BLAWAT (Pol) Meaning: blue silk fabric.

BŁAWAT (Pol) Meaning: blue silk fabric.

BYSZEWSKI (Pol) element from names such as Zbyslaw and Przybyslaw.

BYSZEWSKI (Pol) element from names such as Zbysław and Przybysław.

GASIOROWSKI (Pol) Gasior. Meaning: gander.

GĄSIOROWSKI (Pol) Gąsior. Meaning: gander.

GDANIEC (Pol) Meaning: resident of Gdansk.

GDANIEC (Pol) Meaning: resident of Gdańsk.

Stanislaus Byszewski (1799-1863) married (1835 Gardschau) Julianna Gasiorowska. Together they lived in the village of Bojahren (Bojary), which included an estate belonging to a monastery, 3 houses and 38 inhabitants. This village is part of the Parish of Gardschau (Godziszewo), situated in West Prussia, ethnically known as Kociewie in the greater district of Danzig (Gdansk), Poland. Here they had one child that could be located, being: Anna (1836-1855). Julianna most probably died as Stanislaus remarried in (1840 Liebschau) Marianna Gasiorowska. While living in the village of Wentkau (Wetkowy) in the Parish of Liebschau (Lubiszewo Tczewskie) they had the following: Barbara (1838) & Julius Stanislaus (1840-1919).

Stanislaus Byszewski (1799-1863) married Julianna Gąsiorowska at the Roman Catholic church of St. John Nepomuncen in the Parish of Gardschau on the 3rd of March 1835. Together they lived in the village of Bojahren (Bojary), which included an estate belonging to a monastery, 3 houses and 38 inhabitants. This village is part of the Parish of Gardschau (Godziszewo), situated in West Prussia, ethnically known as Kociewie in the greater district of Danzig (woj.gdańskie), Poland. Here they had one child that could be located, being: Anna (1836-1855). Julianna most probably died as Stanislaus remarried Marianna Gąsiorowska, the sister of Julianna at the Roman Catholic church of The Holy Trinity in the Parish of Liebschau (Lubiszewo Tczewskie) on the 12th of May 1840. While living in the village of Wentkau (Wętkowy) in the Parish of Liebschau they had the following children: Barbara (1838) & Julius Stanislaus (1840-1919).

They moved once again finally to the village of Schiwialken (Siwialka) where the rest of the family were born, being: Jacob (1846-1846), Jacob (1848), August (1850-1852), Johann (1853-1854) & Joseph (1858).

They moved once again finally to the village of Schiwialken (Siwiałka) in the Parish of Gardschau where the rest of the family were born, being: Jacob (1846-1846), Jacob (1848), August (1850-1852), Johann (1853-1854) & Joseph (1858).

Julius Stanislaus married (1871 Gardschau) Anna Theresia Gdanietz (1850-1873), the daughter of Martin Gdaniec & Marianna Blawat. They both settled in the village of Schiwialken (Siwialka), Gardschau Parish, where Julius' family were residing at the time. This village consisted of 26 houses and 166 inhabitants.

Julius Stanislaus married Anna Theresia Gdaniec (1850-1873), the daughter of Martin Gdaniec & Marianna Bławat of Bojahren (Bojary) at the Roman Catholic church of St. John Nepomuncen on the 18th of February 1871. They both settled in the village of Schiwialken, where Julius' family were residing at the time. This village consisted of 26 houses and 166 inhabitants.

In the next year Julius & Anna left Schiwialken for Hamburg, via Gdansk, where they set aboard the ship "Palmerston" being the third ship with assisted and nominated Polish immigrants to New Zealand sent on behalf of the Vogel Scheme. They set sail on the 29th of July 1872, on board being: Juliusz 32 and his wife Anna 22 arriving at Port Chalmers, New Zealand on the 6th of December 1872.

In the next year Julius & Anna left Schiwialken for Hamburg, via Gdańsk, where they set aboard the ship "Palmerston" being the third ship with assisted and nominated Polish immigrants to New Zealand sent on behalf of the Vogel Scheme. They set sail on the 29th of July 1872, listed on board being: Juliusz 32 and his wife Anna 22, arriving at Port Chalmers, New Zealand on the 6th of December 1872.

A majority of the Poles were transported down to Greytown to commence work on the southern railway line, while some found farm labouring in around Dunedin. Julius remained and settled in the heart of Dunedin. Two months later Julius lost his wife, Anna, on the 14th of February 1873 aged 22 years. Two months later Julius lost his wife on the 14th of February 1873 aged 22 years as a result of childbirth to a baby boy. She is buried in the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. Grave

A majority of the Poles were transported down to Greytown to commence work on the southern railway line, while some found farm labouring in around Dunedin. Julius remained and settled in the heart of Dunedin. Two months later Julius lost his wife on the 14th of February 1873 aged 22 years as a result of childbirth to a baby boy. She is buried in the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. Grave

Three Months later Julius married Marianna Gdanietz (1852-1943), sister to his previous wife Anna, on the 27th of May 1873 at St Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin. Marianna was 19 and under age, so her Mother, Maria Gdanitz signed the intention to Marry register giving permission for the marriage. Julius was listed as 33 years of age, a cooper by trade and a widower who had been in Dunedin 6 months. Marianna also arrived on the "Palmerston" aged 21 with members of her family. Together Julius & Marianna remained in Dunedin where they had the following: Francis (1874-1882), Minnie (1875-1882), Martha (1877-1882), Albert Joseph (1880-1934), & Julius Francis (1884-1918). Julius was employed as a cooper at Speights Brewery since 1878. In the 1882 freeholders Julius is listed as owning 241 acres of land to the value of Ł240 in the settlement of Greytown.

