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SURNAMES & THEIR ORIGINS

KRAKOWSKI (Pol) Kracz-, Krak- root as in Krakać, to caw, or krak cow, also Krak was the legendary founder of Kraków.

MIGOWSKI (Pol) Migać. Meanings: to twinkle, wink.

OSSOWSKI (Pol) Osow from place names such as Osów, Osowa, Osowo, Ossowo.

RYBISZKA (Pol) Ryba. Meaning: fish, also root of numerous common toponyms, Rybaki, Rybie, Rybin, Rybno etc.

RYCHERT (Ger) Reichardt. Meanings: rich, rule + hard, clever.

Assumption of the Virgin Mary at Trąbki Wielkie

Dorota Krakowska (nee Ossowska) died on 29 October 1863 at Żelisławki and was buried at St. Malgorzata in Miłobadz. Michal Krakowski married on 19 February 1865 at the church of Michal the Archangel in Skarszewy to Katarzyna Szulist (b. abt. 1839–d. 1903)). The family born at Mirowo Duze; Jozef (b. 1865–d. 1889), August Marcin (b. 1866), Anton (b. 1868–d. 1869), at Elganowo; Stefan (b. 1870–d. 1872), Berta Paulina (b. 1872) and Jan Stefan (b. 1875–d. 1883). Michał Walenty Krakowski died on 21 November 1894 at Elganowo and was buried at the church of St. Jan Nepomuk in Godziszewo. Katarzyna Krakowski (nee Szulist) married in November at the church of St. Michał the Archangel at Skarszewy to Gabriel Pruszak (b. 1842–d. 1904), the son of Michał Pruszak and Maryanna Gołkowska. Katarzyna died on 6 June 1903 at Ełganowo and Gabriel died on 14 January 1904 at Trąbki Wielkie where they are both buried.

Marcin Ossowski married on 10 January 1864 at the Assumpton of the Virgin Mary in Trąbki Wielkie, to Anna Maryanna Rychert (b. 1834 at Lisewiec–d. 1910), the daughter of Adam Rychert (b. 1798–d. 1866) and Rozalia Rybiszka (b. 1797–d. 1866). Prior to marriage, Anna gave birth in Sobowidz to Berta Augusta (b. 1863). The family born at Sobowidz; Julianna Johanna (b. 1864–d. 1937), at Rukosin; Rozalia (b. 1867–d. 1902), Jan (b. 1869), Anna Maria (b. 1871–d. 1871), Franciszek Wincenty (b. 1872–d. 1950) and female child (b. 1875–d. 1875). Following the death of their youngest child, the family left the village of Rukosin in 1875 and headed for Hamburg where they set aboard the Shakespeare departing on 6 October 1875, arriving at Port Nicholson in Wellington on 23 January 1876.

Also onboard was half-brother, Michal Krakowski and family who settled at Hokitika. Another half-brother, Jan Krakowski, arrived in New Zealand with family aboard the Fritz Reuter which departed Hamburg 12 April 1876 arriving at Port Nicholson in Wellington on 15 August 1876 and settled at Hokitika.

Male Ofsoski, Block 99, Lot 4 at Northern Cemetery, Dunedin, courtesy of Paul Klemick

Listed aboard were: Martin Osowski age 57, Anna 39, Bertha 12, Juliane 9, Rosalie 8, Johannes 6, and Franz 3. The families were sent south to Jackson Bay aboard the SS Wallace arriving in Hokitika on 7 February 1876 via Nelson and Westport as confirmed by family researchers. After a short stay in Jackson Bay the family left the settlement in October 1878 to Otago. Martin and Anna had a still born male on 14 April 1879 and was buried the next day at the Northern Cemetery in Dunedin. The family had been residing in the allusive Walker Street, today, Carol Street. The family appear in Mullocky Gully, West Taieri, 22 km from Dunedin in 1880. It is possible Martin found work on the Railway in the region.

