James Smock

James Smock has always held an interest in his Polish ancestors and heritage. He is a native Houstonian with Polish roots in Bremond, Marlin and New Waverly, Texas.

James is a past president of the Polish Genealogical Society of Texas and was the founding webmaster of the PGST website. He also served as the Surname Index Coordinator from 1994 - 2000.

In addition to serving as the webmaster and editor of this Polish Texan website, he maintains a number of other websites including;

With a lifelong passion for photography, James can often be found with a camera around his neck. In addition to photographing family events and his grandchildren, he is the church photographer for St. Mary Catholic Church in Plantersville and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stoneham. Many of his photographs can be found on the church website or his photography gallery.

Polish Heritage Festival in Brenham

News / By James Smock / October 21, 2008

St. Mary Catholic church in Brenham will host its 18th annual Polish Heritage Festival Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Parish Activity Center at the corner of Germania and South Park.

Kielbasa, smoked pork chops, czarnina and sauerkraut are just a few of the Polish foods that will be available. Music will be provided by Daniel and the Country Boys. Other activities include a live auction, cake booth, children’s games and refreshments.

Polish Heritage Festival in Brenham Read More »

St. Mary In Bremond Bazaar – 2008

It was a beautiful sunny day in Bremond Texas as St. Mary’s Catholic Church held their annual homecoming bazaar on Sunday, October 19, 2008. People with roots in Robertson county came in from all over to celebrate their Polish heritage.

A delicious barbecue beef and sausage dinner was served beginning at 11:30 am along with all of the fixings, home made deserts and ice tea. The long dinner line formed early and continued into the early afternoon. There was also some good take home barbeque beef and chicken available at the pits..

There was a lot of activity for all ages including the Country Store, Toy Town and Plant Booth along with face painting and hay rides for the young and young at heart. The Homemade Goods booth sold lots of delicious Bremond food. It was standing room only at the auction where livestock, furniture, tools and lots of homemade items were sold to the highest bidder. Bingo was played in the hall from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and the Raffle drawings was held at 8:00 pm.

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St. Mary In Bremond Bazaar – 2008Read More »

St. Mary In Bremond Bazaar – 2008 Read More »

St. Stanislaus In Anderson Bazaar

Current Events, Festivals and Bazaars / By James Smock / October 14, 2008

St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Anderson Texas held their 53rd annual homecoming bazaar where Polish Texans from all over came to celebrate their roots. This years bazaar was dedicated in honor of retired pastor, Father Louis Sikorski, who served more than 28 years, and to the loving memory of Maxine Lee, parish secretary, who served for more than 30 years. Father Sikorski co-celebrated Mass with current pastor Father Raul Marterior.

The weather was good and a large crowd came to enjoy the day. Delicious barbeque brisket and sausage with all the fixings, home made deserts and ice tea was served starting at 11am. The food line was long but well worth the wait.

There were lots of booths for the adults as well as games and activities for the kids. The ‘Babusha’s Porch’ booth, always a favorite, had plenty of homemade food, crafts and decorative items. Tommy Scymczak and his auction crew sold lots of great items and there were some really nice raffle prizes.

For the twentieth consecutive year, Brian Marshall and Texas Paradise Band entertained the crowd with lots of good foot stomping Polish music. As usual, the dancers in the crowd had a good time and really worked up a sweat. One of the musical highlights of the day was Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz playing his Concertina accordion.

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St. Stanislaus In Anderson BazaarRead More »

St. Stanislaus In Anderson Bazaar Read More »

St. Mary Homecoming Bazaar In Bremond

News / By James Smock / October 14, 2008

St. Mary Catholic Church will be hosting their Annual Homecoming Bazaar and Fall Festival at the parish grounds in Bremond, Texas on Sunday, October 19, 2008. A delicious dinner which includes Polish sausage, barbecued brisket and all the fixings will be served from 11:30 am until 3:00 pm. There will also be barbecued beef, sausage and chicken available by the pound at the pits.

