How do I find ancestorial records from Polland? DESPERATE!?

Question

I have looked everywhere I know of to find out how to obtain records of my great grandfather. Problem is, he might have changed his name after coming to the US and I dont know his given name. His military records for the US say that he was born in Limanowa, Poland in 1886 but thats the only real info I have. I have searched boat records also. Any help would be appreciated, I really want to find my family further back from him cause right now im stuck at him, my great grandfather.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Unfortunately, Poland is very difficult for research. The LDS records, although they have some records in Poland, are lacking in many villages and churches. Some churches have incomplete records, etc. I would go onto www.familysearch.org and check their catalog for the village to see what they have.

Answer 2

You could edit your question and provide your great grandfather's "American" name, maybe someone else can find the passenger list.  You could also try the message boards, others may be able to suggest common surname variations with the one you have'.as well as other research advice for records from Poland.

http://genforum.genealogy.com/poland/

These links look like they may be helpful:

Guide to Genealogy in Poland

http://www.polishroots.org/genpoland/ind...

Poland Border Surnames

http://maxpages.com/poland

If you haven't already tried Cydislist, here is the link for Poland.

http://www.cyndislist.com/poland.htm

Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

The best thing you could do is to try and ask anybody if he's ever mentioned an original surname.

When most people came to the US during times of war, they were given new surnames for one reason or another.

Answer 4

Gen's mom will pop in here and trust me, she is our star on this topic.

My suggestion is that you need to post his name as you have it, and dates birth/ death.  Sounds like you don't have census or naturalization records.. both will have more info. Someone here will do a courtesy lookup for you.