Three Months later Julius married Marianna Gdaniec (1852-1943), sister to his previous wife Anna, on the 27th of May 1873 at St. Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin. Marianna was 19 and under age, so her Mother, Maria Gdaniec signed the intention to Marry register giving permission for the marriage. Julius was listed as 33 years of age, a cooper by trade and a widower who had been in Dunedin 6 months. Marianna also arrived on the "Palmerston" aged 21 with members of her family. Together Julius & Marianna remained in Dunedin where they had the following: Francis (1874-1882), Minnie (1875-1882), Martha (1877-1882), Albert Joseph (1880-1934), & Julius Francis (1884-1918). Julius was employed as a cooper at Speights Brewery since 1878. In the 1882 freeholders Julius is listed as owning 241 acres of land to the value of Ł240 in the settlement of Greytown.

Byszewski Family

Byszewski Family (pronounced Bishevskee)

Editorials

A majority of the Poles were transported down to Greytown to commence work on the southern railway line, while some found farm labouring in around Dunedin. Julius remained and settled in the heart of Dunedin. Two months later Julius lost his wife on the 14th of February 1873 aged 22 years. Two months later Julius lost his wife on the 14th of February 1873 aged 22 years as a result of childbirth to a baby boy. She is buried in the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

A majority of the Poles were transported down to Greytown to commence work on the southern railway line, while some found farm labouring in around Dunedin. Julius remained and settled in the heart of Dunedin. Two months later Julius lost his wife, Anna, on the 14th of February 1873 aged 22 years. Two months later Julius lost his wife on the 14th of February 1873 aged 22 years as a result of childbirth to a baby boy. She is buried in the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. Grave

Julius died on the 5th of January 1919 aged 79. His wife Mary died in October 1943, at the Little Sisters of the Poor, Dunedin, aged 93. They are both buried at the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Julius died on the 5th of January 1919 aged 79. His wife Mary died in October 1943, at the Little Sisters of the Poor, Dunedin, aged 93. They are both buried at the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. Grave

Stanislaus Byszewski (1799-1863) married (1835 Gardschau) Julianna Gasiorowska. Together they lived in the village of Bojahren (Bojary), which included an estate belonging to a monastery, 3 houses and 38 inhabitants. This village was part of the Parish of Gardschau (Godziszewo), situated in West Prussia, ethnically known as Kociewie in the greater district of Danzig (Gdansk), Poland. Here they had one child that could be located being: Anna (1836-1855). Julianna most probably died as Stanislaus remarried in (1840 Liebschau) Marianna Gasiorowska. While living in the village of Wentkau (Wetkowy) in the Parish of Liebschau (Lubiszewo Tczewskie) they had the following: Barbara (1838) & Julius Stanislaus (1840-1919).

Stanislaus Byszewski (1799-1863) married (1835 Gardschau) Julianna Gasiorowska. Together they lived in the village of Bojahren (Bojary), which included an estate belonging to a monastery, 3 houses and 38 inhabitants. This village is part of the Parish of Gardschau (Godziszewo), situated in West Prussia, ethnically known as Kociewie in the greater district of Danzig (Gdansk), Poland. Here they had one child that could be located, being: Anna (1836-1855). Julianna most probably died as Stanislaus remarried in (1840 Liebschau) Marianna Gasiorowska. While living in the village of Wentkau (Wetkowy) in the Parish of Liebschau (Lubiszewo Tczewskie) they had the following: Barbara (1838) & Julius Stanislaus (1840-1919).

The family moved west to Borroschau (Boroszewo) in the Parish of Gardschau where a further two were born being; Catharina (1841) & Franz (1843-1868).

The family moved west to Borroschau (Boroszewo) in the Parish of Gardschau where a further two were born, being; Catharina (1841) & Franz (1843-1868).

A majority of the Poles were transported down to Greytown to commence work on the southern railway line, while some found farm labouring in around Dunedin. Julius remained and settled in the heart of Dunedin.

A majority of the Poles were transported down to Greytown to commence work on the southern railway line, while some found farm labouring in around Dunedin. Julius remained and settled in the heart of Dunedin. Two months later Julius lost his wife on the 14th of February 1873 aged 22 years. Two months later Julius lost his wife on the 14th of February 1873 aged 22 years as a result of childbirth to a baby boy. She is buried in the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Two months later Julius lost his wife on the 14th of February 1873 aged 22 years. She died as a result of childbirth as a male birth was listed in the same year. She is buried in the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Three Months later Julius married Marianna Gdanietz (1852-1943), sister to his previous wife Anna, on the 27th of May 1873 at St Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin. Marianna was 19 and under age, so her Mother, Maria Gdanitz signed the intention to Marry register giving permission for the marriage. Julius was listed as 33 years of age, a cooper by trade and a widower who had been in Dunedin 6 months. Marianna also arrived on the "Palmerston" aged 21 with members of her family.

Together Julius & Marianna remained in Dunedin where they had the following: Francis (1874-1882), Minnie (1875-1882), Martha (1877-1882), Albert Joseph (1880-1934), & Julius Francis (1884-1918).

Julius was employed as a cooper at Speights Brewery since 1878. In the 1882 freeholders Julius is listed as owning 241 acres of land to the value of Ł240 in the settlement of Greytown.

Three Months later Julius married Marianna Gdanietz (1852-1943), sister to his previous wife Anna, on the 27th of May 1873 at St Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin. Marianna was 19 and under age, so her Mother, Maria Gdanitz signed the intention to Marry register giving permission for the marriage. Julius was listed as 33 years of age, a cooper by trade and a widower who had been in Dunedin 6 months. Marianna also arrived on the "Palmerston" aged 21 with members of her family. Together Julius & Marianna remained in Dunedin where they had the following: Francis (1874-1882), Minnie (1875-1882), Martha (1877-1882), Albert Joseph (1880-1934), & Julius Francis (1884-1918). Julius was employed as a cooper at Speights Brewery since 1878. In the 1882 freeholders Julius is listed as owning 241 acres of land to the value of Ł240 in the settlement of Greytown.

