Magyar News, 2000. szeptember-2001. augusztus (11. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2001-03-01 / 7. szám

that erupted over whether Apollonia Jagelló was a genuine "Hungarian Heroine" or a fraud, Újházi, with her sup­port and that of her new husband, Major Gaspar Tochman, a prominent Washington attorney of Polish descent, managed to set up a small Hungarian colony in Iowa called "New Buda". This was in anticipa­tion of being joined later by Louis Kossuth and his entourage. Then, Louis Kossuth arrived in the United States with a large contingent and matters went from bad to worse. Now matter how hard Újházi was prodded to come to a decision, Kossuth remained uncommitted as if he was uncer­tain about whether "New Buda" was such a good idea, and as if he really didn't know what he intended to do. His public speech­es and actions, however, clearly indicated that he was in the United States for only one purpose: to promote money for renew­ing the Hungarian war against Austria. He also made it clear in private and public talks that he had no intention of remaining in the United States as a farmer. While Kossuth continued his tour, the split in the ranks of the Hungarian refugees over Apollonia Jagelló Tochman continued. It became a press attraction when an ex- Bavarian officer and employee of the Public Land Office, who had also come over with the Hungarian refugees, pub­lished a devastating press attack against the Polish Woman under the title of "Greatest Hambug". This assault not only triggered a counterattack in the form of a law suit filed by the Tochmans, but it also widened the breach between the Hungarian refugees. To make matters worse, the case lit a press-fire, especially after a group of supporters signed a peti­tion on Apollonia’s behalf. Then, Kossuth added some more fuel to the press-fire. Kossuth, enroute to "New Buda", refused to endorse the payment of expens­es for a group of Hungarian refugees stranded in Chicago. When Kossuth avoid­ed responding to a Court Summons to appear as a witness in the Tochman case, the already overheated press-fire exploded into an uncontrollable blaze. With these scandals, Kossuth's expectations were reduced to ashes, and the reputation of the Hungarian refugees in America at the time suffered irreparable damage. But through all of this, László Újházi remained stead­fast in his belief that his "New Buda" was what Kossuth wanted. Believing this, was a costly mistake on his part. László Újházi finally managed to meet face-to-face with the solidly booked Kossuth for a showdown in St. Louis in March of 1852. The already disappointed Hungarian leader to appease his loyal fol­lower, Kossuth offered Újházi the parcel of land in Texas which was given to him by an admirer. Újházi accepted this offer and left for San Antonio to assume possession of that property. Soon the former Commissioner of the Hungarian fortress of Komárom had been joined by 20 Hungarian refugees and a new colony had been started. Shortly, Újházi brought the remains of his dead wife from Iowa and buried her on the property along the Olmos Creek. He named the area “Sírmező” meaning “grave land”. Through the rest of his life Újházi remained as a busy, but very unhappy, head of the settlement until his death. This is how the present Hungarian community of San Antonio started. To this very day, along a lonely Texas highway, there is an old dilapidated dwelling, in front of which a crudely painted sign reminds us of a Hungarian settlement of the second half of the 19th Century. MANY THANKS to Steve Miko for helping us out recently with our computer problems, making it possible to have the Magyar News reach our readers. James Patrick McGuire wrote an exciting book “The Hungarian Texans It is a scholarly documentation with the benefits of a novel. It makes a marvelous read­ing. There are original photographs of the Hungarian community. The book is avail­able from the Hungarian Heritage Museum in New Brunswick, New Jersey. \___________________________________________________________ J Wherever you ore, Hungary i / a ftish auray! ★ Daily top Hungarian news stories * Chat with other Hungarians and forecasts * Live Hungarian radio and TV ★ Search over 1500 Hungarian products Native homeland classifieds at OTTO’S HUNGARIAN DELI & IMPORTS ★ Send flowers and gifts to friends and family in Hungary _ Your Community HungaryByi«?.conf Project Learn Homework Kit A working parent is more relaxed and con­fident when a child is in a safe place after school. A child can go home with the homework completed and spend a pleasant evening with the family. When a child who struggles with academics can get the extra help needed, then she or he becomes a bet­ter classroom citizen. Project Learn provides these opportunities for children and their parents through its after-school programs. Begun in 1985, Project Learn has served more than 2,000 children with the help of caring individuals and churches who provide everything from volunteers, financial support, pencils and birthday cakes. The United Church of Christ of Bridgeport (North Avenue) helped Project Learn by collecting supplies and packing homework help kits for Project Leant Centers. About twenty adults and children gathered at the North Avenue church and packed 107 kits. The next day Rev. Reed, pastor of UCC delivered them to a grateful Project Learn at the Council of Churches. Rolland A. Mandel, Esq. ATTORNEY AT LAW •experience •honesty •results Connecticut statewide LAW PRACTICE Family Law (divorce, custody, child support, etc.) Personal Injury Criminal Law 112 Prospect ST., 3rd floor Stamford, CT 06901 Tel.:(203)353-9489 Page 5

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