Silesia and Poland

Much thanks from Dennis A. Swick goes to those mentioned below. It should also be stated that LDS is an abbreviation for the Latter Day Saints. The number of their microfilm is listed just in case a check wants to be made. Dennis A. Swick, as of 3/20/2006, has still not been able to locate the whereabouts of Mathys Zwick of 1674, his wife, or children who he has been searching for who are suppose to be from Erlenbach.

Silesia and Poland

To begin with, in order to understand this subject better, several books would be good to consult. These books are:A Concise History of Germany, by Mary Fullbrook, Cambridge University, 2004; The Thirty Years’ War edited by Geoffrey Parker, with contributions by Simon Adams, Gerhard Benecke, Richard J. Bonney, John H. Elliot, R.J.W. Evans, Christopher R. Friedrichs, Bodo Nischan, E. Ladewig Petersen and Michael Roberts; Routledge, London, 2002. First published 1984. 316 pages; and A History of the Habsburg Empire 1526-1918 , by Robert A. Kann, University of California Press, London, 1974. Plus there is some information on the Internet like: “Catholic Encyclopedia:The Reformation”, found at: or the free dictionary.com by Farflex at:

palatinate.

In the Thirty Year War there existed a conflict between the Roman Catholic Church, who the Habsburg dynasty had supported, and the Reformation as a new source of conflict. In 1517, the Reformation was inaugurated in Germany by Martin Luther. From 1526 to 1527, the Habsburg union was formed strengthening the power of the Roman Catholic empire. In 1526, Bohemia was established. The Habsburgs ruled Bohemia as part of their domain. In 1555, the Religious Peace of Ausburg was signed between the Protestants and Roman Catholic princes and the emperor. Yet there was still a precarious balance between the Roman Catholics and Protestants.

Many Poles learned of the Reformation through young students from Wittenberg plus also through the Bohemian and Moravian Brethren. In Polandthere were Lutherans, Bohemian Brethren, Zwinglians and Calvinists along with Roman Catholics. Prince Radziwill and John Laski favored Calvinism, and the Bible was translated into Polish in 1563.

In 1575, Maximilian II,of the Habsburg dynasty, was pro-Protestant and helped the Bohemian Protestants. In 1609, Protestantism continued its counter-offensive. Also in 1609, the Letter of Majesty was granted freedom of conscience to those in Bohemia. They had the right to erect places of public worship and denominational schools. This was far beyond what the Peace of Ausburg of 1555 had offered. It was also extended to Silesia. In 1610, Henry IV of France was assassinated. He favored Protestantism.

During this period, the Protestants should have been alarmed as to what was happening in that the Roman Catholics were getting larger, as families of all Habsburg territories began to abandon the Reformed churches. In 1617, two secret treaties of Ferdinand I with Philip III of Spain were made. In 1618, Ferdinand was crowned king of Hungary and succeeded Matthias who died in 1619. In 1619, Ferdinand V (the Winter King and son-in-law of King James I of England) accepted the throne as king of Bohemia, though the estates wanted Frederick the Palatinate, who supported a revolt in Silesia and Upper and Lower Austria to be elected. Frederick favored the Protestants. In 1619, Maximilian of Bavaria invaded Upper Austria with the help of the emperor. In 1620, the final blow to the Protestant plight was dealt by the French. Bethlen Gabor, a national Hungarian prince, was the champion of Protestantism. Through his endeavors, he tried to help the Czech Protestants. But in the end, he lost as the Bohemians were defeated by the French at White Mountain in 1620. The Spanish and Bavarian troops occupied the Palatinate. According to thefreedictionary.com/palatinate, The free dictionary.com by Farflex states, “In 1623, Frederick was put under the ban of the Empire, and his territories and Electoral dignity granted to the Duke (now Elector) of Bavaria, Maximilian I”.

Through the loss of many strategic battles, the majority of peace pacts were made with the Protestants. But the Catholic extremists did not like this.Silesia and Austria were also overrun with soldiers during this time, including half of the RhineRiver. From Silesia there were the following Zwicks. The Braun/Zwick family by Raymond K. Donnor, Wilhelm Zwick and Pauline Krause were from Silesia, now a part of Poland. They emigrated to America by way of Ellis Island in 1881. Their daughter was Bertha Zwick (1864-1926) married Andreas Braun (1855-1911) who was born in Nussbach, Germany now called Mullen. Mullen is a small town near Offenberg (north of Kaiserslautern). His parents were Jacob Braun and Franziska Fischer. He immigrated to America in 1879. He probably came directly to Chicago, Illinois and Bertha Zwick must have lived there as they were married by 1884. The Braun Family lived first in Illinois and in 1885 some family members moved to Sauk Rapids, Benton Co., Minnesota. Andreas and Bertha Braun were parents of eleven children. Descendants live in Illinois, California, Colorado, Texas and elsewhere. (Source. FamilySearch.org).

