Valentine John Novak
Valentine John Novak, born 05 Jan 1871, Germany, died 03 Nov 1952, Korona, Flagler CO, FL, married 18 May 1899, Pulaski, ND, 18 May 1899, Frances Katherine Norlock, born 31 May 1884, Germany, died 26 Dec 1966, Flagler Beach, Flagler CO, FL. Both buried Hope Cemetery, now Flagler Palms Memorial Gardens, Flagler CO, FL.
He was a mail carrier in Minto, North Dakota and decided to come to the land of sunshine because of his rheumatism. He arrived in Flagler County aboard the Dixie Flyer on 11 Nov 1917 (another source say 20 Sep 1916). The Dixie Flyer was a special train that went from Chicago to Bunnell and was sponsored by the Bunnell Development Company to bring folks to Bunnell to buy their land.
The family is listed on page 16 of the 1920 census of Flagler County with his occupation given as "Farmer." They lived in a tent and log cabin near Bunnell until he built a home in Codyville. He was a farmer, a mail carrier and helped with the building of the Bunnell Civic Center (now Bunnell City Hall) under the Works Progress Administration in 1938.
She was a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church, the Korona Community Club and the Rosary Society. They were the parents of eleven children;
1. Martha Novak, born 05 Aug 1902, Walsh CO, ND, died 28 Feb 1984, Flagler CO, FL, married 02 Feb 1919, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Korona, Flagler CO, FL to Alexander Frank (Alex) Zysk, son of Stanislaw (Stanley) Zysk and Eva Obliniski, born 26 Jul 1889, Povemba, Poland, died 16 Feb 1974, Halifax District Hospital, Daytona Beach, Volusia CO, FL. Both buried at St. Mary's Catholic Church Cemetery, Korona, Flagler CO, FL.
She was a school teacher in Korona and operated restaurants in Bunnell and Ormond Beach, FL, he was a barber. Issue;
(1) Margaret (Margie) Zysk, born 11 Jun 1920, married Stanley John Zance, born 11 Feb 1921, PA, died 06 Sep 1986, Fall River, Bristol CO, MA. Issue;
A. Marcia Ann Zance, born 28 Jan 1943, Erie, Erie CO, PA, married 06 Jan 1962, St Brendan Catholic Church, Ormond Beach, Volusia CO, FL, Richard William (Richy) Leggett, son of James Carroll Leggett and Ethel Catherine Stagner, born about 1944, Miami, Dade CO, FL, died 1995.
She was a 1961 graduate of Father Lopez High School in Daytona Beach, FL. He moved to Bunnell around 1944, was a 1962 graduate of Bunnell High School and was a carpenter. Issue;
a. Tamara (Tammy) Leggett, born 04 Dec 1962, Daytona Beach, Volusia CO, FL, married Gregory Neal Moses, son of Douglas Moses and Elizabeth Riddell, born 08 Jan 1964, Fort Collins, Larimer CO, CO. Issue;
aa. Ann Elizabeth Moses
bb. Callaway Terese Moses
b. Teresa Leggett, born 25 Jan 1964, Daytona Beach, Volusia CO, FL, married 09 Aug 1986, Volusia CO, FL, George Michael Thompson
Marcia Ann Zance married 2nd, 01 Jan 1978, Flagler CO, FL, Donald Randolph Kunisch, born 11 Feb 1933, died 06 Aug 2010. Issue;
c. Christina Marie Kunisch, born 1979, Daytona Beach, Volusia CO, FL
B. Sandra Jeanne Zance
(2) John Walter Zysk born 24 Jun 1922, Little Hope, Greenfield Township, PA, died 04 Sep 2001, Coeru’d Alene, Kootenai CO, ID, buried Forest Cemetery, Coeru’d Alene, Kootenai CO, ID, married 07 Sep 1946, Erie, Erie CO, PA, Violetta N (Vivian) McDougall, dau of Carl D McDougall and Gertrude N (LNU) born about 1927, PA. He was a graduate of East High School in Erie and entered the US Army in 1942 serving in WW II and Korea. In Sep 1964, he was a major and was stationed at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Issue;
A. Sherry Zysk, married John Scarborough
She lived in Flagler Beach and attended schools in Bunnell while her father served in Germany and Korea. She was a 1976 graduate of the University of Idaho with a bachelor's degree in science-education. In 1978, she was chosen winner in the Idaho State Outstanding Daughters of the American Revolution Junior Member Contest.
