POSEKANY Branches

There were several POSEKANY families in the US in the late 19th Century. They may have been unrelated. It is tempting to try to find connections between them. I keep track of them because there is a chance I will be able to find connections, and also because I keep running into them in my searches.

In the early 1880s, virtually all of the POSEKANYs in the US were in Iowa, and most of those were in or near Chelsea, a small town in Tama County. By 1900, there was another group in Wisconsin, another in Ohio, and a smattering in Texas and Nebraska. 

The Iowa POSEKANYs are mainly in three groups: the descendants of František and Marie, the descendants of Vaclav and Marie, and the descendants of Joseph and Marie. The first group is discussed on the main POSEKANY page. (I call it the main POSEKANY page because František and Marie are my gg-grandparents, and I started that page before I started researching the branches.)

More information on Cetoraz can be found on the POSEKANY page.

My Aunt, Diana (POSEKANY) CASTELL, told me that František and Josef were brothers. I don't have any records to back that up, yet. Diana did give me a detailed list of Josef's descendants.

František POSEKANY, with his wife and 2 children, came to America on the ship Braunschweig, arriving at the port of Baltimore on 23 May 1874. They were in IA when Anton was born on 13 Jun 1878, and they were on their farm near Chelsea, in Salt Creek Township, Tama County, IA, when the US Census was taken on 1 Jun 1880. František remained in Salt Creek the rest of his life. See the POSEKANY page.

Vaclav POSEKANY, with his wife and 2 daughters, sailed on the Westphalia, out of Hamburg, on 26 Apr 1882, and arrived in New York. Their son John travelled separately, about the same time. Their eldest daughter Mary had immigrated earlier, since she was married on 24 Jan 1881 in Chelsea. The family lived near Chelsea until 1893, when they moved to Seaforth, MN.

Josef POSEKANY probably never came to America. In 1884 his wife, Marie, along with children Josefka and August, immigrated on the Wieland, which departed Hamburg on 10 Apr 1884 and arrived in New York on 2 May 1884. Their older son Frank John probably came earlier. Their daughter Marie may not have left Bohemia.

Vaclav and Marie (SICHRA) POSEKANY

Vaclav POSEKANY (09 Jan 1826 - 4 Nov 1897) was born in the small village of Cetoraz, Bohemia, about 15 miles east of Tabor. Family information had said that his parents were Josef and Marie (Disha) Posekany, and that Josef died in 1834, when Vaclav was about 8. However, the following record contradicts the family data.

This is a translation of a letter sent to Barbara Benda Jenkins, from an archive in Bohemia. It was sent to me by Dorothy Jo Zmolek. It has information about the parents and children of Vaclav and Marie. Please contact me at haloupek at gmail dot com if you need more information about this letter.

I don't have any census data for Vaclav and Marie. They came too late for the 1880 US Census, the 1890 US Census was destroyed in a fire, and they died before the 1900 US Census. I have not found them in the 1885 or 1895 Iowa State Censuses. The only solid information on their birth dates is derived from the immigration record, below, that says they were both 55 when they departed from Hamburg, on 26 Apr 1882, so they were both born between 27 Apr 1826 and 26 Apr 1827, probably in or near Cetoraz.

Vaclav POSEKANY was a shepherd in Cetoraz. His parents were Matej POSEKANY and Josepha BERKA. Matej was a servant in Cetoraz. Josepha was a daughter of Thomas BERKA, a farm laborer from Cetoraz.

Marie SECHRA's parents were Joseph and Barbara, owners of a small property near the village of Šimpach, on the SE side of Cetoraz. I've seen the name spelled SECHRA, SICHRA, SYCHRA,SYEKEA, TICHER.

Vaclav and Marie were married in Cetoraz, and had 4 children. Marie Jr was born in Cetoraz, and the other 3 in  Pacov, a nearby larger city. Vaclav was 14 years older than my gg-grandfather, František "Frank" POSEKANY. Both immigrated from Tabor to Chelsea. 

Marie (SECHRA) POESKANY died about 1 Mar 1888 in Williams, Hamilton, IA, under mysterious circumstances. She was 61.

Immigration

Vaclav and Marie came to America in 1882, with 2 daughters, in the ship Westphalia. The records in the ship's manifest don't match up exactly with other records. They are all from "Cohoraz" which must be Cetoraz.

Their eldest daughter, Marie Jr, must have immigrated earlier, since she was married on 24 Jan 1882, in Chelsea.

Vaclav and Marie are both listed as age 55. Franziska, age 23, would be the same age as the eldest child, Marie, age 23. Sophie would be 17, and she is listed as 18. Teresa, age 9, can only be Terezie, who should be age 14. John would be almost 20, and he is not listed, so he must have travelled separately. Later censuses say he immigrated in 1881, 1882, or 1883.

Descendants of Vaclav and Marie

Vaclav and Marie had 4 children, born in Cetoraz or Pacov, Bohemia. All came to the Chelsea, IA area around 1879-84, and raised families, most moving on to other places.

