Steve's Genealogy Blog

Cemetery Medallions – GuestBlog from George G. Morgan

Posted on February 26, 2007 by Steve

After posting the information on the Skowronski / Dymek / Danko gravestone in Notre Dame Cemetery, I received a message from George G. Morgan, well-known genealogy author and lecturer . Many people are familiar with George through the online classes he teaches, his “Along Those Lines…” column, and the Genealogy Guys Podcast he hosts with Drew Smith.

In his message, George provided some interesting information about cemetery medallions:

Thanks for the response on your blog about the medallion on the grave
in MA.

I am really a cemetery addict — a taphophile of the first magnitude — and have photos of tens of thousands of cemetery markers from all over the world that I’ve taken or that have been taken for me by great friends.

I hadn’t seen that particular medallion in recent times. However, I did go back and found a couple of examples. I suspect that they, like the Confederate Cross of Honor stakes that the UDC placed on Confederates’ graves, have been stolen (or removed by cemetery workers ‘cleaning’ the graves).

BTW, in my hometown in NC, there was a terrible rash of cemetery vandalism about a decade ago in which the vandals pried DAR, SAR, Mayflower Descendants, Masonic, Eastern Star, and other bronze medallions from footstones and tried to sell them for scrap.

Fortunately, several scrap metal dealers contacted the police and more than a dozen people were arrested, tried, and convicted of felony destructionÂ of property and grand theft.

Thanks, George!Â I have to admit, I really haven’t paid much attention to the medallions in cemeteries . I’ll have to correct that slight!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged GuestBlog | Comments Off

Cemetery Records and Details of the Skowronski / Dymek / Danko Grave

Posted on February 25, 2007 by Steve

Yesterday, I posted the photograph of the monument on the graves of Alexander Skowronski, his wife Frances Dymek, his daughter Jean B. Sharron Danko, and Jean’s husband (my uncle) Michael J. Danko in Notre Dame Cemetery . Click on the link for a PDF copy of the map of Notre Dame Cemetery inÂ Worcester, Massachusetts.

The Cemetery Record, provided by Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester, Massachusetts, reads as follows:

Notre Dame Cemetery No. 04 – Owner: Skowronski, Alexander, Mr.

Lot – Sec-HF Lot-245 Grv-1- =================Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 12 X 11
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â UAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA?
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3OBÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3
Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAU
SpaceÂ Â Deceased/ResvdÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Burial DateÂ Â Â Â Â Â AgeÂ Â Â Â Container
——-Â Â Â ———————————————Â Â Â Â Â Â —————— Â Â ——Â Â Â Â ————–
1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Skowronski, Alexander, OwnerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 01/07/1970Â Â Â 82Â Â Â Â Â ASPH
2Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Skowronski, Frances, WifeÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 06/25/1963Â Â 73Â Â Â Â Â ASPH
3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Danko, Jean B., Mrs., DaughterÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 10/22/1996Â Â 79Â Â Â Â Â WILB
3OBÂ Â Â Danko, Jean, Baby, Great GrandchildÂ 09/21/1999Â Â StillbÂ COMBO
4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Danko, Michael J., Son-in-lawÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 11/21/1981Â Â 68Â Â Â Â Â PALMER

AAAAAAEnd of ListAAAAAAA

I mentioned yesterday that there was one additional burial in this lot that was not inscribed on the monument . This burial was for Jean Marguerite Danko, granddaughter of Michael and Jean Danko and great granddaughter of Alexander & Frances Skowronski.

Marker for Jean Marguerite Danko

SOURCE: Jean Marguerite Danko grave marker, Notre Dame Cemetery, Holy Family Section, Lot 245, Grave 3OB (Worcester County), Massachusetts, photographed by Stephen J. Danko, 09 Sep 2005.

There is also another marker, commemorating Michael Danko’s service in the US Navy.

Marker for Michael J. Danko, Jr.

SOURCE: Michael J . Danko, Jr . grave marker, Notre Dame Cemetery, Holy Family Section, Lot 245, GraveÂ 4 (Worcester County), Massachusetts, photographed by Stephen J. Danko, 09 Sep 2005.

The marker for Michael J. Danko, Jr . reads:

MICHAEL J DANKO JR
SF1 US NAVY
WORLD WAR II
SEP 13 1913Â Â Â Â Â NOV 19 1981

The SF1 indicates that Michael J. Danko, Jr . was a Shipfitter First Class . The US Navy Classification Guide describes a Shipfitter as:

Makes repairs to hull and deck structures. Puts ship plates in place, rivets together sections of steel plates and hull framing. Scarfs and closes seams between overlapping steel plates. Cuts, chips, files, and caulks angles, seams, and rivets. Welds. Renews gaskets in watertight doors, parts, and hatches. Installs and repairs pump connections. lays out, bends and shapes sheet metal and metal sections. Threads and fits pipes. Works closely with Metalsmith and Carpenter’s Mate.

