Our Genealogy Pages

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This is the 2nd iteration of this site, the first became 'buggy' and a new install was required. I hope this installation is more long-lasting.

The earliest record that I have found of the Sklapsky name in North America is held by Joseph Sklapsky, who lived from about 1850 - 1895.

He was born in Bohemia in 1850, some say in July. He was listed on many documents as being from Czechoslovakia, Austria, or Germany. At any rate the borders shifted frequently during those tumultuous times and generally speaking that area would now be considered part of the Czech Republic. He emigrated to the U.S. sometime in the early to mid 1800's, some say at 16 years old. There are also some theories that he first passed through Iowa or Ohio before settling in the Michigan area, I have not confirmed that.

In 1873 when he was 22 he married Mary Ann Novak (Nowak). Within 7 years they had four children together, Frank Joseph (1874), Frederick (1876-1879), Jennie (1878), and Anna Olive (1881). The second born of them, Frederick, died of diptheria or blood poisoning, depending on the source, at 3.

In 1883 Mary Ann died and because of family responsibilities it was felt to be important that her sister Albena Novak take over Mary's responsibilities and marry Joseph, and raise Mary Ann's children. In 1884 Joseph married Albena and they had two children together, Lillian Mae (1885-1982) and William Martin (1891-1974).

Joseph Sklapsky died from an abscess of the brain in Saginaw, Michigan on May 7, 1895 at the age of 44. He was at the residence of Mrs. Joseph Tomashit. He left a wife and 5 children, all residing in Lakefield. He is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Saginaw, Michigan.

He had been employed by the F.& P.M. (Flint & Pere Marquette) Railroad as blacksmith for the previous 22 years.

One of my quests is to find his connection across the pond.

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