MRS. ADOLPH [JOHANNA TIKALSKY] LISKA
The Tikalskys came from Suchclol, Bohemia, crossing the ocean in
1866. They arrived in Chicago on the first day of July, 1867.
Thomas T. Tikalsky, grandfather of Johanna, worked in a candle
factory. His brother Jan and his wife Mary and infant son started
out for Verdigre. It was 1870 and transportation to Sioux City,
Iowa, was no problem. Beyond Sioux City things suddenly became more
difficult. Jan acquired a team of oxen and crossed the Missouri
River for Verdigre. The Tikalskys were ill-prepared: a howling March
blizzard cost them their baby’s life. They carried the body for
several days, but then they climbed the hills to the south where the
Yankton, South Dakota, bridge now stands and buried their baby son.
No marker was erected. Jan and Mary arrived in Verdigre in April of
1870.
[pg 315 PHOTO Adolph O. and Johanna Liska]
Jan’s one brother, Tomas T., was born December 19, 1835, and died
May 20, 1926. He married Johanna Sebesta. While they lived in
Chicago they had two children: Tomas, Jr., and a small child who
died after being accidently scalded. They left Chicago May 1, 1880,
for Verdigre with their son, Tomas, Jr.
Tomas, Jr., married Antonia Houzvicka. Their children were Rose
Dittrick, Carrie Pavlik, Anna Chase, Johanna Liska, Dan, Irene
Moticka, and Viola Trueke, Anna Chase and Viola Trueke are the only
ones still living.
Tomas, Jr., ran the Queen Hotel in Verdigre for many years. Johanna
worked there until she married Adolph Liska in June of 1920.
Johanna and her sister Viola entered the School for the Deaf in
Omaha in September of 1912 where Johanna graduated with honors.
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