Josefa Mervar was born on March 16, 1881 in the village of Škrjanče to Franciscus Mervar and Maria Šmajdek.

Mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA Haplogroup H. About one-half of all Europeans are haplogroup H, which is also common in North Africa and the Middle East. Even on the edges of its vast distribution range, in northern India and central Asia, it is seen in 5 to 10 percent of those tested.

Škrjanče is located southwest of the city of Novo Mesto. Under Austrian rule Novo Mesto was called Rudolfswert in the German language and Rudolfovo in the Slovenian language.

Other variations of Josefa’s name, such as Josepha and Josephine, frequently appear in various historic records. The last name of Mervar also appears in Slovenia as Mrvar (pronounce Myr-var).

As a young lady in her native Slovenia, Josefa was in love with a crippled man. She wanted to marry him, however her parents forbade it.

At the very beginning of the 20th century Josefa’s brothers Josef (Joe), Anton (Tony) and Franz (Frank) immigrated to the Unites States. Soon thereafter Josefa followed. Josefa’s daughter, Sophie, recalled that one of the brothers, Tony, returned to Slovenia to bring his sister to America.

Ellis Island was the gateway through which Josefa passed on April 17, 1906 in her search for freedom and economic opportunity in the United States. The Manifest of Alien Passengers for the U.S. Immigration Officer at Port of Arrival indicates that the ship La Champagne, which transported Josefa, departed the port of Le Havre, Seine-Inferior, France on April 7, 1906 and sailed eight days to arrive at the port of New York on April 15, 1906.

Josefa stepped on American soil for the first time on April 17, 1906. She was 24 years old. She was single, able to read, and in good mental and physical health. Calling or occupation - servant.

Josefa’s final destination in the U.S. was Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and she had a ticket to get there. With only $10 in her possession she headed to her uncle Josef Lokar, who lived in Pittsburgh at 48-17 Harrison Street. In Pittsburgh Josefa worked as a maid for wealthy German people, who were good to her. According to other sources she was a servant and a cook.

Josefa (Josephine) was very close with her brother Joe (Josef/Joseph) Mervar, who later became a close friend of Martin Mauser, Josephine’s husband.

Neither Josephine Mervar nor anyone else in the family knew her exact birthday. So at one point she adopted Joseph’s birthday of March 20 and the year of 1882. In the summer of 2005 the Archbishop's Archive in Ljubljana helped the grandchildren of Josefa to discover her real birthday of March 16, 1881.

Josefa maintained close ties with her relatives in Pennsylvania. Ms. Francis Lokar was Josephine’s cousin in Pennsylvania. Tina Mauser recalled in 2005 how she went to Pennsylvania with her family when she was in the 8th grade. Other close relatives there are – the Globic family. Josefa’s nephew Globic was a priest in Pennsylvania.

The Lokars also came to Indianapolis to visit relatives. In 2005 Joe’s son, Stanley, recalled that when in Indianapolis they stayed at Joe’s house. He also recalled that one of their daughters was very pretty. They would sleep upstairs at 960 Holmes Avenue. Normally a couple of them would come (mother and daughter).

Martin Mavsar (also Mauser) was born on September 22, 1888 to Janez Mavsar and Ana Kozoglav in the village of Šentjošt (also Št. Jošt). He was born and grew up in house No.19.

Šentjošt is located north of the town of Stopiče and southeast of the city of Novo Mesto.

At the age of 16 Martin followed the footsteps of his older brother, John. He left his little village in the spring of 1905 and would never see it again. He would never see his parents and sisters either.

Martin headed for the port of Le Havre, France. According to the List or Manifest of Alien Passengers for the U.S. Immigration Officer at Port of Arrival, Martin Mavsar (not Mauser) sailed the ship La Gascogne from Le Havre on April 8, 1905. He arrived at the port of New York nine days later on April 17, 1905.

Martin had a ticket to Indianapolis. He left Ellis Island for Haughville with $8 in his pocket. Martin was a laborer, single, able to read and write. In Indiana Martin planned to join his brother, John Mauser, who resided at 707 Warman Avenue. John immigrated to the United States on March 26, 1902.

Several other men were going to Indianapolis as well. One of them, 17-year-old single laborer, Janez Moze, from the same village of Šentjošt, house No.11, was going to Haughville with $20 to join his friend, John Mauser (Martin's brother), at 707 Warman Avenue. Obviously, Martin and Janez were childhood neighbors and friends, and left their homeland together to live the American dream.

An interesting observation regarding Josefa and Martin: they both departed from the port of Le Havre and arrived in the United States on the same date, April 17, but one year apart. Coincidentally, their granddaughter, Charleyne Marie Toth, was born on April 17.

