen rods; thence east forty rods, to place of beginning.

Full value - $400.00

Furniture and Household Goods
One cast iron stove, bed and bedding, three old chairs, one old dresser, and other articles$25.00
Wearing Apparel
No valueNo value
Mortgages, Bonds, Notes, Etc.
Certificate in the sum of $300 issued to decedent by the First National Bank of Stephen, Minnesota$300.00
All Other Personal Property
NoneNone
Total Value$725.00

Signatures of Jadwiga Kuznia and her children as found on mortgage papers when Michael Kuznia repaid the sum of $600.00 he had borrowed from his dad, Albert Kuznia, shortly before his death. October 13, 1914. It was repaid March 18, 1919.

Mary and Mikolai Kryzosiak

Mary and Mikolai Kryzosiak

(Born and died in Poland)

Their known children are:

  1. Jadwiga Krzyzosiak to Albert Kuznia
    Born 1853 in Poland
    Died June 14, 1925, in Florian, Minnesota
  2. Katazina Krzyzosiak to ______ Miciek
    Born March 17, 1855 in Poland
    Died May 19, 1935, in Florian, Minnesota
  3. Frances Krzyzosiak to Francis Kurzawa
    Born in Poland
    Died in Poland

    Children of Francis and Frances (Krzyzosiak) Kurzawa
    1. Vincent Kurzawa -- Poland
    2. Michaet Kurzawa -- Poland
    3. Stella Kurzawa -- Poland
    4. Andrew Kurzawa -- Poland
    5. Helen Kurzawa -- Poland
    6. Bernes Kurzawa -- Poland
    7. Marie Kurzawa -- to Michael Przybylski
      Marie Kurzawa Przybylski - born December 8, 1888, Poland
      Michael Przybylski - born October 2, 1866, Poland; died December 13, 1916, Florian, Minnesota

      Children of Michael and Marie (Kurzawa) Przybylski

      1. Al (Przybylski) Smith -- died 1980
      2. Marion Przybylski -- deceased
      3. Matthew Przybylski -- Deceased
      4. Anton Jimmy Przybylski -- Deceased
        Second marriage: Marie (Kurzawa) Przybylski to August Smith
      5. Irene Smith to _______ Guthrie

      Grandchildren of Marie (Kurzawa Przybylski) Smith:
      Michael and Cealia Smith
      Connie Bugg
      Marie Fetter

      Great-grandchildren of Marie Smith:
      Stephanie Marie Fetter
      Daniel Patrick Fetter

Katazina (Krzyzosiak) Miciek had children living in Poland. One son is known about for sure. His name was Bernard, and he was a religious brother with the Franciscan order.

HISTORY OF MARIE (KURZAWA PRZYBYLSKI) SMITH (Daughter of Frances (Krzyzosiak) Kurzawa, a sister of Grandma Hedwig Kuznia)

Marie Kurzawa was born on December 8, 1888, in Poland to Francis and Frances (Krzyzosiak) Kurzawa, of Kuzmin, Posen, Poland. Her brothers and sisters were: Vincent, Michael, Andrew, Stella, Helen, and Bernes. The family was poor, and at the age of fourteen, Marie had to go to work as a housekeeper.

When she was twenty years old, 1908, she sailed from Hamburg, Germany, to New York. On the boat, it seemed that everyone was sea sick. When they got to New York, they got well.

From New York, she took the train to Stephen, Minnesota, and came to stay with her mother's sister, Hedwig Kuznia, and her husband, Albert Kuznia. At this time, Hedwig and Albert's daughter, Anna, was not yet married. There were often twelve or thirteen people to cook for three times a day. Bread was baked every other day. In 1910, Anna was married, and Marie had to do most of the work herself. Shortly after that, Marie got married, and Hedwig's grandchildren who where living with their grandparents had to take over doing the work.

Marie married Michael Przybylski, the son of Anthony and Rozalia (Kasprowicz) Przybylski. Michael was born October 2, 1866, in Poland and died December 13, 1916, in Florian, Minnesota.

Marie and Michael had four children: Al, Marion, Matthew, and Anton. After Mike's death, Marie married August Smith. They lived in St. Paul, Minnesota, and ran a grocery store. They had one daughter, Irene.

Presently, Marie is living in the Nan McKay Building (a senior citizen highrise) at 200 Marie Avenue, Apt. 515, South St. Paul, Minnesota (55075). At the age of ninety-two, she lives by herself. Her son, Al (he just passed away in the spring of 1980) and her daughter, Irene, visit her often and see to it that she can get out for church and shopping. She keeps herself busy sewing, crocheting, and doing handicrafts.

Early and Present Florian, Minnesota

Florian is the crossroads of four Sections: Section 5, 6, 7, and 8 of Wright Township in Marshall County, Minnesota.

