Compiled by Dr. Jim Moshinskie, his great-grandson
Waco, Texas USA
[email protected]
Researcher's Note: The last name used by this researcher, the great-grandson of Matthew, for this Find A Grave Memorial is Mroshinskie. Due to problems translating the original Polish name to English, several variations of the name emerged. This included: Moroschinski, Moroshinskie, Mroshinskie, and Moroshinska. In America, most of his family finally decided on and used Mroshinskie. One grandson, Francis John Mroshinskie further shortened that name to Moshinskie in 1963.
________________________________________
Matthew Stephen Mroshinskie was born around 1858 in Poland near Prussia, according to family tradition.
The 18th Century was not a good time for Poland. The country has long been divided between Russia, Germany, and Austria since the 1700's.
Troops from these warring countries constantly harrassed the proud Poles who were in strong hopes of uniting their land. That Poland has survived so many frontal reverses is a testimony to its volatile spirit of Freedom. Among the families feeling this political strike was the
Moroschinskis.
Relatives recall his wife, Marcia, talking about troop raids and the problems and fears during this time. It was a search for political freedom in Poland and other old world countries that made America the great melting pot for all types of people. As the exodus began, many Poles joined and relocated in many American cities including Bethlehem, Pa., home of the developing steel mills. It is
recorded that the first Polish immigrant to Bethlehem was Sebastian Germuga in 1885.
Matthew Stephen Mroshinskie (Family lore says the last name means Frost) was a native of the Prussian border area of Poland. James Mitchner's novel POLAND explains that the SHINSKI suffix were land owners whoe enjoyed the Golden Freedom. Matthew Stephen Moroschinski and wife Marcia were married in Poland and came to America in the mid 1880's. He and his wife came over through Ellis Island with their infant daughter, Helen (born, July 19, 1882 and who died May 20,1973 at age 91.) Translating their Polish name to English caused difficulities, and therefore the last name can be found in several variations. He himself added the "e" to the end of the name. Legend states that when he arrived in America and sought work, he could not find one so in desperation, added the "e" to cover the Polish name, and got a job the next day, so he decided to keep the "e." Even then, the last name varies. Most of the family finally settled with Mroshinskie. (I dropped the "R" in 1963 and became Moshinskie, much easier to pronounce as "moe-shins-key", and most people call me "Dr. Mo.)
1895 - The Bethlehem, Pa. City Director first shows Matthew in 1895 as a laborer residing at 704 Buttonwood.
1887 - The 1887 directory lists him at 821 East 3rd Street.
1904 - In 1904, the directory lists Matthew as an employee of the silk company, residing at 444 Walnut, South Bethlehem. His son, Anthony, then age 16, was a weaver at the Bethlehem Silk Co., and his daughter Helen, age 22, was a dressmaker.
1906 - In 1906, Matthew's occupation was listed as blacksmith residing at 8 East 4th, South Bethlehem. His son son, John A., then age 16, was shown as a clerk. Helen Lux resided with her family in Philadelphia. She and her husband George had five chldren, all born in Bethlehem. Both her and her husband came from Europe. Their family:
Monica - never married; Paul - and his wife, Margaret, lived in Suffolk, Virginia; Vincent - retired from newspaper industry, lived with Paul; Clem - he and his wife Kay lived in Florida, and Larry - a Catholic prient in Louisiana, later moved to South Carolina, died there in 1989
Matthew was remarkable handy with his hands. He worked as a boiler maker at Bethlehem Steel and was an inventor also (Received a patient at the US Patient Office for a spindle design for the silk industry. The design was stolen or loss in the mail). He was also a blacksmith.
Early 1900's - He was also a home builder, and around 1916, built multi-level duplexes in south Bethehem at 938 Itaska, 1038 Broadway, and his own home at 1147 Broadway. The home on Itaska was sold to his son John in 1917. Helen and her husband George moved into the other side of the duplex for a while. The Bill Frees lived there afterwards.
Marcia was remembered as a sickly woman and was confined to a wheelchair. Her medical complications increased and on September 6, 1914, she died at the family home at 1147 Broadway (Still standing in 1988) at age 57, according to records of Louis Bolick, early Bethlehem undertaker. Burial was in the Holy Ghost Cemetery developed aside a hill at Christian and Sioux Streets in Bethlehem. Her cracked tombstone was replaced with a new granite marker ordered by her grandchild, Marie Mroshinskie, in 1986.