The bodies of the four children who perished in the flames were recovered by 4-3 am by Firemen Robb and Lind, and were then lying on the floor of the kitchen below the bedroom. They were found huddled together upon the mattresses of the two beds on which they had been sleeping, and which seemed to have fallen right through from the upper floor. As the children did not seem to have arisen from bed, it is probable that the horrible death to which they were victims was alleviated by suffocation, before the flames came upon them. The bodies were removed from the debris by Detective Walker, 'and placed on sheets of iron and covered over until an express arrived, shortly after 5 o'clock, when they were conveyed to the morgue.' They were so charred as to be unrecognisable.

The bodies of the four children who perished in the flames were recovered by 4-3 am by Firemen Robb and Lind, and were then lying on the floor of the kitchen below the bedroom. They were found huddled together upon the mattresses of the two beds on which they had been sleeping, and which seemed to have fallen right through from the upper floor. As the children did not seem to have arisen from bed, it is probable that the horrible death to which they were victims was alleviated by suffocation, before the flames came upon them. The bodies were removed from the debris by Detective Walker, 'and placed on sheets of iron and covered over until an express arrived, shortly after 5 o'clock, when they were conveyed to the morgue.' They were so charred as to be unrecognisable.__

FATAL FIRE IN DUNEDIN

FATAL FIRE IN DUNEDIN

FOUR CHILDREN BURNT

FOUR CHILDREN BURNT

DISCOVERY OF THREE OF THE BODIES

DISCOVERY OF THREE OF THE BODIES

A terrible fire broke out in a small wooden house in Smith-street, near the corner of Dowling-street, shortly after four o'clock yesterday morning, by which four children were burnt to death. The house was occupied by Julius Bischefski, his wife, and four children, who all slept upstairs.

A terrible fire broke out in a small wooden house in Smith-street, near the corner of Dowling-street, shortly after four o'clock yesterday morning, by which four children were burnt to death. The house was occupied by Julius Bischefski, his wife, and four children, who all slept upstairs.

The fire appears to have broken out on the ground floor of the building, and the family were not aroused till it broke through the upper floor. Bischefski and his wife got through a window, leaving the children in bed, but it was not known for some time that there was anyone in the house, as little attention was paid to the maddening screams of Mrs. Bischefski. When the Brigade arrived, however, the house was entirely enveloped in flames, and it would have been too late to have rendered any assistance. The names of the four children who were burnt were-

The fire appears to have broken out on the ground floor of the building, and the family were not aroused till it broke through the upper floor. Bischefski and his wife got through a window, leaving the children in bed, but it was not known for some time that there was anyone in the house, as little attention was paid to the maddening screams of Mrs. Bischefski. When the Brigade arrived, however, the house was entirely enveloped in flames, and it would have been too late to have rendered any assistance. The names of the four children who were burnt were-

Francis Bischefski, aged 8 years, Minnie Bischefski, aged 6 years, Martha Bischefski, aged 4 years, and Thomas Croft, aged 13 years. The fire spread to the next house on either side, both of which were destroyed. ["Daily Times".]

Francis Bischefski, aged 8 years,

Minnie Bischefski, aged 6 years,

Martha Bischefski, aged 4 years, and

Thomas Croft, aged 13 years.

The fire spread to the next house on either side, both of which were destroyed. "Daily Times".

FATAL FIRE

FATAL FIRE

FURTHER PARTICULARS

FURTHER PARTICULARS

In consequence of the lateness of the hour yesterday morning at which the fire in Smith Street occurred we were unable to give more than a brief outline of the disaster, and this we were able to insert only in our city edition. The following additional particulars therefore will read with interest by all. The building in which the fire, so fatal in the results, originated, was occupied by Julius Bischefski (a native of Poland), his wife, four of children, and a nephew named Thomas Crefts and was situated in the center of a row of old wooden buildings belonging to Mr. F. B. Cargill and held on tenancy by Mr. Robert Greenslade. Bischefski's house was a four roomed two-storey one and the front and back rooms on the ground floor were used as kitchen and sitting room respectively. The rooms upstairs were used as bedrooms, the front one occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Bischefski, and the back by the children - the two little girls occupying one bed and the eldest son and nephew the other.

In consequence of the lateness of the hour yesterday morning at which the fire in Smith Street occurred we were unable to give more than a brief outline of the disaster, and this we were able to insert only in our city edition. The following additional particulars therefore will read with interest by all. The building in which the fire, so fatal in the results, originated, was occupied by Julius Bischefski (a native of Poland), his wife, four of children, and a nephew named Thomas Crefts and was situated in the center of a row of old wooden buildings belonging to Mr. F. B. Cargill and held on tenancy by Mr. Robert Greenslade. Bischefski's house was a four roomed two-storey one and the front and back rooms on the ground floor were used as kitchen and sitting room respectively. The rooms upstairs were used as bedrooms, the front one occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Bischefski, and the back by the children - the two little girls occupying one bed and the eldest son and nephew the other.

MR BISCHEFSKI'S STATEMENT

MR BISCHEFSKI'S STATEMENT

Mr. Bischefski's statement is as follows- He and his wife retired to bed about 11 o'clock on the previous night. They were awakened some time later by the eldest son calling out, "Oh, Mama! smoke, smoke!" There was no smoke in Bischefski's bedroom at the time, but he immediately jumped out of bed and crossed the small passage between his own room and that in which the children were sleeping. On opening the door of the latter he was met by a strong tongue of flame, unaccompanied, so far as he could perceive, by smoke. He tried to reach the children, but his nightdress caught fire, and he was forced to go back. Rushing to his own room he wrapped himself in a blanket, entirely covering his head and face, and returned to force his way through the flames in the endeavour to make the rescue. The blanket was burned about him; yet twice he again and again renewed the attempt. At length the room in which his wife was at the time caught fire through the open doorway, and the flames were fast making headway. Seeing nothing could be done for the children, his attention was turned to the safety of his wife and the youngest child (a boy, two and a half years of age). Mrs. Bischefski had at the moment made a desperate effort to enter the back bedroom herself through the midst of the fire; but her husband dragged her back with the flames upon them; and dashing his fist through the window overlooking the street, seized the little boy under his left arm and swung himself out over the ledge, hanging on to the inner side of the window framing by his right hand. He then extended his left arm, holding the child, and thus dropped it gently on the pavement.

