July 2021 – Education Corner: Solving a Family History Mystery

By Linda Bergren Polich

We have all been taught in research classes to read all information on documents about our ancestors.  Sometimes, it is easier to transcribe this data – that forces us to read every word. But all too many times, when you find a naturalization record, land record, or any of the many documents we gather, it is easier to just “check the box” and move on to the next task.

This came true recently with some research I am doing for my husband.  His paternal grandfather, Vatroslav Polic, was born in Croatia, and came to America at a young age.  Birth records show his first name as Vatroslav, but when he arrived in America, he started going by the name Mike Polic.  Note:  Mike is NOT the English translation for Vatroslav!

We’ve been trying to track exactly when this name change took place, and if it was an “official” name change.  No luck … until this week!

I was scanning the Certificate for Naturalization for Vatroslav/Mike. On the front of this certificate is a photo that was signed “Vatroslav Polic” AND “Mike Polic”.  When I placed the document face down on my scanner, I noticed a small, handwritten note on the back side of the document that I had not seen before.  It said:  “Name changed by order of court from Vatroslav Polic, as part of the naturalization.  October 17, 1945, signed by M. G. Luse”.

This was an “A-ha” moment!  Although we still don’t know WHY he chose the name Mike, we do know this name change was made legal and official when he was naturalized in Appanoose County, Iowa!

The message here is simple – take the time to read and re-read the documents (both sides!) you have gathered.  And you might just be able to solve a Family History Mystery of your own!

Happy Researching!