After his wife died 8-6-1914, Matthew lived on the third floor of 938, but did not get along with son, John, who was trying to get his plumbing business started. He moved out to take a job at the state hospital in nearby Allentown where he attended church.
There he met a Catholic widow from Poland named Mary, and they married at age 60. She was a good cook, and trips to visit them were remembered. She had three sisters in
Poland, and she and Matthew decided around 1924 to sell everything in America and move back to Poland. This proved to be a bad decision. Farms were taken by the government and life was hard. They never returned to America. They wrote letters to their families in America asking for items such as medicine and food be mailed to them in Poland. The Nazis would intercept the packages, remove the gifts, and replace them with candy.
1943 - He died December 29, 1943 in Sterdjen, Poland around age 90 in WWII era. He was buried there. His family send the Mroshinskies a picture of the old gentleman laid out in his wooden coffin. He had a long silver beard, and was dressed nicely in a suit and surrounded by his family. The letter was written in Polish. Matthew had a sister who also came to America and settled in Mississippi. No information about here is available, including her name.
HIS CHILDREN
(1) John A. Mroshinskie - March 10, 1888 - September 3, 1955
(2) Andrew J. Mroshinskie, later changed his name to Morinski - January 8, 1886 - May 18, 1951
(3) Stephanie Moroschinski Anderson - died in 1918 during the great flu epidemic in America. As a young woman, Stephanie was a looper in Full Fashion hosiery industry. After her mother died in 1914, she married a Mr. Anderson of Alabama and moved there. She became pregnant, but during this time, a terrible flu epidemic raced through the South killing thousands of people. She became ill and died in 1918 before the couple's
(4) Helen Moroschinski Lux - July 19, 1882 - May 20, 1973, She married George Lux; she died in Sulfolk, VA.
______________________________________________________
Letter from My Grandfather to Mary Moroshinska
(Second wife of Matthew Stephen Moroshinska)
after the death of Matthew Stephen Moroshinska
M. Moroshinska
P. Sterdgin
L. Liedlecka
Poland
Europe
Dear Mother:
I received your letter and was glad to hear from you again. I was sorry to hear that father passed away, but he was pretty old and if he was sick, he did not have much chance. I thought of you and him often during this war, I guess it was awful. I would send you some money but it is impossible at the present time as no post office or bank will send any at the present time. We will send you some other things. Helen and her family are well. They live in Philadelphia now. They sold their [bakery] business in Quakertown. Lawrence is a priest now. He was ordained two years ago. Anthony, I don't know about him. He was not to see me since Father left for Poland. He changed his name and I don't see him. My boy Francis was in the war for 4 years but he came home. He is married and lives in Louisana. We are all well and still live here and still in business. Is your sister alive and living with you. I guess your land is spoiled and everything was lost according the way the papers have it here. Hope you will enjoy good health for a long time and things get better for you. If you need some clothes or shoes, please send the sizes and we will try and send them to you. The box I am sending is something to eat. The packages is some dried soups. All you need is hot water and they are ready to eat. John A. Mroshinskie
Note: This was his step-mother.
Waco, Texas USA
[email protected]
Researcher's Note: The last name used by this researcher, the great-grandson of Matthew, for this Find A Grave Memorial is Mroshinskie. Due to problems translating the original Polish name to English, several variations of the name emerged. This included: Moroschinski, Moroshinskie, Mroshinskie, and Moroshinska. In America, most of his family finally decided on and used Mroshinskie. One grandson, Francis John Mroshinskie further shortened that name to Moshinskie in 1963.
________________________________________
Matthew Stephen Mroshinskie was born around 1858 in Poland near Prussia, according to family tradition.
The 18th Century was not a good time for Poland. The country has long been divided between Russia, Germany, and Austria since the 1700's.
Troops from these warring countries constantly harrassed the proud Poles who were in strong hopes of uniting their land. That Poland has survived so many frontal reverses is a testimony to its volatile spirit of Freedom. Among the families feeling this political strike was the
Moroschinskis.
