The Jankowski branch of our family originated in what has been known historically as the Province of Poznan (German name: Posen). For many years, and at the time of their emigration, the Province of Posen was ruled and controlled by Prussia (Germany). This would continue until after the defeat of Germany in World War I.

Below is a portion of a map of Prussia from 1873 showing the Province of Posen, which was made up of the Powiats (Counties) of Bromberg and Posen. The Powiat of Posen is in green. This is the area our ancestors originated from. The area within the red circle is where the majority of our Jankowski ancestors lived, at least from the 18th century. Most came from Czarkowo, Drzewce, or one of several other small hamlets in the area.

In the mid-1850's, Constantin Jankowski (Lena's grandfather) moved his young bride and first-born child to the village of Charlub, indicated on the map by the yellow circle. It was here that the family continued to grow and resided until immigrating to the United States. As far as I know, Constantin and his family were our only Jankowski ancestors to emigrate from Poland.