To:      Krasna Researchers 

From:  Ted J. Becker and Rosemary (Ternes) Mack

            Village Research Coordinators for

            Krasna, Bessarabia, Russia

            Emmental, Bessarabia, Russia

            Karamurat, Dobrudscha, Romania

Date:   Fall 2006

 

The last Krasna Newsletter was sent to you a year ago.  Since that time, much has transpired with research into Krasna and its daughter colonies.  Rosemary and Ted have been very busy working with the database, the “Krasna Master Census, 1814-1940”, they have been developing these past 15+ years.  Apparently, Ted has not made it clear enough that this database is for your use.  It contains the names and available genealogical data of nearly all people born in, married in and/or died in Krasna and its daughter colonies.  It was developed to help save you Krasna researchers money, as well as to help you with your research.  We have done much of your research for you.  We ask you to feel free to contact us to find out how the database can help you with your research.

 

The Krasna web site continues to be popular:

                                                http://14ushop.com/krasna

Over the past year, at least 20 new Krasna researchers have asked for our help, as a result of the discovery of the Krasna web site.  It is very encouraging to see new researchers using the web site.  It often is a signpost for them.

 

Recently, Rosemary has added a large amount of new data to the Krasna Master Census, 1814-1940 (our database).  She has found this new data in the newspaper articles I have mentioned in previous newsletters.  They have proven to be an excellent primary source of information for Krasna researchers. 

 

For the past several years, Ted has collaborated with Eduard Volk of Germany in a search for Oroshokowin and Chitonitz, Poland.  You may recall that oral and written traditions state that the original settlers of Krasna (1814-1815) left these two villages on their trek to Bessarabia.  One hundred thirty-three families founded Krasna along the Koglnik River/Creek.  This past June, Eduard completed his 30-page essay entitled

              “Woher Kommen die Kolonisten von Krasna in Bessarabien?”

       (“From Where Do the Colonists from Krasna, Bessarabia, Originate?”)

This essay adds much to the literature relating to Krasna.  For one, thing, it points to the location of Chitonitz, Poland.  Ted found, among church and civil records for Sitaniec, Zamosc, Poland, references to some of the original Krasna settlers.  This discovery ended an 18-year search for Chitonitz/Sitaniec, thanks to Eduard’s research skills and diligence.  Needless to say, all Krasna researchers owe him a great debt of gratitude.  Please allow me to give him our heartfelt thanks for his persistence and dedication to the search.  He, no doubt, makes his parents and grandparents proud with his hard-work ethic.  Also, all those, living and dead, who thus far have helped build the present body of literature pertaining to Krasna must be pleased with the addition of his essay, which adds to the rich story of Krasna and its people. 

 

Eduard has given permission to make the essay available to one and all.  If you would like either a paper copy or a digital copy, please let Ted know.  Ted’s addresses are

                                                P.O. Box 1524

                                                Williston, ND  58802-1524 USA

                                                            or

                                                tbecker@nemont.net

The only charge for either 1) a paper copy/hard copy, or 2) a digital copy on CD or 3 ½ floppy (German version or English version) (Microsoft Word) will be $10.00 U.S., to cover paper, postage, envelope, printer toner and/or disc. 

Thank you to Ambrose and Sybille Leinz of the USA for their excellent English translation of the essay!  Eduard has studied it and is very pleased with their translation skills. 

 

The location of Oroshokowin still has not been determined.  Eduard and Ted continue to search for its location in Poland, but so far it has not been found.

 

An interesting item Eduard discovered during his research for his essay was a contract drawn by Count Zamoyski of Zamosc, Poland, in 1785, between himself and 100 German settlers, whose names are listed in the document.  In it, Eduard has identified a number of these settlers as original Krasna settlers or their parents and/or relatives.  This document, along with three or four other primary sources, proved to be the breakthrough needed to identify the location of Sitaniec (Chitonitz).  This is not meant to diminish the church records for the various villages in the area around Zamosc, for they, too, have proven invaluable.  In them, some of the original Krasna settlers have also been found.  Paul Wingenbach of Germany took on the daunting task of reading the Count Zamoyski contract (in old Germanic script) and transliterating it into Latin/Arabic letters.  Ambrose and Sybille Leinz translated his version of the contract into English.  Thank you Paul, Sybille and Ambrose for your continued hard work!  If you would like a copy of the original contract, Ted would be happy to send you a paper copy/hard copy.  (It has not been scanned into a digital copy.)  He can also provide you with Paul’s German version and/or the English translation done by Sybille and Ambrose.  There will be no charge for these copies if you also want Ted to send you a copy of Eduard’s essay.

 

Some Krasna researchers have asked if we are still searching for additional records for Krasna.  The short answer is not at this time.  The reason is that we do not know where else to look.  If any of you have suggestions as to where to look, please let Ted know.

 

Peace.