Franz Pionk or Pionke was, I believe, the second child and eldest son of Johann Pionk and Marianna Małoszycka. He was born on 21 March 1815 in Będargowo and baptized in Strzepcz Catholic parish (St. Mary Magdalene).
There appears to be an error in his baptism record; his mother's surname is recorded as "Łystowa" or maybe "Tystowa". Neither of these is a surname found in this parish. There were two different couples named Johann and Marianna Pionk in the early Strzepcz and Kielno baptisms; the two Mariannas had surnames Müller and Małoszycka. Further analysis reveals the connection of our Franz Pionk to the family of Johann Pionk and Marianna Małoszycka and thus I am confident that these are in fact his parents.
 |
| Franciscus Pionk, 1815 baptism record, Strzepcz parish |
Franz Pionk was married twice—first to Franciska Ritt or Ritter and later to Josephine Perschon. Unlike many of his siblings, he did not remain in the vicinity of his birthplace for his entire life. This map shows the locations of the parishes Strzepcz, Luzino, Rozłazino, and Chwaszczyno; and the villages and towns Będargowo, Łebno, Barłomino, Bożepole Małe, and Mały Kack.
Franz Pionk and first wife Franciska Ritt
Franz Pionk's first wife was Franciska Ritt or Ritter, daughter of Paul and Anna (née Cierocka). She was born on 15 September 1815 in Łebno and baptized in Strzepcz parish.
Franz Pionk and Franciska Ritt were probably married in Strzepcz parish, about 1838. At first they lived in Łebno, where their first three children were born. Around 1843, they moved to Barłomino in Luzino parish. They had eight children in 15 years. Unfortunately, most of their children did not survive to adulthood.
- Michael Pionk was born on 10 September 1839 in Łebno and died before 1844.
- Marianna Pionk was born on 23 February 1841 in Łebno and died on 7 April 1847 in Barłomino.
- Johanna Pionk was born on 11 October 1842 in Łebno. She died on 9 April 1864 in Bożepole Małe at age 21.
- Augustina Pionk was born on 15 December 1844 and died on 5 January 1846 in Barłomino.
- Franciska Pionk was born on 16 February and died on 27 March 1847 in Barłomino.
- Emilie (or Wilhelmine) Pionk was born on 28 Sep 1848 and died on 30 August 1849 in Barłomino.
- Eva Pionk was born on 7 July 1850 and died on 25 July 1852 in Barłomino.
- Adam Franz Pionk was born on 28 April 1853 in Barłomino.
Franciska (Ritt) Pionk died in Barłomino on 1 May 1853, a few days after her last child was born. Her husband Franz was left with one daughter, Johanna, and baby Adam. At this point, I believe Franz moved back to Będargowo where his parents and several siblings resided, perhaps seeking help with the care of his infant son.
Franz Pionk and second wife Josephine Perschon
Franz Pionk married Margaretha Josephine Perschon (Perszon, Perszonka) on 7 October 1855 in Strzepcz parish. Both were residents of Będargowo. Franz was 40 and Josephine was 28 and single. Josephine was born in Dargolewo on 27 May 1827 to parents Mathias Perschon and Franciska Łaga.
 |
| Franz Pionk - Josephine Perschon 1855 marriage record, Strzepcz parish (item #16) |
After their marriage, Franz and Josephine settled in Bożepole Małe in the Rozłazino parish, where their first five children were born. They moved to Mały Kack (Chwaszczyno parish) around 1865 and later to Gdynia.