“The ”unemployed,” for whom work has been found on the railway at Mullocky Gully, complain bitterly that while they are furnished with tools, tents, etc., free of charge they are compelled either to pay for “tucker” or go without. This must certainly be considered very hard ( ) but we may mention that many of the early settlers on their arrival here went to work at I2s a week and found themselves when flour and other provisions were much higher in price than at present. In connection with the complaints of the “Unemployed” we may quote the following from a Dunedin contemporary: — Travellers connected with the city breweries are evidently doing an excellent business in connection with the railway works not a hundred miles from North Taieri. The majority of the navvies are not strict disciples of Father Matthew, and their weekly liquor bill is said to be “prodigious.” Clutha Leader, 3 October 1879, p 5.

“Mr. Stewart, M.H.R., has telegraphed to Mr. Oliver as follows:— A deputation from unemployed has just waited on me. They state that a meeting, attended by 500, was held this morning to urge that the Government should find immediate employment on the Hindon section and Mullocky Gully. The unemployed represent carpenters, bricklayers, a few engineers, a large number of ordinary laborers. Many are recent arrivals. A number are married. What can the Government do for them? The case seems to be one of urgency.” Oamaru Mail, 9 March 1880, P2.

“Three hundred of the Dunedin unemployed have commenced work at Mullocky Gully, Otago Central railway. Other members of the unemployed are en route.” South Canterbury Times, 27 March 1880, p2

“The Police Court sat until 9.30 on Monday evening. The sly-grog charges from Mullocky Gully were got through, and Mr Watt held over his decision until Saturday. The cases heard were against Moroni Saunders, John Kane, James Green, Michael Hogan, George Webb, Bartley Burke, David Sullivan, Lachlan M Lean, James Gridgman, Geo. T. Hegarty, William Lovell, Martin Ossenwisky, and James M’Allister. The last case was dismissed without a defence being entered into. (The point relied upon by the defence in most of the cases is that the wives of the defendants supplied the liquor, without any proved knowledge on the part of the defendants. Inspector Mallard, to meet this, states that it was previously laid down as a rule from the Bench that the husband should be summoned in all such cases, as in case of penalty the wife has no effects to distrain upon. Another point for the defence is that the prosecuting witnesses— two men employed on daily wages by the Police Department for the purpose of securing sly grog convictions-have perjured themselves.” Otago Witness, 21 August 1880, p 18.

“SLY-GROG SELLING AT MULLOCKY GULLY. The City Court sat till 9.30 p.m. yesterday hearing the charges of sly-grog selling at Mullocky Gully… Martin Ossenwiski was next charged with having on the 3rd inst. at Mullocky Gully sold to John Taylor a quantity of beer. Mr Denniston defended.—The evidence was that defendant supplied the beer and was paid for it.—Taylor stated that five men came in and asked him to “shout,” and because he would not, followed him down the road and tried to pull him off his horse. – Rosa Ossenwiski, for the defence, stated that Taylor was drunk at the time he came to the house.— The defendant, on being put into the box, stated that his name was Ossofski (not as given in the information). Ho stated that he did not supply Taylor and Thomson with any beer.” Evening Star, 17 August 1880, p4.

The family then appear at Greytown and Carterton in the Wairarapa in 1881.

Martin Ofsoski, courtesy of © 2026 Ofsoski Family History.

“On Wednesday morning the Small Farm district west of Greytown, known as Matarawa, was the scene of an accident, being the third of the kind within a year which has befallen the individual concerned—a man named Ofsoski. A Greytown produce dealer, accompanied by his boy, was, with his horse and trap, out dealing for poultry, &c. Having purchased a quantity of eggs and other produce from sundry farms, and safely deposited them in the trap, he went on to another farm, leaving his boy in charge. The boy allowed the horse to nibble the grass, and while the animal was thus occupied the blinkers slipped off, a bolt being the result. After having scattered the contents of the cart over the road, a capsize brought the horse’s gallop to an end. Its struggles smashed the shafts and partially destroyed the harness. The boy was thrown out of the vehicle, but he escaped without very serious injury. Beyond being stunned and complaining of a pain in the abdomen, he is unhurt.” New Zealand Times, 21 October 1881. p2.

