A Tale of Two Wojciechs Part I

Hello,

During my research of the Zblewo Parish records, I have come across a potential roadblock that most other researchers probably have encountered. My 4x great grandfather, Franciszek Machajewski, parents were Adalbert (Wojciech in Polish) and Elżbieta nee Gełdon. The difficulty occurs when I try to determine who Wojciech’s parents were and then obtaining his baptismal record.

From the records that I have gathered thus far, I have been able to determine the following facts about Wojciech that could help pinpoint his parents:

• After Wojciech’s first marriage his family resided in Huta Kalna, Czarne Woda, Gmina Kaliska, Powiat Starogard, Pomorskie, Poland (today’s administrative location). They were innkeepers or they worked at the inn.
• Wojciech resided and died in Iwiczno, Gmina Kaliska, Powiat Starogard, Pomorskie, Poland (today’s administrative location). Possibly a farm owner.
• Wojciech was born in the 1770’s (different dates are on multiple documents)

As I searched through the Zblewo Parish baptisms, during the time frame of the 1770’s, I found a potential match…and then another one. During the 1770’s, in the Zblewo Parish, there were two Machajewski children born with the name of Wojciech. The first was born in 1773 to Jakub and Ewa Machajewski, from the village of Piece. The second was born in 1776 to Jan and Marianna, from the village of Iwiczno.

I would assume that my 5x great grandfather, who resided in Iwiczno for the majority of his life, was the child of Jan and Marianna from Iwczno. This is where I need to dig deeper for more facts and clues to help solve this potential roadblock……

More to come in A Tale of Two Wojciechs Part II

Best Regards,
Al