In the country of opportunities Martin worked very hard, doing physically demanding jobs. He had the very strong hands of a worker, with factory dirt under his fingernails. He was a natural leader and was eventually appointed a foreman at the National Malleable and Steel Castings Co. foundry. Foreman – a man in charge of a group of other workers.

Everyone has described Martin as a good and friendly man. He was a tall, 6'2", proud man. He took a lot of pride in his family, clothing, and shoes. He always assumed a proud posture – his chest was salient. He liked to wear suits and always has a cigar in his mouth. He enjoyed chewing tobacco and enjoyed having a drink on a regular basis. He was a resourceful man with talented hands. He used to make clothing for all of his children. He led all the parades, wedding or funeral, at his church and had a cigar in his mouth.

Martin Mauser and Josephine Mervar married on October 4, 1909 in Marion County, Indianapolis at Holy Trinity Church. Martin was 21 and Josephine was 28. Martin’s brother, John Mauser, was their witness. Rev. J. C. Smolej.

Josefa and Martin grew up in the same area in Slovenia but never met each other until they came to Indiana.

According to Tina, Martin was a jealous husband.

Josephine was a hardworking housewife. She took care of the children and home. She was a wonderful cook and seamstress. In order to supplement her modest family income, Josephine made her own high-quality whiskey and sold it.

Josephine liked to play cards with her family or neighbors. When someone visited her home, she always made sure they left it happy. She treated them in a very hospitable manner, and generally fed them.

Josephine was a short lady of 4'9". That is why she wore high-heel shoes. Many of her friends and family members liked to make fun of her when they saw Josephine wearing high-heel shoes. She liked to dress fancily and her favorite was polka dot dresses.

Josephine loved to kid around. She had a great sense of humor, joked and laughed a lot. She had a strong accent and her English was not very good.

Martin Mauser’s World War I Draft Registration Card A - (5 June 1917)

Registration Card No.90

1. Name in full: Martin Mauser
2. Age: 29
3. Home Address: 960 Haugh Street, Indianapolis, Indiana
4. Date of birth: January 18, 1888 (should be September 22)
5. Are you (1) a natural-born citizen, (2) a naturalized citizen, (3) an alien, (4) or have you declared your intention (specify which)? Naturalized Citizen
6. Where were you born? Rudolfswert (town), Kranj (state), Austria (nation)
7. If not a citizen, of what nation are you a citizen or subject? –
8. What is your present trade, occupation, or office? Foreman
9. By whom employed? National Malleable Castings Co.
10. Where employed? Holmes Ave. & Michigan St.
11. Have you a father, mother, wife, child under 12, or a sister or brother under 12, solely dependent on you for support (specify which)? 4 children, wife
12. Married or single (which)? Married
13. Race (specify which)? Caucasian
14. What military service have you had? –
15. Do you claim exemption from draft (specify grounds)? –

Registrar's Report

1. Tall, medium, or short (specify which)? Tall
2. Slender, medium, or stout (which)? Medium
3. Color of eyes: Brown
4. Color of hair: Black
5. Bald: No
6. Has person lost arm, leg, hand, foot, eye, or both eyes or is he otherwise disabled (specify)? No

Signature of Registrar: R.M. Boone

Precinct: 7

City or County: Marion

Township: Wayne Township, Ward 15

State: Indiana Date of Registration: June 5, 1917

Martin and Josephine had eight children. Two children, a girl and a boy, died at birth. One baby girl was born before Martina. Anna Mauser – died on April 30, 1921 at age 9 hours. She was buried on May 2, 1921 at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Premature birth. Father Cyril.

Martin and Josephine’s children:

1. Louis Mauser (July 6, 1910 - July 15, 1927)
2. Anna Maria Mauser *Toth* (September 24, 1911 - August 27, 1999)
3. Josefina (Sophie) Alberta Mauser *Bozic* (December 8, 1912 - March 22, 2003)
4. Carl Ferdinand Mauser (November 13, 1916 - December 8, 2005)
5. Alphonse Antonio Mauser (February 19, 1919 - November 9, 1994)
6. Martina Otilia Mauser *Dawnorowicz* (May 9, 1923)

At the time Anna was born the family lived on 923 Holmes Avenue, Indianapolis.

They were strict, but very loving and caring parents. They never hit their children. Josephine communicated with her children in Slovenian and Martin in English.

Their home at 960 Haugh Street had two bedrooms and one room upstairs. At the Mauser’s house there was a party every Sunday. There was much singing and dancing.