“GREYTOWN. (FROM OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.) May 22… Last Sunday, at the residence of Mr Martin Ofsoski, at this end of Carterton, Detective Chrystal, in company with the Carterton constable, made a raid, charging the astonished foreigner with having and selling grog. Ofsoski has taken legal advice respecting the prosecution, and has also communicated with the German Consul, and states that ho is determined to have the matter investigated…” New Zealand Times, 24 May 1883, p3.

“R.M. COURT. CARTERTON.—TUESDAY, (Before H. A. Stratford, R.M., and W, Booth, J.P.) Peter Pearick v. Martin Ofsosky.-An adjourned assault case. Mr Beard for plaintiff, and Mr Bunny for defendant. Samuel Myer, who gave evidence at the previous sitting, was recalled, and in answer to Mr Bunny, stated that he saw the plaintiff at the house of the defendant after the alleged assault, offering to sell some working implements. He saw the plaintiff at his own house in company with the defendant, when he (the plaintiff) said that the defendant had put the devil into him, and asked him to take him away again, Mrs Ofsosky, wife of the defendant, stated that she saw the plaintiff and his sister at her house about 8 o’clock p.m. His sister brought some sewing with her, and the plaintiff saw her husband drinking beer with mustard it it. The plaintiff asked her husband for some, and he gave some. ln answer to Mr Beard she stated that night they (the plaintiff and his sister) both came together, which they do not often do. It was about 11 o’clock p.m. when they left to go to their homes. Dr Smith, in answer to Mr Bunny, said that he was called to see the plaintiff about the 21st August, when he appeared to be suffering from indigestion, for which he prescribed. He heard no more about it. John Ofsosky stated that the defendant was his father. He remembered the occurrence of the 3rd August, and generally corroborated the evidence of the previous witnesses. The case was dismissed, each party to pay his own costs, and the plaintiff to pay the extra cost for the attendance of Samuel Myer that day, The Court was adjourned for five minutes to enable the solicitors to confer respecting the offence alleged to have been committed by Ofsosky, who was charged with having sold beer to his neighbors, The case was dismissed without costs.” Wairarapa Daily Times, 7 October 1885, p 2.

“Bewitched, or What? About twelve months ago a party of Scandinavians living at South Carterton were under the impression that they had been bewitched by one Offsoski, and the poor fellow had a rather rough time of it, as far as threatening’s could go. Ultimately the evil one was cast out, the spell was broken, and quiet reigned in the camp. Of late, however, the devil, it is alleged, has got hold of Ofsoski again and his neighbors have been suffering in many ways. To cite one case as an illustration of the superstitious feelings of these people, we select the following: An elderly woman was in the bed of health when Ofsoski happened to step on the verandah of her house one day. Immediately, it is said, the old lady was taken bad with pains in her legs, and although remedies were used to restore her to usual health, they were administered in vain. The Scandinavians had no faith even in medical men, but there was a lady in Masterton, they said, who could drive the devil away. She happened to be in Wellington, so a special messenger was despatched to that city to bring her up without delay. The messenger had not the slightest clue to the whereabouts of the fair enchantress; he only knew her as “Misses,” but he used every means to find her and at last succeeded. It was no use her explaining that her presence was unnecessary; the messenger and those who sent him believed as strongly that “Misses” could chase away the evil one, as they believed OSsoski bad bewitched the old lady. “Misses” came up to Carterton, went to the Scandinavian quarter and saw the afflicted one. Then there was joy, for the evil spirit was cast out (so they said) and the old dame even alleged that she could see the black gentleman going out of the house with “Misses,” who promised to take him down to Wellington with her. The strange part of the story is that the suffering one was immediately cared and skipped about like a young lamb when she believed that the devil had been taken away from her. We have read many instances of faith and mind cure, but the above is about one of the strongest we have come across. The old dame’s faith in “Misses” made her whole.” Wairarapa Standard, 6 June 1887, p3.