The big auction starts at 1:00 pm and will include livestock as well as many homemade and craft items. Cold drinks and fun games for kids of all ages are available all day. There will be bingo from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Raffle drawings will be at 8:00 pm.

St. Mary Homecoming Bazaar In Bremond Read More »

St. Stanislaus Bazaar

News / By James Smock / October 10, 2008

St. Stanislaus Bazaar and Dedication Coming Soon
By Gail Sowell

St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Anderson has hosted many annual homecomings and bazaars in the past, but this one will be special for all the long-time parishioners, as well as the more recent parishioners.

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St. Stanislaus BazaarRead More »

St. Stanislaus Bazaar Read More »

Steve Okonski

Articles, Musicians Bio, Polish Texans / By James Smock / July 24, 2008

Steve Okonski, born August 29, 1916 in Bremond, Texas was a lifelong resident of Bremond and was a farmer and musician. Steve was a fiddler for over 70 years and played in many towns for many weddings, family reunions, and community events throughout Texas (Houston, Dallas, Bremond, Brenham, Chapel Hill, New Waverly, Westphalia, and many others). His band usually included the instruments that were readily available in the small country town — violin, base, guitar, and accordion. They played the old time Polish favorite traditional fiddle based music. Many of the Polish family immigrants listened and enjoyed the music that connected them to their villages in Poland. Some of Steve’s favorites were: Steve’s Special, Steve’s Celia, Flat Lake Special, Village OBerek, Westphalia Waltz and others. Steve received a plaque for playing a fiddle for 70 years in Texas at the Ft Bend County Fair.

Steve supplemented his small farming income with many various jobs such as bus driver, painter, his band and others. He also served in the infantry with the US Army during World War II.

-Bio from Okonski Family Website

Listen to Music By Steve Okonski

Stop The Fighting Boys Polka (Nie Bijcie Się Chłopcy) and The Bremond Polish Wedding Waltz by Steve Okonski Band

Texas Polish Polka and Sweet Potato Polka by Steve Okonski Band

Steve’s Special and Płynie Wisła by Steve Okonski Band

Steve Okonski Read More »

Polish Musicians Photos

Musician Photos / By James Smock / July 7, 2008

Photo Tribute To Texas Musicians of Polish Descent

Click on thumbnail photos below to enlarge. Click on the

icon in the photo caption to see the musicians family history in our genealogy database or click on the

icon to see more infomation on the musician.

