The Grantner Family Tree Online

Click HERE for a form to UPDATE YOUR FAMILY CARD

Click Here for DNA Testing and Analysis for the Grantner Family

Quick Links (Select the topic from the Drop Down Menu below and click the Go Button):

Genealogy Home Page What is a Family? Basic Family Tree Web Cards Detailed Family Tree Web Cards Descendant Charts Some Specific Branches Some Interesting People Mysteries I Need Help! Transferring Family Tree Information DNA Testing and Analysis for the Family Form to provide Update Information

Trees and Branches

The Grantner Family Tree contains both linked and unlinked persons.
The group of people who are linked to István Grantner, the current patriarch of the family,
and his wife Anna Lányi, compose the Main Grantner Family Tree.

An unlinked person, or a group of people who are linked together but
unlinked to the main Grantner Family Tree, are in a Branch.

Branches are named after a person in that branch;
typically the person who provided the initial information about the branch.

The Basic Family Tree _ Web Cards

The Basic Grantner Family Tree (including all linked and unlinked branches) is a redacted version of the full family tree and has only Names, Birth and Death Dates (and places) and Marriage Dates and Places.
Information, other than the name, is excluded for individuals born after after 1910 and not known to be deceased (that is, for individuals assumed to be still living). The indentification of individuals to be marked as Private is done automatically, based on birth and death dates. This tree is accessible by anyone.

The data is presented as a set of Web Cards. This format is similar to the way information is stored in a genealogy program (software).
It is searchable and includes the branches (and unlinked individuals). It also includes individuals who are not direct descendants of István and Anna.
The Detailed version (see next paragraph) includes more information.

Click here to see the Web Cards for the Basic Tree. This format is searchable.
Use the "Index" or "Surnames" to find an individual. Click on the name to go to that card.

Identified members of the main Grantner Tree, or of an unlinked Branch, who have a password, also have access to the corresponding, more detailed, web cards.

The DETAILED Family Tree and Branches_ Web Cards (Password Required)

The Detailed version of the Family Tree (and the Branches) is available to verified family members.
The Detailed version of the Family Tree includes much more information than the Basic (redacted) version; including more personal information; pictures; immigration records; notes and stories.
It basically includes all of the information I have about the individual or family.
This information is presented as Web Cards. This format is similar to the way the information is maintained in my genealogy program.

An individual User Name and Password is required for access to the Detailed Family Tree (and branches).
Contact me at webmaster@grantner.com (or use the web-based email form) to obtain a User Name and Password.
If you use the email form, please be sure to include your own email address!
Evidence of your identity may be required. Members of an unlinked branch will be given access only to the branch for which they are a member.

Select the link to the tree or branch, to which have access, in the Drop Down Menu below and click the Go Button. This will take you to the gateway to the cards and tell you how to navigate the cards. Note that, in all cases, a User Name and Password is required for actual entry to the cards.

Complete Grantner Family Tree Web Cards, including all branches Janos Grantner Branch Web Cards Astrid Grantner Branch Web Cards Janet Fitzgerald Branch Web Cards Anita Grantner Branch Web Cards Kulikowski/Sablack Branch Web Cards Tibor Grandtner Branch Web Cards

The Family Tree and Branch Members in Context_ Descendant Charts (Password Required)

It is not possible to show a complete family tree, or even a large branch, in chart form; there are simply too many boxes going too many directions. A descendant chart or report is the next best thing, but they are limited to direct descendants, and their spouses, of the source couple.
There are actually two options for the Main Tree: a descendant chart and a descendant report. The chart and the report are very similar. The chart is a little neater and prettier, but the report has the advantage of being searchable. Each successive generation is indented for both options.

Select the link to the Descendant Chart, to which have access, in the Drop Down Menu below and click the Go Button. This will take you to the gateway to the appropriate descendant chart. Note that, in all cases, a User Name and Password is required.

Grantner Family Tree Descendant Chart Grantner Family Tree Searchable Report Janos Grantner Branch Descendant Chart Astrid Grantner Branch Descendant Chart Janet Fitzgerald Branch Descendant Chart Anita Grantner Branch Descendant Chart Kulikowski/Sablack Branch Descendant Chart Tibor Grandtner Branch Descendant Chart - Michal Grandtner Descendants Tibor Grandtner Branch Descendant Chart - Unknown Grandtner Descendants

For the larger Descendant Charts, you may need to click on the picture of the chart to enlarge it.