Martin was naturalised as a New Zealand citizen on 20 July 1887, a farmer at Carterton. “Letters of naturalisation have been issued as follows Wilhelm F. Goile, farmer, and Maximilian Wysocki, bootmaker, of Marton. Anders Christensen, farmer, Martin Ofsofski, farmer, and Jes Peter Petersen, settler, of Carterton; Ole Anderson, blacksmith, Neils M. Nielsen, painter, George John P. Gruschow, gardener, Jacob Siemonek, and Axel Victor Tornquist, laborer, of Masterton, and Emanuel Anderson, Featherston.” New Zealand Times, 29 July 1887, p3.

“CARTERTON-TUESDAY. (Before Messrs B. Fairbrother and W. Booth, J.P.’s) Sam Myers v, Martin Ofsoski, Mr Acheson for plaintiff, and Beard for defendant. Sam Myers being sworn, deposed that on the 14th inst., while the man in his employ was erecting a fence for him the defendant came, threw the rails aside, and started measuring with a tape. Pushed the tape away and told him to get a proper surveyor if he wanted to measure the line and he then shook his fist at him and told him that he would give it to him so that he should never see Carterton again. He was frightened of his life at the way defendant threatened him. By Mr Beard: Tho reason he would not let the defendant measure the line was because he was on his land. He pushed the tape away. His wife was close to him at the time. Peterson was the man who was erecting the fence for him. Paulina Myers wife of the complainant gave corroborative evidence, The information was dismissed, each party to pay their own costs.” Wairarapa Daily Times, 21 May 1890, p3.

Martin Ofsoski died on 8 November 1892 at Carterton and was buried at the Clareville Cemetery.

“IN MEMORIAM. OFSOSKI.—In loving memory of Martin Ofsoski, who departed this life on 6th November,1892 aged 65 years. Inserted by his loving daughter and grandchildren.” Evening Post, 8 November 1904, p1.

“IN MEMORIAM. OFSOSKI.-In sad but loving memory of my dear father, Martin Ofsoski, who died on the 6th November, 1892. Gone but not forgotten.  Inserted by his loving, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.”  Evening Post, 7 November 1905, p 1.

Anna Ofsoski (nee Rychert), L’Arbre Généalogique de L’Dame La plus belle princesse originally shared this on 31 Aug 2025 on ancestry.com.

Annie was registered on the 1893 Wairarapa Electoral Roll, the first for woman to vote in the democratic world.

“TO LET, 9 ROOMED house and shop, at South Carterton, with half an acre of ground in orchard and garden, a good stable and outbuildings now in the occupation of Mrs Ofsoski, Rent 10s per week, Apply on the premises or the undersigned, F. H. WOOD, Greytown,” Wairarapa Daily Times, 24 February 1894.p3

Annie married on 30 June 1894 at St. Mary of the Angels in Wellington to Henry Patrick Clarkson. (b. 1886–d. 1976).

“At Carterton on Saturday two young men named James McGuinness and Ernest Hendle were arrested on a charge of breaking into a dwelling and intimidating a woman named Annie Clarkson. Three other young men are wanted as accomplices in the act. McGuinness has been released on bail.” New Zealand Times, 24 April 1900, p5.

Annie died on 22 February 1910 at Carterton and was buried alongside her husband at the Clareville Cemetery.

“DEATHS. OFSOSKI.—On the 22nd February 1910, at her late residence, Carterton (suddenly), Annie Ofsoski, dearly beloved mother of Mrs. J. Forrest, Wellington; aged 70 years; deeply regretted. Sydney papers please copy.” Evening Post, 26 February 1910, p1.

“CARTERTON NEWS. (Own Correspondent.) Wednesday. The death occurred last evening of Mrs Annie Clarkson, after a short iillness. Deceased, who was well advanced in years, was an old resident of this town, and was twice married, ‘her first husband being a Mr Offsoski. She leaves a grown-up family by the first marriage. The funeral will take place to-morrow afternoon at the Clareville Cemetery.” Wairarapa Age, 24 February 1910, p8.

“CARTERTON NEWS. (Own Correspondent.) Thursday. The funeral of the late Mrs Annie Clarkson took place at the Clareville Cemetery, this afternoon, in the presence of a number of mourners.” Wairarapa Age, 25 February 1910, p6.

