Szirácsik Éva (szerk.): Uradalmak kora - Discussiones Neogradienses 10. (Salgótarján, 2010)
B. Gál Edit: Az Orczyak tiszaabádi uradalma a 18-19. században
ing from the 16th century all the 3 settlements were populated. In the period of Ottoman rule, and especially during fights for freedom, the population fled from the villages. Abád was re-populated in 1714 and 1718-19, while Szalók in 1718-19. In 1737 Charles III granted half of Abád, Tomaj puszta and Bánhalma to István Orczy for 7200 Forints. According to the 1736 will the lord possessed E of Abád, while in 1742 he declared Tomaj puszta with buildings and manor his own property. His son, Baron Lőrinc Orczy in 1767 bought half of Abád and Tomaj, and Taskony puszta from Count János Forgách for 90000 Forints, 1’ of Szalók, E of Bura and the property of Bánhalma from Count Zsigmond Forgách for 70000 Forints. Thus from the 1780s, three-fourth of the 3 settlements were owned by the family. When in 1804 József Orczy died, his sons distributed the possessions. Due to this the estate became Baron László Orczy’s property. In the course of history the economic life of this area has always been influenced by River Tisza. Water covered large areas during recurring floods favourably affecting meadow cultivation, animal husbandry and fishing, while the flood- plain provided building material: reed, wood, mud. On higher located areas arable farming was done and vineyards started to spread. The arable lands of the estate were mostly of first class, in some places of second class quality. The grasslands were rich because of the floods of Tisza. The annual net income of the estate was 68 667 Ft 40 14 kr. The major part of the income came from leasing ’puszta’, and Tomaj puszta within it, followed by the profit from the arable manor lands. Sheepbreeding was also important since only in Tomaj puszta 7000 sheep were kept. Besides these in Abád and Szalók alike facilities were available for keeping 1200-1200 animals. In the beginning of the 1800s László had very poor farm management and took out huge loans. He did not manage to stop the economic decline, and so around 1860 the family sold the Szalók and Tomaj property to the banker Mór Wodianer.---------------------------------------------------------------------------C©ö) NEOGRADIENSES 10. - URADALMAK KORA (g----------q) discussiones 236