Relatives recall his wife, Marcia, talking about troop raids and the problems and fears during this time. It was a search for political freedom in Poland and other old world countries that made America the great melting pot for all types of people. As the exodus began, many Poles joined and relocated in many American cities including Bethlehem, Pa., home of the developing steel mills. It is
recorded that the first Polish immigrant to Bethlehem was Sebastian Germuga in 1885.
Matthew Stephen Mroshinskie (Family lore says the last name means Frost) was a native of the Prussian border area of Poland. James Mitchner's novel POLAND explains that the SHINSKI suffix were land owners whoe enjoyed the Golden Freedom. Matthew Stephen Moroschinski and wife Marcia were married in Poland and came to America in the mid 1880's. He and his wife came over through Ellis Island with their infant daughter, Helen (born, July 19, 1882 and who died May 20,1973 at age 91.) Translating their Polish name to English caused difficulities, and therefore the last name can be found in several variations. He himself added the "e" to the end of the name. Legend states that when he arrived in America and sought work, he could not find one so in desperation, added the "e" to cover the Polish name, and got a job the next day, so he decided to keep the "e." Even then, the last name varies. Most of the family finally settled with Mroshinskie. (I dropped the "R" in 1963 and became Moshinskie, much easier to pronounce as "moe-shins-key", and most people call me "Dr. Mo.)
1895 - The Bethlehem, Pa. City Director first shows Matthew in 1895 as a laborer residing at 704 Buttonwood.
1887 - The 1887 directory lists him at 821 East 3rd Street.
1904 - In 1904, the directory lists Matthew as an employee of the silk company, residing at 444 Walnut, South Bethlehem. His son, Anthony, then age 16, was a weaver at the Bethlehem Silk Co., and his daughter Helen, age 22, was a dressmaker.
1906 - In 1906, Matthew's occupation was listed as blacksmith residing at 8 East 4th, South Bethlehem. His son son, John A., then age 16, was shown as a clerk. Helen Lux resided with her family in Philadelphia. She and her husband George had five chldren, all born in Bethlehem. Both her and her husband came from Europe. Their family:
Monica - never married; Paul - and his wife, Margaret, lived in Suffolk, Virginia; Vincent - retired from newspaper industry, lived with Paul; Clem - he and his wife Kay lived in Florida, and Larry - a Catholic prient in Louisiana, later moved to South Carolina, died there in 1989
Matthew was remarkable handy with his hands. He worked as a boiler maker at Bethlehem Steel and was an inventor also (Received a patient at the US Patient Office for a spindle design for the silk industry. The design was stolen or loss in the mail). He was also a blacksmith.
Early 1900's - He was also a home builder, and around 1916, built multi-level duplexes in south Bethehem at 938 Itaska, 1038 Broadway, and his own home at 1147 Broadway. The home on Itaska was sold to his son John in 1917. Helen and her husband George moved into the other side of the duplex for a while. The Bill Frees lived there afterwards.
Marcia was remembered as a sickly woman and was confined to a wheelchair. Her medical complications increased and on September 6, 1914, she died at the family home at 1147 Broadway (Still standing in 1988) at age 57, according to records of Louis Bolick, early Bethlehem undertaker. Burial was in the Holy Ghost Cemetery developed aside a hill at Christian and Sioux Streets in Bethlehem. Her cracked tombstone was replaced with a new granite marker ordered by her grandchild, Marie Mroshinskie, in 1986.
After his wife died 8-6-1914, Matthew lived on the third floor of 938, but did not get along with son, John, who was trying to get his plumbing business started. He moved out to take a job at the state hospital in nearby Allentown where he attended church.
There he met a Catholic widow from Poland named Mary, and they married at age 60. She was a good cook, and trips to visit them were remembered. She had three sisters in
Poland, and she and Matthew decided around 1924 to sell everything in America and move back to Poland. This proved to be a bad decision. Farms were taken by the government and life was hard. They never returned to America. They wrote letters to their families in America asking for items such as medicine and food be mailed to them in Poland. The Nazis would intercept the packages, remove the gifts, and replace them with candy.
1943 - He died December 29, 1943 in Sterdjen, Poland around age 90 in WWII era. He was buried there. His family send the Mroshinskies a picture of the old gentleman laid out in his wooden coffin. He had a long silver beard, and was dressed nicely in a suit and surrounded by his family. The letter was written in Polish. Matthew had a sister who also came to America and settled in Mississippi. No information about here is available, including her name.
