Genealogy /
THE MEANING AND RESEARCH OF MY POLISH LAST NAME, SURNAME? [4500]
Polonius, thank you so much for that explanation. This is so interesting. Back in the 1970's a relative of my grandfather's came to the US looking for an "heir" for his property. Apparently he never had children and I don't think he had extended family living in Poland that he could will his property to. He could not sell the property and take the profits and leave Poland. At the time I was just 19 and they were pressuring me to be that person. If I recall correctly in order to do this I would have had to live on the property for I forget how many years. I was getting married, did not spoke Polish (and still don't) and honestly, the thought of going to a foreign country let alone one that at the time was under communist rule, scared the heck out of me. So it was not even anything I considered. I do recall seeing the photos of the home and property and it was really incredible. It was a very large home made of stone and over time different generations had built additions to it. It was really a lovely place. Anyway I guess he died and what he had hoped to prevent happening, the state stepping in to reclaim the property because he had no heir, happened. A shame really. I just wish I had taken a copy of his pictures because it really was a beautiful place and would have been nice to have. I wish I had learned more about my ancestors while my mom was still alive. All her siblings have long since passed so the link to the old country is gone as well :(