Mr. Bischefski's statement is as follows- He and his wife retired to bed about 11 o'clock on the previous night. They were awakened some time later by the eldest son calling out, "Oh, Mama! smoke, smoke!" There was no smoke in Bischefski's bedroom at the time, but he immediately jumped out of bed and crossed the small passage between his own room and that in which the children were sleeping. On opening the door of the latter he was met by a strong tongue of flame, unaccompanied, so far as he could perceive, by smoke. He tried to reach the children, but his nightdress caught fire, and he was forced to go back. Rushing to his own room he wrapped himself in a blanket, entirely covering his head and face, and returned to force his way through the flames in the endeavour to make the rescue. The blanket was burned about him; yet twice he again and again renewed the attempt. At length the room in which his wife was at the time caught fire through the open doorway, and the flames were fast making headway. Seeing nothing could be done for the children, his attention was turned to the safety of his wife and the youngest child (a boy, two and a half years of age). Mrs. Bischefski had at the moment made a desperate effort to enter the back bedroom herself through the midst of the fire; but her husband dragged her back with the flames upon them; and dashing his fist through the window overlooking the street, seized the little boy under his left arm and swung himself out over the ledge, hanging on to the inner side of the window framing by his right hand. He then extended his left arm, holding the child, and thus dropped it gently on the pavement.

Drawing himself up again, he prepared in the same way to break the fall of his wife in her descent from a height of 10 ft, but the flames were so close that, unable to endure the heat any longer, she threw herself unexpectedly into his arms before he was quite prepared to receive her, and the sudden impetus, forced him to relax his hold. Both dropped, and the poor woman fell upon her child, which is considerably injured in consequence. Nor did she herself escape unhurt, for in the fall she came heavily on her face on the asphalt pavement, and beside sustaining severe contusions on the forehead, she was much cut about the mouth, and had a number of her teeth so crushed in by the force of the blow that it is probable she will lose most of them. On realizing the position of things she became quite frantic in her cries for her children, and, only that her husband kept her back, would in her frenzy have dashed into the burning building.

Drawing himself up again, he prepared in the same way to break the fall of his wife in her descent from a height of 10 ft, but the flames were so close that, unable to endure the heat any longer, she threw herself unexpectedly into his arms before he was quite prepared to receive her, and the sudden impetus, forced him to relax his hold. Both dropped, and the poor woman fell upon her child, which is considerably injured in consequence. Nor did she herself escape unhurt, for in the fall she came heavily on her face on the asphalt pavement, and beside sustaining severe contusions on the forehead, she was much cut about the mouth, and had a number of her teeth so crushed in by the force of the blow that it is probable she will lose most of them. On realizing the position of things she became quite frantic in her cries for her children, and, only that her husband kept her back, would in her frenzy have dashed into the burning building.

MRS GREENSLADE'S STATEMENT

MRS GREENSLADE'S STATEMENT

Mrs. Greenslade, wife of Robert Greenslade, who occupied the house on the south side of Bischefski's, states that her eldest son heard Bischefski shouting "fire!" and perceiving smoke was entering the room he immediately aroused his father and mother. On looking out Mrs. Greenslade heard Bischefski shouting and saw him wildly waving his arms from the window. She then dragged her own children out of bed, and by the time she had snatched up a few articles of clothing, and all the family had got safely outside, the south wall of the house was a sheet of fire. She further states that the fire bell did not ring for some minutes after her son first gave the alarm.

Mrs. Greenslade, wife of Robert Greenslade, who occupied the house on the south side of Bischefski's, states that her eldest son heard Bischefski shouting "fire!" and perceiving smoke was entering the room he immediately aroused his father and mother. On looking out Mrs. Greenslade heard Bischefski shouting and saw him wildly waving his arms from the window. She then dragged her own children out of bed, and by the time she had snatched up a few articles of clothing, and all the family had got safely outside, the south wall of the house was a sheet of fire. She further states that the fire bell did not ring for some minutes after her son first gave the alarm.

RECOVERY OF THE BODIES

RECOVERY OF THE BODIES

The correct names of the children were:- Francis Bischefski, aged 8 years. Minnie Bischefski, aged 6 years. Martha Bischefski, aged 4 years. Thomas Crefts, aged 12 years.

The correct names of the children were:-

Francis Bischefski, aged 8 years.

Minnie Bischefski, aged 6 years.

Martha Bischefski, aged 4 years.

Thomas Crefts, aged 12 years.

GENERAL

GENERAL

The shrieks of the poor woman as she witnessed the burning building were heartrending in the extreme, but fully a quarter of an hour had elapsed from the breaking out of the fire before the cause of her distress was known. Even though it had been at the time when the Bischefskis themselves were aroused, there would not have been any chance of rendering assistance in the matter of saving the children, for the whole back part of the house was enveloped in flames. How the fire originated is a mystery, but as we have ascertained that a few live ashes had been left in the kitchen grate on the previous night, a spark from this was the probable cause, and the dry timber would burn very rapidly. The fire had almost instantly spread to the six-roomed house on the south side, occupied by Mr. Greenslade, and to the two-roomed houses on the north side, occupied by a married man named Brydstone.