HIS CHILDREN
(1) John A. Mroshinskie - March 10, 1888 - September 3, 1955
(2) Andrew J. Mroshinskie, later changed his name to Morinski - January 8, 1886 - May 18, 1951
(3) Stephanie Moroschinski Anderson - died in 1918 during the great flu epidemic in America. As a young woman, Stephanie was a looper in Full Fashion hosiery industry. After her mother died in 1914, she married a Mr. Anderson of Alabama and moved there. She became pregnant, but during this time, a terrible flu epidemic raced through the South killing thousands of people. She became ill and died in 1918 before the couple's
(4) Helen Moroschinski Lux - July 19, 1882 - May 20, 1973, She married George Lux; she died in Sulfolk, VA.
______________________________________________________
Letter from My Grandfather to Mary Moroshinska
(Second wife of Matthew Stephen Moroshinska)
after the death of Matthew Stephen Moroshinska
M. Moroshinska
P. Sterdgin
L. Liedlecka
Poland
Europe
Dear Mother:
I received your letter and was glad to hear from you again. I was sorry to hear that father passed away, but he was pretty old and if he was sick, he did not have much chance. I thought of you and him often during this war, I guess it was awful. I would send you some money but it is impossible at the present time as no post office or bank will send any at the present time. We will send you some other things. Helen and her family are well. They live in Philadelphia now. They sold their [bakery] business in Quakertown. Lawrence is a priest now. He was ordained two years ago. Anthony, I don't know about him. He was not to see me since Father left for Poland. He changed his name and I don't see him. My boy Francis was in the war for 4 years but he came home. He is married and lives in Louisana. We are all well and still live here and still in business. Is your sister alive and living with you. I guess your land is spoiled and everything was lost according the way the papers have it here. Hope you will enjoy good health for a long time and things get better for you. If you need some clothes or shoes, please send the sizes and we will try and send them to you. The box I am sending is something to eat. The packages is some dried soups. All you need is hot water and they are ready to eat. John A. Mroshinskie
Note: This was his step-mother.
Compiled by Dr. Jim Moshinskie, his great-grandson
Waco, Texas USA
[email protected]
Researcher's Note: The last name used by this researcher, the great-grandson of Matthew, for this Find A Grave Memorial is Mroshinskie. Due to problems translating the original Polish name to English, several variations of the name emerged. This included: Moroschinski, Moroshinskie, Mroshinskie, and Moroshinska. In America, most of his family finally decided on and used Mroshinskie. One grandson, Francis John Mroshinskie further shortened that name to Moshinskie in 1963.
________________________________________
Matthew Stephen Mroshinskie was born around 1858 in Poland near Prussia, according to family tradition.
The 18th Century was not a good time for Poland. The country has long been divided between Russia, Germany, and Austria since the 1700's.
Troops from these warring countries constantly harrassed the proud Poles who were in strong hopes of uniting their land. That Poland has survived so many frontal reverses is a testimony to its volatile spirit of Freedom. Among the families feeling this political strike was the
Moroschinskis.
Relatives recall his wife, Marcia, talking about troop raids and the problems and fears during this time. It was a search for political freedom in Poland and other old world countries that made America the great melting pot for all types of people. As the exodus began, many Poles joined and relocated in many American cities including Bethlehem, Pa., home of the developing steel mills. It is
recorded that the first Polish immigrant to Bethlehem was Sebastian Germuga in 1885.
Matthew Stephen Mroshinskie (Family lore says the last name means Frost) was a native of the Prussian border area of Poland. James Mitchner's novel POLAND explains that the SHINSKI suffix were land owners whoe enjoyed the Golden Freedom. Matthew Stephen Moroschinski and wife Marcia were married in Poland and came to America in the mid 1880's. He and his wife came over through Ellis Island with their infant daughter, Helen (born, July 19, 1882 and who died May 20,1973 at age 91.) Translating their Polish name to English caused difficulities, and therefore the last name can be found in several variations. He himself added the "e" to the end of the name. Legend states that when he arrived in America and sought work, he could not find one so in desperation, added the "e" to cover the Polish name, and got a job the next day, so he decided to keep the "e." Even then, the last name varies. Most of the family finally settled with Mroshinskie. (I dropped the "R" in 1963 and became Moshinskie, much easier to pronounce as "moe-shins-key", and most people call me "Dr. Mo.)