Vaclav “James” POSEKANY b. 9 Jan 1826 in Cetoraz, d. 4 Nov 1897 in Seaforth
+ Mary SECHRA b. 23 Aug 1826 in Cetoraz, m. 1856 in Cetoraz, d. 1 Mar 1888 in Williams, Hamilton, IA

1. Maria “Mary” POSEKANY b. 23 Nov 1859 in Cetoraz, d. 3 May 1925 in Seaforth
+ Vaclav PISTULKA b. 3 Sep 1856 in Cetoraz, m. 24 Jan 1881 in Chelsea, d. 31 Jul 1925 in Seaforth

2. John POSEKANY b. 2 Jul 1862 in Pacov, d. 7 Apr 1944 in Chelsea
+ Josephine HAIJSMAN b. 22 Dec 1870, m. 17 May 1892 in Hamilton, IA, d. 23 Aug 1953 in Belle Plaine, Benton, IA

3. Sophia “Sophie” POSEKANY b. 15 May 1865 in Pacov, d. 6 Jun 1927 in Omaha, Douglas, NE
+ Frank MACEK b. Jan 1863 in Bohemia, m. 27 Jan 1884 in Chelsea, d. 17 May 1937 in Omaha

4. Teresie “Teresa” POSEKANY b. 5 Oct 1867 in Pacov, d. 29 Sep 1914 in IL
+ Louis ZADNICHEK b. Feb 1865 in Bohemia, m. 6 Jan 1887 in Marshall, IA, d. 8 Feb 1931 in Mason City, Cerro Gordo, IA

Many of the dates in the list above come from family information, and I have not been able to verify them all with official records. I'll discuss them in more detail, below.

1. Mary (POSEKANY) PISTULKA

Mary POSEKANY was born on 23 Nov 1859 in Cetoraz. She came to Iowa and settled near Chelsea before her parents and siblings arrived. The 1900 US Census says she immigrated in 1880. She married Vaclav "James" PISTULKA on 24 Jan 1881 in Chelsea. Vaclav was also from Cetoraz, so they must have known each other since childhood, but Vaclav had immigrated earlier, in 1874.

They lived in Williams, Hamilton County, IA at first, as at least 2 of their children were born there, in 1882 and 1889.

The gravestones of Vaclav and Marie in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Seaforth, Redwood County, MN have carved in stone: Vaclav 1856-1925 and Marie 1858-1925. The 1900 US Census says Valcav was born in Sep 1855 and Marie in Jan 1852. In the 1910 US Census, Vaclav is 55 and Marie is 51. In the 1920 US Census, Vaclav was 65 and Marie way 61. Putting all of that together, the birth date for Vaclav of 3 Sep 1855, coming from family information, seems reasonable. The date 23 Nov 1859 for Marie, also from family information, matches pretty well except for the 1900 census.

It was common for immigrants to "Americanize" their first and/or last names. Marie became Mary, and Vaclav in Czech was Wencel in German, and James or Vincent in America. 

In 1893, Vaclav and Marie moved their family to Sheridan Township, Redwood County, MN. Marie's brother, John POSEKANY, also moved at about the same time. They purchased adjoining farms in Section 31, Sheridan, near the site of Seaforth village, which was organized on 18 Dec 1900. The original seller turned out to be a swindler, and the properties had to be repurchased. 

It seems that both properties were owned by the wives, Marie (POSEKANY) PISTULKA and Josie (HAIJSMAN) POESEEKANY. On 7 Jun 1899 Marie and Josie filed separate lawsuits against James KRASA and Niels C. FREDERIKSEN. 

In 1900, Vaclav and Marie and their first 9 children were on the farm in Sheridan Township. Vaclav was called James PISLULKA, but this is the right family. He owned the farm, free of mortgage. Both Vaclav and Marie were literate, but Marie could not speak English. All had parents born in Bohemia. Marie had 9 children, all living, clearly the 9 shown. Vaclav had immigrated in 1874, Marie in 1880.

In 1910 Vaclav was called Vincent. He and Mary lived with their 8 youngest children, and a servant. Vaclav was still farming, and still owned his farm, free of mortgage. Mary is now 4 years younger, instead of 4 years older than her husband. Vincent and Mary are both literate, but they speak "Bohemian".

Vaclav and Mary (POSEKANY) PISTULKA's children and their spouses:

For brevity: Redwood is a county in MN. Seaforth and Redwood Falls are villages in Redwood. Williams is a village in Hamilton County, IA.

i. Anton PISTULKA, b: 1 Jan 1882 in Williams, d: 31 Mar 1967 in Seaforth, age 85
+ Mary A. KRAMER b: 17 Jun 1884 in Adams, Mower, MN, m: 4 Jun 1907 in Redwood, d: 10 Jan 1962 in Redwood Falls, age 77

ii. Mary Sofia PISTULKA, b: Oct 1883 in IA, d: 22 Jun 1976 in Seaforth, age 92
+ George Nicolas BERNARDY, b: 1 Apr 1881 in Gilbertville, Black Hawk, IA, m: 24 Oct 1905 in Seaforth, d: 12 Apr 1950  in Redwood, age 69

iii. Agnes PISTULKA, b: 17 Jan 1886 in IA, d: 19 Feb 1957 in Redwood, age 71
+ John SORENSEN, b: 30 May 1884 in Seaby, Denmark, m: 8 Jun 1915 in Redwood, d: 20 Jun 1958 in  Viroqua, Vernon, WI, age 74

iv. Joseph Edward PISTULKA, b: 9 Mar 1889 in Williams, d: 4 Sep 1955 in Redwood, age 66
+ Alice Frances CONNORS, b: 16 Jan 1895 in MN, m: 17 May 1915, d: 17 Jul 1982 in Redwood Falls , age 87

v. Julia Josephine PISTULKA, b:20 Mar 1890 in Marshalltown, Marshall, IA, d: 1 Aug 1973 in Redwood Falls, age 83
+ Michael KRAMER, b: 21 Feb 1886 in Adams, MN, m: 2 Jun 1915 in Redwood, d: 29 Sep 1955 in Redwood, age 69

