THE KURKA FAMILY
According to records in 1871 there were two Kurka brothers, Wenzel
and Joseph. Both of these men were probably born in Grosslippen,
Germany. Names and dates of parents and other relatives are missing
at this time.
Wenzel Kurka was born April 2, 1829, at Grosslippen, Bohemia. Wenzel
and family came to America in 1871 with a group of friends who had
decided to try their fortunes in the land of the free. They came
directly to Knox County and settled in the area known as Dukeville,
about twelve miles northwest of Verdigre. They continued to live on
their homestead which was later called the Birr farm when it was
operated by their daughter Mary and her husband Theodore Birr.
Wenzel’s wife Machtilda Maier died here December 14, 1896, and is
buried in the family cemetery located on their farm. Two daughters,
Julia and Mathilda, are also buried there. Wenzel died October 26,
1908, at the age of 79 years. He was buried at the side of his wife
in the little cemetery on their homestead.
Their children were: Joseph, Julia, Mathilda, Anna, Theresa, and
Mary.
Joseph Kurka was born February 4, 1852, married Theresia (Cek) May,
and died December 26, 1931.
Julia, second child of Wenzel Kurka and Mactilda Maier, died at the
age of 14 years. She is buried in the family cemetery on the
homestead.
Mathilda, third child of Wenzel and Machtilda, died at the age of 33
years.
Anna Kurka was born January 28, 1854, and married Frank Gross. Their
children were Frank, Joseph, Oscar, and Emil. Anna died April 12,
1928.
Theresa Kurka was born February 25, 1866, and died April 12, 1948.
She married Emil Schindler, and they had three children, Alma,
Amelia, and Roy. Alma married W. J. Heston and they had three
children: Mary, Lyle, and Mable. Amelia married C. Miller and their
children and grandchildren are: 1) Conrad, children Marilyn and
Mike; 2) Mildred, children Bruce, Patty, and Peg; 3) Dorothy, no
children; 4) Emil, had two children, Richard and Robert; and 5)
Clifford, children Glen and Carol. Roy Schindler had two children,
Donald and Joan.
Mary Kurka was born September 1, 1869, and married Theodore Birr.
She died February 29, 1951. Their daughter was Mathilda Birr (Mrs.
Lawrence Smith and then Mrs. Mike Hensley) and she had twins Bernard
and Bernice Smith.
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