(3) Stanley B (Stan) Zysk, born 18 Aug 1923, PA, died 13 Aug 1992, Coeru’d Alene, Kootenai CO, ID, married Thelma (LNU)
2. Rose Novak, born 26 Aug 1904, Walsh CO, ND, died 16 Dec 1974, Lansing, Ingham CO, MI, married Lansing, Ingham CO, MI, to Francis Thomas Keefe, son of Maurice Keefe and Mary (LNU), born 07 Sep 1900, OH, died 12 Jul 1967, Gilchrist, Klamath CO, OR. Issue;
(1) Rite Keefe, born about 1923, OH, married Fred Marsh
Rite Keefe Marsh married 2nd, Ken Stimer
(2) Rose Keefe, born about 1925, OH, married Al Foote.
Rose Novak Keefe married 2nd, Frank Baker, born 22 Jan 1923, died 23 Mar 1969.
3. Bruno John Novak, born 27 Oct 1905, Walsh CO, ND, died 26 Apr 1979, Elkton, St Johns CO, FL, married 1935, Bunnell, Flagler CO, FL, to Mary Artuschin, born 01 Jun 1916, died 05 Feb 1975, Putnam CO, FL. Both buried St Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Korona, Flagler CO, FL. Issue;
(1) Victoria Joy Novak, born Aug 1937 m Rockville, Montgomery CO, MdD to Francis Williams.
(2) Howard John Novak, married 02 Oct 1971, St Augustine, St Johns CO, FL to Ann (LNU)4. Monica (Mamie) Novak, born 05 Apr 1908, Walsh CO, ND, died 01 Mar 1992, Flagler CO, FL, married 06 Sept 1924, Bunnell, Flagler CO, FL to James Croscin, son of Frank Chroscinski and Mary (LNU), born 18 Feb 1899, Brooklyn, Kings CO, NY, died 05 Sep 1948, Bunnell, Flagler CO, FL. Issue;
(1) Victor Croscin, born 15 May 1926, Korona, Flagler CO, FL, died 19 May 1926, Korona, Flagler CO, FL
(2) Ruth Caroline Croscin, born 05 Oct 1927, Korona, Flagler CO, FL, married 22 Mar 1947 New Smyrna Beach, Volusia CO, FL by Rev McCarthy, Charles Matthew Akins son of Charles Winfield Akins and Anita Frances Davis, born 22 Mar 1922, St Johns Park, Flagler CO, FL, died 30 Nov 1959, Dearborn, Wayne CO, MI.
Charles attended Bunnell High School and entered the US Navy in 1942. He was a Carpenter's Mate First Class in the Seabees in WWII in Southwest Pacific. He was also a heavy equipment operator. Issue;
A. Donna Carol Akins, born 24 May 1948, Flagler Hospital, St Augustine, St Johns CO, FL, married 06 Jun 1975, Daytona Beach, Volusia CO, FL, John Francise Bubba, born 27 Jun 1946, Washington, DC. Issue;
a. John Frank Bubba, Jr, born 16 Jun 1977
b. Lisa Marie Bubba, born 06 May 1980
John was previously married and had one daughter, Kimberly Bubba, born 28 Apr 1970
B. James Matthew (Jim) Akins, born 17 May 1950, Flagler Hospital, St Augustine, St Johns CO, FL, married 02 Oct 1971, St Mary's Church, Korona, Flagler County, FL, Brenda Joyce Townsend, dau of Fulton McKinney (Kenny) Townsend, Jr, USN and Joyce Jurlene Kelly, born 30 Jul 1951, Lake Shore Hospital, Lake City, Columbia CO, FL. Brenda was a Grant Writer for Flagler CO. Issue;
a. Douglas James Akins, born 29 May 1976, General Hospital, St Augustine, St Johns CO, FL, married 20 Nov 1999, Amsterdam, Montgomery CO, NY, Melissa Rulison, born 30 Jan 1976, NY
Ruth Croscin Akins married 2nd, 14 Feb 1954, Bunnell, Flagler CO, FL by Judge E W Johnston, to Henry Mikulka, son of Michal Mikulka and Anna Marczyk, born 29 May 1921, Korona, Flagler CO, FL, died 06 Dec 1987, Flagler CO, FL. Issue;
C. Michael John Mikulka, born 04 Feb 1955, Halifax Hospital, Daytona Beach, Volusia CO, FL, died 06 Oct 2006, Bunnell, Flagler CO, FL, married 11 Dec 1974, Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church, Flagler Beach, Flagler CO, FL, Ila Dawn Pryor, dau of Norman E Pryor, born about 1956.
