August's Dad, Alex Kozub

August's dad, Alexander Kozub, went by Alex.

Alex was born in Galicia (Hungary, Hungary, Austria, Germany in 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930 census records) in Sept. of 1859. See a later post for a description of Galicia. The town he is from is Zegiestow, which is currently in the country of Poland.

He first immigrated to America in 1885, 1886 or 1887 (according to various census records). His first child Mary was born about 1885 in Galicia.  He married Irene Kelly in 1886. He lived in Hazleton, Luzurne, Pennsylvania, where Alexander and August were born (1891, 1897) and where Amelia died (1896). In 1900, he was back in Perth Amboy at age 40.  His son Anthony was born there that year. In 1910, Alex was living in Menallen Township, Fayette, Pennsylvania. In 1920, he was living a short distance from Perth Amboy in Ward 2, Rahway City, Union, New Jersey with just Irene and Anthony. In 1930, Alex and his wife Irene are living with their daughter Mary Obuch and her family in Ward 6, Perth Amboy, Middlesex, New Jersey. He is 72 and Irene is 61. By 1935, Irene is a widow. So Alex died sometime between 1930 and 1935. Irene is living in Perth Amboy in 1940 with her son Anthony, near extended family.

Note that he started his naturalization process on Oct. 28, 1893 in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania (most likely while living in Hazleton) and continued the process each year while living in Middlesex County, New Jersey.  The last naturalization paper he signed that I have is dated Sept. 21, 1900.

Here are two of Alex's Naturalization Papers. Sorry, the blog wants to turn the second one sideways. I don't have Alex's official "You are a Citizen of the USA" certificate.

Note also that Alex Kozub came to America for a second time. His May 11, 1904 Arrival Ship Records state he had been in America before - Pittsburg, PA, that he was Ruthenian/Austrian and that he had come from Zegiostow. He traveled on the ship Friedrich der Grosse with Bremen being the port of departure. He was headed to Egypt, PA. (Egypt is near Allentown, PA)

Sources I have for Alexander "Alex" Kozub: 1895 New Jersey State Census (which actually shows his son Alexander Kozub living in Perth Amboy at age 3 with extended family. . . which I will explain later),  1900 Federal Census, Naturalization Papers, May 11, 1904 Arrival Ship Records,  1910 Federal Census, 1920 Federal Census, 1930 Federal Census, 1940 Federal Census. 

Leads I have for Alexander "Alex" Kozub: I believe he died and is buried somewhere in Perth Amboy, Middlesex, New Jersey. He died between 1930 and 1935. He was living in Perth Amboy in 1930 and his widow, Irene is still living there in 1935, 1936 and 1940. Various Perth Amboy city directories are great leads.

I REALLY WANT to get a copy of his death certificate and to see his grave marker. I am hoping that his death certificate will list his parents' names. I am hoping that if I find his grave, I will find Irene's grave. And maybe at least one of his childrens' graves.

August's Mom, Irene Kelly

Irene Kelly

Born: about Jan. 1869 in Austria/Hungary (Galicia)
Married Alex Kozub: 1886

Died: After 1942.

Buried: ? Somewhere in Perth Amboy, Middlesex, New Jersey?

Here is where Irene was living in 1940:

173 Broad Street, Perth Amboy, Middlesex, New Jersey 

The first we learn of Irene Kelly is in the 1900 Census, where it shows her married to Alexander Kozub, living in Ward 3, Perth Amboy, Middlesex, New Jersey. She is 31 and she has been married for 14 years. It says that her birthplace is "Hungary" and that her parents were born there as well. She says that she was married in 1886.  She is living with children Mary (14), Alexander (8), Gustav [August] (3) and Antony (1/12). Note that the census search records incorrectly spells their last name "Rozuh."

In the 1910 Census, the census search records incorrectly spell Kozub "Kozbb." In 1910, the Kozub family is living in Menallen, Fayette, Pennsylvania. Irene is 40 and has been married for 23 years. Mary, age 24, no longer lives at home (not listed on census). Alexander (18), August (14) and Anthony (8) live with Alexander and Irene. Irene says that she has given birth to 10 children and that 4 are still living. She says she and her parents were born in Hungary.

In 1920, the family is called "Kozut" in the census search records. This time, they list "Austria" as Alexander and Irene's birthplace as well as their parents' birthplaces. They are living in Ward 2, Rahway, Union, New Jersey and we learn that they are renting. Alexander is now 60 and Irene is 48. Only Anthony (17) still lives at home.

In 1930, the federal census says Alexander and Irene are living (as lodgers) with their daughter Mary and her family - the John and Mary Obuch family. Alexander is 72 and Irene is 61. Now, they say they are from Germany.

In the 1940 census, Irene is a widow at age 77, living with her son Anthony at 173 Broad Street in Perth Amboy, Middlesex, New Jersey. We learn that she was there in 1935 as well. She says her birthplace is Czechoslovakia. 