Section 5: In 1907, the second Catholic Church in Florian had been built on the same foundation that the first (which had burned from lightning) had stood. Since 1899, the parish house has stood east of the church. The first school, that had stood right west of the church, had been moved across the road and a little east of the parish house.

Section 8: Mike and Marie (Kurzawa) Przybylski lived in that house. Later it was occupied by Joe Borowicz, Jacob Hapka, and Frank Grochowski. Today the former foundation forms the border for a beautiful flower garden on the John Rominski place. John and Carrie Rominski and family now live in what had been the new Florian school, at that time. Nick, Sr. and Katherine (Przybylski) Zakrzewski and their family occupied the lot directly west of the school. His mother. Antonia Zakrzewski, had a little home behind his. Later, Nick's son, Nick, Jr., and his wife, Constance, lived there. In the 1970's, the large home was moved out of Florian. A combination post office-store stood across the street south from the church. The post office was in operation until about 1909, when the postal department began delivery by rural carrier from the post office in Strandquist. When the post office had been in operation, mail had been brought to Florian from the England Post Office.

In the 1960's, when this northwest corner of Section 8 was being cleaned to use as a parking lot for the church and dance hall, this building was moved to the Andrew Rominski farm yard across the road in Section 6. In the early 1950's, the old dance hall that stood behind the store was taken apart by Zygmunt Zakrzewski. In 1975, when the north and south road, Marshall County #1, was being tarred, the entire parking area was black surfaced.

South of the old dance hall had stood the Anthony Przybylski home, later occuped by Zygmunt Zakrzewski for a short while. In 1958, the Steve Adamski family built a new home there. lt 1972, they enlarged their home to its present size. In 1955, the Marshall County Highway Department built a county shed to house the road patrol machine between the former dance hall and the former Przybylski home. Florian Kuznia was the main carpenter for the county shed.

Section 7: After the marriage of Vincent Kuznia to Wanda Gratzek in 1916, Grandma Hedwig Kuznia moved to a little home in the most northeastern corner of Section 7 and lived there with her sister. After Grandma's death, her sister, Katharzyna Myescok (also spelled Misiski and Misiek), lived there. Frank and Rozalia Kuznia moved there in the fall of 1936. Frank passed away in December of 1936, and Rozalia lived there until 1953. Mrs. Mary (Kasprowicz) Rominski then lived there for a short while. In 1960, Margaret and Eugene Kuznia lived there for a short while. In 1967, the house was moved to the John Kazmierczak, Sr. farm, and Ira Kuznia moved in a new home and lived there with his brother, Steve, and father, Mike, Sr., until Mike's death in 1974. The two brothers now live there.

Next to Grandma Hedwig's home stood Tom Wilebski's blacksmith shop, and south of the shop stood the Tom and Anna Wilebski home. This home was later used briefly for the priest when the parish house burned. The house was later moved to the Ben Kuznia farm, less than a mile west of Florian. It later burned, and Ben and Mathilda moved a different home onto the yard. In the general area of the Wilebski blacksmith shop, Ira Kuznia built a double car garage in 1968, and in the area where their home stood, a new Florian Society Hall was completed in 1948.

For many years, a portion of a field belonging to Mike Kuznia, Jr., directly west of the hall, has been used as a baseball and softball field. In 1973, the creek in this area was rerouted to go around the Mike Kuznia, Jr. barnyard, because of the watershed project involving the soon-to-be-formed Florian Lake and Park. For many years, a grandstand stood on the ballfield grounds to view the games. In 1979, it burned to the ground.

Section 6: In the southeast corner of Section 6 of Florian, William Rybaski operated a store. Slightly west of the store, his home was located. In 1922, John and Valery Gratzek purchased the property. The store was then run by them and later by their daughter, Kathryn, and her husband, Andrew Rominski. They operated the store for a short time and then sold the building to Ray Anderson, and it was moved to Strandquist and converted into a cream station. At present, the Rominskis make their home there. The property has been purchased by Ray and Loretta Borowicz.

Florian Farm Yards: Florian has four close farm yards. In Section 5, the Stanley and Mary (Kasprowicz) Rominski family formerly had a farm yard. a little more northeast of the present Mark Szklarski farm yard. Their son and his wife, Stanley, Jr. and Genevieve (Stucynski) Rominski, moved the farm yard more southwest and built the house and the present buildings. Later, the farm was sold to Frank Szklarski. The David Kujavas and the James V. Kuznias had rented the home from them. In 1980, Mark Szklarski and his new bride, Louise Stusynski, moved in.