Michael Mikulka married 2nd 09 Aug 1980, Bunnell, Flagler CO, FL, Vanessa Ann DuFrene, born 24 May 1956
Ila Pryor was married 1st, Nov 1972, Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church, Flagler Beach, Flagler CO, FL, George Elliott Allen III, son of George Elliott Allen, Jr, USAAC and Johnnie Maxine Buckles.
D. Debra Faye Mikulka, born 15 Apr 1958, Halifax Hospital, Daytona Beach, Volusia CO, FL, married 25 Aug 1979, United Methodist Church, Bunnell, Flagler CO, FL, James Elton Flynt, son of James Flynt, born 22 Mar 1959.
E. David Wayne Mikulka, born 07 Nov 1965, Bunnell General Hospital, Bunnell, Flagler CO, FL, married 16 Jul 1988, Korona, Flagler CO, FL, Theresa Louisa Fairbanks, born 18 Dec 1965
See sketch on Frank Chroscinski (Croscin) for additional information on this family
5. Edward Peter Novak, born 31 Mar 1910, Walsh CO, ND, died 02 Aug 1990, Macclenny, Baker CO, FL, buried Hope Cemetery, now Flagler Palms Memorial Gardens, Flagler CO, FL, married about1946, Bunnell to Hildagard Keil.
Cpl Edward P. Novak US Army, served in SW Pacific in WW II including Australia and Manila. Issue;
(1) Dale Edward Novak
(2) Arthur Merle Novak
6. Helen Novak, born 05 Aug 1913, Walsh CO, ND, died 20 Jul 1992, Lincoln CO, OR, married F. Keefe.
Helen Novak Keefe married 2nd, Luke Wilson Gerhart, born 14 Aug 1893, Robesonia, Berks CO, PA, died 06 Apr 1990, Lincoln CO, OR. Both buried Willamettee National Cemetery, Portland, OR. He was a Sgt in the US Army during WW I.
7. Katherine Rosalin Novak, born 11 Nov 1915, Walsh CO, ND, died 28 Nov 1991, Volusia CO, FL married 28 May 1937, St. Paul’s Catholic Church Daytona Beach, Volusia CO, FL, to Clarence A. (Babe) Kuhn, born 30 Oct 1912, Akron, Summit CO, OH,died 26 Sep 2000, Coquina Center, Ormond Beach, Volusia CO, FL. Both buried St Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Korona, Flagler CO, FL.
8. Sophia C (Sophie) Novak, born 14 Apr 1918, Codyville, Flagler CO, FL, died 28 Feb 1981, Korona, Flagler CO, FL, married about1946, Folkston, Charlton CO, GA, Casimir John (Charles) Smigielski, son of Ludwig J (Louis) Smigielski and Katherine Swistak, born 22 Dec 1910, Lowell, Middlesex CO, MA, died 20 Jun 1992, Korona, Flagler CO, FL. Both buried St Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Korona, Flagler CO, FL.
During the depression he worked in a Detroit auto plant, Maine hotel, Oregon lumber mill, etc....He returned to Flagler County, built their home in Korona, worked as a carpenter on schools, courthouses, bridges, and at Lehigh Portland Cement Company. He was working for Flagler County when he retired.
Served in the US Navy during WWII, received the Bronze Star while serving in the invasion at Normandy and Southern France. Issue;
(1) Lewis John Smigielski, born 30 Jan 1948, Daytona Beach, Volusia CO, FL, married 24 Nov 1977, Vivian Lee Farmer of Cincinnati, Hamilton CO, OH (Div).
He was a 1966 graduate of Bunnell High School and in Jul 1968 he had completed 3 years of active duty in the US Navy. He was a PO 3/c on discharge. He has been a factory worker and a carpenter. Issue;
A. Christopher Smigielski
Lewis John Smigielski married 2nd, Rose Marie Fetner and adopted her son, Andrew. Issue:
B. Sara Bethe Smigielski
(2) Carol Jean Smigielski, born 29 Jan 1950, Daytona Beach, Volusia CO, FL, married Stanley Idzior. He worked in construction and landscaping (Div).
Carol Jean Smigielski married 2nd, 21 Apr1981, Bob Tibbs, born 30 Aug 1942, Eldon, Miller or Morgan CO, MO. He has worked in construction, building boats, at service stations, and as a commercial shrimper. Issue:
A. Charles Robert Tibbs
Bob Tibbs was married previously and had a daughter, Anne JeanetteTibbs
See sketch on Louis Smigielski for more information on this family.