Some Specific Branches

The Tibor Grandtner Branch (Not linked to the Main Tree)

This branch was initially provided by Tibor Grandtner (born 1915 in Zvolen, Slovakia) of the Netherlands.

There are actually two distinct branches: one descended from Michal Grandtner (born 1764) and one descended from an Unknown Grandtner (born about 1850). The two branches are linked by a marriage on 7 July 1891 when Jozef Grandtner (born about 1872, a descendant of the Unknown Grandtner) married Anna Paulina Grandtner (born 1872, a descendant of Michal Grandtner).

Tibor believed that the Grantners and the Grandtners have common ancestors. This has not yet been proved and the branch remains unlinked to the Main Grantner Family Tree.

The Grantner/Grüntner Branch (Not related to other Grantner Trees or Branches)

This branch is a bit complicated because of the surname changes. The family members within this branch assumed the surname "Grantner" in place of "Grüntner" in the 1980s and 1990s. The branch originated in Rochester, Minnesota and seems to be rather small. I record the branch as best as I can both as a service to the family and to avoid unnecessary research (trying to link the branch to other Grantner branches).

Most of my research is contained in the Notes within the record for John H. (Schwersinske) (Gruntner) Grantner (born 4 April 1922).

The Janos Grantner Branch (Not yet linked to the Main Tree but most certainly related)

DNA testing of a member of the this branch has shown that this branch is related to the main tree (descendants of István Grantner). The task now is to find the paper trail that establishes that link.

The Anita Grantner Branch (Not linked to the Main Tree and not likely to be linked)

DNA testing of a member of this branch has shown that this branch is not related to the main tree (descendants of István Grantner). The Y-DNA haplogroup of this branch is R1b1b2 whereas the Y-DNA haplogroup of the main tree is I2b2-14.

I will continue to research and record information about this branch. This branch is located in Germany. It would be very interesting to get Y-DNA test results from other German Grantner families.

Kulikowski/Sablack Branch (Linked to the Main Tree)

This branch should be of particular interest to members of the Jacobson, Sablack and Smith branches. Lavenia Krattcer (born 1920), the wife of Lewis Jacobson (born 22 June 1916), supplied most of the information. She also wrote an interesting narrative about the family. See the Notes attached to her family web card in the Main Grantner Family Tree (Password required).

Morrison/Smith Branch (Branch is linked, but NOT included on this site)

This also is a very interesting branch. Robert Thornton Morrison, the husband of my cousin Lori Ann Smith, provided an extensive family tree for the ancestors of both Lori and him.

The branch (tree) goes very far back, and includes several kings and queens (and 4 saints). As best as I can tell, the oldest entry is Brian, King of Britain, who was the 7th Great Grandfather of Coilus, King of Britain (born 108 AD). That means that Brian (9 generations earlier) was born BC.

When the branch is connected to the Grantner Family Tree, there is a connection (linkage) between these kings and queens and all persons linked to the Grantner Tree. However, it seems there is no actual genealogical relationship between these kings, queens and saints and either Bob Morrison or my cousin Lori.
See the notes, in the [Detailed] web cards for theMain Tree, for Bob and Lori regarding details of the linkage.

This branch is not included in the On-Line Grantner Family Tree.
If you are interested in this branch, please contact me (at webmaster@grantner.com)
and I will try to forward your request to Bob.

Help That I Need

Compiling a comprehensive family tree is a formidable task and, since births and marriages (and deaths and divorces) continue occurring, it is a never-ending task. I can use lots of help.

My specific needs are:
• Notification of any errors in the data (including spelling/typographic errors)
• Help in linking branches to the tree
• New Information and Updates (including adding younger members of the family) (Click here to see the type of information that is useful)
• DNA testing through the Grantner Family Project at Family Tree DNA
• Help with some of the "mysteries" listed below.

