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Martin Edward Bugan from Vicov, Austria immigrated to the United States. He resided in Webster, Massachusetts. Parents of Martin are Stefan Bugan and Anna Zajac.
Zofia Susan Smehil lived in Zilina, Slovakia with her father Joseph Smehil and mother Mary Holes^, and her younger brother Vincent. Her parents died young so she and her brother were forced to live with another family. Zofia worked as a cleaning lady for this family to provide for herself and her brother.
Vincent died very young and being all alone, Zofia decided to immigrate to the United States.She was 17 years old and it was the year 1907. Here is where she met and married Martin Bugan. Martin and Zofia lived a while in Rhode Island and eventually settled in Webster, Massachusetts. Their seven children were born in this order. Stephen, Alexander Anthony, Eva Elizabeth, Rosalie Marie, Mary Ann, and Josephine Barbara, and John Joseph. The youngest John, is my father. There was a twin born with Josephine but died at birth. John never knew his father because his father died at age 35 years of TB and pneumonia shortly after his son was born. This left Zofia to raise their 7 children alone.
There are many descendants of Martin and Zofia Bugan. Some are still living in Massachusetts and Connecticut. As the years have gone by, this couple can be seen in the faces and characters of many of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
I have been the family historian since my Aunt Eva sparked my interest when I was very young. She has told me much of the history of the Bugan and Smehyl families. It only seems right that the life and times should be shared with the next generation and hopefully the one after that.
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