Vaclav Johann Jahn von Neumark¹
b. 20 April 1883, d. 9 April 1941
Last Edited=18 Aug 2005

     Vaclav Johann Jahn von Neumark was born on 20 April 1883 in Bohemia.⁶ He was the son of Adam Jahn von Neumark and Caterina Maurek.^2,3,4,5
          The following was taken from a letter written by James' son, Edward, "Adam indentured his eldest son, Vaclav Johann (later known as James John Jahn) to a confectioner in Pilsen (believed to have done so to prevent the boy's compulsory military service) at the age of 12 (circa 1896). Later, when the boy was 15, he was sent to Vienna to continue his education as a confectioner."⁷ Edward continues, "because of unrest in the Balkans and the possibility of war, Adam then decided to remove himself and his family from Austria; deciding to migrate to the United States as James was then 17, and nearly of age for military service. Because the count owed fealty to the Emperor, he obtained written permission from Franz Josef to depart the Empire with his family. This document was similar to a Papal 'bulla' and consisted of a large parchment embellished with the Imperial arms, written in German, and ended with a gold seal attached to black and red ribbons, signed 'Franz R.I.,' standing for Rex Imperator or King-Emperor."
          Vaclav, age 17, immigrated in 1901 to the United States of America on the Konigin Luise. The ship departed Bremerhaver (Germany) and landed at Ellis Island. He traveled with his parents and siblings.⁷ Here is an image of the ship they sailed on. It was taken circa 1896. Follow the link to learn more about the Konigin Luise (NOTE: This site uses frames so you will have to go to the link for K to find the ship). The family lived in Cicero, Cook County, Illinois for about 6 months before moving to Omaha, Nebraska to join Josephine who was already living there. Vaclav also went by the name of James John after arriving in the United States. The family dropped the use of von Neumark due to anti-German feelings.⁷
          Vaclav married Antoinette Cecilia Pliska, daughter of Johann J. Pliska and Frances Dufek, on 9 October 1904 in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska.³ Follow the link to see their wedding picture and their marriage record. He was 21 years old; she was 18. Their witnesses were Peter David and Mary Vecil (or Necil).³ James and Antoinette had at least 4 children. These children are Jeanne Emilie, James Frank, Edward Louis Johann Leitha and Cecelia.⁸
          James, age 26, and Antonia, age 23, were enumerated on the 1910 Federal Census at 478 22nd Street in South Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska. Also enumerated in this household were their children: Jenny (age 2) and Jimmy (age 4/12 - should be 4 weeks or 1 month). James is listed as a naturalized citizen.⁹ Follow the link to see the census image.
          James, age 35, and Antoinette, age 33, were enumerated on the 1920 Federal Census at 4609 South 20th Street in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska. Also enumerated in this household were their children: Jeanne (age 12), James (age 9), and Edward (age 4). They own their house but it does have a mortgage.¹ James worked as a baker who owns his own store. Follow the link to see the census image.¹
          "In 1920, James started his own bakery in South Omaha at 1920 Missouri Avenue. This was bought from Jetter's Brewery and had formerly been a saloon. Previously, he had rented a place across the street (west) from the Wallweber family. . .He operated the bakery until 1936, when, because of condemnation proceedings by the City of Omaha, which was widening Missouri Avenue as an approach to the South Omaha bridge across the Missouri, 8 feet of frontage had been removed and excavation required that the building be lowered (he received only $600 from the city and spent $8,000 of his own).¹⁰
          James, age 45, and Antoinette, age 43, were enumerated on the 1930 Federal Census at 4609 South 20th Street in Omaha. Also enumerated in this household were two of their children, Jean (age 22, works as a teacher) and Edward (age 15). They own their house which was valued at $2500 and they have a radio. James is not a U.S. military veteran.¹¹ They still own their own bakery and they both work as bakers. Follow the link to see the census image.¹¹
          James died on 9 April 1941 at 1920 Missouri Avenue in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska.² He was 57 years, 11 months and 19 days old.² According to Edward Jahn, his cause of death was kidney cancer. Edward elaborates, "He was been operated on by a Dr. Frank J. Mnuk who botched the procedure in 1937." The death certificate gives the surgery date as 23 Apr 1938.² He was buried at Hillcrest Cemetery in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska.² Follow the link to see the death certificate.