1895 - The Bethlehem, Pa. City Director first shows Matthew in 1895 as a laborer residing at 704 Buttonwood.
1887 - The 1887 directory lists him at 821 East 3rd Street.
1904 - In 1904, the directory lists Matthew as an employee of the silk company, residing at 444 Walnut, South Bethlehem. His son, Anthony, then age 16, was a weaver at the Bethlehem Silk Co., and his daughter Helen, age 22, was a dressmaker.
1906 - In 1906, Matthew's occupation was listed as blacksmith residing at 8 East 4th, South Bethlehem. His son son, John A., then age 16, was shown as a clerk. Helen Lux resided with her family in Philadelphia. She and her husband George had five chldren, all born in Bethlehem. Both her and her husband came from Europe. Their family:
Monica - never married; Paul - and his wife, Margaret, lived in Suffolk, Virginia; Vincent - retired from newspaper industry, lived with Paul; Clem - he and his wife Kay lived in Florida, and Larry - a Catholic prient in Louisiana, later moved to South Carolina, died there in 1989
Matthew was remarkable handy with his hands. He worked as a boiler maker at Bethlehem Steel and was an inventor also (Received a patient at the US Patient Office for a spindle design for the silk industry. The design was stolen or loss in the mail). He was also a blacksmith.
Early 1900's - He was also a home builder, and around 1916, built multi-level duplexes in south Bethehem at 938 Itaska, 1038 Broadway, and his own home at 1147 Broadway. The home on Itaska was sold to his son John in 1917. Helen and her husband George moved into the other side of the duplex for a while. The Bill Frees lived there afterwards.
Marcia was remembered as a sickly woman and was confined to a wheelchair. Her medical complications increased and on September 6, 1914, she died at the family home at 1147 Broadway (Still standing in 1988) at age 57, according to records of Louis Bolick, early Bethlehem undertaker. Burial was in the Holy Ghost Cemetery developed aside a hill at Christian and Sioux Streets in Bethlehem. Her cracked tombstone was replaced with a new granite marker ordered by her grandchild, Marie Mroshinskie, in 1986.
After his wife died 8-6-1914, Matthew lived on the third floor of 938, but did not get along with son, John, who was trying to get his plumbing business started. He moved out to take a job at the state hospital in nearby Allentown where he attended church.
There he met a Catholic widow from Poland named Mary, and they married at age 60. She was a good cook, and trips to visit them were remembered. She had three sisters in
Poland, and she and Matthew decided around 1924 to sell everything in America and move back to Poland. This proved to be a bad decision. Farms were taken by the government and life was hard. They never returned to America. They wrote letters to their families in America asking for items such as medicine and food be mailed to them in Poland. The Nazis would intercept the packages, remove the gifts, and replace them with candy.
1943 - He died December 29, 1943 in Sterdjen, Poland around age 90 in WWII era. He was buried there. His family send the Mroshinskies a picture of the old gentleman laid out in his wooden coffin. He had a long silver beard, and was dressed nicely in a suit and surrounded by his family. The letter was written in Polish. Matthew had a sister who also came to America and settled in Mississippi. No information about here is available, including her name.
HIS CHILDREN
(1) John A. Mroshinskie - March 10, 1888 - September 3, 1955
(2) Andrew J. Mroshinskie, later changed his name to Morinski - January 8, 1886 - May 18, 1951
(3) Stephanie Moroschinski Anderson - died in 1918 during the great flu epidemic in America. As a young woman, Stephanie was a looper in Full Fashion hosiery industry. After her mother died in 1914, she married a Mr. Anderson of Alabama and moved there. She became pregnant, but during this time, a terrible flu epidemic raced through the South killing thousands of people. She became ill and died in 1918 before the couple's
(4) Helen Moroschinski Lux - July 19, 1882 - May 20, 1973, She married George Lux; she died in Sulfolk, VA.