The shrieks of the poor woman as she witnessed the burning building were heartrending in the extreme, but fully a quarter of an hour had elapsed from the breaking out of the fire before the cause of her distress was known. Even though it had been at the time when the Bischefskis themselves were aroused, there would not have been any chance of rendering assistance in the matter of saving the children, for the whole back part of the house was enveloped in flames. How the fire originated is a mystery, but as we have ascertained that a few live ashes had been left in the kitchen grate on the previous night, a spark from this was the probable cause, and the dry timber would burn very rapidly. The fire had almost instantly spread to the six-roomed house on the south side, occupied by Mr. Greenslade, and to the two-roomed houses on the north side, occupied by a married man named Brydstone.

The houses were not separated by any protection walls, although built closely together and had there been any wind at the time, it must have been difficult to stay the progress of the fire. As it was, the houses on each side of Bischefski's were entirely gutted by the time the Fire Brigade had arrived. The insurances on the buildings destroyed amount to Ł60 in the Norwich union Office, in the policies of Ł75 on Greenslade's house, Ł50 on Bischefski's and Ł35 on the Brydstone's. None of the occupants had any insurance on their furniture or household goods. The brigade were late putting in their appearance, on account of the horses refusing to pull the gear up the incline of Stuart Street.

The houses were not separated by any protection walls, although built closely together and had there been any wind at the time, it must have been difficult to stay the progress of the fire. As it was, the houses on each side of Bischefski's were entirely gutted by the time the Fire Brigade had arrived. The insurances on the buildings destroyed amount to Ł60 in the Norwich union Office, in the policies of Ł75 on Greenslade's house, Ł50 on Bischefski's and Ł35 on the Brydstone's. None of the occupants had any insurance on their furniture or household goods. The brigade were late putting in their appearance, on account of the horses refusing to pull the gear up the incline of Stuart Street.

As soon as possible after the arrival of the police on the scene they dispatched a messenger for a conveyance and had Mrs. Bischefski conveyed to the Hospital, where, besides the burns and bruises sustained in her escape from the building, she was found to have been considerably lacerated about the head and arms in getting through the window.

As soon as possible after the arrival of the police on the scene they dispatched a messenger for a conveyance and had Mrs. Bischefski conveyed to the Hospital, where, besides the burns and bruises sustained in her escape from the building, she was found to have been considerably lacerated about the head and arms in getting through the window.

She was yesterday, visited by a number of friends, who found her less irritable, and improving as well as could be expected under the circumstances. Bischefski has been very much torn and cut about the legs and arms, and has also sustained several burns. The child had one of its legs wounded severely. The father and child are at present residing in Cumberland Street with Mrs. Gdanitz, mother of Mrs. Bischefski. The lad Crefts was a son of Mr. Crefts, dairyman at Pine Hill, and attending the Christian Brother's school along with Mr. Bischefski's two eldest children. He usually went home to Pine Hill at night, but as the weather looked threatening on Monday night, he resolved to stay with his uncle. Bischefski has been in the employ of Messrs Speight and Co. for the last four years, but was absent from work for about a week past owing to rheumatism. "Otago Daily Times", 22nd February 1882.

She was yesterday, visited by a number of friends, who found her less irritable, and improving as well as could be expected under the circumstances. Bischefski has been very much torn and cut about the legs and arms, and has also sustained several burns. The child had one of its legs wounded severely. The father and child are at present residing in Cumberland Street with Mrs. Gdanitz, mother of Mrs. Bischefski. The lad Crefts was a son of Mr. Crefts, dairyman at Pine Hill, and attending the Christian Brother's school along with Mr. Bischefski's two eldest children. He usually went home to Pine Hill at night, but as the weather looked threatening on Monday night, he resolved to stay with his uncle. Bischefski has been in the employ of Messrs Speight and Co. for the last four years, but was absent from work for about a week past owing to rheumatism. "Otago Daily Times", 22nd February 1882.

During the night of 22nd of February 1882 there was a tragic fire in their two-storey home in Smith St. The fire claimed the lives of the three eldest and also that of their 12 year old, cousin Thomas Kreft, who had stayed overnight at his Uncle's home because of bad weather.

During the night of 22nd of February 1882 there was a tragic fire in their two-storey home in Smith St. The fire claimed the lives of the three eldest and also that of their 12 year old cousin, Thomas Kreft, who had stayed overnight at his Uncle's home because of bad weather.

Byszewski Family

Byszewski Family

BLAWAT. Meaning: blue silk fabric.

BLAWAT (Pol) Meaning: blue silk fabric.

BYSZEWSKI: element from names such as Zbyslaw and Przybyslaw.

BYSZEWSKI (Pol) element from names such as Zbyslaw and Przybyslaw.

GASIOROWSKI derives from the Polish word Gasior. Meaning: gander.

GASIOROWSKI (Pol) Gasior. Meaning: gander.

GDANIEC. Meaning: resident of Gdansk.

GDANIEC (Pol) Meaning: resident of Gdansk.

Stanislaus Byszewski (1799-1863) married (1835 Gardschau) Julianna Gasiorowska. Together they lived in the village of Bojahren (Bojary), which included an estate belonging to a monastery, 3 houses and 38 inhabitants. This village was part of the Parish of Gardschau (Godziszewo), situated in West Prussia, ethnically known as Kociewie in the greater district of Gdansk, Poland. Here they had one child that could be located being: Anna (1836-1855). Julianna most probably died as Stanislaus remarried in (1840 Liebschau) Marianna Gasiorowska. While living in the village of Wentkau (Wetkowy) in the Parish of Liebschau (Lubiszewo Tczewskie) they had the following: Barbara (1838) & Julius Stanislaus (1840-1919).

Stanislaus Byszewski (1799-1863) married (1835 Gardschau) Julianna Gasiorowska. Together they lived in the village of Bojahren (Bojary), which included an estate belonging to a monastery, 3 houses and 38 inhabitants. This village was part of the Parish of Gardschau (Godziszewo), situated in West Prussia, ethnically known as Kociewie in the greater district of Danzig (Gdansk), Poland. Here they had one child that could be located being: Anna (1836-1855). Julianna most probably died as Stanislaus remarried in (1840 Liebschau) Marianna Gasiorowska. While living in the village of Wentkau (Wetkowy) in the Parish of Liebschau (Lubiszewo Tczewskie) they had the following: Barbara (1838) & Julius Stanislaus (1840-1919).

