Ludvik (also Ludwig, Ludevico) Stanič was born on September 8, 1879 in the village of Gorenje Polje, Slovenia to Anton Stanič and Marija Goljevšček.

Gorenje Polje is located along the Soča River approximately one mile southwest of the town of Kanal and 10 miles north of the city of Nova Gorica in western Slovenia near Italy.

In the spring of 1907, Ludvik and his brother, Anton, left their home for the Land of Opportunity. They traveled to Trieste, Italy, and from there, on March 28, 1907, they sailed aboard the S.S. Francesca for the new world.

Ludvik Stanič

The Francesca was built by Russell & Co., Port Glasgow, Scotland in 1905 for the Austrian company, Unione Austriaca. She was a 4946 gross ton vessel, length 359.8ft x beam 48ft, one funnel, two masts, single screw and a speed of 12 knots. There was accommodation for 30-1st, 50-2nd, and 1,500-3rd class passengers.

At the time of arrival to Ellis Island, New York, on April 19, 1907, Ludvik was 27 years old, single, a laborer, able to read and write, in possession of $20. He was 5 feet 2 inches tall, of fair complexion, and had brown hair and eyes.

Anton was 38 years old, married, a laborer, able to read and write, in possession of $20. He was 5 feet 7 inches tall, of fair complexion, and had brown hair and eyes.

Anton Stanič

The two men had tickets (paid by them) for their final destination in the USA – Indianapolis, Indiana, where they were going to join their friend, Franc Fintar, residing at 730 Warman Avenue.

In America Ludvik changed the spelling of his last name from Stanič to Stanich, most likely, in order to preserve its correct pronunciation.

According to the 1910 United States Federal Census enumerated on April 19, 1910, Ludvik Stanich was still single and worked as a molder at a foundry in Indianapolis. He was one of six boarders living with the Mulfreda family at 740 Warman Avenue, Haughville, Indianapolis.

1. John Mulfreda (30)
2. Mary Mulfreda Sr. (27)
3. Mary Mulfreda (4)
4. Josephine Mulfreda (2)
5. Margarete Mulfreda (4/12)
6. Mike Ulman (35)
7. Steve Ulman (37/27)
8. Frank Haverstik (30)
9. Frank Ivanchih (22)
10. John Matelich (24)
11. Ludvik Stanich (28)

Karolina (also Carolina, Caroline) Žgavec was born on October 31, 1889 in the village of Gradišče pri Vipavi, Slovenia to Ivan Žgavec and Terezija Rustja.

Karolina had five (5) younger siblings - two sisters and three brothers:

1. Ana (born July 22, 1892)
2. Izabela (born Apil 8, 1895)
3. Ciril (born March 9, 1897)
4. Janez (born June 9, 1898)
5. Friderik (born August 24, 1899)

According to the 1930 U.S. Census records, Karolina immigrated to the United States in 1908.

Ludvik Stanič (30) and Karolina Žgavec (20) married on August 15, 1910 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, USA.

Ludvik Stanič and Karolina Žgavec, wedding day, August 15, 1910

Ludvik and Karolina had ten children, all born in the United States:

1. Ludvik / Luke J. Stanich (August 30, 1911 – December 10, c 1969)
2. Irma M. Stanich *Gabriel* (January 15, 1913 – September 15, 1996)
3. Carl A. Stanich (May 31, 1914 – October 22, 1992)
4. Bruna C. Stanich (1916 or 1917)
5. Alphons P. Stanich (July 6, 1918 – September 21, 1992)
6. Stanislaus / Stanley A. Stanich (June 13, 1920 – February 2, 2007)
7. Agatha Stanich *Hanna* (April 10, 1922 – May 5, 2004)
8. Bernadette Stanich (February 12, 1924 – February 8, 1997)
9. Martha Stanich (June 30, 1926 – March 3, 1999)
10. Richard Bernard Stanich (July 21, 1928 – May 19, 1997)

The Stanich family, Indianapolis, USA

Ludvik and Karolina’s first child, Ludvik (Luke) Alexander Stanich, was born on August 30, 1911. He was baptized on September 10, 1911. At that time the family resided at 768 Dawning (Downing) Ave, Indianapolis.

Irma (also Ermina, Carina, Erminjam Karolina) Stanich was born on January 15, 1913 and baptized on February 2, 1913.

Carl Stanich was born on May 31, 1914 and baptized on June 14, 1914. At the time of his birth the family lived at 765 Holmes Avenue, Indianapolis.

Alphons (also Alphonsum Cyrillium) Stanich was born on July 6, 1918 and baptized on July 28, 1918. At the time of his birth the family lived at 765 Holmes Avenue, Indianapolis.

According to Ludvik and Karolina’s granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Stanich (Mauser), Ludvik was a skinny man of short stature, and his wife towered over him. She had solid hips. Ludvik spoke very broken English, thus he did not communicate much with his grandchildren.

According to the World War I Draft Registration Card dated September 12, 1918, Ludvik Stanich and his wife, Carolina, resided at 765 N. Holmes Avenue, Indianapolis. Ludvik was a naturalized US citizen. He was a molder at an Indianapolis Foundry (Harding and Big Four R.R.).

In Indianapolis Ludvik made his own wine from cherries. During the prohibition he involved his children in the bootlegging process since cops would not suspect them.

According to Ludvik’s granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Stanich (Mauser), Ludvik played the organ in the Holy Trinity Church and he was in charge of ringing the church bells.

The Indianapolis Sunday Star dated December 21, 1919 (Section: Christmas Music in Indianapolis Churches)…Holy Trinity Catholic. Midnight Mass. Music at the midnight mass at Holy Trinity Church will be in honor of St. Cecelia rendered by the full choir under the direction of Ludwig Stanich. Masses at Holy Trinity Church on Christmas will be at midnight, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 10 o’clock.

The Indianapolis Sunday Star, December 21, 1919

According to the 1930 United States Federal Census enumerated on April 4, 1930, the Stanich family, consisting of 12 members, resided at 765 Holmes Avenue, Indianapolis. They lived in a $6,000 home they owned (not rented). At that time Ludvik and Karolina were already naturalized U.S. citizens and they were able to speak English. Ludvik’s occupation: molder. Industry: Iron work.

According to the World War II Draft Registration Card dated 1942, Ludvik Stanich and his wife, Caroline, resided at 765 N. Holmes Avenue, Indianapolis. Their phone number was: BE. 0846 R. The 62 year old Ludvik was unable to work at the foundry due to illness, thus he worked as a self-employed carpenter.

Karolina died from cancer on June 11, 1945 at the age of 55. She was buried at St. Joseph Cemetery (Indianapolis) on June 14, 1945. Her son, Alphonse, came home from the war to attend the funeral.

Ludvik died on September 19, 1968 at the age of 89. He was buried at St. Joseph Cemetery on September 23, 1968. His SSN: 311-22-4600. Last residence: 46222 Indianapolis, Indiana.

Click here to see images of Ludvik Stanič and Karolina Žgavec.