What is a "Family"? (Section Under Construction)

My last name is "Grantner" and that was the last name of my paternal grandfather. My paternal grandmother’s last name was "Blaha". Guess what? I am just as much a “Blaha” as I am a “Grantner.” My maternal grandmother’s name was "Garaja." Guess what? I’m as much a “Garaja” as I am a “Grantner” or a “Blaha.”
Elementary biology tells us we inherit one-half of our genes from each of our father and mother. U.S. convention encourages us to take the name of our father, unless we are a married female. The fact is, we are the sum of all our ancestors.
So…why is this the “GRANTNER” family website. Well, I had to start (and limit) somewhere. In some ways, the Grantner surname is easy. It is relatively uncommon and two “patriarchs” in the U.S. had large families. Going backward in time, and trying to track all surnames, can be very tedious. But going forward in time (down the tree, descendants of István Grantner), it is a bit easier.
If you have just a little Grantner “blood” in your veins, or if you were adopted by or married into a "Grantner-connected" family, no matter what your current last name, I encourage you to take part in this tree. It connects you to a larger family. If you want to include more detail on your particular family name (surname), I will be happy to oblige. But, at least, include your immediate family and descendants in this tree.

Some Interesting People

All of our ancestors are interesting to us, but here are some that I think will be interesting to many members of the family. I define "Interesting People" as: 1) Those that have interesting accomplishments; 2) Those that have provided interesting information (stories); and 3) Those that are a mystery in terms of genealogical research. I would like to add to this list, so please contact me if you can help (by providing information).

Interesting Accomplishments (do you know of others?):
• Fr. George Benedict Zabelka (linked) - Fr. George Zabelka (born 1915) was the Catholic Chaplain, in 1945, to the 509th Composite Group, the Atomic Bomb Unit, on Tinian island. This is the unit of the crews of Enola Gay and Box Car, that dropped the Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He was an enthusiastic soldier and was comfortable with his role for many years. 30 years later, after an internal religious struggle, he did what he called “an about face” (using a military term that means to turn completely around), realized that this was not the way of Christ and dedicated the rest of his life to Peace. He went on a Bethlehem Peace Pilgrimage in 1983, at the age of 67. This was a walk for peace of 7500 miles (4000 miles in the U.S., 3500 miles in Europe) from the nuclear submarine base at Bangor, Washington to Bethlehem, Israel. In England, a television documentary was made of his life, The Reluctant Prophet, which has been shown throughout the world except in the United States. In Australia, a popular song about his courage and honesty, My Name is George Zabelka, played on secular and religious radio stations. See the Notes and Multimedia items attached to his record.

• Jeno Grantner (not linked) - Jeno Grantner (born 1907) was a Hungarian citizen and sculptor. Her created one of the 14 bronze statues of the Millennium Monument in Heroes’ Square in Budapest, Hungary. This is a national monument of Hungary, and Jeno’s accomplishment is similar to creating the sculpture for one of the major Washington, D.C. monuments. See the Multimedia attachments to his record.

• Robert J. Tartoni (linked) - Bob (Robert Joseph Tartoni b. 5 June 1938) was a highly popular teacher at Grand Blanc High School (in Grand Blanc, Michigan). 4 years after his sudden death, GBHS dedicated their new athletic facility, The Robert J. Tartoni Athletic Center, in his honor. See his record for more information and articles.

Interesting Narratives or Attachments (enjoy, and provide some of your own):
• Martha Henrietta Less (linked) - Martha Less (born 1917) was the daughter of Anna Catherine Blaha (born 1878). Anna Blaha was the sister of Emma Blaha (born 1883), who married Albert (Bela) Grantner (born 1890), one of the early Grantner immigrants to the United States. Martha related some interesting storeis about those early [to the U.S.] Grantners. See the Notes attached to her record.

• Lavenia A. Krattcer (linked) - Lavenia Krattcer (born 1920) was the wife of Lewis Jacobson (born 1916) provided most of the information for the Kulikowski/Sablack Branch. Besides the genealogical information, she also gave us a great narrative. See the Notes attached to her record for that narrative.

• Joseph John Grantner (linked) - Joseph Grantner (born 1909) was the oldest son of Albert (Bela) Grantner (born 1890). See the Multimedia item Map-ManistiqueNeighborhood for a map of the Grantner/Sablack/Less neighborhood in Manistique, Michigan in the early 1900s attached to the record of Joseph..

Mysteries (feel free to jump in and solve):
• The 3 Families - See the Misc. Notes for the record of Julius Frank Grantner (born 1890), as well as the Multimedia attachment to this record, 3families.jpg, for an explanation of this mystery. I often referenced Person IDs, which I use on the master file, but you can't see on the web cards (sorry about that). However, the attachment 3families.jpg should help. Grace F. Grantner (born 1925) is also part of this mystery.