The family moved west to Borroschau (Boroszewo) in the Parish of Gardschau where a further two were born being; Catharina (1841) & Franz (1843-1868).

The family moved west to Borroschau (Boroszewo) in the Parish of Gardschau where a further two were born being; Catharina (1841) & Franz (1843-1868).

They moved once again finally to the village of Schiwialken (Siwialka) where the rest of the family were born, being: Jacob (1846-1846), Jacob (1848), August (1850-1852), Johann (1853-1854) & Joseph (1858).

They moved once again finally to the village of Schiwialken (Siwialka) where the rest of the family were born, being: Jacob (1846-1846), Jacob (1848), August (1850-1852), Johann (1853-1854) & Joseph (1858).

Julius Stanislaus married (1871 Gardschau) Anna Theresia Gdanietz (1850-1873), the daughter of Martin Gdaniec & Marianna Blawat. They both settled in the village of Schiwialken (Siwialka), Gardschau Parish, where Julius' family were residing at the time. This village consisted of 26 houses and 166 inhabitants.

Julius Stanislaus married (1871 Gardschau) Anna Theresia Gdanietz (1850-1873), the daughter of Martin Gdaniec & Marianna Blawat. They both settled in the village of Schiwialken (Siwialka), Gardschau Parish, where Julius' family were residing at the time. This village consisted of 26 houses and 166 inhabitants.

In the next year Julius & Anna left Schiwialken for Hamburg, via Gdansk, where they set aboard the ship "Palmerston" being the third ship with assisted and nominated Polish immigrants to New Zealand sent on behalf of the Vogel Scheme. They set sail on the 29th of July 1872, on board being: Juliusz 32 and his wife Anna 22 arriving at Port Chalmers, New Zealand on the 6th of December 1872.

In the next year Julius & Anna left Schiwialken for Hamburg, via Gdansk, where they set aboard the ship "Palmerston" being the third ship with assisted and nominated Polish immigrants to New Zealand sent on behalf of the Vogel Scheme. They set sail on the 29th of July 1872, on board being: Juliusz 32 and his wife Anna 22 arriving at Port Chalmers, New Zealand on the 6th of December 1872.

A majority of the Poles were transported down to Greytown to commence work on the southern railway line, while some found farm labouring in around Dunedin. Julius remained and settled in the heart of Dunedin.

A majority of the Poles were transported down to Greytown to commence work on the southern railway line, while some found farm labouring in around Dunedin. Julius remained and settled in the heart of Dunedin.

Two months later Julius lost his wife on the 14th of February 1873 aged 22 years. She died as a result of childbirth as a male birth was listed in the same year. She is buried in the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Two months later Julius lost his wife on the 14th of February 1873 aged 22 years. She died as a result of childbirth as a male birth was listed in the same year. She is buried in the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Three Months later Julius married Marianna Gdanietz (1852-1943), sister to his previous wife Anna, on the 27th of May 1873 at St Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin. Marianna was 19 and under age, so her Mother, Maria Gdanitz signed the intention to Marry register giving permission for the marriage. Julius was listed as 33 years of age, a cooper by trade and a widower who had been in Dunedin 6 months. Marianna also arrived on the "Palmerston" aged 21 with members of her family.

Three Months later Julius married Marianna Gdanietz (1852-1943), sister to his previous wife Anna, on the 27th of May 1873 at St Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin. Marianna was 19 and under age, so her Mother, Maria Gdanitz signed the intention to Marry register giving permission for the marriage. Julius was listed as 33 years of age, a cooper by trade and a widower who had been in Dunedin 6 months. Marianna also arrived on the "Palmerston" aged 21 with members of her family.

Together Julius & Marianna remained in Dunedin where they had the following: Francis (1874-1882), Minnie (1875-1882), Martha (1877-1882), Albert Joseph (1880-1934), & Julius Francis (1884-1918).

Together Julius & Marianna remained in Dunedin where they had the following: Francis (1874-1882), Minnie (1875-1882), Martha (1877-1882), Albert Joseph (1880-1934), & Julius Francis (1884-1918).

Julius was employed as a cooper at Speights Brewery since 1878. In the 1882 freeholders Julius is listed as owning 241 acres of land to the value of Ł240 in the settlement of Greytown.

Julius was employed as a cooper at Speights Brewery since 1878. In the 1882 freeholders Julius is listed as owning 241 acres of land to the value of Ł240 in the settlement of Greytown.

The Byszewski children were buried at the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin, as was Thomas Kreft along side his cousins.

The Byszewski children were buried at the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin, as was Thomas Kreft along side his cousins.

On the 19th of October 1885 Julius purchased sections 44 & 45 of the block: 2nd Ext. in the township of Selwyn. It is recorded that Julius Bischiskie was naturalised on the 4th of November 1890 as a Labourer residing in Dunedin.

On the 19th of October 1885 Julius purchased sections 44 & 45 of the block: 2nd Ext. in the township of Selwyn. It is recorded that Julius Bischiskie was naturalised on the 4th of November 1890 as a Labourer residing in Dunedin.

Julius died on the 5th of January 1919 aged 79. His wife Mary died in October 1943, at the Little Sisters of the Poor, Dunedin, aged 93. They are both buried at the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Julius died on the 5th of January 1919 aged 79. His wife Mary died in October 1943, at the Little Sisters of the Poor, Dunedin, aged 93. They are both buried at the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Byszewski Family Tree

%META:TOPICINFO{author="PaulKlemick" date="1059796200" format="1.0" version="1.1"}% %META:TOPICPARENT{name="PolishGenealogy"}% -- PaulKlemick - 02 Aug 2003

Byszewski Family

SURNAMES & THEIR ORIGINS

BLAWAT. Meaning: blue silk fabric.