vi. Sophie PISTULKA, b: 8 May 1892 in IA or MN, d: 14 Dec 1979 in Redwood, age 87
+ James SHEMON, b: 2Feb 1890 in Benville, MN, m: 7 Nov 1916 in Redwood, d: 13 May 1978 in Redwood, age 88

vii. Charles Emil PISTULKA, b: 12 Jun 1894 in MN, d: 08 Aug 1965 in Seaforth, age 71

viii. Louis Roland PISTULKA, b: 10 Jan 1897 in MN, d: 1 May 1969 in Scott, MN, age 72
+ Minnie DAHL, b: 27 Feb 1896, m: 24 May 1931 in Yellow Medicine, MN, d: 17 May 1972  in Scott, MN age 76

ix. Helen Beatrice PISTULKA, b: 1 Aug 1899 in MN, d: 28 Mar 1991 in Redwood, age  91
+ John Joesph SCHWEINFURT, b: 2 Jan 1899 in Gary, SD, m: 22 Nov 1922 in Redwood, d: 9 Jun 1976 in Redwood, age 77

x. Stephen Joseph PISTULKA, b: 13 Dec 1902 in Sheridan, Redwood, d: 14 Feb 1985 in Redwood, age 82
+ Susan BERNARDY, b: 16 Feb 1901 in MN, m: 9 Apr 1929in Redwood, d: 23 Dec 1991 in Redwood, age 90

Joseph Edward PISTULKA, the 4th child of Vaclav and Marie, was born 9 Mar 1889 in Williams, IA. He attended business college at Minnesota State University, Mankato. His timeline:

3 Aug 1913 - Joe was a passenger in a car with his girlfriend, Alice CONNORS, and her family. The car, driven by her father, was struck by a train. Alice's mother was killed instantly, and Alice was dragged under the engine, down the track for some distance. 

1 Jun 1914 - Joe became Cashier of the Security State Bank of Seaforth.

20 Oct 1914 - Joe had another car accident. No injuries, but damage to auto,

27 Mar 1915 - Joe bought a new Chevrolet Roadster from M. C. Hirmer, a dealer in Redwood Falls.

17 May 1915 - Joe and Alice were married in Murray County, MN.

They lived in Seaforth, and had 3 children. Between 1935 and 1940 they moved to Redwood Falls.

2. John POSEKANY was born 2 Jul 1862 in Pacov, Bohemia, and died 7 Apr 1944 in Chelsea, age 79. John came to America, arriving on 19 Aug 1881. His sister Mary had immigrated in 1880, and his parents and other sisters came in May 1882. John first went to Williams, IA where Mary and her husband lived.

John POSEKANY married Josephine HAIJSMAN (HAJSMAN, HAYCHMAN) on 17 May 1892 in Hamilton, Iowa. Josephine HAIJSMAN was born in Dec 1870 in Williams, IA,  and died about 1953 in Chelsea, Tama, IA. She was the daughter of Blazej HAIJSMAN and Barbara HEREJK. Barbara was the sister of John HEREJK, who married Mary Sophia POSEKANY, in the František POSEKANY branch.

In 1913 John POSEKANY purchased a Thiery piano. See Thiery Pianos “Help Keep Boys and Girls on the Farm”

Descendants of John and Josie

2. John POSEKANY b: 5 Jun 1862 in Pacov, Tabor, Bohemia, d: 8 Apr 1944 in Chelsea, Tama, IA, age 79
... + Josephine HAIJSMAN b: Dec 1870 in Williams, IA, m: 17 May 1892 in Hamilton, IA, d: 23 Aug 1953 in Belle Plaine, Benton, IA, age 82

...... i. Rose POSEKANY b: Aug 1893 in IA, d: 1966, age 72 or 73
......   + James Thomas BENDA b: 28 Sep 1888 in Jefferson, Poweshiek, IA,  m: 22 Jun 1915 in Seaforth, Redwood, MN, d: Jul 1979 in Jefferson, Poweshiek, IA, age 90
......... a. Alberta Wilhelmina "Minnie" BENDA b: 24 Nov 1922 in Poweshiek, IA, d: 13 Feb 2010 in Brooklyn, Poweshiek, IA, age 87
......... + Martin Edward BROSNAHAN b: 12 Sep 1913 in Afton, Union, IA, d: 15 Jan 1972 in Iowa City, Johnson, IA, age 58
......... b. Arnold Albert BENDA b: 12 Oct 1916 in Brooklyn, Poweshiek, IA, d: 1 Jul 1996 in Iowa City, Johnson, IA, age 79
......... + Frankie Iris ROUDABUSH b: 01 Jan 1919 in Brooklyn, Poweshiek, Iowa, d: Dec 1980 in Brooklyn, Poweshiek, IA, age 61

...... ii. Christine Genevive POSEKANY b: 11 Jul 1896 in Seaforth, Redwood, MN, d: 7 Jan 1986, in Belle Plaine, Benton, IA, age 89
...... + William Edward BEHOUNEK b: 20 Dec 1889 in Chelsea, Tama, IA, m: 3 Jun 1919 in Chelsea, Tama, IA, d: 27 May 1963 in Belle Plaine, Benton, IA, age 73
........ a. Virginia Marie BEHOUNEK b: 25 Nov 1922 in Chelsea, Tama, IA, d: 9 Apr 2002 in Carlisle, PA, age 79

...... iii, Barbara POSEKANY b: 1 Dec 1904 in Seaforth, MN, d. 11 Aug 1997, age 92
......   + Phil F ZMOLEK b: 22 Aug 1904 in Tama, IA, m. 26 Dec 1932, d: Aug 1980 in Tama, Tama, IA, age 75
......... a. Audrey ZMOLEK b: 19 Nov 1936, d: 03 Sep 1979 in Chelsea, Tama, IA, age 42
......... b. Dorothy Jo ZMOLEK

Willie BEHOUNEK's brother Emil married Agnes POSEKANY, daughter of my gg-grandparents František and Marie POSEKANY. 