More Musician Photos on page 2

From left to right; Tony Berger , Ed Marshall , Johnny Berger Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall From left to right; Tony Berger , Ed Marshall , Johnny Berger Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall	Frank Koscielniak on fiddle, Clem Kujawa on bass Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall Frank Koscielniak on fiddle, Clem Kujawa on bass Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall	From left to right; Top row; George Piotrowski, Alec Piotrowski, John Muszynski Bottom row; Fred Kempinski, Leonard Muszynski , Frumon Muszynski Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall From left to right; Top row; George Piotrowski, Alec Piotrowski, John Muszynski Bottom row; Fred Kempinski, Leonard Muszynski , Frumon Muszynski Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall	Ed Marshall , fiddler on right Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall Ed Marshall , fiddler on right Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall
First Generation Cendalski Family Band in 1920 From left to right; William Reisner, Stanley Cendalski , John Cendalski , Mitchell Cendalski , Pete Cendalski Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall First Generation Cendalski Family Band in 1920 From left to right; William Reisner, Stanley Cendalski , John Cendalski , Mitchell Cendalski , Pete Cendalski Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall	From left to right; Adam Edward Polka , Albert Polka , unknown musician on bass Photo taken circa 1920 Photo courtesy of James Smock From left to right; Adam Edward Polka , Albert Polka , unknown musician on bass Photo taken circa 1920 Photo courtesy of James Smock	From left to right; Mitchell Cendalski , Bruno Cendalski, Daniel Cendalski Photo taken in 1953 Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall From left to right; Mitchell Cendalski , Bruno Cendalski, Daniel Cendalski Photo taken in 1953 Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall	From left to right; Lige Buckner , Stash Skoba , Joseph Frank Maduzia Sr. , Joseph Frank Maduzia Jr. , Pete Maduzia New Waverly – 1915 Photo courtesy of Johnny Maduzia From left to right; Lige Buckner , Stash Skoba , Joseph Frank Maduzia Sr. , Joseph Frank Maduzia Jr. , Pete Maduzia New Waverly – 1915 Photo courtesy of Johnny Maduzia
Joe Bartula on guitar and Steve Okonski on fiddle Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall Joe Bartula on guitar and Steve Okonski on fiddle Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall	From left to right; Joe Bartula , Steve Okonski , Carol or Willie Bashinski Witzaski Wedding in Bremond. Photo taken in late 1930’s or early 1940’s. Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall From left to right; Joe Bartula , Steve Okonski , Carol or Willie Bashinski Witzaski Wedding in Bremond. Photo taken in late 1930’s or early 1940’s. Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall	From left to right; Albert Polka , Adam Edward Polka Photo taken circa 1920 Photo courtesy of James Smock From left to right; Albert Polka , Adam Edward Polka Photo taken circa 1920 Photo courtesy of James Smock	Robert E. Wick Photo taken circa 1940 Photo courtesy of Frieda Wick Robert E. Wick Photo taken circa 1940 Photo courtesy of Frieda Wick
Sechelski Family Band Stoneham, Texas From left to right; Rufus Sechelski, Manual Sechelski, Bill Zarski, Tom Kitkoski Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall Sechelski Family Band Stoneham, Texas From left to right; Rufus Sechelski, Manual Sechelski, Bill Zarski, Tom Kitkoski Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall	Left to right; Tony Berger , Teofil (Tops) Klodzinski Stoneham, Texas Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall Left to right; Tony Berger , Teofil (Tops) Klodzinski Stoneham, Texas Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall	Unknown musicians – Photo from Agnes Polka Smock collection Photo courtesy of James Smock Unknown musicians – Photo from Agnes Polka Smock collection Photo courtesy of James Smock	Unknown musicians at the wedding of Antonina Szymanski and Ladislaus Stempuhowski on November 13, 1911 Chappell Hill, Texas Photo courtesy of Polish Genealogical Society of Texas Unknown musicians at the wedding of Antonina Szymanski and Ladislaus Stempuhowski on November 13, 1911 Chappell Hill, Texas Photo courtesy of Polish Genealogical Society of Texas
Jake Noski fron Stoneham, Texas Photo courtesy of Vanessa Burzynski Jake Noski fron Stoneham, Texas Photo courtesy of Vanessa Burzynski	Joe Szymanski on left, unknown musician on right Photo courtesy of Frances Szymanski Robertson Joe Szymanski on left, unknown musician on right Photo courtesy of Frances Szymanski Robertson	From left to right; Carroll Bashinski , Theodore Yanowski, and Steve Okonski , Photo courtesy of Frances Szymanski Robertson From left to right; Carroll Bashinski , Theodore Yanowski, and Steve Okonski Photo courtesy of Frances Szymanski Robertson	From left to right; Hortense, Albert Heintz, Mike Heintz, Louis Shibest 1940’s Photo courtesy of Gertrude Kologinczak From left to right; Hortense, Albert Heintz, Mike Heintz, Louis Shibest 1940’s Photo courtesy of Gertrude Kologinczak
Henry Reinhart, Sylvester Pavlock and Bodie Horton Photo courtesy of Louise Borski Henry Reinhart, Sylvester Pavlock and Bodie Horton Photo courtesy of Louise Borski	Albert Ubnoski – 1948 Photo courtesy of Louise Borski Albert Ubnoski – 1948 Photo courtesy of Louise Borski	Left to right: Back row; John P. Derkowski, nickname Skace, Willie Kmiec, Max Ognoski, Johnnie Derkowski Front row; Frank Bronikowski and John Wisnoski Photo courtesy of Dolores Newman Left to right: Back row; John P. Derkowski, nickname Skace, Willie Kmiec, Max Ognoski, Johnnie Derkowski Front row; Frank Bronikowski and John Wisnoski Photo courtesy of Dolores Newman	Mike Tomczak and Sigmund Jozwiak at Cigielski wedding. Circa 1964 Photo courtesy of Sigmund Jozwiak Mike Tomczak and Sigmund Jozwiak at Cigielski wedding. Circa 1964 Photo courtesy of Sigmund Jozwiak