To the left of the main monument is a US Flag . The flag holder includes a medallion that reads: US VETERAN:

Medallion on Flag Holder

SOURCE: Michael J . Danko, Jr . Flag Holder Medallion, Notre Dame Cemetery, Holy Family Section, Lot 245, GraveÂ 4 (Worcester County), Massachusetts, photographed by Stephen J. Danko, 09 Sep 2005.

The “Rules, Regulations and Policies” of Notre Dame Cemetery and Chapel Mausoleum state:

FLAGS: One (1) American flag is permitted on each grave in which a Veteran is interred . The cemetery is not responsible for placing flags on lots . However, flags may be obtained at the cemetery office.

PLEASE NOTE: Only one flat granite marker is allowed at the foot of each grave. This also includes Veteran markers.

SOURCE: Notre Dame Cemetery and Chapel Mausoleum, Rules, Regulations and Policies (Worcester, Massachusetts: Notre Dame Cemetery and Chapel Mausoleum).

Posted in Daily Journal, Dańko, Dymek, Sharron, Skowroński | 5 Comments

The Grave of Alexander Skowronski, Frances Dymek, Michael J. Danko, and Jean B. Skowronski Sharron

Posted on February 24, 2007 by Steve

TheÂ parents of Adam Skowronski, who birth and death records I posted yesterday and the day before, was Alexander Skowronski and Frances Dymek . They are buried in Notre Dame Cemetery in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Skowronski, Dymek, Danko Monument – Front

Skowronski, Dymek, Danko Monument – Back

SOURCE: Alexander Skowronski, Frances Dymek, Michael J. Danko, Jean B. Skowronski SharronÂ grave marker, Notre Dame Cemetery, Holy Family Section, Lot 245, Graves 1, 2, 3, 3OB, 4Â (Worcester County), Massachusetts, photographed by Stephen J. Danko, 09 Sep 2005.

This marker shows that Alexander Skowronski (1887-1970) and his wife Francis Dymek (1888-1963) are buried here along with Michael J. Danko (1913-1981) and his wife Jean B. Skowronski Sharron (1917-1996).

Jean B. Skowronski Sharron was the daughter of Alexander Skowronski and Frances Dymek . Â Jean was also the wife of my paternal uncle, Michael J. Danko . Jean’sÂ full name on the gravestoneÂ reflects the fact that she was married to Robert H. Sharron before his untimely death in 1946 . Robert Sharron is buried elsewhere in Notre Dame Cemetery.

The motto on the front of the monument reads (in Polish) “Proszę o Zdrowaś Marja”, which means “I ask for a ‘Hail Mary’ “.

Alexander is buried in Grave 1, Frances in Grave 2, Jean in Grave 3, and Michael in Grave 4 . Cemetery records show that there is another burial in this lot (in Grave 3OB), notÂ inscribed on the monument . In addition, the lot contains two additional markers flush with the ground.

Tomorrow: About the additional burial and the two additional markers.

Posted in Daily Journal, Dańko, Dymek, Sharron, Skowroński | 2 Comments

The Death of Adam Skowronski -1906

Posted on February 23, 2007 by Steve

Adam Skowronski, son of Alexander Skowronski and Frances Dymak, died on 28 December 1906 in Gardner, Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA.

The Death Record for Adam Skowronski - 1906 — **The Death Record for Adam Skowronski – 1906**
Town of Gardner, Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA, Death Returns, vol 41:320, Adam Skuronsky, 28 December 1906; image, â€œMassachusetts: Vital Records, 1841-1910,” *American Ancestors* (https://www.americanancestors.org/DB191/i/10318/320/124996686 : accessed 18 February 2019); citing original records held by the Massachusetts Archives.

Click on the link for a PDF copy of the Death Record for Adam Skowronski. The record shows that:

Adam Skuronsky’s death was Registered No. 211, on page 320 of volume 41 of the Death Records in Gardner, Massachusetts for 1906
Adam died at 140 Greenwood Street, Gardner, Massachusetts on 28 Dec 1906, age 4 days
Adam was a single, white male, born in Gardner, Massachusetts
His father was Alec Skuronsky, born in Russia
His mother was Francis Dimak, born in Russia
No occupation is given
The informant was Alexis Skuronsky of 140 Greenwood St., Gardner
Alex was buried at St. John’s Cemetery on 29 Dec 1906 by Ryan Bros. Inc. of Gardner
The physician, J.E. Waters, M.D., attended the deceased from 24 Dec 1906 to 28 Dec 1906 and stated that the cause of death was asphyxiation, with the contributing factor of improper care for 4 days
The Gardner Town Clerk, Levi W. Wood, filed the Return of a Death on 02 Jan 1907

Posted in Daily Journal, Skowroński | 8 Comments

The Birth of Adam Skowronski – 1906

Posted on February 22, 2007 by Steve

Adam Skowronski, son of Alexander Skowronski and Frances Dymak, was born on 24 December 1906 in Gardner, Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA.

