Historical Background
Lutocin, Poland
Lutocin is a small rural village located in east-central Poland. It is part of the historical Mazovia region and served as a parish center dating back to the 15th century. During the 19th century, it was under Russian control as part of the Congress Kingdom of Poland, a politically complex and economically challenging time for its residents. Peasants in this region faced high taxation, land scarcity, and limited social mobility, all of which contributed to increased emigration [Source 9].
Historical maps of the region (e.g., 19th-century Congress Poland maps [Source 11]) reveal Lutocin's proximity to larger towns such as Żuromin and Płock, which served as administrative and market centers for nearby villages. These maps help contextualize the lives of the Gajewski and Bartkowski ancestors within the broader social and geographical framework of Masovia.
Many residents of Mazovia, including those from Lutocin, began leaving Poland in large numbers in the late 1800s and early 1900s, seeking better economic prospects in the Americas.
Polish Immigration to Schenectady, New York
Schenectady became a major destination for Polish immigrants during this time, fueled by industrialization and the demand for labor in factories such as General Electric and the American Locomotive Company [Source 9]. Polish immigrants established close-knit communities and built cultural institutions, including churches like St. Mary’s, which became a hub for religious and social life [Source 6]. By the early 20th century, Polish-Americans were an essential part of Schenectady’s labor force and civic culture.
The Gajewski and Bartkowski Families
Stanislaw "Stanley" J. Gajewski Sr.
Stanislaw “Stanley” J. Gajewski was born on March 25, 1879 [5] to Antoni Gajewski and Maryanna Budka in Lutocin, Poland. The baptismal record states “On April 13 1879, at 8:00am, Anton Gajewski a farmer from Obremb appeared at the parish. Anton was 33 years of age. He was in the presence of Franciszek Ratajczyk, 40, and Stanislaw Kruk, 45. Both were farmers residing in Obremb. They presented the parish with a male infant born in Obremb on March 25/April 6 in 1879 at 7:00am.” Stanley was born of Anton’s legal wife Marianna Budka, age 30. At the holy baptism conducted by the undersigned priest, the child was named Stanislaw. His godparents were Lev/Leon Sarbiewski and Jozefa Budka. Signed by the Rector of Lutocin Parish; registrar of Civil Acts. Fr. A. Grandwiszek.
Stanley had the following siblings:
- Adam J Gajewski (b. Feb 3 1877 – d. May 5 1952)
- Katarzyna Gajewska (b. 1881 – ?)
- Antoni Gajewski (b. Aug 4 1885 – d. 1941)
- Marianna Gajewska (b. 1888 – d. ?)
Stanley immigrated to the United States aboard a ship called the Weimar. He traveled from Bremen to Ellis Island in the early 1900s.
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| Ship Manifest for the Weimar for Stanislaw Gajewski arrival Oct 29, 1900. Retrieved from Ellis Island Foundation. |
Stanley married Eva Bartkowska in 1908 before she immigrated to the United States in 1910.
He established a large family in Schenectady. He is listed in the 1905 New York State Census. He was living with his brother Antoni. He worked at the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) as a Boilermaker and later he worked at General Electric (GE). He lived in Schenectady for several decades, contributing to the Polish-American community.
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| Registration State: New York; Registration County: Schenectady; Roll: 1818985; Draft Board: 4 for Stanislaw Gajewski |
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| World War II Registration Card for Stanislaw Gajewski in Schenectady, New York |
Stanley passed away on December 13, 1943 in Schenectady, New York. He was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
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| Stanley Gajewski New York State Death Record. December 19, 1943 |
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| Stanley Gajewski Obituary from The Schenectady Gazette December 1943. |
Eva Bartkowski
Ewa Bartkowska was born on Dec 9, 1881 in Lutocin, Poland to Jan Bartkowski and Katarzynia Michalska. Ewa was christened at the Roman Catholic Parish in Lutocin on December 11, 1881. Her Godparents, Franciszek Kryszak and Ewa Krol, witnessed the ceremony.
Ewa’s siblings were:
- Anna Bartkowska (June 1891 – August, 13 1891),
- Adam Bartkowski (Sept 9, 1886 – 1933),
- Katarzyna Bartkowska (Abt 1889 – ?)
Ewa can be found on the 1920 census for Schenectady living with Stanley and their five children at 17 Jefferson Street:
- Genevieve “Jean” Gajewski (b. Abt 1909 – d. Oct 6 1956)
- Stanley Joseph Gajewski (b. Jan 28, 1911 – d. Dec 16, 1990)
- Blanche Gajewski (b. Nov 2 1912 – d. Mar 3, 1984)
- Henry Alexander Gajewski (b. Sep 20, 1914 – d. Mar 4, 1990)
- Benjamin Stanley Gajewski (b. Mar 20, 1917 – d. May 18, 2007)
Ewa died at the age of 36 due to carcinoma of the stomach. Eva is buried at St. Mary’s Cemetery on on December 13, 1920 in Schenectady, near Jan and Stanislawa Dobriesz—possible relatives currently under investigation [6].
