Notable American Women with Czechoslovak Roots: A Bibliography, Bio-Bibliographies, Historiography and Genealogy

By Miloslav Rechcigl Jr.

Even though there exist only a few general studies on the subject of Czechoslovak American women, this is not, at all, a reflection of the paucity of work done by these women, as this publication demonstrates. This monograph is a compendium of notable American women with Czechoslovak roots, who distinguished themselves in a particular field or area, from the time they first immigrated to America to date. Included are, not only individuals born on the territory of former Czechoslovakia, but also their descendants.

This project has been approached strictly geographically, irrespective of the language or ethnicity. Because of the lack of bibliographical information, most of the monograph comprises biobibliographical information, in which area a plethora of information exists. As the reader will discover, these women have been involved, practically, in every field of human endeavor, in numbers that surprise. On the whole, they have been noted for their independent spirit and nonconforming role.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 16, 2019
• ISBN: 9781728321394

Miloslav Rechcigl Jr.

Míla Rechcigl, as he likes to be called, is a versatile person with many talents, a man of science and organization professionally, and Renaissance man by breadth of his knowledge and scholarly interests. Born in Czechoslovakia to a son of the youngest member of the Czechoslovak Parliament, he spent the War years under Nazi occupation and after the Communist’s coup d’état escaped to the West and immigrated to the US. He received training as biochemist at Cornell University and later served as a research biochemist at NIH. Following his additional training he became a science administrator, first at the DHEW and later at US Department of State and AID. Apart from his scientific and science administrative pursuits, he served as an editor of several scientific series and authored more than thirty books and handbooks. Beyond that, he is considered an authority on immigration history, on which subject he had written extensively. He was also one of the founders of the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences (SVU) and for many years served as its President.

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BOOKS AUTHORED OR EDITED BY MILOSLAV RECHCIGL, JR.

Scholarly Publications:

Notable Americans with Slovak Roots

American Jews with Czechoslovak Roots

Czechs Won’t Get Lost in the World, Let Alone in America

Beyond the Sea of Beer

Encyclopedia of Bohemian and Czech-American Biography 3 vols.

Czech It Out. Czech American Biography Sourcebook

Czech American Timetable. Chronology of Milestones in the History of Czechs in America

Czech American Bibliography. A Comprehensive Listing

Czechmate. From Bohemian Paradise to American Haven. A Personal Memoir

On Behalf of their Homeland: Fifty Years of SVU

Czechs and Slovaks in America

Czech and Slovak American Archival Materials and their Preservation

Czechoslovak American Archivalia 2 vols.

Czech-American Historic Sites, Monuments, and Memorials

US Legislators with Czechoslovak Roots

Educators with Czechoslovak Roots

Deceased Members of the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences

Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences Directory: 8 editions

The Czechoslovak Contribution to World Culture

Czechoslovakia Past and Present 2 vols.

Studies in Czechoslovak History 2 vols.

Scientific Monographs:

Nutrition and the World Food Problem

Comparative Animal Nutrition. Vol. 1. Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Accessory Growth Factors

Comparative Animal Nutrition. Vol. 2 Nutrient Elements and Toxicants

Comparative Animal Nutrition. Vol. 3. Nitrogen, Electrolytes, Water and Energy Metabolism

Comparative Animal Nutrition. Vol. 4. Physiology of Growth and Nutrition

Man, Food and Nutrition. Strategies and Technological Measures for Alleviating the World Food Problem

World Food Problem: A Selective Bibliography of Reviews

Food, Nutrition and Health. A Multidisciplinary Treatise

Enzyme Synthesis and Degradation in Mammalian Systems

Microbodies and Related Particles

Handbook Series in Nutrition and Food: 18 vols.

Czech Publications:

Tam za tím mořem piva

Pro Vlast. Padesát let Společnosti pro vědy a umění

Postavy naší Ameriky

NOTABLE AMERICAN WOMEN

WITH CZECHOSLOVAK ROOTS

A Bibliography, Bio-Bibliographies,

Historiography and Genealogy

MILOSLAV RECHCIGL , JR.

SVU Scholar-in-Residence and Past President

Czechoslovak Society of Arts And Sciences (SVU)

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AuthorHouse™

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© 2019 All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse   09/13/2019

ISBN: 978-1-7283-2137-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-2138-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-2139-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019910710

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

In affection to my charming wife Eva,

loving children Jack and Karen,

adorable grandchildren Greg, Kevin, Lindsey, Kristin and Paul,

and dear daughter-in-law Nancy

and

in memory of my beloved parents.