Also from Poland there is information from Robert and Ellen Swick in Pennsylvania. He sends that: (1) Frank Swick, b. 5/1881 in Holawski, Poland, d. 11/23/1964 married Mary Ziayach Swick, b. 3/20/1889 in Holawski, Poland, d. 6/30/1955. Married 9/19/1908 in Poland. They took the ship “North Loyd Germany Line S.S. Main”. They went from Bremen, Germany and arrived in Baltimore, MD on 9/12/1912. They came to Wilkes-Barre, PA; then Slickville, PA; and finally settled in Wall, PA. Their children were: (2) Peter Swick, b. 6/25/1909 in Holaski, Poland; d. 5/1979. married Susan Perkosky 10/1/1937. She was b. 1915. Their children: (3) Robert Swick, b. 10/1942 in PA married 38 years. married 1966. Their child: (4) daughter named Swick; Then (2) Katherine Swick married Dan Martz on 6/19/1936. Both have died. Their children: (3). Mary Swick, handicapped. d. 1/30/1948; (3) Kelly Swick married Jean (a she). Kelly is deceased; (3) Anna Swick married Edmund Petrilla on 6/1940; (3) John Swick married Esther. John is deceased; (3) Stella Swick married Catchpole Waugaman. Stella is deceased; (3) Mike Swick married Jeanne. Mike is deceased; (3) Sophie Swick married Ed Bujniewiez 6/30/1949; and (3) Helen Swick.

Wilfried Mieske writes (translated by Renate Schnurr): “Andreas ZWICKdied 1823. Andreasmarried Anna Louise DRAEGER . They had the following children: (2) Ernst Gottfried ZWICK born Oct. 28,1794 geboren. He died Nov. 29, 1839 in Romanshof, Poland. Ernstmarried Charlotte HIELSBERG; (2)Michael Friedrich ZWICK was born Aug. 9, 1799 in Romanshof. He was baptized as an infant August 18, 1799 in Romanshof. He died October 29,1850 in Czarnikau . Michaelmarried Anna Louise HENKE,daughter of Peter HENKE and Anna Christina CURRATH, on February 15,1824 in Czarnikau . Anna was born October 22,1803 in Romanshof. She was baptized as an infant October 27,1803 in Romanshof; (2)Anna Luise ZWICK was born March 7, 1803 in Romanshof geboren. She was baptized as an infant March 13,1803 in Romanshof. She died March 7, 1878 in Romanshof . Annamarried Michael POKRANDOctober 26,1823 in Romanshof . Michael was born in 1795 . He died August 13,1830 in Romanshof. Anna married Carl Ludwig BOETHINSeptember 30, 1832 in Romanshof . Carl was born in August 1808 in Hammerschen Netzkrug; (2) Johann Wilhelm ZWICK was born May 31,1805 in Romanshof. He was baptized as an infant June 3,1805 in Romanshof; (2) Gottlieb Ludwig ZWICK was born July 30, 1807 in Romanshof. He was baptized as an infant August 2,1807 in Romanshof. (2) Christian ZWICK was born October 21,1810 in Romanshof. He was baptized as an infant October 28,1810 in Romanshof. He died May 25, 1854”.

Now Jeff Swick of Canada sends information from Tracing Our Roots: Descendents of Michaelo and Maria Bochar and Descendents of John Hewko, compiled by Naden Hewko, September, 2000. This book gives a little history and states that the Slavic people were in the area of the Ukraine and that Austrian-Hungarian empire ruled a part of this region which was Poland and Russia. In the 800’s the Slavic civilization called themselves Rusyns (Roos-ins) not to be confused with Russians whose language was developed by Kiev and those along the rivers of the Black Sea. They spoke Ukrainian (which means “borderland”). It is a Slavic language. In 968 Christianity was introduced and Vladimir, son of Princess Olha, was baptized as a Christian. The language spoken of the Ukraine was developed for those who converted to Christianity. By 1200, the Tartars swept across the Ukraine. By 1300, Lithuania and Poland were dominated by those who held to serfdom. By 1400, people joined the bands of Cossacks who wanted their land to be made free. Divisions occurred between the Poles and Tartars. The land became scarce as fathers would divide up their lands, and their sons would divide up their lands, till nothing was left. So that by the early 1900’s, thousands left for political and economic reasons for North America.

