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Petar Kosanovich, Urelo, Croatia

Petar Kosanovich, Urelo, Croatia

Posted: 2 Apr 2012 12:18PM GMT
Classification: Query
Surnames: Kosanovich
My grandfather Bozidar Kosanovich emigrated in around 1905. His father's name was Petar. They lived in Urelo near Jasenak in Croatia.

Any help in researching the 'old country' would be greatly appreciated. I know that Petar's wife died in WWII, but I have no idea what happened to Petar or any remaining siblings.

Bozidar (anglicized to Burke) had a half-brother George who also came to the US. There probably are cousins as well.

Re: Petar Kosanovich, Urelo, Croatia

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 6:39PM GMT
Classification: Query
Hello!

Just one little correction, it's Vrelo, not Urelo.

I'd love to help you, but I don't think there is enough information.
My family is from Jasenak, and my grandmother's maiden name was Kosanovic. I live in Croatia. I asked my older relatives in Jasenak about Petar and Bozidar Kosanovic, but Petar is a very common name and there are several Kosanovic families in Jasenak. Also the year your grandfather emigrated was very long time ago so no one who could know something is alive anymore.

If you know anything else, names of other relatives or something, I can ask my family.

Re: Petar Kosanovich, Urelo, Croatia

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 7:46PM GMT
Classification: Query
I'm delighted to hear from you. My grandfather Bozidar had a half-brother, George. Does that ring any bells? George came to America too; he owned a tavern in Southern Illinois until about 1920. He also lived in Chicago, as Superintendant of Sewers. George retired in Texas.

I hope that helps.

Is Kosanovic a common name, or is it likely that we are related? Thank you for your help!

Re: Petar Kosanovich, Urelo, Croatia

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 7:55PM GMT
Classification: Query
One thing I DO remember--some of Bozidar's relatives wrote him, and sent beautiful hand-crocheted lace doilies. The letters were not in English, and have probably been lost.

Re: Petar Kosanovich, Urelo, Croatia

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 8:01PM GMT
Classification: Query
Sorry to keep replying, but I'm remembering more.

Petar's wife (name unknown) died during World War II while hiding in the woods or mountains from the soldiers.

They were very poor. I'll see if I can find out more.

Are there any government or church records available?

Re: Petar Kosanovich, Urelo, Croatia

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 8:17PM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 24 Aug 2012 8:18PM GMT
Some photos in case that is helpful.
Attachments:

Re: Petar Kosanovich, Urelo, Croatia

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 10:10PM GMT
Classification: Query
I have Kosanovics on both my mothers and my fathers side (not related :)) but I don't think you and I are related.

Kosanovic is very common, more so in Jasenak than in Vrelo. There are several lines in Vrelo, two of those in my family, as I mentioned. The reason I think we're not related is because even though there are Petar and Đorđe (or George) in my family, other names and events don't mach.
For example: my great grandfather was Petar Kosanovic (born 1878), and his father was Đurađ (George). I think Petar spent several years in America in his youth. But there are no Božidars that I know of.
From my fathers side: My great grandmother was Milica Kosanovic (born around 1895). Her father was Šime. I don't know much about them But I made a few phone calls and I'm waiting for the answers.

I think I may have some other leads because one of the Kosanovic families have Bozidars and Georges and someone moved to America. But I have to ask some relatives about them. I'm in my thirties so I'm too young to know this.

I will contact you as soon as I know something. I just want to ask you couple of questions.
Years of birth of Bozidar and George.
Are there any other brothers or sisters of Bozidar?
You say they are half-brothers. I assume they have the same father. Is that right?
When was the last contact anyone in your family had with relatives in Croatia?
Do you know any names of relatives in Croatia?

And maybe we should move this conversation to e-mail when I find more information.

Re: Petar Kosanovich, Urelo, Croatia

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 11:38PM GMT
Classification: Query
One more thing. About church records. Jasenak and Vrelo are a part of Gomirje Monastery so maybe you can get some information about births, marriages, deaths there. But I think you should wait until I ask around about Kosanovic families. Jasenak is a small village so everybody knows everbody. The only problem is that it was very long time ago your grandfather left.
If we can't find anything, then civil and church records can be your next option.

Re: Petar Kosanovich, Urelo, Croatia

Posted: 26 Aug 2012 4:14PM GMT
Classification: Query
I found something. I'm not sure if this is your family but some names and events match.

Petar (nickname Perica) Kosanovic had at least 3 brothers (Josip, Tode, Svetozar), maybe even more.
He was married twice. First wife, Smilja died in 1895. He had 2 sons with her.
His second wife, Latinka died in 1942 and they had 13 children.
So Petar had 15 children and he was born 1845 and died 1923.

You said Petar's wife died in WWII, so this could be Latinka (died 1942).
Also, your grandfather Bozidar had a half-brother George. Petar had children with two wives so this also matches.
There are several Bozidars in this family and it's a custom to name a child after a family member.
One of the 15 children is Soka and she had a brother in USA. I know her family.

So that's it for now. I guess this could be your family. There is only one other thing I can do and that is to check with Soka's family to see if her brother in America was named Bozidar.

Re: Petar Kosanovich, Urelo, Croatia

Posted: 26 Aug 2012 6:10PM GMT
Classification: Query
This sounds correct. Petar built a sawmill on a spring fed river in Vrelo. He built a house 450 meters from the river. Petar had a brother Gako, who had sons Joseph (lived in Rijeka) Nikola (came to USA) and daughter Marija (who married, moved to Tuk, husband went to USA and she never heard from him again.)

Petar's son George Kosanovich was born August 9 1888. He came to USA in 1903, to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and worked in steel mills. Apparently MANY relatives and friends went to Pittsburgh. He moved to Illinois, worked in mining, married Nettie and had sons Milo (1924) and Robert (1925). George retired to Texas, USA and died in 1973.

Petar's son, my grandfather Bozidar Kosanovich, was born April 6 1892 in Vrelo. He became a shoemaker, and worked several years in Germany and Austria. He tried to return to Vrelo to start a shoe shop, but the economy was bad and people were leaving. George sent Bozidar the money to come to the US in 1912.

I just re-read the first volume of Bozidar's memoirs, there may be more in the second.

I'm very grateful for your help. Thank you. I am very impressed with your written English!

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