Berta Augusta Rychert  was born on 7 May 1863 at Sobowidz. Bertha, a young independent 13-year-old, first appears as a servant for the Ovens Hotel in Hokitika in the following article.

“SAD CASE OF INFANTICIDE. A coroner’s inquiry was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, at the Police Station, touching the death of a male infant, whose body was found in a water-closet at the rear of the Ovens Hotel… Bertha Ottoke said — I have been living at Mr White’s Ovens Hotel, in Revell street. There was a fellow servant there named Margaret Wright. I slept in the same room with her, but in a separate bed. On Thursday evening Margaret Wright told me she was full of pains, and that she could not stop up. I asked what was the matter with her. She said she had a headache and I should blow out the candle. This was about half-past seven. I went to bed about ten o’clock. I did not hear Anything during the night. I went to sleep. When I awoke in the morning, I found Margaret Wright was up. It was about six o’clock when I got up…” West Coast Times, 13 November 1876, p 2.

Bertha, a spinster, is located on the 1928 Palmerston North Electoral Roll residing with her brother Frank and family at 150 Main Street. This is her last whereabouts.

Wedding photo of Lucy marrying Mr Reader. Juliana seated on the right. First male standing on left is Lewis Forrest & his wife Mary, courtesy of © 2026 Ofsoski Family History.

Julianna Johanna Ossowska was born on 23 July 1864 at Sobowidz. She married on 26 August 1879 in Wellington to Michele Luigi Foradori (b. 1856 at Bono, Italy–d. 1914). They immigrated to Sydney where they had their family, Rosanna (b. 1882–d. 1975), Marion (b. abt. 1884–d. 1887), Lucy Elizabeth (b. 1886–d. 1976) and Lewis James (b. 1888–d. 1967). Michale and Julia, (now under the surname Forrest), return to Carterton, New Zealand in the early 1890s.

“Mr. and Mrs. Forrest celebrated their silver wedding at the New Century Hall on the 29th June. The presents were numerous and beautiful. Mrs. Forrest wore a pretty -cream satin trimmed with silk lace; Miss Mary Forrest, a beautiful pale blue silk, with dainty frills; Misses Ross and Lucy Forrest both wore cream silk, trimmed with delicate pink chiffon and frills; Miss M. Williams, a white silk, with forget-me-nots; Mrs. D. Wilder, a pretty white muslin, with yellow sash; Miss M. Sheene, a nice pink nun’s veiling elaborately trimmed with narrow ribbon and lace; Mrs. Morris, a black satin, with red roses; Mrs Moran, a dainty black voile; the Misses Moran, pretty white muslin; Miss Richards, white silk; Miss Stokel, pink satin blouse and white skirt; Mrs. Myers, a, blue silk blouse and black skirt; Mrs. Smith, pink silk blouse and black skirt; Mrs. Moron, black evening dress; Miss Hall, white muslin; Mrs. A. Wiren, white silk blouse and red skirt; Miss E. Wiren, white silk blouse and fawn, skirt; Miss Wilson, cream serge; Mrs Carter, a black dress; Misses Carter, white blouses, black skirts; Miss Peterson, blue dress; Miss Turner, white dress; Miss Wilton, blue blouse, grey J skirt; Miss Jones, cream blouse, black skirt; Mrs. Oakley, pretty cream silk. There were present: Mr. S. Forrest, Mr. W. Callan, Mr. G. Thompson, Mr. K. Purdy, Messrs. Moran and Moran, jun., Mr. Roberts, Mr. Killary, Mr. Phelps, Mr. Richards, Mr. J. Richards, Mr. M’Kay, Mr. Warwick, Mr. Ryan, Mr. Willie, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Harolds, Mr. Stenhouse, Mr. Chinnocks, Mr. Arthur, Mr. Coombs, Mr. Myers, Mr. Banks, Mr. Carter, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Carter, jun., Mr. Casovich, Mr. Oakley, Mr. Munn, Mr. Alex. Walker, and others. Music was furnished by Miss Woodward’s String Band.” Evening Post, 8 July 1905, p 15.