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| Ewa Gajewski (Bartkowska) New York State Death Record December 9, 1920 |
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Ewa Gajewski Obituary From The Schenectady Gazette December 1920
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Stanislaw Gajewski and Ewa Bartkowska Gravestones at St. Mary's Cemetery in Schenectady, NY. Image provided by the author.
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Adam Bartkowski
Ewa’s brother Adam was born September 9, 1886 in Lutocin, Poland.
He immigrated around the age of 18 in 1905 to the United States to his brother-in-law Stanislaw Gajewski.
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| Year: 1906; Arrival: New York, New York; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Microfilm Roll: Roll 0695; Line: 22; Page Number: 64 |
On January 11, 1909 Adam married Amelia “Nellie” Dobiesz in Schenectady. Both Adam and Amelia resided at 17 Jefferson Street. Adam was employed as a Foundryman.
In 1917, Adam was 29 years old. He completed his Draft Registration Card. It indicated that he lived at 36 Manhattan Street, Schenectady. He was employed as a Helper at
ALCO. According to this registration Adam was tall, medium build, with brown eyes and
brown hair.
Adam and Amelia had a son, Benjamin Bartkowski . The family owned a home at 361 Maxon Road, which was worth $4,500 in 1930. Adam was working as a laborer at a Boiler Shop.
Amelia’s Father Jacob Dobriesz was from Russian Poland and her Mother Franceszka Fackowska was from Germany.
Adam and Amelia had the following children:
- Benjamin Aloisious Bartkowski (b. July 31, 1910 – d. Jun 23, 1978)
- John Adam Bartkowski (b. Feb 23, 1912 – d. Apr 30, 1943)
- Stacia “Stella” Bartkowska (b. July 19, 1914 – d. Dec 29, 1993)
- Clara Bartkowska (b. Aug 26 1918 – d. Mar 13, 2005)
- Helena Barkowska (b. Aug 3 1921 – d. July 29, 1976)
- Jamina “Jane” Bartkowska (b. May 9, 1923 – d. Jan 7, 2002)
Adam passed away on Sep 12, 1933, at the age of 47 in Schenectady, New York. He was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
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| Adam Bartkowski Gravestone St Mary's Cemetery Schenectady, NY. Image provided by the author. |
When Amelia passed away on December 30, 1979 she was residing at 1219 Elton Ave. and we are told that she was survived by 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Amelia was a member of the Maloda-Polska Group 331 and was buried at the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery.
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| Amelia Dobies Obituary from The Schenectady, Gazette December 1969 |
Benjamin married Stella Miklusz and they raised their family in Schenectady, NY. On the 1940 Census, he was 29 years old and resided with his wife, Stella, who was 28. Benjamin Jr. was also with them and was not quite one year old. Additionally, Stephen Miklusz age 18 (Stella’s brother) was residing with them at their apartment located at 710 Windsor Terrace. Here we find that Benjamin was a sewing machine operator at an electric appliance and sewing machine manufacturer. Windsor Terrace would have been a quick walk to St. Mary’s Church located on Eastern Avenue. Benjamin Alan Bartkowski Jr. married Diana Wilma Eady on July 9, 1959 in Schenectady. Benjamin Alan Bartkowski Jr. (aka B. Alan Bartkowski) is the father of Bruce Jennings and Tammy Raits.
Bruce’s father received some genealogical research about 9 years ago. It focused on the Bartkowski and Dobies(z) families. The research was done by Joe Cummings, the husband of Bruce’s 2nd cousin (Pat Wysocki). In this collection included a transcript from an interview that he had with Great Aunt Stella in 1988.
Jan Bartkowski
Jan Bartkwoski was the son of Maciej Bartkowski and Rozalia Witkowska. He was born about 1853 in Czarnia Mała, a village in the administrative district of Gmina Skrwilno.
Jan Bartkowski, at the age of 23, married Katarzyna Michalska, age 21, on February 10, 1878, in Lutocin. She was the daughter of Mateusz Michalska and Ewa Nizialkowska.
“Nr 3 Lutocin It happened in Lutocin on the 29th day of January/10th day of February 1878 at 5 p.m. We announce the presence of the witnesses. They are Jan Lewandowski, 41 years old, and Jan Król, 60 years old. Both are peasants living in Lutocin. On this day, a religious marriage was concluded between Jan Bartkowski and Katarzyna Michalska. Jan Bartkowski, a young man, was born in the village Czarnia Mała and lives in Dębówka. He is the son of Maciej and Rozalia nee Witkowska, and is 23 years old. Katarzyna Michalska, a miss, was born and lives in Lutocin. She is the daughter of Mateusz and Ewa nee Niedziałkowska and is 21 years old. This marriage was preceded by 3 banns. They were announced in Lutocin parish church on: 15/27 January. The second announcement was on 22 January/3 February. Finally, they were announced on 29 January 10 February of the current year. Newlyweds informed they didn’t make premarital agreement. Religious marriage ceremony performed by the priest Antoni Grandyszewski, Lutocin parish Administrator. This act was read aloud to the newlyweds and witnesses, all illiterate and signed only by Us. priest Grandyszewski signature, Lutocin parish administrator, serving as Civil Registrar.”
