In July 2018 I visited my aunts, Marian and Monica, who were both 85 at the time. The visit was wonderful, and it turned out to be the last time I would see either of them in person, although they continued to call and talk with me afterward.
On August 1 2018, Aunt Monica called and shared the following family history:
- Grandpa Gura (John Michael Gura) had told her that his father was from Germany and that he himself was German. He and his two brothers had a factory in Germany, but after a falling out each brother went his own way.
- Grandpa Gura’s father later moved to Austria (the area that is now part of Slovakia), where he met his wife. They had three sons—Pete, George, and John Michael (Grandpa Gura).
- John Michael left Austria at age 17 because communism was beginning to take hold, and he did not want to start a family there and risk having his children taken away. He emigrated to America to begin a new life.
- In America, he met and married Anna Marie Lucas at age 20.
- Aunt Monica also mentioned that Great‑Grandpa Gura (John Michael’s father) visited America a few times but disliked it, saying there were no “servants.” John Michael’s mother was sent a ticket to visit America, but she feared Anna Marie would not welcome her, so she did not come. John Michael was very sad that his mother did not come.
From this new information, it appears that our surname may be of German origin rather than Slovak. If anyone can confirm this or provide additional details about John Michael’s parents, it would be greatly appreciated. Feedack