Robert William Smith IV Cultural Biography

All about me

Born in Madison, Wisconsin on September 18th 1990

Lived in Lake County, Illinois for over 15 years.

Went to Libertyville High School class of 2009

Have my parents Bob and Susan and a 19 year old sister named Nicole who goes to Illinois State.

Had two Italian Greyhounds named Sophie and Cinnamon

My Culture Background I’m a 1/4 German, 1/4 English, 1/4 Polish, 1/8

Russian, and 1/8 Cherokee Native American so an unique cultural mutt.

Through my family’s history, there are some amazing stories and interesting upbringings through the Great Depression and before.

Most of my ancestors immigrated at the turn of the 19th century and made their families here in America so I’m the 3rd Generation.

Smith Family Genealogy Ina Schmalzrien- Great

Grandmother on Father’s side family immigrated from Germany. Run a travel bureau with her husband, Bob. Designed and made wedding dresses as a seamstress during the Great Depression. Ran it up until her 70s very successfully.

Robert Smith Sr.- Great Grandfather on Father’s from Canada/English decent. Worked at Pennsylvania railroad at the ticket office. Ran Smith travel agency with Ina.

Moyer Family Genealogy Maximilian Moyer- Formerly

“Moyerich” Great Grandfather on Father’s side.

Hide his identity from the Russian Czar Nicholas II around turn of the 19th Century and lead his own search party during Anti-Semitic Pogroms. Spoke 8 different languages and created a Tailor Union then moved to Decatur, IN where my Grandmother was born.

Gertrude Altman- Great Grandmother on Father’s side from Poland originally.

Ciessau Family Genealogy

Great Grandmother family immigrated from Poland named Clara Barczewski. Father of Valentine and Pauline Barczewski, one of four children. Actively involved in Chicago politics as an election judge and other positions.

Kolachy (Cole-Lot-Keys) pastry dessert made by Great Grandma Clara during holidays. Grandpa Larry loved Polish cuisine.

Great Grandfather family immigrated from Alsace-Lorraine named Joseph Ciessau. Mother named Elizabeth Bethke. Originally named de Ciesseaux, named changed after Franco Prussian War. Owned a large Dairy in Chicago.

Johnston Family Genealogy

Great Grandmother named Mary Harris. Born on Oklahoma Reservation in the 1890s. Her mother Beulah Kemp was a full blooded Cherokee Native American. Became a nurse in Texas.

Great Grandfather’s family from England, named Paul Johnston from Charleston, West Virginia. Met Mary during the Texas Oil Boom attempting to strike it rich out West. Grandma Anita born in WV

From banking family, the Great Depression ruined the family bank in Charleston and over his father’s life, he eventually paid back the families who lost their funds.

Cultural Dilution Over the years, my family has continued to

assimilate more into American society and have lost touch with our cultural roots from Europe.

As time moves forward, the more distant I and follow family members my age are from the rich past my great grandparents and grandparents knew very well.

Sharing stories, collecting document/memorabilia, food, and spending time with my family are the only ways of preserving the cultural past.

Smith Family Food Culture Food- Many different kinds of food eaten by my

immediate family including American, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and many others others.

When with my Dad’s parents we eat Jewish cuisine with Matzo Ball soup and Pastrami sandwiches. Meatloaf is another Grandma Dolores classic.

My Grandpa Larry loved Polish food his mother Clara made and always took us to his favorite authentic Polish restaurant Staropolska in Chicago.

Family recipes are popular too (Reuben dip, “Special Chicken”, and coleslaw).

Smith Family ReligionMy family was brought up Presbyterian

Christian, but we have moved to new churches since I was younger including Methodist and Baptist.

My Dad’s sister and her family are Jewish along with my grandmother while my grandfather is Christian.

My Mom’s family is Roman Catholic, my grandpa Larry went to St. Stanislaus Kosta Parish as a young boy located right off I-94 near Division St. in Chicago where he grew up.

Smith Family Traditions Holidays- Christmas,

Thanksgiving, Easter, and Birthdays

Superstitions- Bread and Butter, Black cats, White Horses, etc.

Sports- Chicago Sports fans, active in baseball, basketball, soccer, and softball

Family traditions- Uncle George family pictures, Christmas trees, Christmas morning