Wedding of Katherine Knast and Tony Sechelski John and Agnes (Knapik) Knast farm in Bremond, Texas 20 November 1928 From left to right: Louis Knast , Carroll Yezak , John Mushinski , Floyd Mushinski , John Yezak Photo courtesy of Teana Sechelski Wedding of Katherine Knast and Tony Sechelski John and Agnes (Knapik) Knast farm in Bremond, Texas 20 November 1928 From left to right: Louis Knast , Carroll Yezak , John Mushinski , Floyd Mushinski , John Yezak Photo courtesy of Teana Sechelski	The White Eagles Band From left to right; unknown musician, unknown musician, unknown musician, John Meleski , Sigmund Jozwiak and Florian Meleski, Sr. Photo courtesy of Linda Meleski Harris The White Eagles Band From left to right; unknown musician, unknown musician, unknown musician, John Meleski , Sigmund Jozwiak and Florian Meleski, Sr. Photo courtesy of Linda Meleski Harris	G. W. (Sonny) Janczak Photo courtesy of Sonny Janczak G. W. (Sonny) Janczak Photo courtesy of Sonny Janczak	The Polish Eagles Band From left to right: Louis Snider (Suchowiak) , Leonard Kasowski, Mike Derkowski, Florian Meleski , Johnny Kubeczka, Sigmund Jozwiak Circa 1980’s Photo courtesy of Frank Motley The Polish Eagles Band From left to right: Louis Snider (Suchowiak) , Leonard Kasowski, Mike Derkowski, Florian Meleski , Johnny Kubeczka, Sigmund Jozwiak Circa 1980’s Photo courtesy of Frank Motley
Jerry and the Country Gems From left to right: Mike Slominski, Jerry Lastovica, Junior Skweres, Ally Koteras, Odell Hopkins Circa early 1970’s Photo courtesy of Frank Motley Jerry and the Country Gems From left to right: Mike Slominski, Jerry Lastovica, Junior Skweres, Ally Koteras, Odell Hopkins Circa early 1970’s Photo courtesy of Frank Motley	Ed Marshall Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt Ed Marshall Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt	Pietrowski Brothers Raymond Pietrowski , Ed Pietrowski , Alec Pietrowski . Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt Pietrowski Brothers Raymond Pietrowski , Ed Pietrowski , Alec Pietrowski . Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt	Ed Marshall on left with fiddle Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt Ed Marshall on left with fiddle. Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt
Unknown Musicians 1937 Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt Unknown Musicians 1937 Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt	Unknown Musicians at wedding Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt Unknown Musicians at wedding Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt	Unknown Musicians at wedding Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt Unknown Musicians at wedding Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt	Unknown Musicians Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt Unknown Musicians Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt
John Felchak (second from left) Photo courtesy of Virginia Felchak Hill John Felchak (second from left) Photo courtesy of Virginia Felchak Hill	Ed Marshall with fiddle, Phillip Kasowski on bass and other unknown musicians. Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall Ed Marshall with fiddle, Phillip Kasowski on bass and other unknown musicians. Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall	Joe Kujawa on fiddle with other unknown musicians at Raymond Ohendalski and Louise Kasowski wedding in 1949 Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski Joe Kujawa on fiddle with other unknown musicians at Raymond Ohendalski and Louise Kasowski wedding in 1949 Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski	Joe Kujawa on fiddle with other unknown musicians at Raymond Ohendalski and Louise Kasowski wedding in 1949. Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski Joe Kujawa on fiddle with other unknown musicians at Raymond Ohendalski and Louise Kasowski wedding in 1949. Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski
Steve Okonski on fiddle with other unknown musicians. Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski Steve Okonski on fiddle with other unknown musicians. Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski	Bob Okonski on piano, Leonard Kasowski on guitar and Phillip Kasowski on fiddle. Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski Bob Okonski on piano, Leonard Kasowski on guitar and Phillip Kasowski on fiddle. Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski	Clem Kujawa playing fiddle with Utah Carl and the Gulf Coast Playboys in Channel 13 Studios in Houston in 1958. From left to right; Herbie Treece, Utah Carl, Clem Kujawa , Sam Reece, Wiley Barkdull, and George Champion Photo courtesy of KTRK TV Clem Kujawa playing fiddle with Utah Carl and the Gulf Coast Playboys in Channel 13 Studios in Houston in 1958. From left to right; Herbie Treece, Utah Carl, Clem Kujawa , Sam Reece, Wiley Barkdull, and George Champion Photo courtesy of KTRK TV	John Meleski , founder and bass/fiddle player for the White Eagles band Photo courtesy of Barbara Meleski John Meleski , founder and bass/fiddle player for the White Eagles band Photo courtesy of Barbara Meleski
The Polish Eagles Band From left to right: Mike Tomczak, Johnny Kubeczka, Shorty Palmore, Florian Meleski , Sigmund Jozwiak Photo courtesy of Jozwiak Store The Polish Eagles Band From left to right: Mike Tomczak, Johnny Kubeczka, Shorty Palmore, Florian Meleski , Sigmund Jozwiak Photo courtesy of Jozwiak Store	Tony Berger and Brian Marshall Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall Tony Berger and Brian Marshall Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall	Ricky Laskowski, Brian Marshall, Patrick Kronin Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall Ricky Laskowski, Brian Marshall, Patrick Kronin Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall	Anthony Porcarello, Brian Marshall, Dennis Bielamowicz Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall Anthony Porcarello, Brian Marshall, Dennis Bielamowicz Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