CONTENTS

Foreword

Preface

LISTINGS

I. Pioneers

A. Moravian Missionaries

B. Forty-Eighters

C. Other Pioneers

II. Leadership

A. Public Affairs Leaders

B. US Party Political Leaders

C. Cultural Leaders

D. Fraternal Workers and Clubwomen

E. Sports Organizers and Executives

F. Welfare and Relief Organization Leaders

G. Religious Workers

1. Laypersons

2. Nuns

III. Activism, Reform, Anarchism

A. Pioneer Activists

B. Loyalists

C. Social Activists and Reformers

D. Suffragists

E. Political Activists

F. Female Rebels

G. Heroines, Rescuers of Jews

H. Explorers, Adventurers

I. Conservationists

J. Philanthropists

K. Activists on Behalf of Czechoslovakia

IV. Business

A. Merchants and Other Businessmen

B. Manufacturers

C. Corporate Executives

D. Bankers & Financiers

E. Brokers

V. Education & Learning

A. Teachers

1. Pioneer Teachers

2. Contemporary Teachers

B. School Directors and School Superintendents

C. College Deans

D. College Presidents

VI. Government

A. US Government

1. Executive Branch

2. Legislative Branch

3. Judicial Branch

4. Diplomats

5. Military Service

B. State and Municipal Government

1. State Legislators

2. Mayors

3. Other Officials

C. Canadian Government

1. Legislative Branch

2. Executive Branch

3. Judges and Justices of Peace

D. Latin American Governments

1. Legislative Branch

2. Executive Branch

E. Czechoslovak Diplomats Assigned to America

1. United States

2. Canada

3. Latin America

F. American Diplomats Assigned to Czechoslovakia

VII. Law

A. Lawyers

1. Pioneer Attorneys

2. Contemporary Attorneys

B. Jurists, Legal Scholars

C. Judges

VIII. Medicine and Medical Science

A. Pioneer Physicians

B. Allergists

C. Anesthesiologists

D. Cardiologists

E. Chiropractors

F. Dentists

G. Dermatologists

H. Emergency Medicine Specialists

I. Environmental and Occupational Health Specialists

J. Family Physicians - General Practitioners

K. Gastroenterologists

L. Geriatrists

M. Gynecologists - Obstetricians

N. Homeopaths & Naturopaths

O. Internists

P. Neurologists - Neurosurgeons

Q. Oncologists

R. Ophthalmologists

S. Optometrists

T. Otolaryngologists

U. Pediatricians

V. Physical Medicine, Sports and Rehabilitation Specialists

W. Podiatrists

X. Psychiatrists

Y. Pulmonologists

Z. Radiologists

ZA. Rheumatologists

ZB. Surgeons

IX. Allied Health and Social Services

A. Clinical Psychologists

B. Dieticians

C. Environmental Health and Safety Scientists

D. Family and Consumer Specialists

E. Gerontologists

F. Health Management Administrators

G. Nurses

H. Physician Assistants

I. Pharmacists

J. Physical Educators

K. Physical Therapists

L. Public Health Specialists

M. Social Workers

X. Media

A. Journalists

1. Czech & Slovak Language Journalists

2. English Language Journalists

3. German-Language Journalists

4. Spanish Language Journalists

B. Radio and TV Correspondents and Hosts

C. Publishers - Editors - Printers

XI. Creative & Nonfiction Writing

A. Novelists and Essay Writers

1. Czech & Slovak Language Writers

2. English-Language Writers

3. German-Language Writers

B. Poets

C. Playwrights

D. Children’s Authors

E. Non-Fiction Authors

XII. Museum and Library Services

A. Librarians and Archivists

B. Curators and Museum Directors

XIII. Dramatic Art

A. Actresses

1. Stage Actresses

2. Screen Actresses

B. Dancers - Choreographers

C. Models

D. Beauty Contestants

E. Internet Personalities - You Tube Stars

F. Directors - Producers

G. Scenic Designers

H. Screenwriters

I. Performing Arts Educators and Historians

J. Talent Agents and Talent Scouts

XIV. Visual Arts

A. Painters

B. Illustrators

C. Graphic Designers

D. Printmakers

E. Sculptors

F. Decorative Artists - Craftsmen

G. Photographers

H. Mixed and Multi-Genre Visual Artists

I. Architects

J. Interior Designers

K. Costume and Fashion Designers

L. Art Directors

M. Art Historians

N. Art Collectors and Art Dealers

XV. Music

A. Composers

B. Conductors & Bandleaders

C. Classical Musicians

1. Pianists

2. Organists

3. Violinists

4. Cellists

5. Harpists

6. Wind Instrument Players

7. Accordionists

D. Popular, Jazz and Pop Music Performers

E. Classical Singers

F. Popular Singers and Songwriters

G. Musicologists

XVI. The Humanities

A. Archeologists

B. Historians

C. Genealogists

D. Language and Literary Scholars

1. English Language

2. Germanic Languages

3. Romance Languages

4. Slavic Languages

5. Near Eastern Languages

6. Far Eastern Languages

7. African Languages

E. Linguists

F. Philosophers

G. Theologians

XVII. Social Sciences

A. Anthropologists

B. Economists

C. Pedagogists, Education Specialists

D. Geographers and Area Specialists

E. Management and Business Administration Specialists

F. Political Scientists

G. Psychologists (Social)

H. Social Work Specialists

I. Sociologists

J. Communication Specialists

XVIII. Biological Sciences

A. Agronomists - Soil Scientists

B. Animal Scientists and Veterinarians

C. Anatomists

D. Cell Biologists

E. Biochemists

F. Molecular Biologists

G. Biophysicists

H. Botanists

I. Ecologists

J. Epidemiologists

K. Geneticists

L. Immunologists, Immunochemists

M. Microbiologists

N. Neuroscientists

O. Nutritionists

P. Historians

Q. Pharmacologists

R. Physiologists

S. Plant Scientists

T. Zoologists

XIX. Physical Sciences

A. Astronomers, Astrophysicists

B. Chemists

C. Physicists

D. Earth Scientists

E. Mathematicians

XX. Engineering

A. Chemical Engineers

B. Civil Engineers

C. Electrical and Electronic Engineers

D. Environmental Engineers

E. Mechanical Engineers

F. Nuclear Engineers

G. Computer Scientists and Engineers

XXI. Inventions

XXII. Sports

A. Basketball Players

B. Soccer Players

C. Volleyball Players

D. Tennis and Table Tennis Players

E. Golfers

F. Hockey Players

G. Speed Skaters

H. Figure Skaters

I. Skiers

J. Gymnasts

K. Acrobats and Stuntmen

L. Track & Field Athletes

M. Mountaineering

N. Swimmers

O. Water Polo Players

P. Surfers

Q. Boat Racers

R. Wrestlers

S. Sport Shooters

T. Yoga Competitors

U. Sports Team Owners & Sports Entrepreneurs

XXIII. Spouses - mostly - of Rich, Famous and Powerful

XXIV. Historiography and Reference Resources

A. General Surveys

B. Archival Materials & Library Holdings

C. Autobiographies and Memoirs

D. Genealogy - Family Trees on GENi

Abbreviations to Frequent References

Other Abbreviations and Acronyms

FOREWORD

As we reflect on the significant contributions of Americans with Czechoslovak roots, I am both proud and honored to see this important text that highlights the varied and unique accomplishments of these women with Czech and Slovak ancestry. To date, there has not been a comprehensive collection like this dedicated to the accomplishments and lasting impacts to the global society from outstanding women who are not often identified with their rich Czech and Slovak heritage. This book is unique in that it provides for the reader a broad and interprofessional perspective of the individual women who exhibited strength, intellectual savvy, determination, creativity, energy, vision, scientific inquiry, leadership, humility, defiance, sacrifice, physical agility, and political acumen.

In the book, Dr. Miloslav Rechcigl identifies strong traits, which although not specifically stated in each of the notable women recognized, are there. Czechoslovak women appear to have three very distinctive characteristics that are integrated into all of their unique individual traits noted above. The spirit of strong independence, a nature of nonconformity to what may be considered the norm, and absolute focus to accomplish whatever they set out to do, even though it may seem impossible. In his comprehensive review of the literature and in his summary of each notable woman, Dr. Rechcigl has been able to compile an outstanding collection that can be used for further study and research in the academic community. For the casual reader, this serves as an excellent reference and learning text. There is no doubt that Czech and Slovak women have contributed enormously to the world and that they will continue to do so in many significant ways in the future. An excellent example of the most recent notable woman to come to the forefront is Zuzana Čaputová, the newly elected President of the Slovak Republic. She is the first woman to be elected as President in both the Czech and Slovak Republics.

I feel it is important for the reader to know that the influence of American women with Czech and Slovak heritage will continue to grow, especially as people connect more to their cultural ancestry and begin to identify their cultural heritage. According to the 2010 census, there are approximately 1.0 million people living in the United States with Czech origin and approximately 798,000 with Slovak origin. Both countries have the largest minority living in the U.S. than any other country. As more women identify with their culture, it is safe to assume that American women with Czechoslovak roots will emerge with the same strong character of those identified here.

As a Czechoslovak woman myself, I believe that it is so important that we proudly identify with our culture and that we celebrate it every chance that we have. We should take time to examine and study our cultural ancestry and the work of our ancestors. I am always so interested in reading about 1918 and the 1920s in Czechoslovakia. As I read this history, I am so exceedingly proud that the first president of Czechoslovakia, Tomáš Masaryk, advocated for and promoted women in higher education and the professional workforce. Women were given the right to vote, alongside with men in the first equal conditions and elections in Czechoslovakia in June 1919. This was over one year before women in the U.S. were granted the right to vote in August 1920. President Masaryk also opened the door for women to enter higher education and actually become part of the professorate.

The pages that follow will, I know, provide for all those who read them with a sense of pride and enthusiasm for the notable Czechoslovak women who are, or have left, a lasting imprint on the American culture and for all in the world to benefit from. When my great grandmother immigrated to the U.S. from Tabor, then in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, she instilled in me a love of and appreciation for my culture. As I read this wonderful collection of notable Czechoslovak women, I can only think of her and what she taught me….to always work hard and be the best you can. My mother, of Moravian descent, taught me to always leave the world a better place and leave a piece of symbolic immortality behind you. I feel so fortunate to have had these outstanding women, and many more, in my life. As you search for your Czech or Slovak connection, or if you just learn about these incredible women, know that their rich culture has been the foundation for so much of what they did. In closing, I want to share two powerful quotes by one of the most outstanding Czechoslovak American women, Madeleine Korbel Albright. Her gentle spirit and powerful wisdom has, and continues to, change the world. Two of her many quotes that I think are important as you review this collection of notable women are:

I was taught to strive not because there were any guarantees of success but because the act of striving is in itself the only way to keep faith with life. (Madeleine Albright, Madam Secretary: A Memoir)

I think it is important for women to help one another. I have a saying: There is a special place in hell for women who don’t.

It is particularly important for all women to help other women, especially if we are Czechoslovak, we must help those who share our cultural heritage and our rich history and values.

A special thanks and kudos go to Dr. Miloslav Rechcigl for his tireless dedication to this project and for bringing together this wonderful collection of biographies for all to learn from, for generations to come.

Cecilia Rokusek, Ed.D., M.Sc., RDN

President and CEO

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Cedar Rapids, IA

PREFACE

I have written once that the subject of Bohemian and Czech Jews, who immigrated to America, represents terra incognita. Frankly, the same could be written about the Czechoslovak American women, be they of Czech or Slovak ancestry. The classical monographs, authored by Thomas Čapek,¹ Konštantín Čulen² and Guido Kisch,³ relating to American Czechs, Slovaks and Bohemian Jews, respectively, don’t include a single chapter devoted to women.

In this connection, Lisa A. Alzo,⁴ writing about the historical significance of Slovak immigrant women, laments about a small number of texts that have been written about Slovak immigrant women. ⁵ She has speculated that one of the reasons was the possibility that the authors did not view Slovak women as significant contributors to this country’s history. As women, they were already looked upon as a minority, but they had an additional strike against them because they were also foreigners.