Click on the link for a PDF copy of the Birth Record for Adam Skowronski. The record states that:

The Birth Record for Adam Skuronsky is recorded in volume 560, page 321, number 393 in the Birth Records for the Town of Gardner for the year 1906
Adam Skuronsky, a white male, was born on 24 Dec 1906 in Gardner, Massachusetts
Adam’s father was Alexander Skuronsky, a laborer born in Russia
Adam’s mother was Francis Dmak, born in Russia
Adam’s birth was recorded in January 1907

As often seen in other Massachusetts Birth Records from this time period, the names are misspelled in this record. The misspellings and the correct spellings are:

Adam Skuronsky = Adam Skowronski
Alexander Skuronsky = Alexander Skowronski
Francis Dmak = Frances Dymek

Posted in Dymek, Skowroński | Comments Off

The Birth and Baptism of Agnieszka Dańko

Posted on February 21, 2007 by Steve

Agnieszka Dańko, the daughter of Pawel Dańko and Zofia Szymańska, and the sister of my great grandfather, Jakub Dańko, was born in Nienadowa on 06 Jan 1838 . Agnieszka’s record is the second entry on this page.

The Birth and Baptismal Record for Agnieszka Dańko

SOURCE: Roman Catholic Parish of the Immaculate Heart of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, Dubiecko, Poland. Liber Natorum et Baptisatorum (Book of Births and Baptisms). 1838. Page 44. Text in Latin, translated by Stephen J. Danko.

Click on the link for a PDF copy of the Birth and Baptismal Record for Agnieszka Dańko, along with a transcription and translation from the Latin . The record states:

Agnieszka Dańko was born on 06 Jan 1838 in house number 158 in Nienadowa
She was baptized in the church in Dubiecko on 07 Jan 1838 by Antoni [Itselczycki?]
She was a legitimately born, Catholic girl
Her father was Pawel Dańko, a farmer
Her mother was Zofia Szymański, daughter of Anna and Andrzej Szymański, farmer
Her Godparents were Marcin Tanowski, and Rozalia Wayda, the wife of Błażej Wayda, both farmers
The midwife present at the birth was Agnieszka Pilchowa, who was “not tested”
The priest who baptized the child was Antoni [Itselczycki?]
Agnieszka apparently moved to house number 50 on 28 May 1881

It’s interesting to note that the priest who performed the baptism only signed the first baptismal record on the page . On all other records, he signed “same as above”.

The midwife, Agnieszka Pilchowa, was described as “not tested” . I suppose this means that she did not have a license as a midwife . When compared with the Birth and Baptismal Record for Agnieszka’s sister Jadwiga, Jadwiga’s midwife was listed as “District Midwife”.

Pawel Dańko often called on Marcin Tanowski and Rozalia Wayda to be the Godparents of his children . I don’t know who Marcin Tanowski married, but he may be a relative or the husband of a relative of Pawel . Rozalia Wayda, wife of Błażej Wayda, may well be Pawel’s younger sister, but I’ll have to search for the marriage record for Błażej and Rozalia to be sure.

Posted in Daily Journal, Dańko | Comments Off

Immigrant Passenger Manifest for Leon Izbicki

Posted on February 20, 2007 by Steve

Leon Izbicki, the brother of Bolesław Izbicki, arrived in the United States in 1902 . The passenger manifest for the S.S. Rotterdam includes his record.

S. S. Rotterdam

The Passenger Manifest forÂ Leon Izbicki

SOURCE: Immigration and Naturalization Service. Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1897-1957. National Archives Microfilm Publication T715, Roll 243, List F, Line 18.

Click on the link for a PDF copy of the Passenger Manifest for LeonÂ Izbicki . The record shows:

LeonÂ Izbizki, a 20-year-old, single male, departed Rotterdam on the S.S. Rotterdam onÂ 24 AprÂ 1902 and arrived in New York on 04 May 1902
LeonÂ was a laborer and was able to read and write
He was Polish and a citizen of Russia from the village of Pjertani
He had never been in the US before; he was going to stay with his brother Bol[esław] Izbicki, Lab[orer] of Sta. No. 1, Box 52, Worcester, Mass
LeonÂ was in possession of $2 when he arrived in New York
He was never in prison, was not a polygamist or anarchist, and was not under contract, expressed or implied, to labor in the United States
His mental andÂ physical health were good, and he was not deformed or crippled

Leon’s village in Poland was spelled Pjertani on the Passenger Manifest . The correct spelling of this village is Piertanie . Today, Piertanie is located in the far northeast corner of Poland.

