I am new to research on this side of the family, so please forgive my ignorance of Poland and the Polish language. I am learning new things everyday, what an adventure! My great grandfather immigrated in the late 1800s and I have several different dates on him. His name was John (Jan?) Bieniewicz. His birth date is recorded on different censuses, December 1855; 1855; 1852 and on his death certificate as Jan 1, 1855. He married in the US (probably the Bronx, NY) about 1887 to Antonina (also called Annette and we called her Anastasia, last name unknown) from Poland. Her birth date is listed as June 1865; 1867; 1867. They immigrated in 1884 or 1885 through Castle Gardens. John died in 1912 and Antonina remarried after 1917. I recently received his death certificate which said his parents were Paul Bieniewicz and Caroline Johawska. The handwriting on this document is very poor. It says John was born in Prussia while his parents were born in Poland. Paul was probably Pawel and Caroline – Karolina? Also what would you guess is Caroline’s last name really?? John and Antonina lived in Minneapolis Minnesota when he died. The closest match I find for John in the Castle Gardens records is Johann Bennerich. While it says that his origin is from Bremen, Germany on the ship Rhein, arriving 29 May 1884 – it is my understanding that origin is not always accurate. This entry matches his age and occupation. As John did not read or write (based upon the census – which might mean his literacy was in Polish??) I could imagine him telling the German or English record keeper that his name was John (Johann) Bieniewicz (Bennerich). The other Bieniewicz’ I find in Castle Garden records include Antoni Bieniewitz on the Eider arriving 31 Mar 1884 (too young) and Josef Bieniewitz on the Eider the same time (too young) and Joh Bienek who came over with a wife and children on the Hermann on 14 Feb 1884. I would appreciate any comments on Paul and Caroline. Past contacts have suggested looking in Chrostkowo. As I don’t speak or read Polish I hope that someone may be able to direct me to locations to look and a way to translate. Also as John was a naturalized citizen, how do I get those records. Thanks so much for any help. Bonnie