9. Ralph Charles Novak, born 23 Oct 1920, Codyville, Flagler CO, FL, died 22 Feb 1996, Clay CO, FL, married 29 Nov 1945, Wanda Vermeulen, dau of Richard Vermeulen, born 29 Apr 1918, Seattle, King CO, WA, died 14 Jan 2006, Volusia CO, FL.
Chief Boatswain Mate 1st Class Novak, served 6 years in the U.S. Navy, including 3 years in Pacific in WW II. Issue;
(1) Ralph Jerome (Jerry) Novak, born 15 Feb 1946, married 21 Feb 1970, Volusia CO, FL, Norma Jean Wedekind
(2) Nancy Ann Novak, born 19 Apr1949, married 25 Apr 1970, Clay CO, FL, Robert Thomas (Bob) Ambersley
(3) Charles Richard Novak, born 08 Aug 1957, married 31 Jan 1976, Clay CO, FL, Wanda Marie Thompson. Issue;
A. Melanie Diana Novak
B. Rachel Marianne Novak
C. Erin Michelle Novak
D. Beth Nicole Novak
E. Joseph Lyn Novak
F. Gabriel Jacob Novak
G. Jordan Michael Novak
(4) Karen (Kim) Novak, born 12 Jan 1961, married 07 Mar 1981, Clay CO, FL, Calvin Thomas Coon II, born Dec 1957
10. Emilienne Mary (Emily) Novak, born 20 Apr 1923, Codyville, Flagler CO, FL, died 20 Dec 2005, Jacksonville, Duval CO, FL married 1943, Bunnell, Flagler CO, FL, Ralph Evert Crane, born 27 Feb 1919, died 28 Sep 1990, Jacksonville, Duval CO, FL. Issue;
(1) David Crane, born 15 Jan 1947, married Pam Nesbitt
(2) Barbara Jean Crane, born 08 Mar 1949, married Sonny Yow
(3) William Gene Crane, born Dec 1951, died Jun 1952, Jacksonville, Duval CO, FL
(4) Johnny Crane, born 03 Apr 1955, married Carol Meritt
(5) Ronald Lee (Ronny) Crane, born 02 May 1954, died 06 Sep 1984, Jacksonville, Duval CO, FL, married 13 Jun 1975, Jacksonville, Duval CO, FL, Billie Jo Grossbart
(6) Kathy Crane, born 10 Jun 1962, married James Harden
11. Florian Andrew Novak, born 26 Apr 1926, Codyville, Flagler CO, FL, died 17 Jun 1995, Lansing, Ingham CO, MI, married Bernadette (Bernie) Buhner, born 13 Apr 1921, died 23 Jan 1987, Lansing, Ingham CO, MI.
He served in US Navy during WW II in the Patrol Service Unit with overseas duty in Leyte Philippines.
Source: The First Families of Flagler by Mary Ketus Deen Holland who cites as her sources, Census, Published Articles and Ruth Croscin Mikulka.
Additional sources used by the compiler were: 1900 United States Federal Census, Ardoch, Walsh CO, ND; 1910 United States Federal Census, Minto, Ward 2, Walsh CO, ND; 1910 United States Federal Census, Sandusky Ward 3,Erie CO, OH; 1920 United States Federal Census, Sandusky Ward 3,Erie CO, OH; 1920 United States Federal Census, Bunnell, Flagler CO, FL; 1920 United States Federal Census, Cleveland Ward 21, Cuyahoga CO, OH; 1930 United States Federal Census, Bunnell, Flagler CO, FL; 1930 United States Federal Census, Lansing, Ingham CO, MI;
1935 Florida State Census, Bunnell, Precinct 3, Flagler CO, FL; World War I Draft Registration Cards; New York Passenger Lists, 1920-1957; Florida Marriage Collection 1927-2001;
Florida Death Index, 1877-1998; Michigan Deaths, 1971-1996; Oregon Death Index, 1903-1998; Social Security Death Index; U.S. Veterans Gravesites, 1775-2006;
The Flagler Tribune, Bunnell, FL, 06 Nov 1952, 18 Jan 1962, 29 Dec 1966, 21 Feb 1974; and Stanislaw Zysk family information posted on ancestry.com. Martha Novak family information provided by Tammy Leggett Moses via email, 18 Mar 2011.
Please send questions, corrections or additions to Sisco Deen, P.O. Box 637, Flagler Beach, FL 32136 or email him at Sisco_Deen@hotmail.com