The 1920 and 1930 US Censuses have John, Josephine and daughter Barbra back in Chelsea. Barbra is listed as a teacher in 1930. Christine and Willie were married in Chelsea, 1919, and the 1920 US Census has them just south of Chelsea, in Jefferson Township, Poweshiek County. 

3. Sophia (POSEKANY) MACEK was born 15 May 1865 in Pacov, Bohemia, and died 6 Jun 1927 in Omaha, Douglas, NE. She came to America in 1882 with her parents and sister. Sophia married on 27 Jan 1884 in Chelsea, to Frank MACEK, born Jan 1863 in Bohemia, died 17 May 1937 in Omaha. They lived in Omaha, NE and had four sons and one daughter.

(Coincidentally, MACEK is a possible maiden name of František POSEKANY's wife.)

3. Sophia Josie POSEKANY b: 15 May 1865 in Pacov, Tabor, Bohemia, d: 6 Jun 1927 in Omaha, NE
... + Frank MACEK b: Jan 1863 in Bohemia, m: 27 Jan 1884 in Chelsea, Tama, IA, d: in Omaha, NE

...... i. Charlie MACEK b: 24 Oct 1884 in Gibbon, NE, d: 1 Jan 1967 in Gibbon, NE
......   + Margaret E STILLAHN b: Jun 1884 in NE, m: 3 Nov 1915, d: Sep 1969 in Ralston, Douglas, NE
......... a. Dorothy Margaret MACEK b: 3 Feb 1917 in Buffalo, NE, d: 2015 in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, CA
............+ Leonard M. HENDERSON b: 19 Jul 1922 in NE, m: 13 Jun 1948, d: 20 Nov 1987
............+ Charles Edward WORDEN b: 4 Nov 1919 in Sheridan, WY, m: 19 Jan 1963 in Santa Barbara, CA, d: 15 MARCH 2009 in Sheridan, WY

...... ii. James Louie MACEK, b: 9 Jun 1890 in Gibbon, Buffalo, NE, d: 5 Feb 1976 in Sioux Falls, Minnehaha, SD
....... + Pansy EWELL, b: 13 Oct 1892 in MO, m: 18 Jun 1924 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, IA, d: 15 Sep 1977 in Sioux Falls, Minnehaha, SD
......... a. Pansy O. MACEK, b: 1929 in WI
.......... + Arnold Everett MILLER, b: 9 Aug 1926 in Beresford, Union, SD, m: 4 Feb 1950 in Milwaukee, WI, d: 15 Dec 2005 • Sioux Falls, Minnehaha, SD
.......... b. Albert Joseph MACEK, b: 7 Jul 1932 in Milwaukee, WI, m: 29 Dec 1973 in Hennepin, MN, d: 20 May 2012 in Lakeville, Dakota, MN
........... + Dorion Marie (BERGSTROM) MCBEATH, b: 17 Mar 1939 in Missoula, MT, m: 10 Jun 1961

...... iii. Sophia MACEK, b: 2 Feb 1893 in Sitton, NE, d: 9 Sep 1944 in Iowa City, Johnson, IA
....... + Mark BISHOP, b: 25 March 1891 in Dallas, IA, d: 4 Sep 1976 in Nappanee, Elkhart, IN
.......... a. Elsie Lenora BISHOP, b: 23 Jan 1920, d: 8 Nov 1923 in Perry, IA

...... iv. Joseph MACEK b: Abt. 1902 in NE

As Louis Zadnichek told me in an email, "Interestingly enough, there is another Frank Macek who married Anna Zadnichek, sister of Louis Zadnichek who married Theresa Posekany.  Even more interesting/confusing, both Franks and their wives ended-up living in Omaha, NE." I've tried to find a connection with the two Frank Maceks, and of course with my gg-grandmother, Mary (Macek) Posekany. No luck so far!

4. Terezie "Theresa" (POSEKANY) ZADNICHEK was born 5 Oct 1867 in Pacov, Bohemia, and died 29 Sep 1914 in IL. She came to America with her parents and sister in 1882. She married on 6 Jan 1887 in Marshall County, IA to Louis ZADNICHEK, born Feb 1865 in Bohemia, died 8 Feb 1931 in Mason City, Cerro Gordo, IA. He was 21 and she was 17 when they married. They had 10 children.

Louis was a son of Frank and Fannie (BATECKKA) ZADNICHEK, who emigrated from Bohemia in 1869, along with Louis and his older sister Anna, settling in Quarry County, IA. The family later moved to Dundee, Kane, IL.

Louis and Theresa lived in Montour, IA, where their first 3 children were born. They seem to have lived in several towns in Illinois and Iowa after that. By 1910 they were settled in Dundee, Kane, IL. Their children and grandchildren are scattered all over the USA.

The 1900 US Census has Louis and his parents, in rented houses, in Le Grand Township, Marshall County, IA.  Louis and Theresa had 6 children and 3 boarders. All worked for the railroad. Louis Jr, Emil and Agnes had their birthdates listed as 1881, 1884 and 1886, but these clearly should have been 1891, 1894 and 1896. Everyone here had both parents born in Bohemia.

The census was taken on 30 Jun 1900, and Fannie has birthdate Mar 1826, so she should have been 74, but she is 72.