Although there have been numerous bibliographies written about the American immigrants from the territory of former Czechoslovakia,⁶ to my knowledge, no specific bibliography has been devoted to the Czechoslovak American women. The same could be said about the relevant historiography publications.⁷

It is for this reason that I have decided to prepare this monograph, devoted to Notable American Women with Czechoslovak Roots, with the aim of correcting some of these shortcomings.

Even though there exist only a few general studies on the subject of Czechoslovak American women, this is, not at all, a reflection of the paucity of work done by these women, as I discovered. As demonstrated in several of my earlier essays, ⁸ American women of Czech extraction have played a significant role in the US history, starting soon after their arrival in America, To be sure, they excelled as individuals, rather than members of any particular ethnic grouping, which is not surprising, considering that women did not start organizing themselves until the end of the 19th century. Beyond that, this is also a reflection of the individuality which is so characteristic of Czech character.⁹ In fact, independent spirit and nonconforming nature has transcended the Czech American women’s personality and actions.¹⁰

In the 19th century, women rarely had careers and most professions refused entry to women. Nevertheless, as the records of the Moravian Church show, the Moravian women played an important role in the newly reestablished Unitas fratrum Bohemorum, in the 18th century already. ¹¹ In many ways, these women were ahead of the suffragist goals, by more than one hundred years. Besides working alongside their husbands, as equal partners, they were storekeepers, financial managers, missionaries and stewardesses who took care of the temporal affairs of a congregation or choir. They were members of the Church councils around the world, and in these governing bodies they participated actively in discussions and decision-making. They were also active spiritual leaders. They served as Acolytes, they were ordained as Deaconesses, Eldresses and even Presbyters. As Deaconesses and Eldresses, they led worship and preached services for their own choirs. Some of them even ordained Deaconesses and female Presbyters, a function normally reserved for Bishops. While no one knows actual numbers, probably between 100 and 150 women held administrative and spiritual offices in the Moravian settlements and central Church. Such representations in public offices were unthinkable by usual standards.¹²

In the middle of the 19th century, it was virtually impossible for women to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, architects, bankers or entrepreneurs. In those days, they did not even admit women to institutions of higher learning.¹³

Although most professional fields were closed to women through the major part of the 19th century, the area of arts and letters was open to them. This was, in part, due to the fact that this area did not require formal attendance of schools. Before the colleges and universities opened their door to them, all women in this category were necessarily self-educated or taught at home or by private tutors.¹⁴ Because of that, women haven’t entered into this profession until after 1920s. Sports competition, interestingly, was not open to women until after the Federal Title IX legislation was passed in 1972. This generalization applies to American women, as a whole, including those of Bohemian / Czech ancestry, as well as those of Slovak ancestry.

All this changed, once the colleges and universities opened their door to women. As the reader will ascertain from this monograph, they have been involved, practically, in every field of human endeavor.

This monograph is a comprehensive compendium of notable Czechoslovak American women who distinguished themselves in a particular field or area, from the time they first immigrated to America to date. Interestingly, the first systematically recorded information about the immigrant women from the territory of former Czechoslovakia, dates back to the early part of the 18th century, with the arrival of Moravian missionaries, who kept careful records on their families.¹⁵

Included are, not only, individuals born on the territory of former Czechoslovakia, but also their descendants, irrespective where they were born. This project has been approached strictly geographically, irrespective of the language or ethnicity.

The monograph has been organized by subject areas and, generally, it follows an outline used in my recent publication, American Jews with Czechoslovak Roots.¹⁶ Because of the scarcity, or better said, lack of bibliographical information, most of the monograph comprises biobibliographical information, in which area a plethora of writings exists.

As noted in one of my earlier publications, Czech women are noted for their independent spirit and nonconforming style. Beyond that, they are generally known for their charm and beauty which is the reason why Americans, preferentially, want to marry them. Generally, these marriages have left a very interesting progeny, many whom achieved greater accomplishments than their ancestors. This is why a separate section was included in the book, titled ‘Spouses of the Rich and the Famous.’ The unique information in this section should be of particular help to people interested in family history and genealogy.

One of the novelties of the publication has been the inclusion of an archival material subsection which provides information relating to family papers in various archives, and the genealogical GENi subsection, an excellent source of family trees on specific families. Both sources also provide a wealth of reliable biographical information. The third useful subsection relates to autobiographies and memoirs, including the Holocaust publications.

LISTINGS

I

PIONEERS

A. Moravian Missionaries

¹⁷

Anna Benigna Benzien (1751-1818), a daughter of Anna Maria and Christian Thomas Benzien; arrived in New York in April 1754; resided in Bethlehem.

Anna Maria Benzien (née Neisser) (1724-1783), b. Herrnhut, a daughter of Jacob and Anna Neisser; wife of Rev. Christian Thomas Benzien and later wife of Rev. Amadeus Paulinus Thrane; arrived at New York in April 1754; died at Bethlehem.

Anna Rosina Beyer (1691-1751), b. Schonbruenn, near Brieg, Silesia; arrived in New York in May 1749; later married Daniel Kliest; died in Bethlehem, PA

Anna Catherine Bischoff (née Pech) (1720-1778), b. Mocker, Upper Silesia; wife of Rev. David Bischoff; arrived in Philadelphia in June 1742; moved to Rowan Co., NC in 1756; died in Bethlehem, PA.

Elizabeth Broksch (1734-1764), b. Meffersdorf, Upper Lusatia; a daughter of Andreas and Anna Elizabeth Broksch; arrived in New York in October 1761; is buried in Bethlehem, PA.

Anna Maria Christ (née Schroller) (1703-1763), b. Moravia; wife of George Christ; arrived in Philadelphia in September 1743; settled in Bethlehem, PA and died in Nazareth, PA.

Anna Maria Demuth (née Schmidt) (1697-1761), b. Milotice (Milkendorf), Silesia; wife of Christopher Demuth; arrived in Philadelphia in November 1743; died at Nazareth, PA.

Regina Demuth (née Leupold) (1702-1784), b. Mladkov, Bohemia; a daughter of George and Elizabeth Leupold; wife of Gotthard Demuth; arrived in Savannah, GA in February 1763; after her husband’s death, she married David Tanneberger; settled in Germantown, PA.

Maria Dominick (1725-1806), b. Lower Silesia; arrived in New York in May 1749; married Gotfried Schultz in Bethlehem in 1749; after his death she married John Daniel Kunz (1752); died in Nazareth, PA.

Anna Maria Christ (née Schroller) (1703-1763), b. Moravia; wife of George Christ; arrived in Philadelphia in November 1743; settled in Bethlehem, PA and died in Nazareth, PA.

Caroline Eger (née Krsek) (1807-1878), b. Doksy, Bohemia; arrived in NYC in 1857. She was buried in Bethlehem

Rosina Gall(e) (1709-1785); b. Silesia; arrived in New York in May 1749; married Wenzel Bernhard; died in Nazareth, PA.

Julina Benedicta v. Gammern (née Mauersberg) (1717-1807), b. Panten, Silesia; widow of Rev. Abraham v. Gammern of Neusalz; arrived in New York in October 1761; resided in Bethabara, NC; later came to Bethlehem, where she died.

Rosina Haberecht (née Schneider) (?-1736), b. Moravia; wife of Gottfried Haberecht; arrived in Savannah, GA in February 1736; died at Savannah, GA

Anna Helena Haberland (née Jaehne) (1710-1787), b. Berthelsdorf; wife of Michael Haberland; arrived in New York in May 1749); died in Bethlehem, PA.

Juliana Haberland (1715-1790), b. Šenov, Moravia; a daughter of George and Anna Haberland; arrived in New York in May 1749; future wife of John F. Roemelt; died in Bethlehem, PA.

Rosina Haus (1724-1774), b. Suchdol, Moravia; a daughter of Michael and Rosina Hans; arrived in New York in May 1749; married Paul Frisch and later Matthew Kremser; died in New Herrnhut, St. Thomas.

Anna Maria Heckewelder (1745-1770), b. Bedford, England, of Moravian ancestry; a daughter of Rev. David and Christina Heckewelder; arrived in in New York in April 1754; settled in Bethlehem, PA.