Michale and Julia appear in the 1908 Wellington Central Electoral Roll residing in 19 Tennyson Street where Michale is listed as a carpenter. Michale died on 2 March 1914 at Karori, Wellington and is buried at the Karori Cemetery. Julianna died on 9 October 1937 at Karori, Wellington and is buried at the Karori Cemetery.

Rozalia (Rosie) Ossowska was born on 10 February 1867 at Rukosin.

“A case was brought before the Greytown K. M Court, yesterday morning, in which Thos. Roberts charged a girl, named Rose Ofsoski, with stealing a silver watch from him. Messrs Wood and Tally, J. P’s, heard the case. Mr Gray appeared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty. The plaintiff states that he was a watchmaker and boarded at Mr Ofsoski’s house. On Tuesday be paid Miss Ofsoski 9s 6d, and the same day he missed a watch from his bag and when he asked Miss Ofsoski about it, she denied having seen it. He communicated with Constable Eccleton and afterwards gave Miss Ofsoski in charge. Under cross-ex-amination by Mr Gray, the plaintiff said he owed £2 and a few shillings for board, and he had been asked for it; could not tell how much he had to drink at Carterton; did not remember giving the watch to the girl, though he had often given articles into Mr Ofsoski’s charge. The plaintiff wandered considerably in his evidence and could not or would not remember many incidents brought before him. Constable Eccleton deposed to the arrest. The bench dismissed the case and wished it to be known that the defendant left the Court without a stain upon her character. It was an atrocious case, and the plaintiff deserved punishment himself. The costs of the case (28s) would have to be paid by the plaintiff within three days, or in default to be imprisoned for 7 days.” Wairarapa Standard, 14 December 1882, P2.

Rosie married on 14 May 1884 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Carterton to Hans Lorenzen Wilde (b. 1858 at Slevig Holsten, Denmark–d. 1967), the son of Nikolai Kristian Vilde and Anke Poulsen. The family at Carterton were; Henry Martin (b. 1885–d. 1957), Lavina Evaline (b. 1887–d. 1963), Rose (b. 1889–d. 1912), at Otaki; Mary Annie (b. 1896–d. 1983), Margaret (Maggie) Angelia (b. 1897–d. 1977) and Kenneth Norman Joseph (b. 1889–d. 1971). Rosie died on 12 February 1902 at Otaki and was buried at the Karori Cemetery.

Hans Wilde married on 15 September 1906 to Ellen Mary Elliot (b. 1886–d. 1966), the daughter of Thomas Elliott and Mercy Dickens. The family at Otaki were; Mercy Anona (b. 1907–d. 1937), Ernest Albert (b. 1908–d. 1945), Han Percival (b. 1910–d. 1994), William Donald Nicholas (b. 1911–d. 1975), Eric Thomas (b. 1913–d. 1986), Gordon George (b. 1918–d. 1944) and at Palmerston North, Aama Jean (b. 1923–d. 1991). Hans died on 14 June 1937 at Wellington and is buried at the Karori Cemetery.

Frances Ofsoski (nee Szpora), Area 4, Block B, Plot 293 at Waikaraka Cemetery, Auckland

Jan (John Harry) Ossowski was born on 8 February 1869 at Rukosin.

“CARTERTON.  A young man named John Ofsofki received a severe gash on the head whilst breaking in a young horse. The animal bolted with the trap and jumped a ditch, smashing the vehicle and throwing out the driver with great violence.” New Zeland Mail, 1 September 1893, p30. 

John married in 1889 to Franciszka Szpora (b. 1871 at Brusce–d. 1948), the daughter of Jan Szpora (b. 1834–d. 1901) and Anna Maryanna Rosołowska (b. 1838–d. 1901). The family born at Carterton were; Francis Joseph (b. 1889–d. 1918), George (b. 1890–d. 1971), John (b. 1893–d. 1893), William (Billy) Robert (b. 1895–d. 1978), Maggie (Dolly) Agnes (b. 1897–d. 1955), Mabel Grace (b. 1899–d. 1983), Frances May (b. 1899), John (Jack) Herbert (b. 1901–d. 1965), Belinda (Belle) Dorothy Eileen (b. 1905), Archie Roy (b. 1906–d. 1906), at Marton; Sydney Thomas (b. 1907–d. 1979) and Cecil Kenneth Alex (b. 1909–d. 1916).

