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In this episode, we explore newly discovered insurance records of Eastland disaster victims through the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA). These records provide unprecedented insight into the aftermath of the tragedy and its impact on Chicago's Polish community.
Key Discoveries
- Previously unsearchable records found through FamilySearch.org's experimental Labs feature
- Approximately 22 Eastland victims identified who held PRCUA life insurance policies
- Documents include detailed death records, beneficiary certificates, coroner's reports, and correspondence
The Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA)
- Founded in 1873
- Oldest and largest Polish American fraternal benefits society in the US
- Introduced life insurance in 1886
- Granted women full membership in 1897 (23 years before US women's suffrage)
- Continues today with over 42,000 members
Why Insurance Mattered to Immigrants
- Working conditions in factories, mines, and mills often dangerous
- Few workplace protections or social safety nets
- No Social Security (didn't exist until later)
- Without insurance, families sometimes faced destitution if breadwinners died
Featured Eastland Victims and Their Records
*Emma Joschko
- Age: 16
- Joined PRCUA: July 10, 1914
- Death benefit: $250
- Beneficiaries: Parents Jacob and Matilda Joschko
- Member of Polish Society St. Agatha #611
*Maria Dudek
- Insurance amount: $500
- Joined: July 26, 1910
- Complex case involving:
- Multiple beneficiaries
- International correspondence
- American Red Cross inquiry
- German birth certificate from Poland
Historical Significance
- Documents written in multiple languages
- Provides insight into immigrant experience
- Shows community response to mass casualty event
- Reveals complexity of insurance claims process
- Demonstrates importance of fraternal organizations
Pete Hoffman's Role
- Cook County Coroner during Eastland disaster
- Established centralized morgue at Second Regiment Armory
- Convened coroner's jury
- Provided detailed documentation for insurance claims
Resources