Anna Maria Hehl (née Jaehne) (1716-1777); b. Berthelsdorf, Upper Lusatia, of Moravian ancestry; wife of Bishop Matthew Hehl; died in Lititz.

Judith Hikel (née Muenster) (?—?), b. Suchdol, Moravia; a daughter of David and Anna Muenster; a widow of Andreas Hikel; arrived in New York in December 1746; died at Barbados.

Marie Hirte (1710-1767), b. Roesnitz, Silesia; wife of John Tobias Hirte; arrived in Philadelphia in November 1743; died in Bethlehem, PA.

Juliana Jaeschke (1724-1766), b. Žilina, Moravia, daughter of Christian Jaeschke; arrived in Savannah, GA in February 1736; future wife of George Waschke; settled in Germantown, PA

Rosina Kern (1763-1792), b. Ebersdorf, Upper Lusatia; arrived in New York in May 1749; married the organ builder David Tanneberger; resided and died in Lititz, PA

Rosina Krause (née Schindler) (1719-?), b. Suchdol, Moravia; wife of Samuel Krause; arrived in New York in May 1749; as settled in Nazareth, PA.

Judith Kuntz (née Holaschke) (1740-1749), b. Žilina, Moravia; a daughter of Michael Holaschke; arrived in New York in December 1741 and then moved to Philadelphia; she was married to Melchior Kuntz who died in 1740; after his death, she married Abraham Meinung; in 1746 she went with her husband to St. Thomas as missionaries, where her husband died in 1749; in 1751, she returned to Pennsylvania; in 1753, she left for Europe and died in Herrnhut.

Anna Maria Lawatsch (née Demuth) (1712-1760), b. Karlov, Bohemia; a daughter of Tobias and Rosina Demuth; wife of Andreas Anton Lawatsch; arrived in New York in May 1749.

Bio: Anna Maria Lawatsch, in: Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 30.

Anna Liebisch (1724-1744), b. Suchdol, Moravia; a daughter of Martin and Anna Liebisch; arrived in Philadelphia in September 1742; future wife of Rev. Anton Seyffert; returned to Europe

Anna Liebisch (née Schneider) (1703-1770), b. Suchdol, Moravia; wife of Martin Liebisch; arrived in Philadelphia in September 1742; died in Bethlehem, PA.

Rosina Michler (née Schneider) (1715-1755), b. Suchdol, Moravia; a daughter of David and Catherine Schneider; wife of John Wolfgang Michler; arrived in New York in November 1743; settled in Pennsylvania

(Anna) Johanna Rosina Miksch (née Kuhn) (1717-1792); b. Goerlitz, Upper Lusatia; arrived in Philadelphia in June 1742; died in Nazareth, PA.

Maria Rosina Moeller (née Dietrich) (1722-1808), b. Torpisch (Dorpitz), Silesia; wife of John Henry Moeller; arrived in New York in November 1743; settled in Bethlehem, PA.

Anna Muenster (née Kremser) (1718-1779), b. Roesnitz, Upper Silesia; a Deaconess; wife of Rev. Paul Muenster; arrived in New York in October 1761.

Rosina Muenster (née Nitschmann) (1706-1791), b. Suchdol, Moravia; a daughter of George Nitschmann; wife of Johannes Muenster; arrived in New York in November 1743; settled in Pennsylvania

Anna Rosina Neisser (née Hauff) (1723-1797), b. Burkau, Upper Lusatia; wife of Rev. Joseph Neisser; arrived in Philadelphia, PA in November1761.

Rosina Neubert (née Hauer) (1715-1780), b. Kunín, Moravia; a daughter of Tobias Hauer; wife of Daniel Neubert; arrived in Philadelphia in September 1742; settled in Bethlehem, PA.

Anna Marie Nitsche (1723-1801), b. Trutnov, Silesia; arrived in New York in May 1749; future wife of J. Godfrey Engle (died in 1756); she later became wife of Rev. Frederick Peter; she died in Bethlehem, PA.

Anna Caritas Nitschmann (1715-1750), b. Kunín, Moravia; daughter of David and Anna Nitschmann; arrived in Savannah, GE in February 1736; in 1760 she married Count N. L. Zinzendorf

Anna Dorothea Nitschmann (1743-1803); a daughter of Bishop John Nitschmann; arrived in New York in October 1761; died in Bethlehem, PA.

Juliana Nitschmann (née Haberland) (1712-1751), b. Šenov, Moravia; a daughter of Michael and Juliana Haberland; she arrived in New York in May 1749; future wife of Bishop Johann Nitschmann; she died in Bethlehem, PA.

Rosina ‘Phoebe’ Nitschmann (née Schindler) (1726-1753), b. Suchdol, Moravia; a daughter of Thomas Schindler; wife of Bishop David Nitschmann; arrived in Philadelphia in December 1741; died at Herrnhag.

Rosina Nitschmann (née Fischer) (1714-1772), b. Kunín, Moravia; wife of David Nitschmann, the ‘Syndic’; arrived in Philadelphia in November 1765.

Susan Nixdorf (née Korn) (1708-1800), b. Frankenstein, Silesia; wife of John George Nixdorf; arrived in New York in November 1749; resided in Bethlehem, PA, where she died and is buried.

Elizabeth Oertel (?-?) b. Potewalde, Moravia; arrived in New York in May 1749; future wife of John Schneider.

Maria Elizabeth Opitz (1719-1790), b. Milotice (Milkendorf), Upper Silesia; arrived in New York in May 1749; future wife of George Pitschmann; died in Bethlehem, PA

Rosina Pfahl (née Hikel) (-1765), b. Kunín, Moravia; a daughter of George and Rosina Hikel; widow of …Pfahl; arrived in New York in May 1752; resided at Bethlehem where she married David Wahnert (1753); she died in Herrnhut, Lusatia (1765).

Cathariene Riedel (1703-1798), b. Životice, Moravia; daughter of Matthaus Pudmenský; wife of Frederick Riedel; arrived in Savannah, GA in February 1736; after her husband’s death she married Peter Rosa; after he died, she became wife of Johann Michael Huber

Anna Maria Roth (1725-1810), b. Lovsice (Loswitz), near Bunzlau, Silesia; arrived in New York in May 1749; married George Gold; died in Nazareth, PA.

Rosina Schulius (1730-1767), b. Suchdol, Moravia; a daughter of Martin and Anna Schulius; arrived in New York in May 1749; future wife of Matthew Kremser.

Magdalena Schwartz (1717-1777), b. Neukirch, Upper Lusatia; arrived in New York in May 1749; future wife of Peter Mordick; died in Gnadenthal, PA.

Anna Seidel (1722-1767), b. Laubau, Silesia, of Bohemian parents; sister of Nathaniel Seidel; an Acolyte; arrived in New York in October 1761; is buried in Bethlehem, PA.

Anna Johanna Seidel (née Piesch) (1726-1788), b. of Moravian ancestry; a daughter of George and Rosina Piesch; an Acolyte; wife of Bishop Nathaniel Seidel; arrived in New York in October 1761; resided in Bethlehem, PA and died in Nazareth, PA.

Eleanora Elizabeth v. Seidlitz (1724-1789), b. Rackau, near Breslau, Silesia; a daughter of Jooachim Frederick v. Seidlitz; arrived in in New York in October1761; appointed Superintendent of the unmarried women in Bethlehem (1763-1781); is buried in Bethlehem, PA.

Anna Catherine Senseman (née Ludwig) (1717-1754), b. Lichtenwarn, Upper Silesia; wife of Joachim Senseman; arrived in Philadelphia in June 1742; missionary among Mohican Indians, Shecomeco, NY; later at Pachgatoch, CT; died martyr’s death at Gnadenhutten on the Mahoning, PA, 1755 in the hands of the Indians.

Rosina Stach (née Stach) (1691-1775), b. Moravia; wife of Matthew Stach; arrived in New York in May 1749. In 1772, she married widower Christian Stach.

Anna Rosina Stoll (née Rohleder) (1727-?), b. Suchdol, Moravia; wife of John Stoll; arrived in New York in May 1749.

Susan Till (?-?), a daughter of Jacob Till; arrived in New York in September 1753.

