Katherine Drotar Elias (a widow) married my grandfather, Michael Novotniak (a widower), in McKeesport, PA on 4 June 1916. I have a copy of their marriage application and some documents from that point forward and, oral information that provides a few leads about her prior to 1916.

It may have been an arranged marriage since my natural grandmother died on 9 April 1916 after bearing a child on 1 April. There were five children in the household.

Katherine was born 14 February 1877 (place unknown, but assume Slovakia) to Michael Drotar and Elizabeth Repak. She married Elias (no first name available), who died 1 August 1914. When and where the marriage took place is unknown.

My mother remembers her telling stories about how flat the land was where she lived before marrying my grandfather. I believe that was in the vicinity of Streator, IL and where her first husband died.

If any of this is familiar, please let me know.

Ron Svec