Frances was registered on the 1893 Wairarapa Electoral Roll, the first for woman to vote in the democratic world.

“MAGISTRATE’S COURT. Mr. W. G. Riddell, S.M., presided at a sitting of the Magistrate’s Court, today… In the case Ofsoski v. Ofsoski, the complainant wife asked for a separation order on the grounds of persistent cruelty. Mr. P. W. Jackson appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. H. F. O’Leary for defendant. After a partial hearing of evidence counsel for defence asked for permission to consult his client with a view to coming to a settlement and preventing further hearing of domestic troubles. Subsequently, counsel for defence, stated his client would agree to the separation and to pay an amount weekly towards the maintenance of wife and children. The Bench made an order accordingly, and fixed the weekly amount at £1 5s, first payment to be made on 24th inst. Solicitors’ fees £2 2s and witnesses’ expenses 10s were allowed.” Evening Post, 19 February 1913, p 8.

“A man named F. J. OFsoski, who was arrested on warrant, appeared before Mr J. S. Evans, S.M., this morning, charged with disobeying a maintenance order for the support of his wife and children at Wellington. Sergeant Barrett stated that the defendant was £l3 18s in arrears but had sent his wife 30s since the issue of the warrant. On the application of the police, defendant was remanded to appear at Wellington at 10 o’clock on Friday morning. Bail in one surety of £25 was allowed.” Nelson Evening Mail, 3 September 1913, p4.

“Francis John Ofsoski was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment for disobedience of a maintenance order, the warrant to be suspended so long as defendant pays 10s a week off the arrears.” New Zealand Times, 6 September 1913, p 11.

Last known whereabouts is that he went by the name of John Soskey or John Harold Smith.

Frances (nee Szpora) died on 6 May 1948 at Greenlane Hospital in Auckland and was buried at the Waikaraka Cemetery.

Frank Ofsoske, courtesy of © 2026 Ofsoski Family History.

Frank Vincent Ossowski was born on 3 April 1872 at Rukosin.

Frank married on 13 March 1893 at Eketahuna to Kater Prosser (b. 1870–d. 1950) The family born in the Carterton region; Leonard (b. 1893–d. 1897), Ethel Queenie (b. 1894–d. 1969), Herbert John (b. 1895–d. 1957), Frederick (b. 1897–d. 1960), Robert Vernon (b. 1898), Ernest (b. 1898–d. 1898), Myrtle Ann (b. 1900–d. 1985), Bertha Madeleine (b. 1902–d. 1969), at Otaki; Gertrude Josephine (b. 1906–d. 1989).

“Mr F, Soskey has started a wood yard adjoining Dr. Butement’s residence, in Lincoln Boad, and offers to the public first-class maire and matai.” Wairarapa Daily Times, 5 May 1894, p2.

“At Masterton on Friday the police. at the instigation of Mr Seed, prosecuted Frank Offsoski for working a horse suffering from chronic lameness and the defendant was fined £3 and costs.” New Zealand Mail, 22 November 1900, pg. p 38.

“GREYTOWN NORTH, This Day. The scaffolding at one 6f the new buildings being erected in Greytown, collapsed yesterday afternoon, and two men and a boy, who were working on it, were severely injured. The contractor,” Mr. Arthur Brown, had, his knee broken, a man named Ofsoski had his chest injured, and the boy, Molloy, broke his collarbone. The sufferers were taken to the hospital, where they are progressing favourably.” 24 November 1900, p 5.