Leon did not remain in the United States . He returned to Poland.

Posted in Daily Journal, Izbicki | 1 Comment

The Graves of Joseph Meleski, Catherine Warchol, and Rita M. B. Izbicki

Posted on February 19, 2007 by Steve

A large number of my relatives are buried in Notre Dame Cemetery in Worcester, Massachusetts. Among those are Joseph Chmielewski (alias Meleski), my half great uncle. Joseph is buried with his wife, Catherine Warchol, and his daughter, Rita M. B. Izbicki.

Meleski Izbicki Monument - Front — **Meleski – Warchol – Izbicki Grave (Front)**
Notre Dame Cemetery (Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts), Joseph Meleski, Catherine Warchol, and Rita M. B. Izbicki grave marker, Section 25A, Lot 100; photographed by Stephen J. Danko, 09 Sep 2005.

Meleski Izbicki Monument - Back — **Meleski – Warchol – Izbicki Grave (Back)**
Notre Dame Cemetery (Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts), Joseph Meleski, Catherine Warchol, and Rita M. B. Izbicki grave marker, Section 25A, Lot 100; photographed by Stephen J. Danko, 09 Sep 2005.

The front of the marker reads:

+
MELESKI
JOSEPH MELESKI
1872-1933
CATHERINE WARCHOL
HIS WIFE
1873-1928
RITA M. B. IZBICKI
1911-2000

Rita’s initials stand for her maiden name, Meleski, and the surname of her first husband, Blackman. I’m not sure why Rita is buried here with her parents rather than with one of her husbands. Finding the graves of her two husbands may help explain this unusual arrangement.

I have not seen a marker like this before. The back of the monument is rough cut and stands out in the cemetery. This portion of Notre Dame Cemetery is graced by mature trees and is quite peaceful. Click on the link for a PDF map of Notre Dame Cemetery. UOn 10 August 2009, I obtained the cemetery record for Rita M. B. Izbicki. It states:

Owner ID: 00008625
Deceased/Reserved: Izbicki, Rita Blackman, Mrs.
Age: 88
Location: Sec-25 Lot-100 Grv-2RU
Buried: 01/11/2000
Property Owner: Meleski, Joseph

Posted in Chmielewski/Meleski, Daily Journal, Izbicki | Tagged Notre Dame Cemetery | Comments Off

The Grave of Roberta Josephine Izbicki

Posted on February 18, 2007 by Steve

Roberta Josephine Izbicki, the daughter of William P. Izbicki and Mary V. Kuchnicki, died in 2004 and was buried near her parents in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA.

The Grave Marker of Roberta J Izbicki — **The Grave Marker for Roberta J. Izbicki**
Worcester County Memorial Park (Paxton, Worcester County, Massachusetts), Roberta J. Izbicki grave marker, Garden of Valor I, Lot 3, Grave 2; photographed by Stephen J. Danko, 09 Sep 2005.

Click on the link for a PDF copy of the overall map for Worcester County Memorial Park and a detailed map for the Garden of Valor.

This marker shows that Roberta Josephine Izbicki was born in 1936 and died in 2004. She was buried on 12 Jan 2004 in Grave 2, next to her parents, who were buried in Graves 3 and 4. The marker includes the inscription â€œIN LOVING MEMORY”.

When I took this photograph in September 2005, Roberta’s marker had not yet been set in place; it was leaning upright against a support. I imagine that Roberta’s relatives had purchased the marker sometime in 2005, at least a year after Roberta was buried.

Posted in Daily Journal, Izbicki | Comments Off

The Grave of William P. and Mary V. Izbicki

Posted on February 17, 2007 by Steve

I have written about the Izbicki family, and I’ve shown birth records for several members of the family. One family member for whom I don’t have a birth record is Bolesław Izbicki, although I know Bolesław was born in Worcester in 1903.

I looked through my files of gravestone photographs today and found a photograph of the grave marker for William P. and Mary V. Izbicki. William P. Izbicki was born with the name Bolesław, but, like his father, he used the name William for most of his life.

Click on the link for a PDF copy of the overall map for Worcester County Memorial Park and a detailed map for the Garden of Valor.

This marker shows that William P. Izbicki was born in 1903 and died in 1976. He was buried on 05 Jun 1976 in Grave 3. His wife, Mary V., was born in 1900 and died in 1993. She was buried on 04 May 1993 in Grave 4. The marker includes the inscription “TOGETHER FOREVER”.

Worcester County Memorial Park only permits markers that are flush with the ground. The small round object at the top of the marker is a vase in which fresh flowers may be placed. When the vase is not in use, the vase is turned upside-down and inserted into the marker so that it, too, is level with the ground.

From June through December, the cemetery provides an area where fresh flowers may be picked in order to place flowers on the graves.

Posted in Daily Journal, Izbicki | Comments Off

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