Martin and Josephine’s first child, Louis (Louie) Mauser, was born on July 6, 1910 and baptized at Holy Trinity on July 17, 1910 by Rev. John C. Smolej. His godparents were Joseph and Maria Mervar.

Louie’s first communion was on May 12, 1918 and his confirmation took place on June 16, 1918. Baptismal and family name: Louis Mauser. Confirmation name: Frank.

Stanley Mervar recalled in 2005: Louie Mauser played with fireworks on July 4th, 1927. Fireworks were extremely dangerous in those days. One of the fireworks blew up in his hands and he developed blood poisoning and died on July 15, 1927. Louie’s death nearly destroyed Martin Mauser. He thought the world of his firstborn son and he was never the same. He was buried on July 18, 1927 in Indianapolis at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Section C, Lot 114. Fr. Casimir OMC.

Martin was not a very expressive man emotionally, however when his son Louie died, Martin cried profusely. He looked at his son’s photograph and while weeping repeated: "Why, why, why?" Soon after Louie’s death Martin started drinking. Martin also cried when his wife Josephine died in 1949.

Stanley remembers Martin Mauser as a tough guy. One time he remembers Martin had an argument with a fellow who was very nasty with him. Martin picked him up like a feather, held him high and dropped him on the ground.

Martin Mauser made his own whiskey upstairs in his house at 960 Haugh. Stanley remembered taking 100 lb. bags of sugar upstairs at Martin’s house. Martin made whiskey for only a few years because it was too dangerous – prohibition. There was another man who made whiskey for a neighborhood tavern. He would deliver whiskey at 7 AM when the police were changing shifts. Martin had a copper still.

Martin had a uta or juta – a playhouse (outside the back door of his house) where the gang would meet to play cards and smoke or chew tobacco, gamble and drink. There was just enough room for a card table, chairs and some spittoons.

According to the 1930 Fifteenth Census of the United States, the Mausers lived at 960 Haugh Street in the home they owned (not rented). The home was valued at $9,000. The home had a radio set.

Martin Mauser – the head of the family was 42 (age at last birthday). He was able to write, read, and to speak English. His mother tongue was Slovenian. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1905 and was naturalized (1930 census). His occupation was foreman, and he worked at the nearby foundry.

Josephine Mauser – wife, 48 (age at last birthday). She was able to read and write, and to speak English. Mother tongue (or native language) – Slovenian. Year of immigration to the United States - 1906. Naturalized. Occupation – None.

Anna M. Mauser – daughter, 18 (age at last birthday). Single. Able to read and write. Born in Indiana. Occupation – Tester. Industry – Radio Tubes (in Speedway – little company). Employment – whether actually at work – Yes. After that company closed, she worked at JC Penney.

Several months after their marriage, Tina and Tony moved back to Indianapolis from Massachusetts. They moved in with Tina’s dad, Martin Mauser, who still lived on 960 Haugh Street. Tina took care of him until his death in 1964. She sold Martin’s house, which was subsequently destroyed by fire.

Tina said that when growing up they were very close with the Mervars.

When Martin and Josephine’s children had their families, they would gather every Sunday at the house on 960 Haugh Street.

Sophie, while looking from an upstairs window, witnessed her mom, Josephine, trying to commit suicide. Josephine was in her 30’s. Allegedly, she had a nervous breakdown. She sat inside of a big box, set it on fire and wanted to burn in it. The neighbor, Mr. Kocjan pulled her out of the box.

Josephine often encouraged young single people not to hurry with marriage. She used to like to say: "You got time till you are 50 and a foot in a grave."

Mary Codarmaz (Mauser) remembered that in the early 1940’s Joe Mervar had a cart with a horse. He sold vegetables, eggs, etc., from his cart. He stopped at people’s houses to ask if they wanted anything. At the end of the day he often stopped at Martin Mauser’s house. Joe and Martin would drink wine and talk for hours. Joe’s horse would get tired of waiting for her owner and would go home by itself.

When Martin was old, his grandson, Donnie Bozic, used to take him for a ride in his car. He also took Martin to football games.

Martin always gave money and candy to his grandchildren.

Martin was a very good wine maker, and every year he made new wine. The house was filled with people.

On Sunday afternoons all family gathered at grandpa Martin’s (1940’s – 1960’s). Kids played outside – hide and seek, hop scotch, etc. Women would sit and talk. Grandpa Mauser had a small house outside. All men would go there to play cards, drink wine, chew tobacco, and smoke cigars. Martin had a spittoon there. The family also used to gather at the Toth’s to play horse shoes.

