Genealogy / Smolanaj Poland, Manderewicz Surname and Location Help [6]

It's so strange because the draft card was filled out by my g g grandfather. So I would assume the spelling he used was correct as he emmigrated in his 20s. I also understand that Poland today is not the Poland that was around when he was born. I am leaning towards your Lithuania idea. As for the surname, we're def not Jewish but I guess at one point we could have been. I am working on finding more on his exact immigration records and hopefully they'll point me in the right direction.

Now that I think about it more. I remember my gmother telling me that her parents always pronounced it differently. Something along the lines of mendelevich. Not sure if that's a real name either :(

Genealogy / Smolanaj Poland, Manderewicz Surname and Location Help [6]

The plot thickens, hahaha.

I found the ship manifest for his immigration in 1905. I am certain this is him, the first name matches, the age matches, the final destination matches, etc.

However, his name is listed as... Wanderewicz. It is clearly a W. I'm thinking this could have been a problem with reading his original papers from Poland and misreading the M for a W.

It lists his nationality as Russian, but his race as Polish. I have no idea what this means. Does this mean he was from Russia? Or does this mean that the part of Poland he is from was under Russian control in 1905?

Also, the place of last residence is listed as Smolany, not Smolanaj as is listed on his draft card. Was there a Smolany in the Russian controled part of Poland in 1905?

The manifest shows he was to be staying with his cousin, last name Niedrowski after arriving at this final destination. Does this surname tell anything about place or origin, etc???

Thanks you sooooooo much for your help!!!!