The book gives the following information: (1). Michael Bochar (Boczar) married Maria Bilyk. They lived in Vishy Lubyanke, Ternopil, Ukraine which is near Zbarazh in the western Ukraine. They lived their married life here. Their children were: (2) Franco (Boucher) Bochar; (2) Kasimir Bouchar; (2) Anthony Bouchar; (2) Paul Bouchar, d. 1947, m. Katharine Draganuik in Vishy, Lubyanke, Ternopil,Ukraine, and then died in Carnegie, Philadelphia, PA; (2) John Bouchar, b. 5/28/1886 and married Teckla Kundaral in 1905 in Vishy, Lubyanke, Ternopil, Ukraine. They died in Saskaton, Saskatchewan, Canada; (2) Alexandra Bouchar married Safron Swick. Jeff Swick writes, “Alexandra Bochar was the only daughter of Michaelo Bochar and Maria Bilyk. She married Safron Swick and they homesteaded in Saskatchewan in the Fish Creek area .They had a family of one daughter Anna and four sons. Their sons were Andrew (no children), Harry, Mike and John”. Michaelo (Boczar) Bochar in the 1800’s was part of the Ukraine under the Austrian rule but totally controlled by Polish nobles. People that immigrated to Canada were called Austrians even though they spoke Ukrainian. When the Ukrainians came to Canada they were called Galicians since they were from the region of Galicia. The Bochar family came to America in the early 1900’s.

So Safron Swick was married to Alexandra Bouchar and had children in Canada. These are listed in the Swicks of Canada ( /3312/DAS.HTM) and Safron Swick comes from Poland.

Considering all of this , it is possible that the Swicks of Poland and Slovakia with last names like Cwyk, Cvik, Suiec, Sweic, or Schwick could have been moved to Lorraine from 1736 to 1766. Regarding the name Cvik, Peter C. Zwick of Ohio writes that there is a Cvik who lives in Canada who is a Professional Hockey Referee . The Cviks originate in Raddsing, North Western Slovakia. The Slovakia town of Malthern (PodHorany), Slovakia, Peter C. Zwick writes, “had Germans who settled there in the 1300’s. These people were protestants and were called Zisper Saxons who came from Lower Saxony, Flanders. Karlsruhe is said to be the sister city of Malthern.” The LDS microfilms regarding the town of PodHorary are #1791953 and following, according to Peter C. Zwick. On a drawing that Peter sent of the village of Malthern of 1945, from the Weiss Gallery in Manchester, CT, it has seven Zwicks listed living in several houses/store fronts in the center of this village.

For example, there is John Swick, b, 1858, Poland. 1920 Nebraska Census. In 1902, became an American citizen. There is a Frank A. Swierski, 1910, Maryland. Thomas L. Hollowak, Polish Heads of Household in Maryland; an index to the 1910 Census. Westminster, MD, 1990. There is an Andrew Swiec, 1910, Maryland. Thomas L. Hollowak, Polish Heads of Household in Maryland; an index to the 1910 Census. Westminster, MD, 1990.

For the last name Cwyk we have:1920 Census, Illinois - Frank Cwyk, b.1892 in Poland; 1910 Census, MI- Anthony Cwyk, b. 1883 in Russia-Poland; 1910 Census, MI - Ignacious Cwyk, b.1872 in Russia-Poland; Anna Cwyk, b. 16 Oct 1913; d 10 July 2001 – Chicago; John Cwyk - b. 3 Sep 1911 ; d. Jul 1982 – NY;John Cwyk, b. 12 Jan 1889; d. Oct 1973 – PA;Leonard J. Cwyk, b. 26 Feb 1923; d. 10 Mar 1995 – PA;Lida Cwyk - b. 1 Dec 1914; d. 7 Feb 2004 – PA;Pearl Cwyk - b. 3 Apr 1895; d. Oct 1979 – PA; Stefan Cwyk - b. 9 Jan 1909; d. 7 Mar 1995 – IL;Wasyl Cwyk - b. 5 Jan 1918; d. 12 Feb 1992 – PA; Franciszek Cwyk - b. 1862, arrived age 43, md, aboard the ship Cassel from Bremen Germany enroute to Charleston, WV.Her fare was paid by her brother.