In 1942, Irene is still living with Anthony at 173 Broad Street, according to the Perth Amboy City Directory.

Sources for Irene Kelly: 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940 Federal Census.

Leads for Irene Kelly: Various Perth Amboy City Directories.

What I REALLY want: Irene Kelly's death certificate and grave location (both most likely from Perth Amboy, Middlesex, New Jersey). With the death certificate, we can learn the names of her parents. With the grave location, we may be able to find more Kozub family.

August's Siblings

August Kozub's parents were Alexander Kozub and Irene Kelly. Irene gave birth to 10 children and 4 survived.

Here are the names of the children I am aware of:

1) Mary Kozub, born in 1885 in Austria, later married John Obuch, who was born about 1869 in Austria and who immigrated in 1887. Their children were 1) August Obuch, born in 1907 (named after his uncle). 2) Emilia Obuch, born in 1913 (who I believe was named after her aunt). 3) Mary Obuch, born in 1919, (named after her mom). 4) William Obuch, born in 1922.

2) Amelia Kozub, born in Sept. 1890 and died at age 6 on Dec. 31, 1896 in Hazelton, Luzerne, Pennsylvania, USA. Buried Jan. 1, 1897 at St. Gabriel's Cemetary in Hazelton, Luzerne, Pennsylvania. (See a later post regarding my discovery of Amelia in October 2012!)

3) Alexander Evans Kozub, born Sept. 12, 1892 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.  Died about July 12, 1955.

He married Marie Peters (born 1897) and had two children. 1) Irene Marie Kozub, born Sept 29, 1915 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga,Ohio and died Oct. 20, 1951 in Garfield Hgts., Cuyahoga, Ohio, and who married a Vaiaha) 2) Marcella Kozub, born August 6, 1918 in Ohio and died June 9, 1991 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio and who married Charles Beeching and had a child named Katherine Beeching.

Marriage of Alexander Evans Kozub and Marie Peters Sept. 9, 1914

Alexander Evans Kozub is living in Cleveland in 1917 when he fills out the WWI Draft Registration Card (where he lists Hazleton, Pennsylvania as his birthplace). He is living at 7716 Jones Road in Cleveland, Ohio when he fills out his WWII Draft Registration Card (where he lists Sept. 12, 1892 as his birthday). With the 7716 Jones Road address, I find the names of his wife and children on the Federal Censuses, and on his obituary.

Alexander Evans Kozub's WWI Draft Registration Card

Alexander Evans Kozub's WW II Draft Registration Card

Alexander Evans Kozub's Obituary July 12, 1955

Notice that Alexander Evans Kozub lived at 7716 Jones Road in Cleveland, Ohio for many years.



4) August Kozub (see previous post)

5) Anthony Kozub, born in 1900 in Pennsylvania. I don't know if he ever married. He is living with his mother Irene at 173 Broad Street in Perth Amboy, Middlesex, New Jersey in 1940 and 1942.

1940 Perth Amboy, NJ City Directory

Sources I have for August's siblings: 1900 Federal Census, 1910 Federal Census, 1920 Federal Census, 1930 Federal Census, 1940 Federal Census, Alexander Evans Kozub's marriage license, WWI and WWII Draft Registration Cards.


Leads I have for August's siblings: A birth, marriage and death record book in Hazleton, Pennsylvania listed Amelia Kozub. (I am assuming she is August's sister.) Dacia's notes in Familysearch on Alexander Evans Kozub. Perth Amboy City Directories. Alexander Evans Kozub's Obituary.

Dorothy's Dad, August Kozub

I have focused my research so far on Dorothy's dad, August Kozub.

Here is what I know about him so far:

Born: March 20, 1897 in Hazelton, Luzerne, Pennsylvania, USA (WWI Draft Reg.)
In 1900, was living in Ward 3, Perth Amboy, Middlesex, New Jersey (1900 census)
In 1910, was living in Menallen, Fayette, Pennsylvania (1910 census)

On June 5, 1918, August was living at 116 Wilbur Ave. Turtle Creek, Allegheny Pennsylvania (WWI Draft Reg. Card)
On Feb. 7, 1920, August was living at Turtle Creek, Allegheny, Pennsylvania (Dorothy's birth certificate.)
In 1920, he was living in Ward 1, Turtle Creek, Allegheny, Pennsylvania (1920 census)
1928, was living at 1219 Hillmann in Youngstown, Mahoning, Ohio

Died: Dec. 30, 1928 in Youngstown, Mahoning, Ohio, USA (death certificate, funeral program, Ohio Death Record, gravestone-year)
Buried: Jan. 2, 1929 in Calvary Cemetary, Mahoning, Ohio, USA


Here is a recent picture of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, where he was born:

Here is a picture of his grave (thanks Dacia!):

Here is a copy of August Kozub's Death Certificate:

August Kozub's Death Certificate

Sources I have for August Kozub: WWI Draft Registration Card, 1900 Federal Census (listed as Gustav Kozub, age 3), 1910 Federal Census (listed as August Kozbb, age 14), 1920 Federal Census (living with wife Helen, age 22), Ohio Death Record (naming mother as Irene Kelly and father as Alexander Kozub, listing 1219 Hillmann, Youngstown, Mahoning, Ohio as his residence at death but incorrectly naming birthdate as March 18 instead of 20), Dorothy Kozub's birth certificate.

