I'm Polish and Russian but there's drama....

My Grandfather told my father on his deathbed that we are Russian too. I knew we were Polish but never knew we were Russian as well. Does anyone know why he wouldn't have told us this before? This doesn't make any sense to me at all. I can't look up our family history because he told me that when they arrived in America they messed up the spelling of our last name.

dodgy.....

not really just wanted an answer...no smart asses

With the limited information you have provided, I don't think you will get anything except for speculation.
Perhaps if you gave us more information we could be of more assistance.
When did your Grandfather move to the U.S.? this may be a clue as to why he said he changed his identity to Polish, to be more American friendly. Also was he under strong medication? as it is possible that he was not fully conscience of what he was saying.


Also tell us your last name and we might know something about that too.


It's the internet, don't worry.

You should be proud that you have a second heritage. Russian is such a cool language and being Russian is most definitely nothing to be ashamed of. The Ruskies are an interesting bunch!

Last name is Mozeleski. I believe my Grandfather moved here late 1920's. He was somewhat young. He was probably under meds considering it was a heart attack but my Great Aunt has supported it (us being russian). I could talk more to her but she's a little out there...she's around 93. I'm not ashamed at all of being both. Im very proud but just thought ppl on this site could help. I wish I knew more about my heritage. I'm marrying a man from Russia. He's only been in the states for 8 years. Thanks for any info.

Lmmozeleski

Some web sites that might be of help for you:

ellisisland.org
immigrantships.net
familysearch.org

Dziekuje

Lmmozeleski

Forgot one really important link:

deathindexes.com/ssdi.html

Select one of the sources and enter your grandfather's name. He should show up in the index. At least you should be able to find his SSN and go from there. Where was the SSN issued and when, and under what (messed up) family name? This gives you an indication at which port your grandfather arrived and where he stayed after coming to the US. Once you know the port you can look up the ship's manifest to gather more information. And don't forget the Naturalization Record. It holds lots of information about your grandpa.

If you look at the original ship's manifest and not typed version you may establish the correct spelling


Was Jozef his first name?

Yes, one can be both Polish and Russian... My father was 100% Polish and was born and raised in Poland. However, his American Citizenship lists him as a Citizen of Russia... because he was located in the part of Poland which was partitioned to Russia and also claimed these citizens as their own. My father was obligated to learn Russian in School, as they were told it was their language. He liked the Russian language; but we all were told we were really Polish and since I am first-generation American, I and my siblings both loved the Polish language and married people of Polish ethnicity. It is a strong pull when one knows the illustrious history of Poland. I can tell you a bit more if you please would ask. Thank you for reading this.

HI, LM

I think the spelling is Modzelewski. You are looking for Józef Modzelewski.

there are other popular sites - moikrewni.pl, geni.com, genesreunited.co.uk
It's worth looking in other countries as well, because we Poles are extremely mobile. You can have family in Australia, Argentina, Britain, and RSA, why not.

...the drama is youre neither Polish nor Russian but American.

being serious whats the problem about sharing blood of these nations?


After you said it 150 mln Russians felt relief. As a self-appointed spokespman of the russian nation i must say in return that being Scotsman is not the reason of any shame as well

I think it's because of what the Russians did to the Poles at the end of WWII. I'll get more info for you later.