Genealogy / Last name History or help please: BREJ surname [20]

Hello,

I came across this website by accident and noticed a few post about the Brej family here. My name is Richard Bray and I am originally from Hart Michigan where my grand parents, Frank John Brej and Sophia Retzior lived. My father is Francis E. Bray who died in 2004 at the age of 71.

I had the opportunity to travel to Dobrynia Poland and met several of our relatives. I was able to visit the house in Dobrynia where Frank was born and raised. His brother Martin Brej married Anna Martin and they had 6 children one of which was Stanislaw Brej who still lives in the house. Stanislaw Brej had 9 children. I was able to obtain some records from the local Catholic church. I am happy to share any additional information.

The region is considered Silesians and therefore the nationality of the Brej name will vary depending on the time when the individual was born as the borders in Europe have frequently changed. I believe the origin of the name Brej has often been considered Austrian because of the Austrian Hungarian rule.

I am particularly interested in hearing from Jason Bray in Portland as I believe your relative Joseph F. Bray and Vivian (Filer) Bray are my uncle/aunt.

I am meeting his sisters Mary Bray Cory and Barber Bray Fruliani on Tuesday here in Fort Lauderdale.

Cheers,
Richard Bray
RicBray2012@gmail