In 1910 Louis and Theresa had a rented house on Barrington Ave, Dundee, IL. They lived with their 8 children and Louis' widowed father, Frank. Theresa had had 10 children, with 8 still living. The 6 children from the 1900 Census were still present, so the 2 who died were born after 1900. The record is unclear on the immigration dates. Louis Jr was a Theleg (probably telegraph) operator for the railroad. Julia worked at a watch factory, undoubtedly the Elgin Watch Factory, one of the largest employers in the area.

Theresa died on 5 Oct 1914 in Elgin, Kane, IL, leaving 7 children of ages 5 thru 26. Louis moved to an I O O F Home for Old Folks, in Mason City, Cerro Gordo, IA some time in the 1920s, and died 8 Feb 1931. Louis and Theresa (POSEKANY) ZADNICHEK are both buried in Dundee Township Cemetery West, East Dundee, Kane, IL.

Descendants of Theresa and Louis

4. Theresa POSEKANY b: 5 Oct 1869 in Pacov, Tabor, Bohemia, d: 29 Sep 1914 in Elgin, Kane, IL
... + Louis ZADNICHEK b: 22 Feb 1865 in Bohemia, m: 6 Jan 1887 in Marshalltown, IA, d: 8 Feb 1931

......i Edward ZADNICHEK b: 27 Feb 1888 in Montour, IA, d: 28 Jul 1955

......ii Julia ZADNICHEK b: 06 Dec 1889, d: 27 Jun 1911

......iii Louis Frank ZADNICHEK b: 12 Mar 1892 in Montour, IA, d: 10 Aug 1954 in Racine, WI
...... + Bessie Emily BURGESS b: 01 Jan 1892 in IA, m: 29 Oct 1912, d: 27 Sep 1961 in Racine, WI
.........a. Marvin Louis ZADNICHEK b: 06 Sep 1914 in Dekalb, IL., d: 11 Mar 1981 in Battles Wharf, Baldwin, AL
.........  + Verdell L UNKNOWN
.........b.  Albert Edward ZADNICHEK b: 29 Nov 1923, d: 26 Feb 1998 in Foley, Baldwin, AL
.........  + Louise STEPPE d: Bef. 1998
.........c. Kenneth William ZADNICHEK b: Abt. 1916 in IL, d: Bef. 1998
.........  + Rubylee ZADNICHEK b: Abt. 1913 in TX

......iv. Emil J ZADNICHEK b: 07 Oct 1894 in IA, d: 30 Jun 1982 in Dane, WI
......  + Jennie E AGNEW b: 04 Dec 1902 in IL, m: 1922, d: 18 Nov 1978
.........a. Living ZADNICHEK
.........b. Carol Ann ZADNICHEK b: 12 Oct 1932 in Cedar Rapids, Linn, IA, d: 24 Sep 2013 in Cedar Rapids, Linn, IA
.........  + Paul V KOSEK m: 1955, d: Bef. 2013

......v. Agnes C. ZADNICHEK b: 23 Dec 1896, d: 28 May 1990

......vi. Charles Frank ZADNICHEK b: 29 Mar 1899, Bertram, IA, d: 22 Jan 1975, West University Place, Harris, TX
...... + Corda K. GNEKOW b: 14 Aug 1902 in Genoa, IL, m: 11 Apr 1927, d: 20 Feb 1979 in Houston, Harris, TX

......vii. William ZADNICHEK b: 19 Jun 1901, d: 08 Apr 1902

......viii Albert G ZADNICHEK b: 24 Apr 1903 in Marshall, IA, d: 21 Aug 1985
......  + Gladys GRACE b: 29 Jul 1907, m: 09 Jun 1935, d: 13 Feb 2002
.........a. David E ZADNICHEK Sr b: 31 Jan 1936, d: 05 Jun 1997
.........b. Robert Emil ZADNICHEK b: 07 Jun 1939, d: 05 Nov 2003 in Bradenton, Manatee, FL

......ix. Frederick ZADNICHEK b: 07 Oct 1905, d: 27 May 1907

......x. Bessie G ZADNICHEK b: 17 Jul 1908, d: 01 Apr 1998
...... + Leo Ernest STETTNER b: 5 Dec 1909 in IL, m: 31 May 1936, d: 18 Dec 1982 in San Bernardino, CA

Joseph and Marie POSEKANY

Summary

Joseph POSEKANY and his wife Marie "Mary" (Nov 1835 - aft. 1900) were from Cetoraz, the same small town in Bohemia that Vaclav and Marie (above) were from. They had 3 children:

Frank John Posekany (11 Oct 1861 - 25 Jan 1907)
Josefa "Josephine" Posekany (Mar 1864 - Jan 1941)
August David Posekany (27 Aug 1872 - 19 Dec 1954)

The death certificate of Josephine gives her father's name as Joseph POSEKANY, born in Czech. Nothing else is known about Joseph. The maiden name of Marie is also unknown.

Immigration

Frank John was probably the first in the family to immigrate, as the 1900 US Census says he came to the US in 1882. He would have been 20 or 21, and single.

In 1884 Marie POSEKANY, along with children Josefa and August, immigrated to America. Their ship was the Wieland, which departed Hamburg on 20 Apr 1884 and arrived in New York on 2 May 1884, a journey of less than 2 weeks.

Joseph may not have immigrated to America.

Iowa

The family has been hard to trace between 1884 and 1900. They were too late for the 1880 US Census, and the 1890 US Census was destroyed by a fire. The 1885 and 1895 Iowa State Censuses were valuable, but seemed to have poor quality and coverage.