In Section 8, there are two farm yards. Nick Zakrzewski built the house and barn. The home was later occupied by Ben Stanislowski and in about 1944 by Edward and Theresa Rominski. John and Julia (Szklarski) Stucynski lived on the farm, and Julia later sold it to Terry Pietruszewski. Terry and his wife, Betty, now live there. The other farm yard saw many occupants. The Vincent Kasprowiczes lived there in a house built by Tom Wilebski. Then Edmund and Gertrude Kasprowicz lived there for a short time. Steve Budziszewskis lived there for a short time. Brick layers working on the Florian Church stayed there in the summer. The Felix Pietruszewski family lived there for a short time. Also, one summer migrant workers lived there. In 1969, John Kazmierczak, Jr. and his wife. Irene, purchased a portion of the land and moved in a different home and are the present owners.

The fourth farm yard in Florian is in Section 7. This farm yard was established by Mike and his wife, Bridget Kuznia, in 1914, and taken over by his son, Mike Jr., and his wife, Lillian, in 1967. They presently live there.

The Homeplaces

Grandpa Albert and Grandma Hedwig lived in Section 7 of Wright Township. Later, their homeplace became the home of their son, Vincent, and his wife, Wanda. Today, their grandson, Hillary, and his wife, Julianna, have expanded and improved the homestead. The last years of Grandma Hedwig's life were spent in her little home in the northeast corner of Section 7 near the Florian crossroads.

Frank and Rozalia lived in Section 10 of Wanger Township. The homeplace retains the house and buildings, but is now standing empty. His son, Peter, and his wife, Polly, were the last to live on the homeplace. It is now owned by Frank's grandson, Harry J. Kuznia.

Anton and Mary at one time lived in the Hallock-Lancaster area. After the death of Mary, Anton lived with his parents in Section 7 of Wright Township. After the marriage of his daughter, Leokadia, Anton made his home with her in Section 2 of Wanger Township. His son-in-law, John Kazmierczak, still lives there.

Stanley and Frances lived in Section 32 of Nelson Park Township the homeplace of her parents. After the death of his wife, Stanley lived with his parents in Section 7 of Wright Township. Nothing remains of the homeplace in Section 32.

Paul and Mary lived in Section 3 of Wanger Township. One of the original buildings remain: a granary which Paul had built; also, a grove of trees. A mobile home and a well shed also mark the homeplace. This land is now owned by Andrew and Lawrence Kuznia, grandsons of Paul.

Joseph and Katherine lived in Section 5 of Wright Township. No buildings remain. A grove of trees and a steel bin mark the homeplace. The home was moved to the Florian Kuznia farm in Section 17 of Nelson Park Township. The property is owned by Joseph's son, Peter J. Kuznia.

Elizabeth and Michael lived in Section 7 of Wright Township. Later, their son, Tom, and his wife, Elizabeth, lived on the homeplace; now their grandson, Tom Jr., and his wife, April, reside there and farm the land. Most of the buildings remain.

Peter and Agnes lived for a short time in Section 2 of Wanger Township and then later moved the house to Section 1 of Wanger Township. This first home was later replaced by a different home. Later, the Clem Knolls owned the homeplace. Now Peter and Agnes' grandson, Conrad, and his wife, Linda, own the homeplace. In 1975, they replaced the old home with a new home. In 1980, they added a multi-purpose pole shed on the yard. None of the original buildings remain.

Mike and Bridget lived in Section 7 of Wright Township. Their son, Mike, and his wife, Lillian, now live there. Most of the original buildings remain, including the barn which has logs from Albert and Hedwig's log home when it was dismantled.

Bert and Martha lived in Section 3 of Wanger Township for a few years. Only a granary and grove of trees remain on the homeplace in that township. The house was later moved to the Emil Kuznia farm in Section 23 of Sinnott Township. Bert and Martha later lived in Section 32 of Augsburg Township in a house that had been part of the Wheeler and Culbertson Farm. Their son, Ralph, and his wife. Eleanor, now live on the homeplace in a new home. None of the original buildings remain.

Ben and Mathilda lived in Section 7 of Wright Township. Their grandson, William, and his wife, Rosemary, now live on that homeplace. They have enlarged and remodeled the home. Anna and Thomas lived first in Section 7 of Wright Township, and the home was later moved to the Ben Kuznia farm. Then. Anna and Thomas lived in Section 29 of Wanger Township. That home was later purchased and moved into Argyle. No buildings or grove of trees remain on that homeplace.

Vincent and Wanda, as stated earlier, lived on the homeplace of Grandpa Albert and Grandma Hedwig. After the marriage of their son, Hilary, Wanda moved into a small home that was moved to the homeplace. Hilary and his wife, Julianna, now live in the original house.



On each family tree that follows, the son or daughter of Albert and Hedwig Kuznia will not be preceded by a number or letter. The following explains the generations to follow each son or daughter:

  1. Son or Daughter of Albert and Hedwig
    1. 1. [Numbers] denote grandchild of Albert and Hedwig
      1. A. [Capital letters] denote great grandchild
        1. 1) (number) denotes great great grandchild
          1. a) (small letter) denotes great great great grandchild