“THE LICENSING ACT. CASES AT CARTERTON. (From: Our Own’ Correspondent.) CARTERTON, December 6. At the Stipendiary Magistrates Court today six young men were before the Magistrate charged by the police with having been unlawfully on licensed premises on Sunday last … Frank Ofsoski; stated that he met George Ofsoski and Peter Ryoska and accompanied them to the Club Hofei where they had a “medium shandy.” One of the two. barmaids supplied the drink. Mrs Bacovitch was also there. Ryoska and George Ofsoski were drunk before he went with them, and after leaving, they were worse, and very noisy. Witness was sixteen years of age last July. Constable James C. Griffiths, stationed at Carterton, deposed that in consequence of a complaint, he spoke to Ryoska. and George Ofsoski on November 12th. They were under the influence of liquor, especially Ryoska. Spoke to Mr Williamson and told him what the boys had said, about securing drink at the Club Hotel. Williamson said he was about the bar all the evening, and had not seen them…” New Zealand Mail, 14 December 1904, p 2.

“CARTERTON NEWS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Saturday. A painful accident happened to Mr F. Ofsoski when cycling into town from Longbush. As he was descending a hill at a fair rate, he observed a couple of briar bushes on the road, and endeavored to steer between them, with the result that the machine skidded, landing him with great violence on the ground. His arm was seriously cut, and his hip, legs, wrist and fingers were considerably the worse for the fall. The spill stunned him, and for about two hours he lay on the roadside. On reaching Carterton, four stitches were put into his arm, and the other injuries attended to.” Wairarapa Age, 14 February 1910, p6.

“BAD TIMES BLAMED. Palmerston Dealer’s Failure. Palmerston North, January 23. A meeting of creditors in the bankrupt estate of F. Ofsoski, dealer, of Palmerston North, which was called by the Deputy Official Assignee, Mr. C. E. Dempsy, for this afternoon, lapsed through lack of a quorum. Bankrupt and his solicitor were the only one’s present. Bankrupt in his personal statement said that he had been in business in Palmerston North and district for approximately 20 years. In that time, he had carried out various contract works and dealt in metal and similar goods. Three years ago, his business had commenced to go back, while he had been unsuccessful in several small contracts. Bankrupt attributed his failure to keen competition and the existing trade depression. He was a married man and regretted that he could make no offer to his creditors.” Dominion, 24 January 1931, p 7.

Frank died on 17 February 1950 at Palmerston North and was buried at the Kelvin Grove Cemetery. Kate passed away later that year on 29 December 1950 and was buried with her husband at the Klevin Grove Cemetery.

Michele & Julia Foradori. Area 2, Block A, Row 19, Plot 39 at Karori Cemetery, Wellington, dgcockburn1 originally shared this on 26 Aug 2016 on ancestry.com

References

Pobόg-Jaworowski, J. W, History of the Polish Settlers in New Zealand, ed. Warsaw; Chz “Ars Polonia.” 1990, pages 59, 190, 191 & 197.

Research Sources

Archives New Zealand, Passenger Lists, 1839-1973, FamilySearch.

Godziszewo, Grabowo Kościerskie, Kokoszkowy, Lubiszewo Tczewskie, Miłobądz, Pręgowo Dolne, Rajkowy,  Skarszewy & Trąbki Wielkie Parish Records, Pelplin Diocese, Poland.

New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs Naturalisations, Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Websites

Ofsoski Family History © 2026 Ofsoski Family History

Paperspast.natlib.govt.nz

Clareville Cemetery – Annie Ofsoske (1834-1910) – Find A Grave Memorial

Frank and Kate Ofsoski (nee Prosser), Section J, Block 3, Plot 40 & 42 at Kelvin Grove Cemetery, Wellington

Clareville Cemetery – Martin Ofsoske (1837-1892) – Carterton District Council

Karori Cemetery – Juliana Foradori (1864-1937) – Wellington City Council

Karori Cemetery – Rosie Wilde (1867-1902) Find A Grave Memorial

Kelvin Grove Cemetery – Frank Ofsoski (1872-1950) – Find A Grave Memorial

Northern Cemetery – Male Ofsofki (1879-1879) – Dunedin City Council

Compiled by Paul Klemick (2026) still in progress