Schonweise 1893


Who lived here?

None of our ancestors resided in the village of Schonweise itself, that I have been able to confirm. However, the parish church in Schonweise was the place of worship for John Zielinski and Elizabeth Witkowski (Lawrence's paternal grandparents), who were married here on May 12, 1863. Their place of residence is listed as Ellerbruch. Daughter Antonia was baptized here on March 28, 1864. Daughter Julianna was baptized here on March 11, 1866. Son Joseph was baptized here on March 8, 1868. Daughter Maria was baptized here on July 4, 1869. Sometime after Maria was born, but before November 2, 1881, the family moved to Gross Waplitz. Son Frank (Lawrence's dad) was born around 1872, but I don't yet know if it was in Schonweise or Gross Waplitz, or someplace else.

Frank Lingnowski and Marianna Zielinski (John and Elizabeth's daughter and son-in-law) also worshiped here from at least September 1863 until sometime after January 1868, while residing in Ellerbruch. Son Herman was baptized here on September 18, 1863. Daughter Annie was baptized here on July 30, 1865. Son Frank was baptized here on February 2, 1868. Sometime after Frank was born, but before July 1870, the family moved to Wilczewo.

Anton and Eva Lewandowski as well as their son and daughter-in-law, John Lewandowski and Anna Pawlikowski (Lena's maternal grandparents) also worshiped here during their entire lives in Poland. During this time, they all resided in Nikolaiken (Mikolajki). Son Franz was baptized here on December 14, 1862. Daughter Rosalia Lewandowski (Lena's mother) was born in Nikolaiken on  March 17, 1865, and was baptized in Schonweise as well. Daughter Antonie was baptized here on May 3, 1868. Their fourth child, Apolonia, was born in 1872. Her birth record has not been found, but it is assumed she was also born in Nikolaiken and baptized in Schonweise. The family emigrated to the United States in late 1883. They continued living in Nikolaiken and worshiping in Schonweise right up until emigrating. It is also unknown if the Lewandowski family was acquainted with either the Zielinski or Lingnowski families while in this area of Poland.

Anton Zielinski and Anna Kulecka did live in Schonweise, but I haven't established a relationship with this family. Most likely, they are related. Anton and Anna lived in Wilczewo from 1854-56 and again from at least 1865 to at least 1873. In between those years, it appears that they lived in Schonweise. I have confirmed baptism records for son Johann born in Wilczewo on December 22, 1854 and son Michael born in Wilczewo on February 2, 1856. Then I have confirmed baptism records for 2 children born in Schonweise: daughter Apolonia on April 18, 1861 and son Anton on April 22, 1863. Four more children followed, all born in Wilczewo: son Franz on April 28, 1865, son Hironimus on February 8, 1867, daughter Anna on May 22, 1871, and son August on September 18, 1873. I have no records indicating anyone in this family emigrated to America.

Schonweise is the German name. Today the village is known as Krasna Laka. It is in the county of Stuhm. Historically it was in the German province of Westpreussen. Today it is in the Polish province of Pomorskie. The Catholic parish in this village was the place of worship for our ancestors while living in Ellerbruch and Nikolayken. 

In the late 1800's, the village consisted of 34 buildings and 10 houses. The population was 198, of which 197 were Catholic. Besides the Catholic Church there was also a Catholic school in Schonweise.

Schonweise Today


still a very small village - not sure if the Catholic Parish is still used
(click map to go to larger Google map)