______________________________________________________
Letter from My Grandfather to Mary Moroshinska
(Second wife of Matthew Stephen Moroshinska)
after the death of Matthew Stephen Moroshinska
M. Moroshinska
P. Sterdgin
L. Liedlecka
Poland
Europe
Dear Mother:
I received your letter and was glad to hear from you again. I was sorry to hear that father passed away, but he was pretty old and if he was sick, he did not have much chance. I thought of you and him often during this war, I guess it was awful. I would send you some money but it is impossible at the present time as no post office or bank will send any at the present time. We will send you some other things. Helen and her family are well. They live in Philadelphia now. They sold their [bakery] business in Quakertown. Lawrence is a priest now. He was ordained two years ago. Anthony, I don't know about him. He was not to see me since Father left for Poland. He changed his name and I don't see him. My boy Francis was in the war for 4 years but he came home. He is married and lives in Louisana. We are all well and still live here and still in business. Is your sister alive and living with you. I guess your land is spoiled and everything was lost according the way the papers have it here. Hope you will enjoy good health for a long time and things get better for you. If you need some clothes or shoes, please send the sizes and we will try and send them to you. The box I am sending is something to eat. The packages is some dried soups. All you need is hot water and they are ready to eat. John A. Mroshinskie
Note: This was his step-mother.
Waco, Texas USA
[email protected]
Researcher's Note: The last name used by this researcher, the great-grandson of Matthew, for this Find A Grave Memorial is Mroshinskie. Due to problems translating the original Polish name to English, several variations of the name emerged. This included: Moroschinski, Moroshinskie, Mroshinskie, and Moroshinska. In America, most of his family finally decided on and used Mroshinskie. One grandson, Francis John Mroshinskie further shortened that name to Moshinskie in 1963.
________________________________________
Matthew Stephen Mroshinskie was born around 1858 in Poland near Prussia, according to family tradition.
The 18th Century was not a good time for Poland. The country has long been divided between Russia, Germany, and Austria since the 1700's.
Troops from these warring countries constantly harrassed the proud Poles who were in strong hopes of uniting their land. That Poland has survived so many frontal reverses is a testimony to its volatile spirit of Freedom. Among the families feeling this political strike was the
Moroschinskis.
Relatives recall his wife, Marcia, talking about troop raids and the problems and fears during this time. It was a search for political freedom in Poland and other old world countries that made America the great melting pot for all types of people. As the exodus began, many Poles joined and relocated in many American cities including Bethlehem, Pa., home of the developing steel mills. It is
recorded that the first Polish immigrant to Bethlehem was Sebastian Germuga in 1885.
Matthew Stephen Mroshinskie (Family lore says the last name means Frost) was a native of the Prussian border area of Poland. James Mitchner's novel POLAND explains that the SHINSKI suffix were land owners whoe enjoyed the Golden Freedom. Matthew Stephen Moroschinski and wife Marcia were married in Poland and came to America in the mid 1880's. He and his wife came over through Ellis Island with their infant daughter, Helen (born, July 19, 1882 and who died May 20,1973 at age 91.) Translating their Polish name to English caused difficulities, and therefore the last name can be found in several variations. He himself added the "e" to the end of the name. Legend states that when he arrived in America and sought work, he could not find one so in desperation, added the "e" to cover the Polish name, and got a job the next day, so he decided to keep the "e." Even then, the last name varies. Most of the family finally settled with Mroshinskie. (I dropped the "R" in 1963 and became Moshinskie, much easier to pronounce as "moe-shins-key", and most people call me "Dr. Mo.)
1895 - The Bethlehem, Pa. City Director first shows Matthew in 1895 as a laborer residing at 704 Buttonwood.
1887 - The 1887 directory lists him at 821 East 3rd Street.
1904 - In 1904, the directory lists Matthew as an employee of the silk company, residing at 444 Walnut, South Bethlehem. His son, Anthony, then age 16, was a weaver at the Bethlehem Silk Co., and his daughter Helen, age 22, was a dressmaker.
1906 - In 1906, Matthew's occupation was listed as blacksmith residing at 8 East 4th, South Bethlehem. His son son, John A., then age 16, was shown as a clerk. Helen Lux resided with her family in Philadelphia. She and her husband George had five chldren, all born in Bethlehem. Both her and her husband came from Europe. Their family:
Monica - never married; Paul - and his wife, Margaret, lived in Suffolk, Virginia; Vincent - retired from newspaper industry, lived with Paul; Clem - he and his wife Kay lived in Florida, and Larry - a Catholic prient in Louisiana, later moved to South Carolina, died there in 1989
Matthew was remarkable handy with his hands. He worked as a boiler maker at Bethlehem Steel and was an inventor also (Received a patient at the US Patient Office for a spindle design for the silk industry. The design was stolen or loss in the mail). He was also a blacksmith.