BYSZEWSKI: element from names such as Zbyslaw and Przybyslaw.

GASIOROWSKI derives from the Polish word Gasior. Meaning: gander.

GDANIEC. Meaning: resident of Gdansk.

Stanislaus Byszewski (1799-1863) married (1835 Gardschau) Julianna Gasiorowska. Together they lived in the village of Bojahren (Bojary), which included an estate belonging to a monastery, 3 houses and 38 inhabitants. This village was part of the Parish of Gardschau (Godziszewo), situated in West Prussia, ethnically known as Kociewie in the greater district of Gdansk, Poland. Here they had one child that could be located being: Anna (1836-1855). Julianna most probably died as Stanislaus remarried in (1840 Liebschau) Marianna Gasiorowska. While living in the village of Wentkau (Wetkowy) in the Parish of Liebschau (Lubiszewo Tczewskie) they had the following: Barbara (1838) & Julius Stanislaus (1840-1919).

The family moved west to Borroschau (Boroszewo) in the Parish of Gardschau where a further two were born being; Catharina (1841) & Franz (1843-1868).

They moved once again finally to the village of Schiwialken (Siwialka) where the rest of the family were born, being: Jacob (1846-1846), Jacob (1848), August (1850-1852), Johann (1853-1854) & Joseph (1858).

Julius Stanislaus married (1871 Gardschau) Anna Theresia Gdanietz (1850-1873), the daughter of Martin Gdaniec & Marianna Blawat. They both settled in the village of Schiwialken (Siwialka), Gardschau Parish, where Julius' family were residing at the time. This village consisted of 26 houses and 166 inhabitants.

In the next year Julius & Anna left Schiwialken for Hamburg, via Gdansk, where they set aboard the ship "Palmerston" being the third ship with assisted and nominated Polish immigrants to New Zealand sent on behalf of the Vogel Scheme. They set sail on the 29th of July 1872, on board being: Juliusz 32 and his wife Anna 22 arriving at Port Chalmers, New Zealand on the 6th of December 1872.

A majority of the Poles were transported down to Greytown to commence work on the southern railway line, while some found farm labouring in around Dunedin. Julius remained and settled in the heart of Dunedin.

Two months later Julius lost his wife on the 14th of February 1873 aged 22 years. She died as a result of childbirth as a male birth was listed in the same year. She is buried in the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Three Months later Julius married Marianna Gdanietz (1852-1943), sister to his previous wife Anna, on the 27th of May 1873 at St Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin. Marianna was 19 and under age, so her Mother, Maria Gdanitz signed the intention to Marry register giving permission for the marriage. Julius was listed as 33 years of age, a cooper by trade and a widower who had been in Dunedin 6 months. Marianna also arrived on the "Palmerston" aged 21 with members of her family.

Together Julius & Marianna remained in Dunedin where they had the following: Francis (1874-1882), Minnie (1875-1882), Martha (1877-1882), Albert Joseph (1880-1934), & Julius Francis (1884-1918).

Julius was employed as a cooper at Speights Brewery since 1878. In the 1882 freeholders Julius is listed as owning 241 acres of land to the value of Ł240 in the settlement of Greytown.

During the night of 22nd of February 1882 there was a tragic fire in their two-storey home in Smith St. The fire claimed the lives of the three eldest and also that of their 12 year old, cousin Thomas Kreft, who had stayed overnight at his Uncle's home because of bad weather.

FATAL FIRE IN DUNEDIN

FOUR CHILDREN BURNT

DISCOVERY OF THREE OF THE BODIES

A terrible fire broke out in a small wooden house in Smith-street, near the corner of Dowling-street, shortly after four o'clock yesterday morning, by which four children were burnt to death. The house was occupied by Julius Bischefski, his wife, and four children, who all slept upstairs.

The fire appears to have broken out on the ground floor of the building, and the family were not aroused till it broke through the upper floor. Bischefski and his wife got through a window, leaving the children in bed, but it was not known for some time that there was anyone in the house, as little attention was paid to the maddening screams of Mrs. Bischefski. When the Brigade arrived, however, the house was entirely enveloped in flames, and it would have been too late to have rendered any assistance. The names of the four children who were burnt were-

Francis Bischefski, aged 8 years, Minnie Bischefski, aged 6 years, Martha Bischefski, aged 4 years, and Thomas Croft, aged 13 years. The fire spread to the next house on either side, both of which were destroyed. ["Daily Times".]

FATAL FIRE

FURTHER PARTICULARS

In consequence of the lateness of the hour yesterday morning at which the fire in Smith Street occurred we were unable to give more than a brief outline of the disaster, and this we were able to insert only in our city edition. The following additional particulars therefore will read with interest by all. The building in which the fire, so fatal in the results, originated, was occupied by Julius Bischefski (a native of Poland), his wife, four of children, and a nephew named Thomas Crefts and was situated in the center of a row of old wooden buildings belonging to Mr. F. B. Cargill and held on tenancy by Mr. Robert Greenslade. Bischefski's house was a four roomed two-storey one and the front and back rooms on the ground floor were used as kitchen and sitting room respectively. The rooms upstairs were used as bedrooms, the front one occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Bischefski, and the back by the children - the two little girls occupying one bed and the eldest son and nephew the other.