Jan passed away on Nov 3, 1907 in Lutocin, Mazowieckie, Poland.
Katarzyna Michalska
Katarzyna Michalska had the following siblings who were baptized in Lutocin:
- Antonina (b. 1860), Anna (b.1865 – d.1866).
- Antoni Michalski (b.1864),
- Mateusz Michalski Jr. (b.1867),
- Jan Michalski (b.1871), and
- Jakub Michalski (b.1974).
Katarzyna’s baptismal record confirms her date of birth 17 Sept 1857.
The transcription reads:
“64 village Lutocin It happened in the village Lutocin on the 6th/18th day of September 1857 at 5 p.m. Mateusz Michalski appeared. He is a 34-year-old servant living in the village of Lutocin. He appeared in the presence of Michał Bieniek, 40 years old, and Antoni Wilary, 32 years old. Both are farmers living in the village Lutocin. Mateusz presented Us a female child born yesterday in the village Lutocin at 3 p.m. with his wife Ewa nee Niedziałkowska, 28 years old. At The Holy Baptism held today, the child was given the name Katarzyna. The godparents were mentioned above: Michał Bieniek and Petronella Wilary. this act was read aloud to the declarant and witnesses, all illiterate and signed only by Us. priest Feliks Kowalewski, Lutocin parish parson, serving as Civil Registrar.”
Maciej Bartkowski
Maciej Bartkowski was born in 1816 in Starcz, Poland. He died December 6, 1892, in Szoniec at the age of 76. Based on Maciej’s Death record, there is reason to believe that he may have married twice. First, he was married to Rozalia Witkowska. Second, to Marianna Kosek.
Translation:
“127 Szoniec It happened in Lutocin on the 25th day of November/7th day of
December 1892 at 11 a.m. Józef Bartkowski, 32 years old, and Franciszek Zelmański, 65 years old, appeared. Both are servants living in Szoniec. They informed that yesterday at 6 p.m., Maciej Bartkowski died in Szoniec. He was a worker, 76 years old, and born in Starcz. He was the son of the Bartkowskis. Maciej lived at his daughter’s place in Szoniec. He left his widowed wife Marianna nee Kosek. After confirming the death of Maciej Bartkowski, this act was read aloud to those present. They were all illiterate and the document was signed only by Us. priest Kacper Strusiński, parish administrator, serving as Civil Registrar.”
Continuing Research
Research into the Gajewski and Bartkowski families continues. The aim is to identify additional descendants. It also seeks to resolve surname discrepancies and uncover more about the family’s pre-immigration life. Collaborations between researchers in the United States and Poland are crucial to this endeavor. Significant progress has been made. However, several mysteries remain. These mysteries involve the exact identities of individuals such as Antoni Gajewski and his wife Marianna Budka. They also concern Ignacy Gajewski and his wife Jadwiga. As well as additional research into Maciej Bartkowski, Rozalia Witkowska, Mateusz Michalski, and Ewa Niedzialkow.
Conclusion
The Gajewski and Bartkowski families’ story is emblematic of the broader Polish-American immigrant experience. They left behind political oppression and economic hardship in Lutocin. In Schenectady, they established roots and contributed to its industrial and cultural development. Through persistent genealogical research and the integration of modern DNA tools, their legacy is being rediscovered and preserved.
This report serves as a living document that will grow as more information is uncovered. Individuals with connections to these families should share information. Those particularly with ancestors from Lutocin or Schenectady’s Polish-American community are encouraged to collaborate.
Historical maps, newspaper articles, photographs, and genealogical charts are included in this report. They aim to provide context and visualization for the family’s journey. They also illustrate the family’s heritage.
Sources
- Polish State Archives (Archiwa Państwowe)
Archiwum Państwowe w Płocku. Parish records from Lutocin, Poland. Accessed via Szukajwarchiwach.pl, http://geneteka.genealodzy.pl, and familysearch.org. - FamilySearch.org
Genealogical records and digitized parish books from Lutocin Parish, including baptisms, marriages, and deaths. - Ellis Island Passenger Records
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Passenger lists and immigration documents for early 20th-century Polish immigrants. - New York State Census Records (1905, 1915, 1925)
New York State Archives. Albany, NY. Used to trace the residency and family structure of Polish immigrants in Schenectady. - United States Federal Census (1910–1940)
U.S. Census Bureau. Accessed via Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org. Used to track the Gajewski and Bartkowski families in Schenectady. - St. Mary’s Church Records, Schenectady, NY
Baptismal, marriage, and burial records maintained by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. - Local History Sources:
- History of Schenectady County, New York (Published historical compilations and regional overviews).
- Schenectady County Historical Society Archives.
- “A History of the Polish People in America”
John Radzilowski, Hippocrene Books, 2007. Overview of the social and economic motivations behind Polish emigration, particularly from the Mazovia region. - Map of Lutocin from OpenStreetMap
- FindaGrave.com https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/64320/saint-marys-cemetery
- Old Fulton New York Post Cards, Newspaper Archives https://www.fultonhistory.com/Fulton.html
Prepared by Brianna Guckemus (née Gajewski), 2025