The 1885 Iowa State Census has a Jessie POSEKANA, female, age 16, working as a domestic servant in the household of Thomas BRICE, owner of a dry goods store in Tama City, Tama, IA. She would be about the right age for Josephine.

Josephine was married in Toledo, Tama, IA on 10 Jun 1886. Frank John was married on 31 Jan 1889 in Tama County. Josephine's daughter, Josie, was born Feb 1891 in Humboldt County, IA.

In 1895 the Iowa State Census has most of the family in Deer Creek, Webster, IA. Josephine is with her husband, Joseph PROHASKA, and their 3 children. The 56-year-old female labeled "Posekany Prohiska" must be Marie. Listed consecutively, hence probably living nearby, is Frank and Theresa, with 3 children, and Theresa's parents. All present are Catholic. The men are farmers, and the adults have the letter B in the columns for "can read but not write" and "cannot read or write" which I suppose means that they can read and write only in Bohemian (Czech). 

I haven't found August POSEKANY in the 1895 Iowa State Census. He was naturalized 18 Oct 1897 in Tama city, and married on 5 Jul 1899 in Tama city.

By 1900 Marie was living with her daughter Josephine and family, in Deer Creek, Webster County, IA. Frank John and family were living nearby. Everyone here had parents born in Bohemia.

Frank John and Teresa had 4 children, and lived with Teresa's parents. The census tells us that Teresa had 4 children, with all 4 still living, clearly the 4 listed here. Frank John owned his farm, free of mortgage.

John and Johana BOROVSKY had been married 45 years, so about 1855. Johana had 8 children, with only 2 still living. They can read and write but can't speak English.

Joseph PROCHASKA, husband of Josephine (POSEKANY), was owner of his farm, free of mortgage. Josephine had 6 children, all still living, and she was not able to speak English.

Mary POSEKANY, a widow, had 3 children, all still living. So maybe Frank John, Josefa and August were her only children. Mary was not able to speak English.

In 1900, Frank John and family lived with his wife's parents, Josephine and her family lived with her mother, and August and his family lived with his wife's parents.

August POSEKANY and his family were in York Township, Tama County, IA in 1900. See below.

Josef POSEKANY b. in Bohemia
+ Marie “Mary” b. Nov 1835 in Bohemia, d. aft. 1900, age 65+

1. Frank John POSEKANY b. 11 Oct 1861 in Bohemia, d. 26 Jan 1907 in Salt Creek, Tama, IA, age 45
+ Terezie "Theresa" BOROVSKY b. Apr 1868 in Bohemia, m. 31 Jan 1889 in Tama, Tama, IA, d. 24 Sep 1934 in Chelsea, Tama, IA, age 66

2. Josephine "Josie" POSEKANY b. Mar 1864 in Bohemia, d. 25 Jan 1941 in Elberon, Tama, IA, age 76
+ Josef PROCHASKA b. 5 May 1838 in Bilany, Zlinsky, Bohemia, m. 10 Jun 1886 in Toledo, Tama, IA, d. 16 Jan 1929 in Tama, Tama, IA, age 90

3. August David “Gus” POSEKANY b. 27 Aug 1872 in Cetoraz, Bohemia, d. 19 Dec 1954 in Los Angeles, CA, age 82
+ Alvina D. GRUNEWALT b. 5 Jan 1882 in IA, m. 5 Jul 1899 in Tama, Tama, IA, d. 1925 in Dike, Grundy, IA, age 43
+ Clara M. LANE b. 14 Sep 1877 in Chariton, Lucas, IA, m. Jun 1938 in Chariton, Lucas, IA, d. 17 Dec 1950 in Dike, Grundy, IA, age 73

1. Frank John POSEKANY was born 11 Oct 1861 in Cetoraz, Bohemia, and died 25 Jan 1907 in Salt Creek, Tama, IA, age 45. He came to America about 1882, according to the 1900 US Census. He was followed in 1884 by his mother, sister and brother. 

He married on 31 Jan 1889 in Tama County, IA to Terezie "Theresa" BOROVSKY, born Apr 1868 in Bohemia, died 24 Sep 1934 in Chelsea, Tama, IA, age 66. Frank John was 27 and Terezie was 20 when they married.

Terezie BOROVSKY had immigrated in 1880, with her parents, John BOROVSKY (Jun 1832 - ?) and Johana "Jane" BOROVSKY (Mar 1830 - ?). 

Descendants of Frank John and Terezie

1. Frank John POSEKANY b. 11 Oct 1861 in Cetoraz, Bohemia, d. 25 Jan 1907 in Salt Creek, age 45
+ Terezie “Tracy” BOROVSKY b. Apr 1868 in Bohemia, m. 31 Jan 1889 in Tama, IA, d. 24 Sep 1934 in Chelsea, age 66

i. Mary Agnes POSEKANY b. 1 Aug 1890 in IA, d. 15 Apr 1978 in Salt Creek, age 87
+ Joseph Lew FETTER b. 22 Jan 1883 in Chelsea, d. 5 Aug 1966 in Chelsea, age 83

ii. Julia Frances POSEKANY b. 4 Dec 1892 in Fort Dodge, d. 28 Feb 1985 in Marshalltown, age 92
+ Charles B. NOVAK b. 16 Oct 1886 in Chelsea, m. 22 Nov 1910 in Chelsea, d. 24 Mar 1976 in Cedar Rapids, Linn, IA, age 89