Rebecca Till (?-?), a daughter of Jacob Till; arrived in New York in September 1753.

Judith Toeltschig (née Haberland) (1707-1777), b. Šenov, Moravia; a daughter of Michael and Juliana Haberland; wife of John Toeltschig; arrived in Savannah, GA in February 1736; returned to Europe (1740); died in Herrnhut.

Dorothea Uhlmann (1726-1755), b. Suchdol, Moravia; arrived in New York in May 1749; future wife of John L. Gattermeyer.

Anna Waschke, b. Kunín, Moravia; mother of George Waschke; arrived in Savannah, GA in February 1736; settled in Germantown, PA (1738); died at the ‘Bethel’ near Germantown, at the advanced age.

Henrietta Benigna v. Zinzendorf (1725-1789), b. Berthelsdorf, Lusatia; daughter of Count N. L. and Erdmutha Dorothea (Reuss) Zinzendorf; after her mother, she was of Bohemian ancestry; arrived in New York in December 1741 and then moved to Philadelphia; future wife of Bishop Johannes v. Watteville.

Anna Dorothea Zeisberger (née Boem) (1750-1758), b. Kunín, Moravia; second wife of George Zeisberger, arrived in New York in November 1743; settled in Pennsylvania and died in Nazareth, PA.

Rosina Zeisberger (née Schneider) (?-1746), b. Moravia; wife of David Zeisberger; arrived in Savannah, GA in February 1736; settled in Bethlehem, PA, where she died.

B. Forty-Eighters

Fredericka Dembitz (1826-1901), b. Poland, of Bohemian mother; future wife of Adolph Brandeis, and mother of Louis D. Brandeis

Bio: Brandeis, Frederika Dembitz, Reminiscences of Frederika Dembitz Brandeis. The Author, 1943; Fredericka Dembitz Brandeis, in: Find A Grave. See - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64948070/fredericka-brandeis

Regina Goldmark (née Wehle) (1835-1924), b. Prague, Bohemia, in US s. 1849; wife of Dr. Joseph J. Goldmark; mother of Alice Goldmark Brandeis, the wife of Justice Louis D. Brandeis.

Bio: Regina Wehle Goldmark, in: Find A Grave. See - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/24615428/regina-goldmark

C. Other Pioneers

Frances Sedlacek (later known as Fannie Quigley) (1870-1944), b. Wahoo, NE, of Czech immigrant parents, in 1897, at the age of twenty-seven, followed the stampede to the Klondike, AL. There she developed the knack of being the first on the scene of a new gold strike. She hiked in dragging her sled laden with a tent, Yukon stove, and supplies, and hanging out her shingle for Meals. Far from Dawson, her efforts earned top dollar and her nickname, Fannie the Hike. She also had her own free miner’s certificate. Fannie staked a claim in August 1900 on a stampede to Clear Creek, a tributary of the Stewart River, 125 miles from Dawson, where she must have also met the dapper Angus McKenzie. They were married on October 1, 1900, just a few days after her return to Dawson. In January 1903, Fannie left Angus and the Klondike and set off on an 800 mile hike down the Yukon to Rampart. From Rampart she followed the stampede to the Tanana and was soon in the town of Chena. In August 1906, Fannie struck out for the new Kantishna diggings, recently discovered by Joe Quigley, and others. It was the beginning of Fannie’s pursuit of mining, and her hopes for a profit from her years of effort. She staked her share of mining claims, and mined them, and although she never shot an animal until she arrived in Kantishna, her prowess as a hunter became legendary throughout the Alaskan territory. She swore, used foul and gruff language, and wore rough men’s clothing. Her drinking habits were legendary. Unable and unwilling to adapt to civilization, she preferred the life in the open. She was there to greet Bradford Washburn when he descended from his successful summit climb on Denali in 1942, just as she had greeted the successful Denali climbing party of Hudson Stuck thirty years before. She died alone in her cabin in the summer of 1944.

Bio: "Fannie Quigley (nee Frances Sedlacek), in: Encyclopedia., Vol. 1, p. 5; Frances Sedlacek, in: Beyond the Sea of Beer, pp. 324-325.

II

LEADERSHIP

A. Public Affairs Leaders

Božena Buchta, b. Stamford, CT, of Slovak ancestry; Financial secretary of the Evangelical Slovak Women’s Union and President of the ‘Slovak Priadky.’ For her activities in the liberation movement she received the revolutionary medal from the Czechoslovak Republic. She resided in Chicago.

Bio: Božena Buchta, in: Droba, pp 213-214.

Mary Ann Doucette (née Háčková), president of the Canadian Slovak League

Milada Ferjenčíková (1916-1982), b. Prague, Bohemia, was one of the founders and longtime President of the Czechoslovak National Council of Women in Exile, which office she held for 25 years.

Bio: Milada Ferjenčíková, in: Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 54; Ferjenčíková, Milada, in: Pejskar, Vol. 2

Andĕla Jírová-Kozáková (1897-1986), b. Humpolec, Czech.; lawyer, notary. She was the first woman in Czechoslovakia who received a law doctorate and also the first woman in Europe to be named Notary. In the thirties, she was elected VC of the International Federation of University-Educated Women. After 1945, she was elected VP of the Headquarters of the Czechoslovak Lawyers. As a defender of law, she was hated by the communists and, in 1948, her notary license was revoked. She and her husband then became subject to legal proceedings, which forced them to escape and settle in Paris, where she became president of the Czechoslovak National Council of Women in Exile. In 1949, she and her husband immigrated to Canada and worked for the Czechoslovak Section of BBC in Montreal. In 1951, they moved to Washington, DC where she used her position in the Czechoslovak National Council of Women in Exile to inform public about the situation in Czechoslovakia. She also aided the Czechoslovak refugees and carried scholarly research in law.

Bio: Andĕla Kozáková-Jírova, in: Wikipedie. See - https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Anděla_Kozáková-Jírová;

Helena Koželuhová-Procházková (1907-1967), b. Brno, Czech; Czechoslovak lawyer and politician, a formidable opponent of the communist regime. In 1948, she escaped, with her husband Dr. Adolf Procházka, to the West, settling in London. She soon parted from her husband and moved to France where she became active in in Czechoslovak exile movements. She became head of the Czechoslovak Women in Exile and became an active member of the Czechoslovak Council of Free Czechoslovakia. In 1950, she moved to Germany, where she worked as a translator and collaborator of Radio Free Europe. The last years of her life, she spent in the US, where she worked a teacher of German and French at Dean Junior College, Franklin, nr Boston.

Bio: Helena Koželuhová, in: Wikipedie. See - https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helena_ Koželuhová.

Marie Frances (Jirásek) Kuchyňka (1855-1937), b. Philadelphia, PA, of Czech parents, moved to Chicago with her parents when she was 4 years old. She founded the Czech-American Women’s Central Union (Ústřední Jednota Česko-Amerických Žen), desirous to create such a body in which the ideals of the Czech and American nations would be molded into a harmonious whole, inspiring its women members towards a higher form of patriotism. It was created in 1907 and was composed of 17 lodges. During her life she was a member of twenty one different organizations, including the Bohemian Ladies Union and the Czech Sisters’ Benefit Union.

Bio: Marie Frances (Jirásek) Kuchyňka, in: Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 55; Kuchyňka, Marie Frances, in: Panorama, p. 233; Marie F. Kuchynka, in" Find A Grave. See - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/91734396/marie-f-kuchynka; Kuchynka, Marie Frances, in: Droba, p. 204.

Louise Osius (née Zábranská) (1897-1986), b. Strakonice, Bohemia; in US s. 1922; owner of a beauty salon in Florida. She was active in the fight against Hitler’s Nazism and in 1939 became organizer of the Florida Branch of the Czech and American National Alliance and served as its honorary president and active vice president. During the World War II, she remained actively engaged in the war effort and invited the Czechoslovak air force units in England on recuperation leave, to visit her family in Florida to rest and gain new strength. She was also director and instructor of Sivananda Vedanta yoga.

Bio: Osius, Louise, in: Panorama, p. 255; My Yoga, My Life, in: Intuitive Value. See - http://intuitivevalue-elizabeth.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-yoga-my-life.html

Eduarda Ottová (née Jarošová) (1931-2010), b. Prague, Czech. She was sentenced by communists for 10 years of jail. After her release in 1961, she got married, and, in 1966, succeeded crossing border and immigrated to Canada. She inspired the establishment of the organization of the former political prisoners, titled Club K-231 in exile, of which she was elected the head. She was awarded a meritorious medal by President Havel.