More Musician Photos on page 2

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Polish Musicians Home

Musicians / By James Smock / July 7, 2008

A Tribute To Texas Musicians of Polish Descent

Technology advances are great, but sometimes it’s nice to look back on a simpler time before television and the internet ruled the day. Many of the early Polish settlers in Texas were simple farmers or laborers who worked hard to survive and raise their families. One of the things they brought from Poland that gave them great joy was a love for music. Pope John Paul II summed it up when he said "I have a sweet tooth for song and music".

According to well known Texas fiddler Brian Marshall; "The music has been passed down orally from generation to generation and this tradition continues today. The music of these peasant Poles typically consisted of a fiddle, a bowed bass, and an occasional clarinet: Later, guitars, drums, and accordions were introduced, though I’m sure the accordion was a Czech influence as it was not accepted as a Polish instrument at the time of this Texas migration. Music was played at all weddings and family gatherings, and this tradition continues today."

Music was a big influence in the early Polish settlers life and it is important to preserve the legacy of the early musicians who entertained their family and friends. The Polish Texans website in conjunction with Brian Marshall is actively searching for photos and information on these early Texas musicians of Polish descent. This musician tribute is a long term project that will continue to honor these men and women for years to come. If you have any photos or other information about early Polish Texan musicians, please contact us.

The musician tribute section contains lots of old photos labeled with the known musicians. When you click on the small thumbnail photos, a larger photo pops up along with the names of the musicians. Click on the small icon next to the musicians name to explore his family history in our genealogy database. Click on the small icon to read more biography information about the musician. We also have some unlabeled photos that we could use some help with. If you know the musicians in any of the unlabeled photos, please contact us with the names.

Polish Musician Photos

Polish Musician Biography

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