This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RobertJerin Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.eeurope.slovenia.general/6571.5.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: NOVAK, is a very common name in many countries inc. Croatia where Sofia was evidently born. Just a FYI there are ZAGARs found in the WW I KC Draft Records most from Croatia. Wife is listed as Palona (Paulina) 1920 they were living in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood, which is a well known historic district where Croatians and Slovenians settled In re to AWOL from the Austro-Hungarian military, such family stories are not uncommon. How many are true? A few but not many. If Joseph arrived 1912 he would have been age 26 which meant he would have already served his 2 year mandatory duty, from age 21-23, after that he would have been in the reserves until age 33 or so. But that reserve status would not have kept anyone from emigrating. Robert Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.