After eight years of dedicated research, it was genealogist’s dream come true to discover the immigration records of my paternal grandfather, Hudak Miklos and my husband’s maternal grandfather, Muszka Mihaly at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. this past spring.

Grandfather Hudak came to America by himself in April of 1902 on the SS Pennland that departed from Antwerp and arrived at Ellis Island on April 8, 1902. He had hopes of finding work and sending for my grandmother, Teresia Komjati Hudak and my Aunt Margaret.

The family eventually settled in Sharon, Pennsylvania where my father Miklos was born in 1908. A few years later they moved back to Timar, Szabolcs Megye in Hungary, which was their city of origin.

Dad returned to America in 1929 bringing with him, after a stop in Budapest, a magazine that contained the recipe for Holiday Cake, which as always been a traditional part of our family’s Christmas menu.

Of Grandfather Michael Muszka, there was absolutely no information known other than that he came to America in about 1901 or 1902, worked in the coalmines. Supposedly in Western Pennsylvania and was killed in a mining accident soon after.

I did find out recently that he arrived by himself on the SS Milano, which sailed out of Hamburg and arrived on February 15, 1901. His destination was to Johnstown, Ohio by his brother-in-law Peter Bodnar. He also had hopes of bringing his family to America eventually.

I am still in the process of researching the Paull ancestors, Pal Karoly and Pujka Maria. Their origins were in Makkosjanosi, Bereg Megye, Hungary.

Some cities in that area of old Hungary were Asztely, Badalo, Balazser which was a little hamlet adjoining Makkosjonosi. There was also Beregszasz, Botragy, Halabor and Mezokaszony, just to name a few.

An 1828 Census of this area of Hungary shows the names of these cities and many others.

My area of research has been of Timar, Szabolcs Megye; Komloska, Zemplen Megye; Damoc, Zemplen Megye: and Makkosjanosi in Bereg Megye for both Immigration and Church Records.

This work has taken place at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., and the Family History Center in our area, which has a wealth of information on Immigration and especially Church Records from all around the world. The Internet has also proved to be very helpful in my research.

Cindy Torok, wife of Board Member Rev. Stephan Torok, of Perth Amboy, N.J. has become an avid genealogist after just one visit to the National Archives this past spring.

If anyone were interested in Genealogy, I would be happy to respond to any inquiries about how to proceed with their research.

My email address is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or the street address is Mrs. Margaret Paull, 84 Center Street, Metuchen, N.j. 08840.

I would like to sxpress my sincere thanks to the membes of the Federation who through their kindness gave of their time and effort to assist me with this genealogical endeavor.

Helen and Bill Szuch, I thank for all the pictures, literature and information on Sharon, Pa. Where my grandpoartents lived and my father was born.

Clara and Bela Csikesz, thanks for the help in researching the Churches and Cemeteries in the Homestead, Pa. Area where my husband’s grandfather Michael Muszka, we assumed, arrived, worked and perished in a coal mining accident all in a short span of time.

Emma Aros, thank you also for researching Cemetery and Dept. of Vital Statistics records of the Muszka and Peter Bodnar families in Lorain, Ohio and the pictures that will become part of our family’s treasured genealogy.

To Viola Wyttenbach goes a debt of gratitude for making me aware of the Family History Centers.

The assistance of all these friends has proved that we all love and respect our Hungarian Heritage and hope that this love will be passed on to future generations.

Mrs Margaret Paull
District Manager
Branches 501, 502, and 250

84 Center Street
Metuchen, N.J. 08840
732 549 4898
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