And for Suiec/Schwec/Swick/Schwick there is: 1930 CensusIL, Franklin, Six Mile Tp., Mike Suiec - b. 1871 Yugoslavia, both parents b. Yugoslavia, lang. spoken Croatian; Anna Suiec - b. 1881 Yugoslavia,both parents b. Yugoslavia, lang. spoken Croatian (They immigrated in 1913). And for Sweic there is:Illinois Marriage Records 1851-1900: Groom: Longcraft, Joseph, Bride: Sweic, Charlotte, Married: 13 Oct 1870in Fulton, IL (Sce. Pat Irvine). Frank Swick, b. 5/1881 in Holawski, Poland, d. 11/23/1964 m. Mary Ziayach Swick, b. 3/20/1889 in Holawski, Poland, d. 6/30/1955. Married 9/19/1908 in Poland. They took the ship “North Loyd Germany Line S.S. Main”. They went from Bremen,Germany and arrived in Baltimore, MD on 9/12/1912. They came to Wilkes-Barre, PA; then Slickville, PA; and finally settled in Wall, PA. Their children were Peter Swick, b. 6/25/1909 in Holaski, Poland; d. 5/1979. Married Susan Perkosky 10/1/1937. She was b. 1915. Their children were: Robert Swick, b. 10/1942 in PA married 38 years, married in 1966; Katherine Swick married Dan Martz on 6/19/1936. Both deceased; Mary Swick, handicapped. died 1/30/1948; Kelly Swick married Jean (a she). Kelly is deceased.; Anna Swick, married Edmund Petrilla; John Swick married Esther. John is deceased; Stella Swick married Catchpole Waugaman. Stella is deceased; Mike Swick married Jeanne. He is deceased; Sophie Swick married Ed Bujniewiez; Helen Swick (Source: Robert and Ellen Swick). Anna Schwec, (1879) 9 yrs.old; Christine Schwec, 4; Emilie Schwec, 6; Francisca Schwec, 20; Francisca Schwec, 39; Josef Schwec, 16; Josef Schwec, 51; Josepha Schwec, 8; Julie Schwec, 7; Maria Schwec, 12; Stanislaus Schwec, 11 months. Leo Baca, Czech Immigration Passenger Lists, Vol. 8, Richardson, TX.Author:1999. Johanna Swick, 1881, age 7. New Orleans. Leo Baca, Czech Immigration Passenger Lists. Hallettsville, TX: Old Homestead Publishing Co., Vol. 2, 1985. 195 p.;Anna Schwec, (1879) 9 yrs.old; Christine Schwec, 4; Emilie Schwec, 6; Francisca Schwec, 20; Francisca Schwec, 39; Josef Schwec, 16; Josef Schwec, 51; Josepha Schwec, 8; Julie Schwec, 7; Maria Schwec, 12; Stanislaus Schwec, 11 months. Leo Baca, Czech Immigration Passenger Lists, Vol. 8, Richardson, TX. Author:1999.) Marie Swick, 1881, New Orleans, age 22. Leo Baca, Czech Immigration Passenger Lists. Hallettsville, TX: Old Homestead Publishing Co., Vol. 2, 1985. 195 p.;R. Swick, 1881, New Orleans, age 22. Leo Baca, Czech Immigration Passenger Lists. Hallettsville, TX: Old Homestead Publishing Co., Vol. 2, 1985. 195 p.; Fran Swick, 1881, New Orleans, age 29. Leo Baca, Czech Immigration Passenger Lists. Hallettsville, TX: Old Homestead Publishing Co., Vol. 2, 1985. 195 p.; Mary Johnson of Texas says these Swicks have their roots in Poland. She states, “The only Swicks I know are the family mentioned in my website. Their original name was Cwik and I believe they came from Poland to Bremond, Texas, a small town where 85% of the people came from Poland.” The list includes: Swick, Deborah; Swick, Joe, b. 1933- d. 1997; Swick, Geralyn; Swick, Mary Ellen ; Swick, Monica ; Swick, Pete marriage to Regina Bielamowicz)Swick, Richard; Swick, Robert Gerard ; Swick, Sharon Ann ; and Swick, Todd Alan(Source: Mary Johnson).

On can be found Pete Swick (above) in Bremond, Robertson County, Texas on May 10, 1952 and Deborah Swick (above) was born in Marlin, Falls County, Texas. Also in Texas are the Schwicks. This name is found in the LutheranChurch in Albersweiler.