Bio: Eduarda Ottová, in: Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 55

Anna (Papíková) Štolfová (1853-1941), b. Mšeno, near Mělník, Bohemia, lived in the US since 1867. She was publicly active since she was sixteen. She started as an amateur actress and later got involved in a number of women’s organizations. She became president of the ‘Velkovýbor Jednoty Českých Dam’ of the State of Illinois, apart from other offices she held in this organization. In addition, she was also active in the Czech Sisters’ Benefit Union. In 1915 she became active in the women’s movement to free the Czech nation from the Austrian rule. She represented the Central Council of the Bohemian Ladies Union,of which she was secretary, in the National Bohemian Alliance, the organization for which she served beyond her 75th years of life.

Bio: Anna (Papíková) Štolfová, in: Encyclopedia, Vol 1, p. 64, 69; Anna Papik Stolfa, in: Find A Grave. See - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/142204709/anna-stolfa

Vlasta Adele Vraz (1902-1989), b. Chicago, a daughter of E. Stanko Vráz, was active on the Czechoslovak National Council (s. 1956), first as organizer, editor and public relations person. From 1962 to 1970 she served as president. During the war she was a co-founder of the Czechoslovak Red Cross and in 1945 was sent to Prague by American Relief for Czechoslovakia, serving as director from 1946 to 1949.

Bio: Vlasta Adele Vraz," in: Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 57; Vlasta Adele Vraz, in: Panorama, p. 307; Vlasta Vraz, in: Wikipedia. See - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlasta_Vraz; Vlasta Adele Vraz, 89, Czechoslovak Activist, Chicago Tribune, August 24, 1989; Vlasta Vraz, in: SVU Directory 8

B. US Party Political Leaders

Albina Rose Čermák (1904-1978), b. Cleveland, Ohio, of Czech ancestry, was apparently one of the few women who became politically active in the early and mid-20th century. She was a lifelong Republican and the first woman to run for mayor of Cleveland. She dropped out of nursing school to become bookkeeper-secretary-buyer in the family Čermák Dry Goods Co. In 1933 she became a bookkeeper for the city public utilities department and within two years, was supervisor. Active as a Republican precinct committeewoman from 1925-53, Čermák served as vice-chairman and secretary of the Cuyahoga County Republican Central & Executive Committee and chairman of the Republican Women’s Organization of Cuyahoga County from 1939-53. From 1946-53 she was a member of the Board of Elections and was a delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 1940, 1944, and 1952. In 1953, Čermák resigned from many offices to become US collector of customs, stepping down to run against Anthony Celebrezze in 1961 as the first woman to run for Mayor. She predicted that Celebrezze, if elected, would abandon Cleveland for a cabinet post. As expected, she lost, while Celebrezze became secretary of HEW in 1962. Čermák was rewarded for party loyalty with choice and historic appointments. She was the first woman appointed bailiff to the common pleas court in 1964. In 1965, State Auditor Roger Cloud selected her as an administrative specialist, while Governor James Rhodes named her vice-chairwoman of the Ohio Status of Women Committee in 1966. Single by choice, she was considered among Cleveland’s top career women and was a sought-after speaker.

Bio: Albina Rose Cermak, in: Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 363; Cermak, Albina, in: Encyclopedia of Cleveland History. See - https://case.edu/ech/articles/c/cermak-albina; Deinhart, Mari, Albina R. Cermak. She Brought Her Hat to the 1961 Mayoral Bid, in: Cleveland Historical. See - https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/681

Jean Ann Milko (1934-), b. Braddock Hill, PA, of Slovak descent; vice chair of Allegheny County Democratic Party, PA; delegate to the Democratic National Convention from PA (1972, 2000, and 2008) ; member of the Democratic National Committee from PA (2004).

Bio: Milko, Jean Ann, in: Who’s Who in American Politics, 7; Jean Milko, in: Wikipedia. See - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Milko

Mildred Otenášek (19l4-2012), b. Baltimore, Maryland, of Czech ancestry, an economist, was also a politician. Her name had been synonymous with Women in Democratic politics in Maryland for over 30 years, ever since her selection in 1948 as vice-chairman of the Maryland Democratic Central Committee. For over 20 years, she had served as Democratic National Committeewoman for Maryland, a position she assumed in 1956. She had been a delegate to the five Democratic National Conventions (s. 1968) and a number of committees for these conventions. She was also president of the Central Democratic Club of Maryland (1955-57).

Bio: Mildred Otenášek, in: Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 368; Vol. 2, p. 1314; Obituary for Mildred Otenasek, 98, professor, mentor, Baltimore Sun, November 25, 2012; Otenasek, Mildred M., in: Catholic Who’s Who 1960-61, p. 365.; Putzel, Constance, Mildred Otenasek, in: Notable Maryland Women. Cambridge, MA: Tidewater Publishers, 1977, pp. 262-266; Dr. Mildred ‘Millie’ Busick Otenasek, in: Find A Grave. See - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/101098211/mildred-otenasek;

Rose L. Gerak Tenesy (1890-1992), b. Cleveland, OH, of Slovak descent; first woman ward leader for the Cuyahoga Co. Democratic Party (1920-40)

Bio: Tenesy, Rose L. Gerak, in: Encyclopedia of Cleveland History. See - https://case.edu/ech/articles/t/tenesy-rose-l-gerak

C. Cultural Leaders

Mary H. Babnič (1923-2008), b. Youngstown, OH, of Slovak descent; was trained as a nurse. She was a past-president of the Catholic Nurses of Youngstown, the Youngstown Hospital Alumni Association and the Ohio State Nurse Anesthetist Association. served in the U.S. Army Air Corp of Nurses from 1946 to 1953. In 1950, she was certified as an anesthetist by the Grace School of Anesthesiology in Detroit, Mich., and in 1961, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Youngstown State University. She was employed as a Nurse Anesthetist for the Youngstown Hospital Association for 38 years, retiring in 1987. She was also very active in the Youngstown Slovak community.

Bio: Mary H. Babnic," in: Find A Grave,. See - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/164620757/mary-h_-babnic.

Ruth Davis (née Hochwald) (1938-), b. Brno, Moravia, as a refugee, was brought to England in 1939. She studied English literature at Somerville Coll., Oxford (M.A., 1961). She started her career as journalist, Yorkshire, England and then served as a correspondent for The Yorkshire Post in France (1966-68). She has lived in Jamaica, Queens, NY since 1969. She has been an activist, working for civil rights and disability rights. She served as an assistant editor for Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind (2002-07). She founded ‘Czechoslovak Jewish Communities Archive’ to tape-record memories of vanished Jewish communities in Czechoslovakia. She edited and published Phoenix, Journal of Czech and Slovak Jewish family and community history. She has done research on topics of nonviolent change and human rights in the Czech Jewish past from the 17th century to the post-Holocaust period.

Bio: Ruth Davis, in: Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 73; Davis, Ruth, in: SVU Directory 8

Margaret (Shavrnoch) Dvorsky (1933-after 2014), b. Montreal, Que., Canada, of Slovak parents; self-educated; pillar of Canadian Slovak community. Founder and President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Slovak Cultural Centre Inc., organizing such programs as Slovak Language classes, folk dance, traditional and civic celebrations, fundraising etc., all that would help develop the Centre and benefit the Community. In 1966 she initiated and coordinated the First National Slovak Festival, with participants from across Canada. In 1969, she was appointed by the Quebec Ethnic Folk Art Council as a Curator of the Ethnic Mosaic Pavilion at Man & His World for 1 year, and subsequently for 2 years as Curator of the 20 Nations 20 Cultures pavilion. In addition she organized performances by Lipa Canadian Slovak Folk Ensemble, at Place de Nations, and the Bandshell on Isle Ste. Helene. Fluent in three languages, as MC for these programs, she introduced and promoted the Identity and history of Slovakia, and the existence of the Slovak Community in Quebec and Canada.