Grandpa Martin’s house at 960 Haugh Street had a screened-in grape harbor outside the back door, where friends and family used to play cards for hours. There was a card table, chairs, etc. The Mervar, Toth, Mauser and other families visited there. They would laugh and drink. There were wine barrels in the basement of grandpa’s house and a wine press. Kenycrooper was the card game they liked to play. They played every Sunday afternoon – came there to have dinner – all family. If your plate was not full, the women would ask: "Don’t you like it?"

The Mauser children were close and socialized together. They had a card club. There were eight couples and their children. The men would play cards and the women would play Tripoli, play jokes on everyone, and chat up a storm. They had barbeques in the summer.

Grandpa Mauser liked to have a solid, sustaining breakfast. He would have everything for breakfast – fried pork chops, potatoes. He liked tripe – cow stomach, animal tongues, brains, etc.

Donnie still remembers seeing all the family together making POTICA in grandpa’s dining room. It was a special two-day affair, consuming the entire weekend.

Grandmother Josephine called Donnie Bozic – Dano (Dah-no). She suffered from severe diabetes. She liked sweets. Tina and Sophie reprimanded her for eating sweets. They used to say: "Cannot have that, mom."

Josephine had sugar diabetes and her kidneys failed. She laughed a lot, liked to kid around, joked. She liked to dress up. She wanted to be taller and wore high heel shoes. People laughed at her. She had a strong accent and her English was not very good.

Martin never met his sister, Teresia. When she was older she wrote to him and sent to him her photographs.

Mary Codarmaz (Mauser) remembers: Martin Mauser loved music. He played the drums when there was a Haughville parade and wore a derby hat and always led the parade. He had a grape arbor in his backyard that was covered with grape vines. He had guests every Sunday afternoon. Family would gather always. Josephine Mauser was short and stocky and very, very busy. She liked to play cards and was a very good person, kind woman, sweet, considerate and good hearted. She believes she was a nanny when she first came to the U.S. She liked high heels and polka dots. She was also a very comical lady. One of her favorite expressions was for young people contemplating marriage – "You have time to get married until your 50 years old and one foot in the grave." Martin was very tall (6’2”) and Josephine was under five feet. After Claudia Mauser was born Josephine invited Mary Codarmaz (Mauser) to stay at her house for one week so she could help her with the newborn baby.

The Mauser home on Haugh Street consisted of a nice sized living room, dining room, kitchen, large bath, two bedrooms on the main floor and two upstairs. There was also a cellar where Martin stored his wine. Mary Codarmaz (Mauser) said that Martin Mauser was also very nice. He liked to talk about the kids. Every Sunday afternoon all relatives would congregate at the Mauser home. Martin was always happy to see everyone. He was very excited when John and Tony Hočevar came to Indianapolis.

Martin Mauser began his career at the National Malleable and Steel Castings Company in 1915. On October 7, 1948 he was presented with a golden watch, along with forty other men, who completed 30 years of service with the company. In fact, that year Martin Mauser completed 33 years with the company.

The presentation was made at the fifth annual banquet of the Indianapolis Chapter of the NACO Service Society, which was held in the Riley Room of the Claypool Hotel, on October 7, 1948. The very good dinner was made more enjoyable by entertaining and tuneful music by a strolling trio of singing instrumentalists.

For years Josephine Mauser suffered from diabetes and kidney disease. She died on January 24, 1949 and was buried on January 27th at St. Joseph Cemetery, Section C, Lot 114. Brights Disease. Fr. Edward Bockhold.

When Josefa died in 1949, her brother Frank came to her funeral from Cleveland.

In 1959 grandfather Martin Mauser gave John Mauser in Canada US$100 for his wedding. Perhaps equivalent to $1,000 in 2005. It was worth even more in Canada. This indicates how generous Martin was. Martin and Sophie went to Canada for John Hočevar’s wedding – January 17, 1959.

Donnie Bozic learned to drive at the age of 17. His grandfather Martin liked to ride in a car, so Don took him to the country in his car on Saturdays. They would drive to Clairmont and Brownsburg, West 10th Street - Mervars used to have a farm there.

Martin outlived his wife by 15 years. His youngest daughter, Martina, took care of him the last years of his life.

Martin Mauser died on January 27, 1964 at age 75 in Indianapolis, Indiana. SSN: 305-03-7052. He was buried on January 30, 1964 at St. Joseph Cemetery, Section C, Lot 114. Fr. Edward Bockhold.

Many relatives and friends came to say farewell to Martin Mauser. John Hocevar wept like a child. He hugged and lifted his uncle while he was lying in the casket.

Click here to see images of Martin Mauser and Josefa Mervar.