Feliks Szczęsny (1888-1926)

Feliks Szczęsny (1888-1926), a.k.a. Felix Szczesny, was a Polish immigrant to Jersey City, New Jersey, and a descendant of the Szczęsny family of Płońsk, Poland.

Birth and Early Life in Poland
Felix Szczesny was born May 12, 1888 in the vicinity of Płońsk, Poland, to parents Wojciech Szczęsny (c1855-aft1892) and Anna Staniszewzka (c1855-aft1892). Płońsk is a city to the northwest of Warsaw. Just prior to his immigration to the United States, Felix resided in with (or near) his brothers in Wilamowice, a small town west of the city of Płońsk. Both of Felix' parents had already died by the time Felix came to the United States, according to Helen Plewan (daughter of Felix' wife Clara from her second marriage after Felix' death). Several of Felix' first cousins resided in nearby Kucice, Poland, so it is believed that Felix' family probably resided in or near Płońsk for several generations. It is presently unknown whether Felix was born in Wilamowice, Kucice, or the city of Płońsk. Little else is known of Felix' life in Poland.

Immigration to the United States
Felix arrived in New York on March 29, 1906, aboard the Graf Waldersee (which departed Europe from Hamburg Germany). On his Ellis Island immigration record, he is listed as Felix Szesnewski. Upon arrival, he resided in Jersey City, New Jersey, with his brother Stanislaw Szczesny (c1880-aft1920) at 160 Steuben Street, where they lived until at least November 14, 1907. At that time, Steuben Street was part of Jersey City's Little Poland district.

Marriage to Klawija Dzyban
On September 4, 1910, Felix married Klawija Dzyban (1891-1990), a.k.a. Clara Dzyban, in Jersey City. Their marriage certificate states that they both resided at 336 Henderson Street in Jersey City by this time. This address was within Jersey City's Little Poland district as well.

Children by Klawija Dzyban
Felix and Clara had the following children together:
 * Walter Szczesny (c1916-1974)
 * Anna Szczesny (c1918-1987)
 * Joseph John Szczesny (1920-1997)

Residences after marriage
By February 22, 1913, Felix and Clara resided on Pavonia Avenue in Jersey City. At some point, the couple moved back to 336 Henderson Street.

World War I
Felix registered for the draft during World War I, but it is not believed that he served. He stated that he needed to support his family on the draft registration card, requesting he not be drafted, and there is no record of his service.

1920 Census
Felix and Clara resided at 162 Steuben Street in the 1920 census. The household was enumerated as follows:
 * Felix Stesney, 34
 * Clara Stesney, 31
 * Walter Stesney, 9
 * Anna Stesney, 1 11/12

Death
Felix died October 11, 1926, in Jersey City. He was stabbed while breaking up a fight.