iii. Lucy E. POSEKANY b. 6 Dec 1895 in Fort Dodge, d. 7 Jun 1949 in Chelsea, age 53
+ Albert James BEHOUNEK b. 31 Jan 1886 in Chelsea, m. 17 Sep 1912 in Chelsea, d. 7 Jun 1949 in Chelsea, age 63

iv. Joseph William POSEKANY b. 28 May 1897 in Humboldt, IA, d. 1960, age 63
+ Ollie Anna VRANEK b. 1908 in Chelsea, m. 22 Nov 1927 in Chelsea, d. 1959, age 51

v. Theresa Susan "Tracy" POSEKANY b. 18 Feb 1901 in Webster, IA, d. 1971, age 70
+ Steve Joseph KOZIK b. 20 Feb 1897 in Chicago, m. 16 Jan 1922 in Chelsea, d. 10 Aug 1984 in Belle Plaine, Benton, IA, age 87

vi. John Frank POSEKANY b. 19 May 1905 in Tama, IA, d. 1 Dec 1998 in Des Moines, Polk, IA, age 93
+ Mayme Christina KRATOSKA b. 20 Dec 1907 in Tama, IA, m. 23 Apr 1929 in Chelsea, d. 27 Jun 1999 in Salt Creek, age 91

Lucy E. (POSEKANY) BEHOUNEK and her husband, Albert James BEHOUNEK, were both killed when their car was hit by a train, on 7 Jun 1949 in Chelsea.

2. Josefa "Josephine" "Josie" (POSEKANY) PROCHASKA was born 17 Mar 1862 in Cetoraz, Bohemia, and died 25 Jan 1941 in Elberon, Tama, IA. She came to America at age 20 in 1884, with her mother and brother (see above). 

She married on 10 Jun 1886 in Chelsea, to Joseph PROCHASKA, born 5 May 1838 in Bilany, Kutenberg, Bohemia, died 16 Jan 1929 in Tama, Tama, IA. He was 47 and she was 24 when they married. Joseph was the son of Wencel and Barbara (SHOLNY) PROCHASKA. 

The name PROCHASKA was spelled PROHASKA about half the time, in early records.

Josie and Joseph lived in Deer Creek, Webster County, IA, with or near her mother and brother, until 1908. See the 1895 and 1900 censuses, above. About 1903 they moved to Bolivar, Polk, MO, where they farmed until retiring, and moving to Tama city in 1917. The first 6 children were born in Deer Creek, and the 7th in Bolivar.

Descendants of Josie and Joseph

For brevity: Deer Creek is a township in Webster County, IA and Bolivar is a township in Polk County, MO. Marshalltown is a city in Marshall County, IA.

2. Josephine "Josie" POSEKANY b. Mar 1864 in Cetoraz, Bohemia, d. 25 Jan 1941 in Elberon, Tama, IA, age 76
+ Josef PROCHASKA b. 5 May 1838 in Bilany, Zlinsky, Bohemia, m. 10 Jun 1886 in Toledo, Tama, IA, d. 16 Jan 1929 in Tama, Tama, IA, age 90

i. Julia PROCHASKA b. Feb 1889 in Deer Creek, d. 30 Mar 1919 in Hinckley, Pine, MN, age 30
+ Frank J. MISTA b. 15 Aug 1882 in Bohemia, m. 13 Oct 1908 in Bolivar, d. 18 Aug 1961 in Ramsey, MN, age 79

ii. Agnes PROCHASKA b. 14 Jan 1890 in Deer Creek, d. 13 Jul 1983, age 93
+ Fred J. LENHART b. 21 Sep 1895 in Tama, IA, m. 18 Jan 1916 in Bolivar, d. 14 Oct 1942 in Ferguson, Marshall, IA, age 47

iii. Josephine "Josie" PROCHASKA b. 16 Feb 1891 in Deer Creek, d. 21 Nov 1963, age 72
+ Joseph Vencil SKARDA b. 3 Sep 1888 in IA, m. 28 Jan 1912 in Marion, Polk, MO, d. 16 Feb 1977, age 88

iv. Frank PROCHASKA b. 28 Jan 1895 in Deer Creek, d. 5 Mar 1960 in Tama, IA, age 65
+ Agnes Marie DOLEZAL b. 22 Feb 1896 in Tama, IA, m. 23 Feb 1921 in Tama, IA, d. Jan 1972, age 75

v. Mary PROCHASKA b. 3 Nov 1896 in Deer Creek, d. Nov 1981, age 85
+ Walter Arthur CAMPBELL b. 2 Oct 1892 in Tama, IA, m. 31 Jul 1926 in Marshalltown, d. 21 Feb 1986 in Tama, IA, age 93

vi. Henry PROCHASKA b. 1 Aug 1899 in Deer Creek, d. 14 Mar 1988 in Tama, Tama, IA, age 88
+ Louise L. DOLEZAL b. 1904 in Tama, IA, m. 6 Mar 1929 in Waterloo, Black Hawk, IA, d. 19 Jun 1986, age 82

vii. Charles Ralph PROCHASKA b. 9 Dec 1903 in Bolivar, MO, d. 24 May 1994, age 90
+ Hazel May RUNNER b. 22 Dec 1906 in Marshall, IA, m. 31 Jul 1926 in Marshalltown, d. 5 Jan 2001 in Marshalltown, age 94

Frank PROCHASKA served in the US Army, at the end of World War I.

3. August David "Gust" POSEKANY was born 27 Aug 1872 in Cetoraz, and died 19 Dec 1954 in Los Angeles, CA, age 82. He was almost 12 years old when he came to America in 1884 with his mother and sister. I have no record of him between 1884 and 1897. He lived in Tama County, IA when he was naturalized 18 Oct 1897.

