In his younger years, Michael worked in a tannery, as a leather hand. They had a large family. On March 7,1905 Barbara gave birth to their eighth child. On that tragic day, mother and child both died. They were buried together. Young son George recalled sitting on the porch, crying on that cold snowy day.
Mary, the eldest daughter was just seventeen, and most of the burden of raising the family fell on her young shoulders. Her brother William was working as a day servant, at that time, but they all pulled together helping each other.
A few years later, Mary married Felix Gajewski. He lived with the family and worked at the paper mill, as a wet mechanic. Later Michael and Felix each bought a farm of their own.
Barbara's Father, Barbara, Michael and Mike, Barbara's Mother
Stella, Ed and George (1904)
One by one the boys left home. William, John and Edward joined the Detroit Police Department. Stella became a nurse. Her husband Alex Kuncinski went sailing. He later became a Chief Engineer on the Great Lakes. They owned a farm near her family. A. George and Michael went sailing. Michael also became a Chief Engineer.
note:
At this time we have located another Michael Wawrzyniak and wife Katherine (Jaskulski) hopefully we will be able to establish a relationship. Wawrzyniak Jaskulski