Leschak Family - Pennsylvania
Mike/Michel/Michael Leschak was born between some time between 1877 and 1885in Eastern Europe. He was probably from the region known as Galicia (Galicja). At the time of Michael’s immigration it was part of Austria. Thus, in the 1910 census he reports that he was born in Austria/Slovak. Over the years he also reported to census takers that he was born in Galicia or Germany.
The birthplace of Michel’s parents is also listed as Austria/Slovak, Galicia, or Germany, although their names are unknown at this time. Michel immigrated to the United States around 1899 or 1900.
Michel spoke English but his native tongue is reported to have been Ruthenian, Rusyn, Slovakian, or German.
Michael first lived in the borough of Donora, Washington County, Pennsylvania. Donora is on the river somewhat south and east of Pittsburgh. He and his family were living on Meade Street in 1910, then McCrea Avenue by 1920. Later they settled in Carnegie, Allegheny County, PA. At the time of the 1930 census they were living on Arch Street. Carnegie is on the southeast side of Pittsburgh.
Michael Leschak worked in the steel mills. In the 1910 censushe gave his occupation as “shearman” in the “steel works.” The 1920 census reported him to be a “laborer” at the “open hearth.”In the 1930 census it simply states “laborer” in the “steel mill.”He was educated, able to read and write.
Michael Leschak married Anna/Annie Smoliga on 11 August 1904 in Pennsylvania.Anna was born between 1883 and 1886 in Austria or Germany. Her native tongue was also Slovakian, Rusyn, Ruthenian, or German. Her parents, whose names are not known at present, were born in Austria or Germany as well. Anna immigrated to the America in 1902. The 1910 census reports that Anna had given birth to four children although she had only three living at the time. Apparently, there was a child who did not survive, perhaps before John who was born in 1906.
The known children of Michel and Anna Leschak were as follows:
1. John Leschak born around 1906 in PA
2. Mary/Marie Leschak born around 1908 in PA
3. Michael Eugene Leschak born March 1910 in PA
4. Ruth Leschak born around 1913 in PA
5. Helen Leschak born around 1914 in PA
6. Andrew Edward Leschak born 17 November 1915 in Donora, PA
7. Paul Phillip Leschak born 14 May 1916 in Allegheny Co., PA
More Replies:
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Re: Leschak /Lescsak, Smoliga/Szmoliga
Zlatica Beca 11/17/05