Gust married on 5 Jul 1899 in Tama city, to Alvina GRUNEWALT, born 5 Jan 1882 in IA, died about 1925 in Dike, Grundy, IA, age 43. Gust was 26 and and Alvina was 17 when they were married. 

They lived at first in Elberon, a village in York Township, Tama County, IA, and by 1908 they settled in Dike, a village in Grant Township, Grundy County, IA. They had 11 children, one dying in infancy.

August remarried, later in life, to Clara M. LONG (some records say LANG), in Jun 1938 in Chariton, Lucas, IA Clara was born 14 Sep 1877 in Chariton, and died 17 Dec 1950 in Dike, Grundy, IA, age 73.

In 1900 August and his wife and baby lived with her parents, in York, Tama, IA. 

August became a section manager at the C & NW railroad, by 1904. Several of his sons also worked for the railroad.

Descendants of Gust and Alvina

For brevity: Grundy and Black Hawk are counties in IA. Dike is a village in Grundy County. Waterloo, Hudson and Cedar Falls are cities in Black Hawk County. 

3. August David "Gust" POSEKANY b. 27 Aug 1872 in Cetoraz, d. 19 Dec 1954 in Los Angeles, CA, age 82
+ Alvina D. GRUNEWALT b. 5 Jan 1882 in IA, m. 5 Jul 1899 in Tama, Tama, IA, d. 21 Oct 1925 in Dike, age 43
+ Clara M. LONG b. 14 Sep 1877 in Chariton, Lucas, IA, m. Jun 1938 in Chariton, d. 17 Dec 1950 in Dike, age 73

i. Mary POSEKANY b. 18 Jul 1899 in IA, d. 4 Oct 1960 in Grundy, age 61
+ Albert Theodore FRENZEN b. 1893 in Morrison, Grundy, IA, m. 1919 in Dike, d. 1949 in Dike, age 56
+ Henry BOIKE m. 4 Oct 1953, d. 5 Jun 1956

ii. Charles POSEKANY b. 20 Nov 1900 in Elberon, Tama, IA, d. 12 May 1981 in Cedar Falls, age 80
+ Emma Frederika DAMM b. 27 Jul 1897 in Grundy, m. 24 Apr 1920 in Waterloo, d. 28 May 1964 in Dike, age 66

iii. Emily POSEKANY b. 21 Mar 1904 in Grundy, d. 15 Dec 1969 in BlackHawk, age 65
+ Jerome Vernon LANDAU b. 1898 in Waterloo, m. 8 Apr 1922 in Black Hawk

iv. Edna POSEKANY b. 15 Jan 1906 in Irving, Benton, IA, d. 1975, age 69
+ Earl Carl Fred BAST b. 27 Jan 1905 in Grundy, m. 20 Jan 1926 in Hudson, d. abt. 1970 in Charles City, Floyd, IA

v. Agnes POSEKANY b. 27 Jun 1908 in Dike, d. 23 Oct 1991 in Waterloo, age 83
+ Leroy Mahaska "Snook" WATSON b. 25 Jan 1909 in Reinbeck, Grundy, IA, m. 1 Aug 1927 in Grundy, d. 23 Mar 1986, age 77

vi. Frances POSEKANY b. 26 Jul 1910 in Dike, d. 20 Feb 1997, age 87
+ Leonard John BAST b. 27 Jul 1910 in Hudson, m. 24 Oct 1929 in Hudson, d. 22 Mar 1988, age 77

vii. Alice La Tricia POSEKANY b. 20 Sep 1912 in Grundy, IA
+ Frank Joseph DURCHENWALD b. 21 Apr 1905 in Waterloo, m. 21 Jul 1930 in Waterloo, d. Mar 1975, age 69
+ Lloyd C MARTIN b. 1907 in IA, m. 11 Nov 1941 in Lancaster, Schuyler, MO

viii. Margaret POSEKANY b. 1914 in Dike, d. 1914 in Dike, died in infancy

ix. Lester POSEKANY b. 26 Aug 1916 in Dike, d. 22 May 1984 in MO, age 67
+ Florence Mary KEELING b. 19 Oct 1921 in Belmond, Wright, IA, m. 4 Mar 1942 in Nashua, IA, d. 28 Oct 2011 in Sheffield, Franklin, IA, age 90

x. Leonard POSEKANY b. 12 May 1920 in Dike, d. 2 Jun 2007 in Waterloo, age 87
+ Carol Willeta NIELSEN b. 11 Sep 1920 in Dike, m. 21 Jun 1941 in Fredsville, Grundy, IA, d. 3 Feb 2010 in Cedar Falls, age 89

xi. Ralph POSEKANY b. 10 Mar 1922 in Dike, d. 12 Feb 1995 in Waterloo, age 72
+ Doris M. HANSON b. 22 Dec 1928 in New Hartford, Butler, IA, m. 27 Apr 1949 in New Hartford, d. 4 Nov 2015 in Cedar Falls

Wisconsin Posekanys

coming soon

Ohio Posekanys

coming soon

Resources

[GC] Grundy County IAGenWeb

[HCI] History of Chelsea, Iowa, 1864-1989

[MRC] 1898 map of Redwood County, MN

[PBG] Plat book of Grundy County, Iowa, 1930

[RCM] The history of Redwood County, Minnesota (1916)

[SSW] SS Wieland, Hamburg America Line

[TCN] Tama County, Iowa - newspapers online

[TP] Thiery Pianos “Help Keep Boys and Girls on the Farm”

Last edited on 10 Jun 2023. Contact William Haloupek at haloupek at gmail dot dom.