Source I want for August Kozub:

Birth Certificate from Luzurne County Courthouse in  Pennsylvania.  (Check! Got it. See March 5, 2013 post)

 Marriage Certificate - most likely found around Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

Dorothy's Mom, Helen Bell Pollack

Dorothy's parents are August Kozub and Helen Bell Pollack.

I have not yet researched Helen Bell Pollack's line. But here is what I do know about her:

Helen Bell Pollack
Born: Oct. 2, 1897 in Ohio, USA
Died: Feb. 25, 1975 in San Gabriel, Los Angeles, California, USA
Buried: Feb. 28, 1975 in Rose Hills Mortuary, California, USA (Graves 3 & 4, Lot 1252, Whispering Pines Lawn?)

Her father is Michael Pollack or Polak, born in 1872 (birthdate listed on wife's death certificate).
Her mother is Anna Petrosky, born in 1872, died April 23, 1944.  Her death certificate lists her parents as George Petrosky and Anna Mitrik, states that she was living at 39 Brookfield Ave., Masury, Brookfield Twp, Trumbull County, Ohio when she died at age 72 as a widow, and verifies that she was born in 1872).


 On the 1920 federal census, Helen is 22, like her husband August. They both say their parents are from Russia and speak Austrian.

On the 1930 federal census, Helen is a widow, the head of household. Her home is in Youngstown, Mahoning, Ohio. She lists her father's and mother's birthplace as Czechoslovakia.  She is age 32. She is living with "Dorothea" age 1 2/12 and Alexander 7 3/12. She says she was born in Ohio and that her occupation  is ?confectionacy? [malt shop].

 Helen was a young widow when August died. According to family stories, She opened a malt shop in Pennsylvania called "Dot's." Later, she moved her family to southern California to get warm and became a beautician. Yet. . . I have a bad copy of a certificate that seems to come from the "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" and says she is a "Owner of a Beauty Shop." I will have to check out the real thing when I visit my parents.  [Later. . . . learned "Dot's" was actually in California. There is mixed messages on this one.]


Sources I have for Helen Bell Pollack:  1930 Federal Census (living as widow in Youngstown, Mahoning, Ohio with Dorothea and Alexander), Feb. 25, 1975 Death Certificate, California Death Index.

Leads I have for Helen Bell Pollack: A Rose Hills Mortuary Transfer Agreement between Helen and her daughter dated Oct. 12, 1962 listing Graves 3 & 4, Lot 1252, Whispering Pines Lawn. Family stories. A written interview my mom had with Dorothy before she died.

Sources I have for Anna Petrosky Polak: April 23, 1944 Death Certificate

Dorothy and Her Sibling Al

Dorothy's parents are August Kozub and Helen Pollack.

August and Helen had two children:



1) Dorothy Eveline Kozub
Born: Feb. 7, 1920 in Turtle Creek, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: Jan. 26, 1992 in San Gabriel, Los Angeles, California, USA (in daughter Joyce's home)
Buried:


2) Alexander "Al" Kozub (who, according to rumors, changed his last name to Alexander in later years).
Born: May 22, 1922
Died: May 3, 1996

From these pictures, I assume that Al served in WW II (click on to enlarge):

 Here is a priceless picture of August with his two children Dorothy and Al. August died not too long after it (he died when Dorothy was seven):

 And here is a picture of Al and Dorothy with their mom Helen:

Here is a picture of Al and Dorothy as young adults:

Sources I have: Dorothy's Feb. 7, 1920 Birth Certificate, Dorothy's Sept. 14, 1940 Marriage Certificate, Dorothy's April 6, 1946  LDS Certificate of Baptism and Confirmation and Certificate of Membership, Dorothy's June 23, 1950 Temple Marriage Certificate, Dorothy's March 29, 1954 Patriarchal Blessing, Dorothy's Jan. 26, 1992 Death Certificate.

Leads I have: Dorothy's funeral program. Pictures.

Why this blog?

Dorothy is my paternal grandmother. I am trying to solve the puzzle of who her parents and grandparents were. When I moved to Pennsylvania a couple of years ago, I realized I was in the same state where she was born. It seemed to me that while I lived here, I should be the one to do the research. I met a man named Les who volunteers at a nearby LDS family history center. He is an expert in the area of the world where Dorothy's ancesters came from: the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. Specifically, he helped me to realize that the Kozubs came from Galicia. It has been so helpful to check-in with him and make progress with this research. I am hoping that by sharing what I have found, my research can be more organized. In addition, I am hoping that I will receive more information and details from my own living extended family members after they read this blog.