MR BISCHEFSKI'S STATEMENT

Mr. Bischefski's statement is as follows- He and his wife retired to bed about 11 o'clock on the previous night. They were awakened some time later by the eldest son calling out, "Oh, Mama! smoke, smoke!" There was no smoke in Bischefski's bedroom at the time, but he immediately jumped out of bed and crossed the small passage between his own room and that in which the children were sleeping. On opening the door of the latter he was met by a strong tongue of flame, unaccompanied, so far as he could perceive, by smoke. He tried to reach the children, but his nightdress caught fire, and he was forced to go back. Rushing to his own room he wrapped himself in a blanket, entirely covering his head and face, and returned to force his way through the flames in the endeavour to make the rescue. The blanket was burned about him; yet twice he again and again renewed the attempt. At length the room in which his wife was at the time caught fire through the open doorway, and the flames were fast making headway. Seeing nothing could be done for the children, his attention was turned to the safety of his wife and the youngest child (a boy, two and a half years of age). Mrs. Bischefski had at the moment made a desperate effort to enter the back bedroom herself through the midst of the fire; but her husband dragged her back with the flames upon them; and dashing his fist through the window overlooking the street, seized the little boy under his left arm and swung himself out over the ledge, hanging on to the inner side of the window framing by his right hand. He then extended his left arm, holding the child, and thus dropped it gently on the pavement.

Drawing himself up again, he prepared in the same way to break the fall of his wife in her descent from a height of 10 ft, but the flames were so close that, unable to endure the heat any longer, she threw herself unexpectedly into his arms before he was quite prepared to receive her, and the sudden impetus, forced him to relax his hold. Both dropped, and the poor woman fell upon her child, which is considerably injured in consequence. Nor did she herself escape unhurt, for in the fall she came heavily on her face on the asphalt pavement, and beside sustaining severe contusions on the forehead, she was much cut about the mouth, and had a number of her teeth so crushed in by the force of the blow that it is probable she will lose most of them. On realizing the position of things she became quite frantic in her cries for her children, and, only that her husband kept her back, would in her frenzy have dashed into the burning building.

MRS GREENSLADE'S STATEMENT

Mrs. Greenslade, wife of Robert Greenslade, who occupied the house on the south side of Bischefski's, states that her eldest son heard Bischefski shouting "fire!" and perceiving smoke was entering the room he immediately aroused his father and mother. On looking out Mrs. Greenslade heard Bischefski shouting and saw him wildly waving his arms from the window. She then dragged her own children out of bed, and by the time she had snatched up a few articles of clothing, and all the family had got safely outside, the south wall of the house was a sheet of fire. She further states that the fire bell did not ring for some minutes after her son first gave the alarm.

RECOVERY OF THE BODIES

The bodies of the four children who perished in the flames were recovered by 4-3 am by Firemen Robb and Lind, and were then lying on the floor of the kitchen below the bedroom. They were found huddled together upon the mattresses of the two beds on which they had been sleeping, and which seemed to have fallen right through from the upper floor. As the children did not seem to have arisen from bed, it is probable that the horrible death to which they were victims was alleviated by suffocation, before the flames came upon them. The bodies were removed from the debris by Detective Walker, 'and placed on sheets of iron and covered over until an express arrived, shortly after 5 o'clock, when they were conveyed to the morgue.' They were so charred as to be unrecognisable.

The correct names of the children were:- Francis Bischefski, aged 8 years. Minnie Bischefski, aged 6 years. Martha Bischefski, aged 4 years. Thomas Crefts, aged 12 years.

GENERAL

The shrieks of the poor woman as she witnessed the burning building were heartrending in the extreme, but fully a quarter of an hour had elapsed from the breaking out of the fire before the cause of her distress was known. Even though it had been at the time when the Bischefskis themselves were aroused, there would not have been any chance of rendering assistance in the matter of saving the children, for the whole back part of the house was enveloped in flames. How the fire originated is a mystery, but as we have ascertained that a few live ashes had been left in the kitchen grate on the previous night, a spark from this was the probable cause, and the dry timber would burn very rapidly. The fire had almost instantly spread to the six-roomed house on the south side, occupied by Mr. Greenslade, and to the two-roomed houses on the north side, occupied by a married man named Brydstone.

The houses were not separated by any protection walls, although built closely together and had there been any wind at the time, it must have been difficult to stay the progress of the fire. As it was, the houses on each side of Bischefski's were entirely gutted by the time the Fire Brigade had arrived. The insurances on the buildings destroyed amount to Ł60 in the Norwich union Office, in the policies of Ł75 on Greenslade's house, Ł50 on Bischefski's and Ł35 on the Brydstone's. None of the occupants had any insurance on their furniture or household goods. The brigade were late putting in their appearance, on account of the horses refusing to pull the gear up the incline of Stuart Street.

As soon as possible after the arrival of the police on the scene they dispatched a messenger for a conveyance and had Mrs. Bischefski conveyed to the Hospital, where, besides the burns and bruises sustained in her escape from the building, she was found to have been considerably lacerated about the head and arms in getting through the window.

She was yesterday, visited by a number of friends, who found her less irritable, and improving as well as could be expected under the circumstances. Bischefski has been very much torn and cut about the legs and arms, and has also sustained several burns. The child had one of its legs wounded severely. The father and child are at present residing in Cumberland Street with Mrs. Gdanitz, mother of Mrs. Bischefski. The lad Crefts was a son of Mr. Crefts, dairyman at Pine Hill, and attending the Christian Brother's school along with Mr. Bischefski's two eldest children. He usually went home to Pine Hill at night, but as the weather looked threatening on Monday night, he resolved to stay with his uncle. Bischefski has been in the employ of Messrs Speight and Co. for the last four years, but was absent from work for about a week past owing to rheumatism. "Otago Daily Times", 22nd February 1882.

The Byszewski children were buried at the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin, as was Thomas Kreft along side his cousins.

On the 19th of October 1885 Julius purchased sections 44 & 45 of the block: 2nd Ext. in the township of Selwyn. It is recorded that Julius Bischiskie was naturalised on the 4th of November 1890 as a Labourer residing in Dunedin.

Julius died on the 5th of January 1919 aged 79. His wife Mary died in October 1943, at the Little Sisters of the Poor, Dunedin, aged 93. They are both buried at the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.