Zwicks from Albersweiler

Now on LDS microfilm #1442200, LutheranChurch, Albersweiler, 1607-1941, read by Dennis A. Swick, 1709 there is Gregorius Schwick, parents: Johan Lawrig Dondmount Schwick and Anna Sara. Charles Schwick is found in Dallas Co., Texas. 1891. Dallas County, Texas, Index to Naturalization Records. In Dallas Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol. 29:1. (Mar. 1983), pp. 1-27. Chas. Schwick, Dallas County, Texas. 1891. And on the Internet is: Jacob Weber, Ackerer in Merschweiler, b. 3.18.1776 Eft , Catholic, married 2.15.1797 in Eft-Hellendorf , Margaretha Schwick , b. 2.6.1780 m. Merschweiler, Catholic; Peter Schwick , Merschweiler, Catholic married Anna Dax, Catholic.

On LDS microfilm #1632513 of the Reformed Church in Albersweiler by Wilhelm Mauer, 1590-1770, read by Dennis A. Swick, there are no Zwicks but in 1776, there was baptized Juliana Schere, daughter of Johann Jacob Scherer, and witness: Johann Jacob Klos and Juliana (which also FRANZ CONRAD ZWICK (1767-1833) from Albersweiler, Rheinland-Palatinate, Germany, married ANNA MARIA KLOOS (1773-1833) according to Ed Wilhelm). And in 1697, baptized Johann Michael, witnesses: Caspar Fries and Anna Margaretha Pate in Wolffstein, (which also Ana Barbara Zwick, 1753-1813, from Neustadt married Johannes Michael Fries, 1744-1809 according to Thomas J. Zimmerman . The Fries lived in the Spessart region). Interesting also was: 1661, baptized Johannes Jacob Zykoky, parents: Matthes Zykoky and Anna Margaretha of Poland; and 1675, baptized Matthis Zijkoky, from Poland. They are Reformed. The Zykoky name is from Poland (who is Reformed) and above there is Joannes Zywicki, 1708 in Korne, Koscierzyna, Gdanskiego, from Poland (who was Roman Catholic).

The Albersweiler Zwicks are found on LDS microfilm #247583, read by Dennis A.Swick, Katholische (Catholic), Albersweiler (Calvinists baptisms.), 1693-1730 Bergzabern. Jacob Zwick – 1694; Joanni Adami Zwick, Ramberg- 1701; Johann Saulo Zwick, 1700, that went to New York and Sharpsburg, PA. Baptism records of Catholic Church in Albersweiler: Maria Magdalena, baptized 1694 in Albersweiler, witness Jacob Zwick;Maria Magdalena Taheners, baptized 7/17/1700. Witnesses: Joanne Saulo Zwick and Maria Magdalena; Anna Margarieta Leonardi, from Ramberg. Witnesses: Johanne Martinos Theater, Anna Margarieta, Joanna wife of Joanni Adami Zwick; Margaretha Zwick, b.1702, daughter of Joannes Adami Zwick and Anna Margaretha living in Ramberg. Witnesses: Joannes Jacob Zwick of Enfrerthal (?) and Margaretha Engelin; Anna Elisabetha Theater, died 1702. Daughter of Johannes Martini Theater. Witnesses: Joannes Nicolaus Schieck and Elisabeth Johanin from Ramberg; Catharina Zwick, baptized 5/24/1704. Daughter of Joannes Adami Zwick and Anna Margaretha in Ramberg; Anna Catharina Zwick, baptized 12/17/1704, daughter of Daniel Zwick and Maria Catharina of Ramberg; Anna Catharina Dirlinger, baptized 1/1705, daughter of Joannis Martini Dirlinger in Euferhalt and Catharina. Witnesses: Joanne Jacoby Zwick and Anna Maria Wagner in Euferthal Baptism records of Lutheran church in Albersweiler; Gregorius Dondmount, baptized 1709, witnesses: Schwick and Anna Sara;Johann Zwick, in Bad Homburg married 5/1/1665 ,(Source: Deutsches Familienarchiv, Verlag Degner and Co., Band 77, 1982, from Maureen Schoenky. Hugenottenfamilien); and Jakob Zwick, in Homburg. (Sce.Deutsches Familienarchiv, Verlag Degner and Co., Band 77, 1982, from Maureen Schoenky. Hugenottenfamilien).