Bio: Rest in Peace, Margie Dvorsky, in: Kanadský Slovak. See - https://www.kanadskyslovak.ca/index.php/toronto/events-in-toronto/816-rest-in-peace-margie-dvorsky

Loretta Ekoniak (1953-) b. Youngstown, OH, Slovak descent; was trained as a medical technologist. She has served as president, American Slovak Cultural Association of the Mahoning Valley, Youngstown, Ohio Area (s. 2005). She is a co-author of Slovaks of the Greater Mahoning Valley (2011).

Bio: Loretta Ekoniak, in: LinkedIn. See - https://www.linkedin.com/in/loretta-ekoniak-a3563726/

Karla Hartl (1953-), b. Strakonice, Czech., studied psychology at Charles Univ. (Mgr., 1977) and applied psychology at Univ. of Toronto (M.Edu., 1994). She has been employed as a cultural consultant at the Department of Canadian Heritage, Toronto. Her interests are in community development and community mental health. She has been founding director and chair of Kaprálová Society, a music organization based in Canada. She has also served as chief editor of the Kapralova Society Journal. Her articles on Kaprálová have appeared in Tempo, VivaVoce, Journal of the International Alliance for Women in Music, Czech Music Quarterly, Czech Music: Journal of the Dvořák Society for Czech and Slovak Music, and the Kapralova Society Journal.

Bio: Karla Hartl, in: Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 74; Karla Hartl, in: The Kapralova Society. See - http://www.kapralova.org/karlahartl.htm; Karl Hartl, in: Research Gate. See - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Karla_Hartl; Karla Hartl, in: Government of Canada. See - See - http://www.goc411.ca/en/35811/Karla-Hartl

Anna Heyberger (1874-1952), b. Bohemia, as a teacher, stimulated the interests of her students in the language, history and culture of the Czech people. She also acted as a faculty advisor to and sponsor of the Komensky Club. During and following World War I, the Club sponsored many benefit concerts and other fund raising projects in support of a health camp for sick Czech war orphans at Černovice near Tábor. Dr. Heyberger personally helped establish the health camp while she was in Czechoslovakia in 1919. She worked closely with her friend, Dr. Alice Masaryk, who was the first President of the Czechoslovak Red Cross.

Bio: Anna Heyberger, in: Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 74; Anna Heyberger, in: Library Thing. See - https://www.librarything.com/author/heybergeranna

Kytka Hilmar-Jezek (née Květoslava Hilmarová (1964-), b. Prague, Czech Republic, holds a Dr. of Naturopathy from Clayton College and an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Religion from ULC. She is a descendant of František Matěj Hilmar, the Czech composer who is credited with composing the first polka. She was one of the founding parents at Three Cedars Waldorf School where she sat on the Advisory Board and as Trustee in addition to co-arranging a match grant program between Bill Gates, Microsoft and the school. For 20 years she assisted homeschooling families in Waldorf Education by writing and providing curriculum for W.I.S.H. (Waldorf Inspired Students at Home), The Waldorf Community Exchange and Waldorf Homeschoolers. She has been honored in the Alternative Education Hall of Fame since 1996 for her work on natural parenting and for children. Kytka has authored over 25+ books about natural parenting, alternative medicine for children, reiki, homeschooling and Waldorf education. In addition, she has ghostwritten over 75 books for business professionals and entrepreneurs. She speaks at conferences, teaches writing and self-publishing workshops. She is the Executive Publisher at Distinct Press where she is actively recruiting and publishing Czech and Slovak writers in the United States. She is the Executive editor and board member at The Czech North American Chamber of Commerce & Culture Inc. Passionate about her Czech roots, Kytka co-founded and co-created TresBohemes.com with her daughters, a site where they share information about the culture, heritage, traditions, history, and society of the Czech Republic.

Bio: Kytka Hilmar-Jezek, in: her official Website. See - http://www.kytka.us/; Kytka Hilmar-Jezek, in: reedsy. See - https://reedsy.com/kytka-hilmar-jezek; Kytka Hilmar-Jezek, in: goodreads. See - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/630763.Kytka_Hilmar_Jezek; Kytka Hilmar-Jezek," in: amazon.com. See- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kytka-Hilmar-Jezek/e/B004LY9WFK

Martha (Hahn) Joseph (1917-2006), b. Cleveland, of Bohemian ancestry on her mother’s side; a cultural leader of the Greater Cleveland cultural community for more than a half century. In addition to ultimately serving as president of practically every arts organization with which she became involved, Joseph helped to create two new cultural enterprises that have nurtured the artistic impulse here and abroad: the Cleveland Arts Prize and the Cleveland International Piano Competition. She provided dedicated and able leadership to both of these endeavors long past their growing years, serving as chairperson of the Cleveland Arts Prize, for example, for 30 straight years. Educated at the Sorbonne and the University of Dijon, Joseph decided, as a young girl, growing up in Cleveland, that music and the other arts must be at the center of her life.

Bio: Martha (Hahn) Joseph, in: Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 76; Martha Joseph Society, in: Cleveland International Piano Competition. See - https://www.clevelandpiano.org/support-cipc/martha-joseph-society/; Martha J. Joseph, 1917-2006), in: Cleveland Arts Price. See - http://clevelandartsprize.org/awardees/martha_joseph.html ; Martha Joseph was patron of the arts, Cleveland Jewish News, June 22, 2006;

Margaret A. Kluka (1908-2001), b. Benwood, WV, of Slovak descent; organized the Barberton Slovak Chorus in 1967 and recorded an album Songs of Slovakia. She was secretary and Junior Eldress of the Children’s Branch 166 of the Slovak Catholic Sokol. She founded the Slovak Heritage Society of Northeast Ohio in 1980 and organized the annual Christmas Eve supper in Barberton, Ohio.

Bio: Margaret Ann Skvarka Kluka, in: Find A. Grave. See -https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/97739109/margaret-ann-kluka.

Wilma Wilhelmine Lőwenbach (née Zucker) (1891-1975), b. Strakonice, Bohemia; wife of the copyright attorney, music critic and promoter of Czech music at home and abroad, Dr. Jan Lőwenbach. In February 1939, with the threat of a Nazi occupation of Prague looming, Vilma and Jan left their home in Prague and after spending some time in England and Cuba, moved to New York City. After the war, they returned to Prague but when the communists took over in 1948, they left Czechoslovakia for good and moved back to New York City. Apart from being and indispensable collaborator of her husband in music, she was a social and cultural activist. While still in Prague, she was active on the working committee of the Czechoslovak YMCA, the Czechoslovak Red Cross and the Saldo Committee, which Jan had founded to organize help for anti-Nazi German intellectual refugees. In the United States, Vilma was a member of the Czech Women’s Society; the America Czech National Council and the League of Women’s voters.

Bio: Wilma Wilhelmine Lőwenbach, in: GENi. See - https://www.geni.com/people/Vilma-Wilhelmine-L%C3%B6wenbach/1776995

Klaudia Mika, b. Chicago, of Slovak ancestry; She received the Bachelor’s degree in music from de Paul University in 1930. She taught music at the Mlecko studio and the Mendelssohn Conservatory of Music. An active member of Club Furdek, Association of Slovak Catholic Singing Societies, American Legion Chorus, Catholic Irish Chorus, the St. Joseph Chorus, the First Slovak Catholic Central Union, the Slovak Political club and a member of the chorus of the Choral Directors Guild. She resided in Chicago.

Bio: Mika, Klaudia, in: Droba, p. 225.

Susan J. Summers (née Gubany) (1944-2014), b. Youngstown, OH, of Slovak ancestry, was a member of the Christ the Good Shepherd Parish at St. John Catholic Church and the Slovak Cultural Society. Also, she was involved in restoring Pioneer Methodist Cemetery and active in the Campbell Bicentennial Celebration. One of her most valuable contributions to the area was being co-author of the book Slovaks of the Greater Mahoning Valley that followed the lives of Slovak immigrants to this area.

Bio: Susan J. Summer, The Vindicator, September 17-18, 2014. See - http://www.vindy.com/news/tributes/2014/sep/17/susan-j-summer/

Friderike Maria (Winternitz) Zweig (1882-1971), b. Vienna, of Bohemian ancestry, was a writer. She was a founder of Writers’ Service Center, New York and Am.-Eur. Friendship Assn. for aid to émigrés.