Update of December 2008: I did additional analysis of the documents and may have reconciled this "mystery". Hoever, there is one major inconsitency that could invalidate it all.See the Notes in the record for Julius Frank Grantner (born about 1892) for the analysis.

• The 3 Sablacks - This "mystery" arose when attempting to find the immigration records of Georgio Sablack (born 1886) and Frank Sablack (born 1893). One of the outcomes was the discovery of another Franjo (Frank?) Sablack, from the same Hungarian town of Modrus, born about 1872, who was in Manistique, Michigan in 1904. See the Immigration Notes for Paulo Sablack (born about 1881) for an explanation of the mystery.

• Emma Sablack - This is actually part of The 3 Sablacks mystery and concerns Emma Sablack (born 1909), the daughter of Paulo Sablack (born about 1881) who was born in Manistique, went back to Europe with her father and siblings between 1910 and 1920, and then returned to the U.S. in 1927. See the same Immigration Notes for Paulo Sablack for an explanation of the mystery.

• Birth Place of the Blaha Girls - Emma Blaha (born 1883), husband of Albert (Bela) Grantner (born 1890), is my paternal grandmother. My father always told me she was Hungarian. On her immigration manisfest, and on the manifests of her sisters Anna and Mary, all three girls state that they were born in a town named Bjiala or Byiala or Biala. See the Note for Emma Blaha-Grantner for more information.

Update of November 2008: It may be impossible to determine the birthplace without further information, such as a birth record. There are just too many Polish towns that include the name Biala. However, one town, Bielsko-Biala, Poland is an interesting possibility. See the record for Emma Blaha for more information.

• Birth Place of Albert Grantner - There may (or may not) be a mystery regarding the birthplace of my paternal grandfather, Albert (Bela) Grantner (born 1890). On his immigration manifest, he statesd that he was born in Kassa, Hungary and that may be the simple truth. On his WW! draft registration card, he specified what looks like Kossor, Austria. This could be a transcription of Kassa. However, my Dad used to say his father (Bela) was born in a town called "Mexico." I could never understand this

Update: I may have actually found a "Mexico" Slovakia. See the Research Note for the record of Albert (Bela) Grantner for an explanation. What is interesting about this town, other than the pronuciation, is that it is near the town where his older brother, Gusztáv, was born.

• Albert Less and his brother(?) - In the 1910, 1920 and 1930 Census records for the Albert Less family, Albert/Adelbert (b. 1869) consistently states that he immigrated in 1903, but I cannot find any ship manifest listing him. However, I found a record for Bogumil Les who was born about 1882 (13 years yonger than Albert) who sailed from Bremen, Germany on the S.S. Koln on December 13, 1906 and arrived at Baltimore on January 2, 1907. He was joining his brother, Albert Les, in Manistique, MI. I could find no other reference for Bogumil. There is one more part of this mystery. It is my understantanding that Albert Less (and Anna Catherine Blaha) had 12 children, the youngest of which was Anna (born in 1920). However, the 1930 Census lists yet another daughter, Celenentea, born in 1921. Who is this? (Martha Less has stated that she did not have a 13th sibling; so this must be a typographic error in the census or ?) See the record for Albert Less for more detail.

• Whatever happened to Bert Grantner (aka Bartolomej / Bertalan)? - He immigrated at the age of 26 in 1907, coming through Ellis Island on 18 July. He accompanied his sister-in law Anna Iszkirka-Grantner (the wife of his older brother Gustav/Albert who was then in Michigan), his young nieces Mariska and Anna, and his young nephew Bela. On the ship's manifest, Bert stated that he was joining his uncle at 2050 21st Street in Cleveland, OH. I cannot read the name of his uncle with certainty, but it is something like Cricrau Kundrat. I could find no verification of this in the 1910 Federal Census and have not been able to locate any subsequent records for Bert..

• Whatever happened to Katalin Iszkerka? - She immigrated in 1907 and joined her husband in Manistique, Michigan. However, there is no record of her in the 1910 Census. Is this "Anna", the wife of Gustáv Iszkirka? See the record for Anna (b. 1877), the wife of Gustáv Iszkirka.

Transferring Family Tree Information to Other Sites

Permission is not given to transfer the Grantner Family Tree or Branches, or information obtained from the Tree or Branches, to any public site.
Please keep personal information for the Grantner Family on the Grantner Family web site.

---

email to the webmaster