Early 1900's - He was also a home builder, and around 1916, built multi-level duplexes in south Bethehem at 938 Itaska, 1038 Broadway, and his own home at 1147 Broadway. The home on Itaska was sold to his son John in 1917. Helen and her husband George moved into the other side of the duplex for a while. The Bill Frees lived there afterwards.
Marcia was remembered as a sickly woman and was confined to a wheelchair. Her medical complications increased and on September 6, 1914, she died at the family home at 1147 Broadway (Still standing in 1988) at age 57, according to records of Louis Bolick, early Bethlehem undertaker. Burial was in the Holy Ghost Cemetery developed aside a hill at Christian and Sioux Streets in Bethlehem. Her cracked tombstone was replaced with a new granite marker ordered by her grandchild, Marie Mroshinskie, in 1986.
After his wife died 8-6-1914, Matthew lived on the third floor of 938, but did not get along with son, John, who was trying to get his plumbing business started. He moved out to take a job at the state hospital in nearby Allentown where he attended church.
There he met a Catholic widow from Poland named Mary, and they married at age 60. She was a good cook, and trips to visit them were remembered. She had three sisters in
Poland, and she and Matthew decided around 1924 to sell everything in America and move back to Poland. This proved to be a bad decision. Farms were taken by the government and life was hard. They never returned to America. They wrote letters to their families in America asking for items such as medicine and food be mailed to them in Poland. The Nazis would intercept the packages, remove the gifts, and replace them with candy.
1943 - He died December 29, 1943 in Sterdjen, Poland around age 90 in WWII era. He was buried there. His family send the Mroshinskies a picture of the old gentleman laid out in his wooden coffin. He had a long silver beard, and was dressed nicely in a suit and surrounded by his family. The letter was written in Polish. Matthew had a sister who also came to America and settled in Mississippi. No information about here is available, including her name.
HIS CHILDREN
(1) John A. Mroshinskie - March 10, 1888 - September 3, 1955
(2) Andrew J. Mroshinskie, later changed his name to Morinski - January 8, 1886 - May 18, 1951
(3) Stephanie Moroschinski Anderson - died in 1918 during the great flu epidemic in America. As a young woman, Stephanie was a looper in Full Fashion hosiery industry. After her mother died in 1914, she married a Mr. Anderson of Alabama and moved there. She became pregnant, but during this time, a terrible flu epidemic raced through the South killing thousands of people. She became ill and died in 1918 before the couple's
(4) Helen Moroschinski Lux - July 19, 1882 - May 20, 1973, She married George Lux; she died in Sulfolk, VA.
______________________________________________________
Letter from My Grandfather to Mary Moroshinska
(Second wife of Matthew Stephen Moroshinska)
after the death of Matthew Stephen Moroshinska
M. Moroshinska
P. Sterdgin
L. Liedlecka
Poland
Europe
Dear Mother:
I received your letter and was glad to hear from you again. I was sorry to hear that father passed away, but he was pretty old and if he was sick, he did not have much chance. I thought of you and him often during this war, I guess it was awful. I would send you some money but it is impossible at the present time as no post office or bank will send any at the present time. We will send you some other things. Helen and her family are well. They live in Philadelphia now. They sold their [bakery] business in Quakertown. Lawrence is a priest now. He was ordained two years ago. Anthony, I don't know about him. He was not to see me since Father left for Poland. He changed his name and I don't see him. My boy Francis was in the war for 4 years but he came home. He is married and lives in Louisana. We are all well and still live here and still in business. Is your sister alive and living with you. I guess your land is spoiled and everything was lost according the way the papers have it here. Hope you will enjoy good health for a long time and things get better for you. If you need some clothes or shoes, please send the sizes and we will try and send them to you. The box I am sending is something to eat. The packages is some dried soups. All you need is hot water and they are ready to eat. John A. Mroshinskie
Note: This was his step-mother.