Bio: Friderike Maria (Winternitz) Zweig, in: Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 87; Friderike Maria Zweig, in: Wikipedia. See - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friderike_Maria_Zweig; Zweig, Friderike Maria (1882-1971), in: Kalliope-Verbund. See - http://kalliope-verbund.info/de/eac?eac.id=118637460 ; Friderike Maria Zweig, in: Wien Geschichte Wiki. See - https://www.geschichtewiki.wien.gv.at/Friderike_Maria_Zweig ; Zweig, Friderike Maria," in: Deutsche Biographie. See - https://www.deutsche-biographie.de/pnd118637460.html; Friderike Maria Zweig, in: eAnswers.net. See - https://wiki.eanswers.net/de/Friderike_Maria_Zweig

D. Fraternal Workers and Clubwomen

Mary Barker (ca 1944-), b. Pawnee, NE, of Czech ancestry; daughter of Arnold and Velma (Blecha) Chauza. She went to East Star School and graduated from Pawnee City High School. She is a past president of the Pawnee County Promotional Network; organizer and past president of the DuBois Community Club; secretary of the ZCBJ Lodge, Jan Kollar #101, since 1987; 1998 WFLA Fraternalist of the Year; organizer, together with her husband, Norman, of the restoration of the Jan Kollar Lodge Hall, which was awarded the prestigious Otto Hoiberg Award, Nebraska Community Improvement Program 1989; community leader, developer and volunteer; recognized locally for her Czech cooking.

Bio: Mary Barker, in: Nebraska SVU. See - https://www.unl.edu/nebraskasvu/biograp

Sidonia Cyd Bettelheim (1866-1952), b. Hungary, of Slovak ancestry; was for several years resident directress of Emanu-El Sisterhood in New York. She also had been first directress of the Settlement and Recreation Rooms on Orchard Street founded by the Council of Jewish Women. Cyd and her younger sister Eva (09/ 21/ 1876- May 2, 1943) founded Tripp Lake camp, a summer camp, for Jewish girls located in Poland, Maine.

Bio: Bettelheim, Cyd, The American Jewish Yearbook 7 (1905-1906), p. 43; Cyd Bettelheim, in: Find A Grave. See - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/69435761/cyd-bettelheim

Anna Drienska (1865-), b. Brezová, Slovakia; president of the Supreme Court of ‘Živena’ (s. 1933), president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Slovak Charitable Association. She resided in Chicago.

Bio: Drienska, Anna, in: Droba, p. 214.

Marie Johanna (Punčochář) Filip (1890-d.), b. Chicago, IL, of Czech immigrant parents; s graduate of the Chicago Business College. She became financial secretary of the Supreme Lodge of the Bohemian Ladies Union (JČD). Besides that she served as recording secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois and auditor, recording secretary, financial secretary and president of Chapter Tetin No. 105 of the same organization. She also served as president of the first convention of the Czech Sisters’ Benefit Union (ČSPJ) and was secretary and president of the finance committee, Lodge 37. For nine years she held the office of treasurer of the Royal Neighbors of America. She represented JČD and ČSPJ in the Bohemian National Alliance and was a member of the Czech American Women’s Central Union and of the Rebekahs. During World War I she served as a Red Cross nurse.

Bio: Marie Johanna (Punčochář) Filip, in: Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 60; Filip, Marie Johanna, in: Droba, p. 194.

Anna F. (Kakuška) Fučík (1854-1940), b. Chicago, IL, of Czech parentage, was a charter member of one of the first lodges of Bohemian Ladies Union (JČD). She was also a treasurer of Sarah Rebekah Lodge No. 98 of the Odd Fellow Order (1970), charter member of ‘Vlast’ Rebekah Lodge No. 165, I.O.I.F. and was the first Czech woman who was awarded the ‘Decoration of Chivalry’ in 1900. She was the first Czech woman representing her Lodge at the Illinois Grand Lodge for 23 years in succession, was for nine years instructor of Grand Lodge, 35 years as deputy of her lodge. She contributed substantial funds to orphanages at Lisle and in Chicago.

Bio: Anna F. (Kakuška) Fučík, in: Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, pp 60-61; Fucik, Anna F., in: Droba, p. 195.

Marie Terezie (Nedvědová) Hora (1873-1965), b. Světnov. Bohemia, immigrated with her parents to the US in 1886, settling in Chicago. She was secretary, Supreme Lodge of the Unity of Bohemian Ladies (Jednota Českých Dam - JČD), president, Grand Lodge, Czech-American Women’s Central Union (Ústřední Jednota Česko-Amerických Žen - UJČAŽ), and president of Česká Sesterská Podpůrná Jednota.

Bio: Marie Terezie (Nedvědová) Hora, in: Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 61; Hora, Marie Terezie, in: Droba, p. 196.

Maria Hrabina (1896-d.), b. Jesenia, Slovakia; in US s. 1910. An active participant in the Slovak and other women’s organizations. She was Secretary of the Slovak Catholic Women’s Sokol Union, No. 152; Treasurer and Director of the Slovak Catholic Charitable Association, Secretary of the Slovak American Democratic Women’s Club of the 30th Ward; Director of theater plays, member of the Catholic Foresters No. 649, a member of the St. Cyril and Methodius Slovak Catholic Parish Choir, etc. She resided in Chicago.

Bio: Maria Hrabina, in: Droba, pp. 216-217.

Anna Hurban (1855-1828), b. Gbely, Slovakia; formed the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association (FCSLA), in 1892, with 8 other women.

Bio: James M O’Toole, The Faithful. History of Catholics in America. Cambridge, MA: The Balknap Pres of Harvard University Press, 2008, pp. 93-95, 306. See - https://books.google.com/books?isbn=0674033825 ; https://case.edu/ech/articles/f/first-catholic-slovak-ladies-assn.

Rose Schury Hurbanek (1901-1997), b. Slovakia; co-founder and the first president of the Keystone Pride Chapter of the Živena Beneficial Society, founded in 1930

Bio: Rose Schury Hurbanek, in: Rose Schury Hurbanek Papers and Photographs 1925-1995. See - http://historicpittsburgh.org/islandora/object/pitt%3AUS-QQS-mss719/viewer

Marie Agnes Karasek (1866-d.), b. Tábor, Bohemia; in US s. 1885; clubwoman. She was Vice President of the Women’s Bohemian Roman Catholic Central Union, President of the St. Ludmila Lodge and president of a Parish club. She resided in Chicago.

Bio: Karasek, Marie Agnes, in: Droba, p. 200.

Gustine Kasovsky, b. Chicago, IL, of Slovak ancestry. She studied at the Metropolitan Business College, Chicago. She was employed as Secretary and Bookkeeper by the Builders Corporation Co. in Roseland. She was Auditor and President to the Slovak Catholic Charitable Association, a member of the Board of Directors of St. Margaret Women’s Club, chairman of the Mudelein Chapel Fund of the St. Salvador Council, of the National Circle Daughters of Isabel and a member of the First Catholic Ladies Union. She resided in Chicago.

Bio: Kasovsky, Gustine, in: Droba, p. 218.

Anna Kvačala, b. Piešťany, Slovakia; in US s. 1903; Auditor and Vice-president of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Union, Chicago. In a survey, she was selected as one of the hundred most prominent Slovak women in America.

Bio Kvacala, Anna, in: Droba, pp. 223-224

Elizabeth Lipovsky (1908-1996), b. Bethlehem, PA, of Slovak descent; national auditor and board member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association (FCSLA) (1940), editor of the Society’s monthly Fraternal Yours (1960-66), national president of FCSLA (1964-1976).

Bio: Elizabeth `Betty’ Lipovsky, 88, The Morning Call, December 21, 1996.

Alžběta Marie (Wintrová) Lisy-Strohmayer (1877-1958), b. Úsilov, Bohemia, immigrated to America in 1890, settling in Chicago. She was an accountant, treasurer, secretary and president of the Sesterská Podporující Jednota; secretary and director of the Praha Sokol Women; director of the Sokol Women in Town of Lake; secretary and president of Club Svoboda; treasurer, vice president and president of ‘Vlast’ Rebekah Lodge; accountant of ‘Česká Vlast’ No. 5 of the American Women’s Central Union; treasurer, accountant, secretary and president of the Bohemian Ladies Union, which she joined in 1898. She was also